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Free Hospice CAHPS Survey

50+ Expert Crafted CAHPS Survey Questions for Hospice

Measuring Hospice CAHPS is the key to capturing vital feedback on patient and family experiences, helping you enhance care quality and confidently meet CMS requirements. A CAHPS for hospice survey uses standardized questions about communication, symptom relief, and caregiver support to benchmark performance and drive meaningful improvements in end-of-life care. Download our free template - preloaded with Hospice CAHPS survey questions - or visit our online form builder to customize your own survey.

I am satisfied with the overall hospice care provided.
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Staff explained medical information in a way that was easy to understand.
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The hospice team effectively managed the patient's pain.
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The hospice team provided emotional and spiritual support to the patient.
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When I contacted the hospice team with a concern, they responded promptly.
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All members of the hospice team treated the patient with courtesy and respect.
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Care was well coordinated among different hospice staff and services.
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I would recommend this hospice service to others.
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Please describe any suggestions for improving the hospice care experience.
What was your relationship to the patient?
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How old are you?
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What is your gender?
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Top Secrets for a Winning Hospice CAHPS Survey

A Hospice CAHPS survey captures the real voice of families and caregivers at a critical time. It's more than data collection - it's a trust-building exercise that reveals how well your team communicates and responds. According to CMS guidance, surveys must follow strict protocols to yield meaningful results.

Start by defining clear goals: Do you want to improve response rates, pinpoint communication gaps, or track care timeliness? Draft a timeline that includes a test run and staff training. Engage care teams early and share why the feedback matters. This approach mirrors best practices in our CAHPS Survey toolkit.

Leverage AHRQ's survey methods guide to set your sample frame and refine question wording. Keep language simple. Use consistent branding so respondents trust the source. Train staff to introduce the survey as part of ongoing care.

Imagine Sunrise Hospice sends a brief note two weeks after service ends. They personalize it with the patient's name and ask team members to mention it in their follow-up calls. By linking the survey to a caring voice, Sunrise lifts its response rate from 30% to 55% in one quarter.

Try sample questions like "How satisfied are you with the timeliness of help?" and "How clearly did staff communicate about care?" These concrete prompts reveal actionable insights. Keep each question focused - this reduces drop-off.

Ready to test your readiness? Launch a poll among your coordinators to gauge confidence before going live. With these top secrets, your hospice can earn clearer feedback and drive real improvements.

3D voxel of hospice feedback survey insights
3D voxel of palliative care experience metrics

5 Must-Know Tips to Avoid Hospice CAHPS Survey Pitfalls

Even the best surveys stumble if you ignore data quality. The Quality Assurance Guidelines stress strict sampling and timing. Skip those steps, and you end up with skewed scores that mislead improvement plans.

Avoid jargon in question design. Words like "palliative" and "interdisciplinary" can confuse. Instead, ask clear questions such as "Did the hospice team address your loved one's pain quickly?" This sharp focus cuts cognitive load and boosts honest answers.

Don't let non-response sink your effort. Set up gentle reminders - emails or brief phone prompts. Track who answered and follow up swiftly. A consistent reminder cadence can lift your response rate by up to 20% (AHRQ experience).

One common slip is ignoring results until annual reviews. Commit to monthly score checks and quick huddles. Share top-level feedback with frontline staff. Real-time insights help teams adjust care routines and strengthen family relationships.

Watch out for survey fatigue. If you send too many questionnaires or overlap with other tools like a Healthcare Feedback Survey, respondents tune out. Space out outreach to keep surveys fresh and valued.

Steer clear of these pitfalls and you'll transform survey data into swift, actionable improvements. Remember, the goal is people-first feedback, not just numbers on a page.

Hospice CAHPS Survey Essentials Questions

The following 10 questions cover the fundamentals of the hospice CAHPS process, ensuring core aspects of care are captured. Use these items as part of your CAHPS Survey to set a solid baseline and gauge overall patient and family satisfaction.

  1. How would you rate the overall quality of the hospice care you received?

    This question provides a broad measure of perceived care excellence and helps benchmark against national CAHPS standards. It highlights general satisfaction trends critical for service evaluation.

  2. How satisfied were you with the communication from hospice staff?

    Effective communication underpins trust and comfort in hospice settings. This item identifies gaps in information delivery and opportunities for staff training.

  3. Did hospice staff explain pain management options clearly?

    Understanding pain control is crucial for patient comfort and compliance. Clear explanations support informed decision-making and improve perceived quality of life.

  4. How well did hospice staff respect your privacy and dignity?

    Respect for personal boundaries is fundamental to compassionate care. This question seeks to ensure patient rights and cultural sensitivities are upheld.

