Interviewing and communication skills are needed
for a hospice assessment that is successful in meeting the patient and
family needs. A
good hospice assessment involves the interviewer having a thorough knowledge
of hospice care, knowing the various tools and guidelines for hospice
assessment, and knowledge of death and dying.
Good communication involves:
eye contact
using the person’s name
asking clarifying questions
“tell me more about your bad morning?”
allowing time for silence, and
the ability to listen carefully to what is said and for what might
be the meaning behind the words.
Hospice assessments differ from regular medical assessments in that
they incorporate evaluation of:
