Following the Symptom Management Cues in CAHPS and HOPE

The CAHPS (the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey and HOPE (Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation) tool are now an integral part of hospice quality assessment. Their focus on common end-of-life symptoms including pain, nausea, dyspnea, anxiety/agitation, bowel function, and sadness can alert the hospice team to areas for assessment and opportunities for optimal symptom management. This presentation focuses on pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies to evaluate, treat, and monitor these symptoms and will discuss ways to effectively communicate with patients and caregivers to maximize both patient comfort and the CAHPS and HOPE assessments. Objectives:  Discuss the use of opioids for pain, including dosing considerations, onset of action, and adverse effects Understand differences in medications used for nausea and vomiting to help guide use, and review treatment options for constipation and diarrhea List pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for dyspnea, anxiety, agitation, and depression 

Continuing education credits available: Nursing Home Administrator and Social Work

Presenter: Caren McHenry Martin, PharmD, BCGP, Senior Clinical Manager, Enclara Pharmacia

Presented: August 5, 2025