Which team members should be involved in coordinating hospice referral?

• A. Social work and palliative care
• B. Cardiology and neurology
• C. Physical therapy and occupational therapy
• D. Nutritionist and pharmacy

Answer: (A)

Coordinating hospice referral rests on immediate, patient-centered planning that combines understanding the goals of care with practical support for the family. Social workers bring critical psychosocial assessment and navigation skills—helping with advance directives, caregiver needs, financial and insurance questions, and arranging resources like transportation and home supports. Palliative care specialists focus on aligning treatment with the patient’s goals, managing symptoms, discussing prognosis, and coordinating the transition to hospice with the receiving team. This duo is best equipped to guide the process, ensure informed consent, and smooth the referral to hospice services.

Other team members have valuable roles in overall patient care, but they aren’t the primary coordinators for hospice referral. Cardiology and neurology address disease-specific issues; physical and occupational therapists concentrate on function and rehabilitation goals; nutritionists and pharmacists handle nutrition and medication management. Their contributions matter, but the central coordination for hospice referral comes from social work and palliative care.