Understanding the acronyms and definitions related to the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) assessment tool is essential for hospice providers. These terms provide a clear and standardized framework that facilitates effective communication, enhances patient care and supports the overall quality and success of hospice services.
Axxess has developed a comprehensive reference guide that outlines the key acronyms and definitions associated with HOPE. This guide ensures that providers are well-versed in the essential concepts and terminology before the release of HOPE.
Raianne Melton, RN, BSN, CHPN, Director of Clinical Services at Axxess, created the guide and provides valuable insights into the crucial acronyms and definitions that organizations should familiarize themselves with to effectively prepare for HOPE.
Get to Know HOPE
Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE): A new standardized set of data elements developed by CMS to replace the Hospice Item Set (HIS). HOPE data elements are intended to capture patient-level data on each hospice patient at admission and other important timepoints.
“HOPE really looks at outcomes and it includes patient assessment,” said Melton. “It’s really a shift in the way that hospices look at data collection. It’s going to provide sequential data that is designed to inform the plan of care.”
Key Visits
HUV: HOPE Update Visit
SFV: Symptom Follow-up Visit
For HOPE, HUVs are completed between days 6 and 15 and days 16 and 30 of the patient’s hospice stay, depending on the patient’s length of stay. These visits serve as key data collection points for HOPE. SFVs are required for patients who have rated their symptom impacts as moderate or severe during the admission and HUV. These visits are designed to assess the impact of pain on the patient’s quality of life.
“These additions have the biggest impact on change processes for providers,” said Melton. “They will really impact how hospices think about the ways in which they provide services.”
New Submission Systems
iQIES: Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System
As part of HOPE, hospice providers will be required to submit data through iQIES, a departure from the HIS process.
“HIS data was submitted through [the Hospice Abstraction Reporting Tool] HART, which is being retired,” said Melton. “Hospices will need to get familiar with working with iQIES for submission.”
Improvement Markers
HQRP: Hospice Quality Reporting Program
HOPE is designed to enhance the HQRP through standardized data collection and will ultimately provide the additional data needed to inform future payment structures.
“Like HIS, HOPE will be a part of the HQRP,” said Melton. “This includes HOPE data and the [Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems] CAHPS® Hospice survey questions. Providers will really have to look at their processes around how they conduct quality audits to prepare.”
Melton encourages organizations to spend the time teaching staff the language of hospice, noting that success lies in making sure that everyone on the team is speaking the same language and understands the terminology and what it means.
One way to ensure hospice leaders and staff are prepared for HOPE is to attend the HOPE workshop at the 2025 Axxess Growth, Innovation and Leadership Experience (AGILE) in May. This immersive workshop will equip participants with the tools needed to successfully navigate the HOPE transition. Panelists will delve into specific sections of HOPE, best practices for scheduling HUVs and SFVs, as well as explanation of the new symptom impact screening. They will also share strategies and tools for effectively engaging and training staff on HOPE.
To download a complete list of essential HOPE acronyms and definitions, click here.
To learn more about how your organization can prepare for HOPE, register for AGILE 2025, May 5-7 in Dallas.
