

S6 Ep138: Hospice
Apr 9, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Rebecca MacDonell-Yilmaz, a pediatric palliative care expert, shares her insights on the vital differences between palliative care and hospice. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing communication about death with children, offering strategies for families navigating these tough conversations. The conversation dives into patient comfort, the emotional dynamics of caring for pediatric patients, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing services. Rebecca also highlights essential caregiving roles and personalizes care strategies, enhancing understanding in this sensitive field.
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Start Hospice Talk with Rapport
- Build rapport early with patients and families before discussing hospice or palliative care.
- Understand their values and what matters to them to align care options accordingly.
Clarify Hospice vs Palliative Care
- Explain hospice as care for those nearing end of life, focusing on comfort over life prolongation.
- Clarify palliative care is broader, serving any seriously ill person regardless of prognosis.
Early Palliative Care Benefits
- Introduce palliative care early to build relationships and maximize hospice benefits.
- Early palliative involvement helps patients access hospice sooner and trust their care team.