Farnon and Hofmann developed simplified criteria for selecting patients with non-cancer diagnoses for hospice care. Patients with severe neurologic disease may be candidates for palliative care. The authors are from Allegheny University of the Health Sciences in Philadelphia.
Patient selection: stroke and/or coma
Outcome: palliative care
Indications for hospice care may include:
(1) age > 70 years
(2) depressed level of consciousness, persistent vegetative state or coma
(3) dysphagia
(4) paralysis
(5) dependence in most activities of daily living (ADL)
(6) post-stroke dementia
(7) malnutrition despite interventions
(8) medical complications increasing in number or severity
(9) family wants palliative care
No single indication is sufficient. Usually the patient will meet several of the conditions.
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