Patient and caregiver satisfaction with end-of-life care: does high satisfaction mean high quality of care?

The purpose of this study was to determine patient and caregiver satisfaction with a hospice program of care. The setting for the study was a home-care hospice in the southeastern United States that provides a full range of services for patients with life-limiting illness and supportive services for family caregivers. Two Likert-type instruments were used to determine satisfaction with staff, communication, education, information provided, symptom management, promptness with service, and overall satisfaction. Some 321 patients and 443 caregivers completed surveys over a two-year period of time. Data indicates the majority of patients and their caregivers were very satisfied with hospice services and the care they received. Providing quality care at the end of life is the goal of hospice. Satisfaction with delivery of care, management of symptoms, and communication with staff are all components of quality care and contribute to quality of life.