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A Letter to the Editor by Susan Ponder-Stansel, President and CEO of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida

As published by The Florida Times-Union on August 26, 2009

End of Life: Give Patient Essential Information

As I read about health care reform and legislative proposals being debated, I am struck by the level of emotion associated with end-of-life care.
One provision calls for paying physicians for their time spent giving patients information to better understand their treatment and care choices at the end of life.

Numerous studies - by such respected institutions as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston - have shown that if we improve patients' access to information, provide a mechanism for their trusted medical professionals to give patients answers to their questions and then support informed patient choice, better outcomes at the end of life will follow.

Our health care system can be complex and frustrating for patients, especially those dealing with illnesses that will in all likelihood limit their life.
Access to clear information about all options available, and easily completed advance care planning documents, would positively impact quality of life for patients and give peace of mind for their families.

Hospice care is based on providing information and encourage discussion by patients and their families about the care and support they need.
We believe in supporting patients' quality and sanctity of life, no matter how much time they have left to live.

Yet, currently fewer than half of those who are at the end of life use hospice or palliative care. Improved access to such information would help more patients and families become aware of their options, and to make fully informed choices, based on their wishes.

Community Hospice of Northeast Florida will continue to advocate for the rights of patients to make informed decisions by providing information on advanced directives and by working with our medical community to ensure that patients understand all options available to them for end-of-life care and support. As the debate on how best to fix our current health system moves forward, we cannot lose sight of the fact that better information about available options strengthens patient choice and ultimately improves outcomes.

Changes in our system that integrate this concept into the way we approach patient care would improve the quality of life for all of us.

SUSAN PONDER-STANSEL,
President and CEO, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida

Established in 1979 as the first hospice program in Northeast Florida, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida® helps nearly 900 patients live better with advanced illness each day in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties, through the support of approximately 700 employees and 900 volunteers. The nonprofit organization has served more than 53,000 children and adults—at home, in long term care facilities, hospitals and through four inpatient care centers throughout Jacksonville. Community Hospice Foundation™ generates philanthropic and community support for patient care services, family needs and community programs such as Community PedsCare®, a pediatric palliative and hospice program. No one is ever denied care due to an inability to pay.

To learn more about the support and services of Community Hospice, visit www.communityhospice.com.

Community Hospice of Northeast Florida and Community PedsCare are registered trademarks and Community Hospice Foundation is a trademark of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc.

Contact:

Doreen O'Toole

Communications Specialist

Community Hospice of Northeast Florida

904.407.6137

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