Abstract

KIE: Recent research is reviewed to determine which components of hospice care for the terminally ill can be transferred to general medical wards and to compare care in the home with that in the hospital or hospice. Studies of the terminal care of cancer patients in London in 1967-1969 and 1977-1979 indicated that, by the latter date, there was no significant difference in pain control between St. Christopher's Hospice and surrounding hospitals, but that the quality of life of home care patients remained poor. Psychosocial care of patient and family was superior in the hospice. Accordingly, the author opposes economically-motivated proposals to give priority to development of home care services and stresses the need for good care in all settings.