Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of hospice staff and skilled nursing facility staff related to end-of-life care. A Likert scale survey tool was used to explore the perceptions of nursing care between hospice and skilled nursing facility staff (Cronbach's [alpha] = .858). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, [chi]2, and t test to determine similarities and differences related to collaboration, care for hospice clients in skilled nursing facilities, and barriers and benefits to end-of-life care. Results revealed staff perceive they have effective knowledge and skills to care for the dying patient, effective management of pain, and effective continuity of care. Discrepancies were determined in the benefit of hospice to a skilled nursing facility resident along with issues surrounding coordination of care. Differences in regulations and communications were found to be the greatest barriers of collaboration in quality end-of-life care in a skilled nursing facility. Implications included the development of communication patterns focused on integrated assessment, coordinated care protocols, alignment of clinical goals and continuity of care for the dying resident in a skilled nursing facility, and education for staff in both settings specifically related to regulations and philosophy of care.