A study of the relationship between the misconceptions of hospice care and the influence on the utilization of hospice care services

摘要

This study examines the misconception issues that influence the underutilization of hospice services by African Americans. This descriptive study was based on the premise that there is no relationship between African Americans’ knowledge of hospice and their decision to utilize hospice. The results revealed that African Americans who completed the survey indicated they understand what hospice is; however the answers provided in the survey were not congruent. The conclusions drawn from the findings suggest that African Americans have misconceptions about hospice, and not a true understanding of what hospice is or how to use the service.