Differences in Hospice Care Between Veterans and Non-Veterans

The differences in hospice care needs between United States veterans and non-veterans was explored using a systematic review research methodology that consisted of 18 articles. After a review of previous research studies, it was found that veterans tended to want their healthcare providers to be more open and to the point about their diagnosis than non-veterans did. Both non-veterans and veterans wanted to be in control of their end of life cares. Non-veterans were more likely to want their family and friends around compared to veterans who were less likely to want people around. Veterans who had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) received a lower quality of care compared to hospice patients who did not have PTSD. Patients who received a palliative care consult reported having less discomfort compared to those who did not receive a palliative care consult. Patients who received extra services such as Reiki or music therapy or caregiver support had an increase in peacefulness and a decrease in pain. With the additional caregiver support, patients were able to stay at home longer or until their death. This study shows that there is not a lot of research done around hospice care with veterans, but it is a unique group that needs to be focused on more in order to increase the quality of care they receive.