  5. Were your cultural or personal preferences honored during your care?

    Tailoring care to individual values boosts satisfaction and alleviates distress. Capturing these insights drives more personalized service models.

  6. How timely was the response when you called for assistance?

    Prompt responses can reduce anxiety and pain episodes. This measure pinpoints responsiveness and resource allocation needs.

  7. Did you feel included in care decisions and planning?

    Shared decision-making enhances patient autonomy and satisfaction. It also fosters a collaborative relationship between families and providers.

  8. Were the physical facilities clean and comfortable?

    A safe, hygienic environment contributes to overall well-being. This question reveals operational and facility maintenance standards.

  9. How satisfied were you with the coordination between hospice and other healthcare providers?

    Seamless coordination avoids redundant tests and conflicting instructions. It highlights opportunities to improve interdisciplinary workflows.

  10. Would you recommend this hospice service to others?

    Willingness to refer is a powerful indicator of overall satisfaction. It serves as a proxy for net promoter score in hospice contexts.

Hospice CAHPS Patient Satisfaction Questions

Patient satisfaction is a key driver for quality hospice care and continuous improvement. These 10 questions align with best practices in the HCAHPS Survey framework, tailored to the hospice environment for actionable feedback.

  1. How satisfied are you with the emotional support provided?

    Emotional support is central to holistic hospice care and helps reduce stress. Measuring this guides staff training in compassionate communication.

  2. How would you describe the level of compassion shown by staff?

    Compassionate interactions enhance trust and comfort at end of life. This item highlights strengths and areas needing empathy development.

  3. How satisfied were you with information about hospice services?

    Clarity about services and coverage prevents confusion and frustration. It drives transparency and supports informed consent processes.

  4. How would you rate your comfort level in discussing concerns with staff?

    Open dialogue fosters early issue identification and resolution. Assessing comfort levels helps tailor staff coaching in sensitive topics.

  5. Was your feedback taken seriously and acted upon?

    Responding to feedback demonstrates respect and commitment to improvement. This question gauges perceived responsiveness and accountability.

  6. How satisfied were you with the availability of spiritual or pastoral care?

    Spiritual support can be vital for many families' coping strategies. Tracking this reveals gaps in holistic offerings.

  7. How satisfied are you with pain relief measures provided?

    Effective pain relief is a primary goal of hospice care. Ensuring patient comfort demands ongoing evaluation of symptom management.

  8. How would you rate the quality of your interactions with nurses?

    Nurses often serve as primary points of contact and advocacy. Their performance heavily influences overall patient satisfaction.

  9. How satisfied were you with the cleanliness and safety of equipment?

    Reliable, clean equipment supports safe and effective care delivery. Capturing this insight drives maintenance and procurement decisions.

  10. How satisfied are you with the bereavement support offered to your family?

    Bereavement care extends the hospice mission beyond active treatment. Quality follow-up services can ease the grieving process.

Hospice Communication and Care Questions

Effective communication is critical to hospice quality, impacting trust and comfort. These 10 questions draw on principles from the Healthcare Satisfaction Survey to assess clarity, empathy, and responsiveness in care conversations.

  1. Did hospice staff communicate in a way you could easily understand?

    Clear, jargon-free language ensures patients and families grasp care instructions. This item targets potential miscommunication issues.

  2. Were changes in your care plan explained in advance?

    Advance notice fosters preparedness and reduces anxiety. It also demonstrates respect for patient autonomy.

  3. Did staff listen attentively to your questions and concerns?

    Active listening builds rapport and uncovers hidden issues. It's essential for personalized care planning.

  4. Did you receive clear guidance on managing symptoms at home?

    Home symptom management promotes patient comfort between visits. This question measures the sufficiency of educational support.

  5. Were you informed promptly when your condition changed?

    Timely updates allow families to prepare emotionally and logistically. It's a core element of responsive hospice practice.

  6. Did staff check in regularly to assess how you were feeling?

    Routine check-ins prevent small problems from escalating. This item evaluates proactive care models.

  7. Were family members given opportunities to ask questions?

    Involving families ensures that all concerns are addressed. It also fosters a collaborative care environment.

  8. Did staff communicate respectfully, showing empathy and compassion?

    Respectful dialogue sustains patient dignity in vulnerable moments. It's a vital metric for interpersonal quality.

  9. Were follow-up calls made after discharge or significant care changes?

    Follow-up calls bridge care gaps and reinforce support networks. They also demonstrate ongoing commitment to well-being.

  10. Did you receive written materials or instructions that were helpful?

    Tangible resources complement verbal communication and serve as reference. Assessing their usefulness helps refine patient education tools.

