A strategic path forward for hospice and palliative care: A white paper on the potential future of the field

A strategic path forward for hospice and palliative care: A white paper on the potential future of the field
Palliative Medicine Reports; by Ira Byock; 6/5/25
The field of hospice and palliative care in the United States is experiencing serious problems and faces an uncertain future. Quality of hospice care is highly variable. Unethical hospice business practices are common in some regions. Palliative care’s integration within American health care has stalled, despite demonstrating that much better care for seriously ill and dying people is both feasible and affordable... Efforts must start with zero tolerance of fraudulent business and clinical practices that harm vulnerable patients. The four components of this strategic approach are:

1. Publishing clear clinical and programmatic standards
2. Making meaningful data readily available
3. Driving quality-based competition
4. Embracing the field’s authentic brand of expert care that fosters well-being for patients and their families

Publisher's note: If you only read one of our newsletter articles this month, this is it. I encourage reading, applying, and disseminating this important article.