Pilot study of Missouri hospice medical directors [abstract]

Abstract

Introduction: There is limited literature about hospice medical directors. As a required member of the hospice interdisciplinary team, their background, experience and role appears to be quite varied. The research questions for this study were: 1) What are the characteristics of hospice medical directors? 2) What roles do medical directors see themselves performing? 3) What is the level of satisfaction for hospice medical directors? Methodology: This is a pilot study of Missouri hospice directors working with state-licensed hospice programs and members of the Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. A four page mailed survey was developed to answer the research questions. A$2 bill was included in the first mailing. Surveys were mailed to hospice administrators to be forwarded to the medical director for completion. Results: Nearly 44% of the surveys were returned. Respondents were predominantly licensed as an MD (71%) and in family medicine (51%) or internal medicine (38%). There was variance in their reported roles and overall they reported satisfaction in the position. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary data for a future national survey.