Hospice Service Quality and Responsiveness Questions

Responsiveness and service quality directly affect a patient's end-of-life experience, guiding improvements in timely care. Adapted from proven Health Care Survey methodologies, these 10 questions explore availability, coordination, and timeliness of hospice services.

  1. How quickly did staff respond to call lights or requests for assistance?

    Rapid response can prevent discomfort and medical complications. This metric highlights staffing levels and workflow efficiency.

  2. Were emergency or urgent needs addressed in a timely manner?

    Prompt attention in crises is essential for safety and peace of mind. This question measures crisis management effectiveness.

  3. Did you feel the staff-to-patient ratio allowed adequate attention?

    Optimal staffing ratios ensure thorough, personalized care. Identifying shortfalls guides resource allocation decisions.

  4. How satisfied were you with the availability of medical equipment?

    Access to reliable equipment supports effective care delivery. Shortages or delays can undermine patient comfort.

  5. Did you experience any delays in receiving medications?

    Timely medication delivery is critical for symptom control. This item flags potential supply chain or procedural issues.

  6. Were appointments and visits scheduled at convenient times?

    Convenience impacts compliance and reduces stress for families. Evaluating scheduling practices drives process improvements.

  7. How effectively did staff coordinate with your primary care team?

    Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances care continuity. This question identifies coordination strengths and gaps.

  8. Did the hospice team reach out with updates on your progress?

    Regular progress reports reassure families and reinforce trust. It also supports shared goal-setting and expectation management.

  9. Were on-call services accessible during nights and weekends?

    24/7 access is a hallmark of quality hospice care. Assessing availability drives improvements in after-hours support.

  10. Did you receive timely notifications about any schedule changes?

    Advance notice of adjustments prevents confusion and missed visits. It demonstrates respect for patient and family time.

Hospice Caregiver and Staff Interaction Questions

Staff interactions shape the emotional well-being of patients and families, highlighting the human touch in hospice care. These 10 questions, inspired by the Healthcare Feedback Survey , evaluate staff empathy, professionalism, and support.

  1. How would you rate the professionalism of the hospice staff?

    Professional conduct fosters confidence and reduces anxiety. This question helps identify training needs in etiquette and protocol.

  2. Did staff treat you and your family with compassion and respect?

    Compassionate behavior is at the heart of quality hospice care. Measuring respect ensures dignity is preserved in all interactions.

  3. Were staff members attentive to your emotional needs?

    Attentiveness to feelings can prevent isolation and distress. This item evaluates the emotional intelligence of care teams.

  4. Did you feel comfortable asking staff personal or sensitive questions?

    Comfort in broaching difficult topics indicates trust in the care relationship. It's vital for addressing end-of-life concerns openly.

  5. How satisfied were you with the consistency of assigned caregivers?

    Consistent caregiving builds familiarity and security. Frequent staff changes can disrupt routines and reduce comfort.

  6. Did your primary nurse appear knowledgeable and confident in their role?

    Confidence in nursing skills reassures families about care quality. This question highlights continuing education opportunities.

  7. Were volunteer interactions helpful and supportive?

    Volunteers often provide companionship and respite to families. Assessing their impact guides volunteer training and deployment.

  8. Did support staff (e.g., aides and therapists) meet your expectations?

    Every team member contributes to patient well-being. This item ensures all disciplines uphold high service standards.

  9. Were advance care directives discussed respectfully and thoroughly?

    Clear conversations about directives empower patient choice. Measuring thoroughness ensures no critical preferences are overlooked.

  10. How well did staff manage any conflicts or concerns you raised?

    Effective conflict resolution maintains trust and comfort. It also demonstrates the organization's commitment to continuous improvement.

Hospice Follow-Up and Improvement Questions

Closing care loops and seeking improvement are essential to refined hospice services. The following 10 questions, based on frameworks like the Healthcare Provider Feedback Survey , help measure follow-up effectiveness, identification of unmet needs, and areas for strategic growth.

  1. Did someone follow up after your last in-person visit to check on your condition?

    Post-visit check-ins reinforce continuity of care and patient safety. They also prevent small issues from becoming larger problems.

  2. Were you asked for feedback about your experience in a timely manner?

    Timely feedback requests capture fresh impressions and honest opinions. This practice drives more accurate quality improvement efforts.

  3. Did the hospice provider implement changes based on your previous feedback?

    Closing the feedback loop demonstrates organizational responsiveness. It also builds trust and encourages future participation.

  4. How satisfied are you with the responsiveness to any issues you reported?

    Quick resolution of concerns is a strong indicator of quality service. Tracking this helps evaluate problem-solving protocols.

