Hospice vs Palliative care: A comprehensive review for primary care physician

ABSTRACT

End-of-life medical services in the form of Hospice or Palliative care were initiated in the middle of 1900 in order to comfort the dying patients and support their families. There are a lot of similarities and differences between the two services. Many healthcare providers, including physicians, physician assistants, and nurses, are not fully trained or have comprehensive knowledge of these two types of end-of-life medical care. Through this paper, we aim to provide a thorough review of Hospice and Palliative care for internist and primary care physicians both in terms of indications or eligibility criteria;the similarities and differences between the two types of care;factors that disqualify an enrolled patient;and lastly, the role or use of Hospice and palliative care during COVID-19 pandemic.