The CAHPS Hospice Survey was designed to measure and assess the experiences of patients who died while receiving hospice care, as well as the experiences of their informal primary caregivers.

• This survey is sent to caregivers (i.e., family members and friends) after the death of the hospice patient.
• It asks questions about domains that are important to patients and their families.
• The survey is used in a CMS pay-for-reporting program which started with the fiscal year (FY) 2017 Annual Payment Update (APU) and continues for subsequent APU periods.

Development of the CAHPS Hospice Survey

CMS developed the CAHPS Hospice Survey with input from industry stakeholders, government agencies, consumer groups, and other key individuals and organizations involved in hospice care. Since the CAHPS Hospice Survey focuses on experiences of care, implementation of the survey supports the following national priorities for improving care: involving patients and families in care and promoting effective communication and coordination.

The CAHPS Hospice Survey instrument is composed of the following measures:

Composite Measures

• Communication with Family
• Getting Timely Help
• Treating Patient with Respect
• Emotional and Spiritual Support
• Help for Pain and Symptoms
• Training Family to Care for Patient

Global Rating Measures

• Rating of the Hospice
• Willingness to Recommend the Hospice