This study was conducted through PoPCRN in August and September of 2005. Of the 186 sites to which the survey was e-mailed, only 26 responded, 6 for-profit (FP) and 20 not-for-profit (NFP). This limited participation precluded critical, meaningful analyses. Nevertheless a number of observations can be made. FP hospices had a lower daily census (163 vs 452), fewer cancer patients (26% vs 46%), a lower % of in-patients (2% vs 6%), a lower % of freestanding units (17% vs 60%), used an electronic medical record less frequently (17% vs 65%), used less palliative sedation (1 per mo. vs 3 per mo), "carved out" fewer services (33% vs 70%), utilized less complementary and alternative medical services (60% vs 75%), utilized preprinted opioid order sheets less frequently (17% vs 33%), utilized spinal anesthesia less frequently (1 per mo vs 3 per mo) and used Lupron less frequently (2 per mo vs 4 per mo) as compared to NFP hospices. FP and NFP hospices utilized blood transfusions equally (4 per mo vs 5 per mo), used IV antibiotics equally (4 per mo vs 5 per mo), used TPN equally (3 per mo vs 3 per mo), used colony stimulating factors equally (4 per mo vs 5 per mo), used EGFR inhibitors equally (2 per mo vs 2 per mo), used IV inotropic agents(dopamine ,dobutamine or milrinone) equally( 2 per mo vs 2 per mo) and used aromatase inhibitors equally (3 per mo vs 4 per mo). FP hospices had a higher LOS (74 days vs 51 days) and had an equal % of DNR patients (84% vs 83%). FP hospices had a higher % of nursing home patients (38% vs 31%). Referral sources for FP hospices were: hem-onc - 22%, int med - 17% and nursing home -36%. For NFP hospices: hem-onc - 21%, int med - 17% and nursing home - 19%. The opioid of choice for FP and NFP hospices was morphine sulfate.
Hospice setting was similar for FP and NFP hospices. The ratio of RNs to out-patients was similar for FP and NFP hospices (12 vs 10).