How Hospice Began

The 20th century saw the fast development of medicine and medical intervention. Alongside this incredible advancement came the assumption that medicine could cure anything—and the refusal to believe that something is incurable. For most of medical history, however, palliative care and relief from suffering was not just the norm but the only option. Though medical advancements have lengthened the life expectancy of people, terminal illness and death will always be with us. As Dr. Skip McGovern—co-founder of Green Bay Oncology—puts it, the end of life is a fundamental truth of the human experience. What probably matters more is the quality of our lives as we move toward the final chapters of our years. Skip joins us in this episode to explore the history of hospice care and how it became a unique medical specialty in the modern age. We describe the hospice movement’s role in caring for the terminally ill and the impact of hospice care on reducing hospital inpatient numbers. We discuss why empathetic listening and advocating for patients are important skills palliative care physicians need to have. We also highlight the role of nurses and nurse assistants in providing hospice care and illustrate how hospice and palliative services provide support not only to patients but also to their loved ones. “We have to offer patients an end to their suffering, which might include pain, emotional, or spiritual suffering.We have to provide support not only to the patient but also to their loved ones.” – Dr. Skip McGovern This week on Cancer Covered:How rapid changes in the 20th century led to high expectations for miraculous curesHow the advancement of medicine may have impacted palliative careThe roots and early history of hospiceThe AIDS epidemic and the Lazarus effectHow nurses saw the critical need for intensive care for terminally ill patientsHow hospice care has expanded to include pastoral care and social work supportThe important role of certified nurse assistants in hospice careThe American Medicare hospice benefitShifts in physician attitudes toward hospice careThe necessary skills for palliative care physiciansPatient advocacy in palliative and hospice careHow palliative medicine and hospice medicine became a specialtySwitching from focusing on quantitative data to a more qualitative approach in patient careThe public’s perception of hospice and resistant attitudes toward end-of-life careThe timing of hospice enrollment and the conflict between early hospice enrollment and continued medical interventionsThe role of hospice in improving patients\’ quality of life and supporting families Related Episodes:Our MissionCancer Care Then & Now Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartShare your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.