The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the PAL Card intervention. The data for this study came from monthly logs and final calls completed by n=26 NH providers. Staff from multiple departments contributed to the PAL card implementation. Common places for placing PAL cards were wheelchairs, walkers, doors, and in closets. Over 90 % of residents approved of the accuracy of information presented in PAL cards. From the providers’ perspective, PAL cards’ acceptability ranged from 96 to 100%, appropriateness ranged from 93.10 to 100 % and feasibility ranged from 90 to 100%. The total staff time estimated costs for PAL card implementation ranged from $180 to $3,236 depending on the individuals involved. The PAL card intervention was deemed acceptable, feasible, and appropriate by providers and accurate by residents. A discussion of the opportunity costs associated with implementing this intervention will be discussed.

Purpose This study aims to explore the relationship between race/ethnicity and length of stay in hospice care among adults over 65 years of age in the United States. This topic is understudied within a population-representative sample, particularly among non-White decedents. Methods Secondary analysis of data from the 2007 NHHCS (n=3,918). Race/ethnicity included Hispanics/Latinos, Non-Hispanic Whites, African Americans, and other races. Length of hospice stay was measured by the number of days that patients received hospice care from hospice agencies. Results The study found that African Americans have a longer length of stay in hospice agencies than Whites, even after controlling for all other factors in the model. Female gender, older age, and several diseases are covariates that significantly impact length of hospice stay. Discussion Compared to other races/ethnicities, the long length of stay in hospice among African Americans may negatively impact the quality of end-of-life care and quantity of skilled staff visits. Future research is recommended to further explore potential consequences of longer hospice stays, especially within African American communities. Studies with larger samples of minorities that integrate socioeconomic factors need to be done to better study the relationship between length of hospice stay and race/ethnicity.