IMPROVING END-OF-LIFE CARE FOR MINORITIES IN SOUTH FLORIDA: KNOWLEDGE, CHOICES, AND POLICIES

Ethnic and racial minority groups suffer disproportionately from higher rates of cancer and other chronic illnesses. However, research shows that minority groups utilize hospice/palliative care services less than other groups. Many different factors seem to account for this disparity, among those, insufficient knowledge about hospice/palliative care services available and the exclusion of concurrent curative care once the person starts receiving hospice services. The Affordable Care Act, section 3102, has provided the opportunity to launch a three-year demonstration project for adults suffering with life-threatening illnesses were Medicare beneficiaries could receive hospice care while still receiving curative treatment for the life- threatening illness with the goal of improving access and quality of end of life care. We conducted a study desgined to ascertain the existing knowledge and choices of racial and ethnic minorities in South Florida regarding end-of-life care and to evaluate potential changes in interest and acceptance of Hospice care if curative treatment were offered concurrently with traditional hospice services. Results indicated that 30 percent of participants had little or no knowledge of what hospice or palliative care were, however, 71 percent favored end-of-life care that would concurrently provide curative treatment, comfort and supportive care. The results of this study could be used to inform policy makers and practitioners on alternatives and solutions to improve knowledge, access and quality of end of life care for ethnic and racial minorities in South Florida.