Minorities and Hospice Care

Minorities rarely use hospice care in Alabama or across the nation. That’s the conclusion of a recent National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization study. According to the report, in 2005, 82.2 percent of the national hospice population was white, while 7.5 percent identified themselves as black and 8.3 percent were “other.” David Stone, executive director of the Alabama Hospice Organization (AHO), said that minorities tend to be underserved for multiple reasons. African-American history, including the Tuskegee Experiment, established patterns of distrust in the age group now being served. Therefore, some patients might believe a referral to hospice is due to a lack of willingness to provide continuing care. Stone said physicians can counter those fears by including all patients in discussions “early and often” about their preferences, explaining the role of hospice care. Latinos may question whether a hospice referral reflects the best level of care available. Stone said Birmingham’s medical community’s biggest struggle is in language barriers. Those using family interpreters have a bigger challenge, as discussing sensitive issues is even more difficult when the translator is emotionally involved in the subject. The Alabama Hospice Organization can help. In addition to the industry’s outreach through faith organizations, AHO also provides end-of-life brochures in Spanish. Physicians should inquire about Spanish-language care through any hospice referral. AHO will also help train physicians and staff in how to introduce hospice as an option for all patient populations. For more information, contact the Alabama Hospice Organization at (205) 668-0460 or visit www.alhospice.org. September 2007