Patient satisfaction with hospice day care

Day hospice allows patients to remain living at home while attending a specialist palliative care center. This paper describes patient feedback (n=26) on medical, social and therapeutic out-patient palliative care services provided at one such facility in Northern Ireland. Medical records of all attending patients (n=50) were reviewed, and patients completed a semi-structured questionnaire. Patients’ comments on day hospice were largely positive. A number of suggestions for new service activities were made, and the need for education of multi-professional team members was recognized. Respondents recognized that day hospice allowed respite care for the family. Patients were very appreciative of the care that was offered—their concern for its continuance perhaps restraining any criticism they had. Such findings provide the opportunity for health professionals to gain further insights into day care to better meet patients’ needs.