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SM Journal of Nursing

Hospice House Calls: A Reflection

[ ISSN : 2573-3249 ]

Abstract
Details

Received: 11-Dec-2017

Accepted: 02-Jan-2018

Published: 04-Jan-2018

John Graham-Pole*

Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, USA

Corresponding Author:

John Graham-Pole, Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, USA, Tel: 902-863-0396; Email: john.gp@live.com

Abstract

I describe the scope and practice of Florida’s first pediatric hospice, with an emphasis on the crucial value of house calls. Three vignettes are included, all describing house calls to patients with terminal cancer, to illustrate three difference aspects of this work. In concluding reflections, I comment on the contrast between the usual curative approach of modern medicine and the entire focus of palliative medicine on care and comfort. I also emphasize the inestimable value of a “body-mind-spirit” approach, and on the primary role played by hospice nurses

Citation

Graham-Pole J. Hospice House Calls: A Reflection. SM J Nurs. 2018; 4(1): 1016.