WILMINGTON — Lower Cape Fear Hospice, including the facility that serves Bladen County, was recently named a 2017 Hospice Honors recipient by Deyta Analytics, a division of HEALTHCAREfirst.
Hospice Honors is awarded annually by Deyta Analytics to hospices that continuously provide the highest level of quality care. The award is based on caregivers’ points of view through the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey, which is a post-death family caregiver survey.
“Hospice Honors is a landmark compilation of hospices that provide the best patient and caregiver experiences,” said J. Kevin Porter of HEALTHCAREfirst. “I am extremely proud of Lower Cape Fear Hospice for achieving this highest of honors and I congratulate them on their success.”
Award criteria were based on CAHPS survey results for an evaluation period of October 2015 through September 2016. Award recipients were identified by evaluating performance on a set of 24 quality indicator measures including items such as hospice team communication, getting timely care, treating family members with respect, providing emotional support and getting hospice care training. Hospice Honors are awarded to hospices scoring above the Deyta Analytics Performance Score on 20 of the 47 evaluated questions.
“We are thrilled to be recognized as a Hospice Honors recipient again this year,” Gwen Whitley, president and CEO, said. “It’s a wonderful feeling to receive such a prestigious award based on the feedback our families provide on the CAHPS survey. Of course, knowing from their viewpoint that we have provided an extraordinary hospice experience is reward enough.”
The award was based on responses for the nonprofit’s entire North Carolina service area, which includes Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties. It included patients who were served where they live: private homes, assisted care facilities, nursing homes and hospitals; and those who received acute care in one of LCFH’s three designated care centers: SECU Hospice House in Bolivia, Angel House Hospice Care Center in Whiteville, and the Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion in Wilmington.
“All hospices are not the same and patients have a choice in providers, so ensuring we consistently provide the highest level of quality care and support to our patients and their families and/or caregivers is key,” said Whitley. “The CAHPS survey also provides us information that is used to continually assess and improve our services. “
LCFH’s operation in South Carolina, LCFH Mercy Care, also received a 2017 Hospice Honors award. Mercy Care serves patients in Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties in South Carolina.
Lower Cape Fear Hospice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the highest level of care and comfort to patients with life-limiting illness; support and counseling to families; and education to the community. For more information, visit www.lcfh.org.