Hospice Use Among Individuals With Severe Persistent Mental Illness

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Severe persistent mental illness (SPMI) currently affects an estimated 11.2 million adults in the United States (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019). Affected individuals are known to experience inequities in care, and on average, they die earlier than individuals without SPMI. Currently, little is known about hospice use among individuals with SPMI, including what factors contribute to the use of hospice services. AIMS: The aim of this integrated review was to identify factors associated with the use of hospice services by individuals with SPMI. METHODS: A review of the available literature on this topic was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, and PsycInfo were searched, and relevant records were identified. Ultimately, eight studies were identified and selected for analysis. RESULTS: Themes illustrating the factors associated with hospice use and, within them, challenges to obtaining hospice care were discovered. The three themes identified within the eight studies were fragmentation of care, inadequate communication, and the need for advance care planning. These patterns indicated that multiple barriers to utilizing hospice care exist for individuals with SPMI when compared with the general population. CONCLUSIONS: By recognizing and addressing factors influencing the use of hospice care, as well as barriers to receiving hospice, improved provision of timely end-of-life care that is consistent with individuals’ preferences may be facilitated.