  5. Did staff provide clear instructions for next steps at end of care?

    Guidance after discharge or end of service reduces confusion and stress. It ensures patients and families know what to expect.

  6. Were you informed about additional resources or support groups available?

    Awareness of external resources strengthens the care network. This question highlights opportunities to enhance community partnerships.

  7. Did you receive a final summary of services and care outcomes?

    A comprehensive summary aids in record-keeping and future planning. It also provides closure and documentation for families.

  8. How satisfied were you with the grief and bereavement resources offered?

    Ongoing support helps families navigate loss more healthily. Measuring resource satisfaction guides bereavement program improvements.

  9. Were you guided on how to provide feedback to the hospice organization?

    Clear feedback pathways encourage ongoing engagement. They also make it easier for stakeholders to voice concerns and suggestions.

  10. Would you be willing to participate in future surveys or focus groups to help improve services?

    Recruiting willing participants fosters a collaborative improvement culture. It also provides a pool of engaged respondents for deeper insights.

FAQ

What is the CAHPS Hospice Survey and why is it important?

The CAHPS Hospice Survey is a standardized survey template for hospice care quality, measuring patient and family experiences. It's important because it drives quality improvement, informs public reporting, and impacts Medicare reimbursements. Hospices use these example questions to benchmark performance, enhance patient-centered care, and improve satisfaction scores.

How can hospices improve their CAHPS Hospice Survey scores?

To improve CAHPS Hospice Survey scores, hospices should implement staff training, standardize communication protocols, and use a free survey template for feedback tracking. Regularly review example questions, analyze results, and conduct targeted quality improvement initiatives. Engaging caregivers in emotional support enhances survey performance and overall patient family satisfaction.

What are the key measures evaluated in the CAHPS Hospice Survey?

The CAHPS Hospice Survey evaluates key measures including communication with caregivers, emotional and spiritual support, pain management, care coordination, and care environment. These example questions are designed into the survey template to capture quality dimensions. Hospices track these metrics to identify improvement areas, benchmark performance, and boost patient family satisfaction.

How does the CAHPS Hospice Survey impact a hospice's Medicare Annual Payment Update (APU)?

CAHPS Hospice Survey results directly influence the Medicare Annual Payment Update (APU) by adjusting payment rates based on patient family experience scores. Hospices with higher survey template performance may receive increased APU adjustments. Tracking example questions and improving survey outcomes ensures better reimbursement and aligns care quality with federal funding incentives.

What are the participation requirements for hospices in the CAHPS Hospice Survey?

All Medicare-certified hospices must participate in the CAHPS Hospice Survey annually, sampling at least 400 discharges or 10% of patients. Use the official survey template and approved example questions. Adhering to the free survey protocol, hospices submit data to CMS, ensuring compliance and eligibility for public reporting and payment adjustments.

How are CAHPS Hospice Survey results publicly reported and utilized?

CAHPS Hospice Survey scores are published on the Hospice Compare website, allowing consumers to compare performance using the survey template. CMS uses these publicly reported results for quality transparency, policy decisions, and incentive payments. Hospices analyze benchmark data and example questions to drive targeted improvements and enhance patient family experiences.

What are the approved modes of administration for the CAHPS Hospice Survey?

CMS-approved modes for the survey template include mail, telephone, and interactive voice response (IVR). Hospices must follow protocol timing and use standard example questions. Mixed-mode sampling is permitted to boost response rates. Ensure compliance with survey administration guidelines to collect reliable CAHPS Hospice Survey data and improve quality metrics.

How does the CAHPS Hospice Survey address emotional and spiritual support for caregivers?

The CAHPS Hospice Survey includes example questions in the survey template that specifically rate emotional and spiritual support provided to caregivers. These measures capture the quality of chaplain visits, counseling services, and personalized attention. Hospices analyze these free survey responses to enhance support programs and improve overall caregiver satisfaction.

What steps should hospices take to prepare for a CAHPS Hospice Survey?

To prepare for the CAHPS Hospice Survey, hospices should review the official survey template and example questions, train staff on administration protocols, and verify contact information. Conduct pilot testing with a free survey sample, establish quality improvement plans, and set timelines for deployment. Regular audits ensure accuracy and compliance with CMS requirements.

How does the CAHPS Hospice Survey assess communication between the hospice team and family caregivers?

The CAHPS Hospice Survey uses targeted example questions in the survey template to rate team communication clarity, responsiveness, and information sharing. Family caregivers evaluate how often staff explained care plans, listened to concerns, and coordinated updates. Hospices analyze these survey responses to refine communication training and improve overall caregiver engagement.