Implications of hospice concepts for social work practice with oncology patients and their families in an acute care teaching hospital.

An adaptive approach to the delivery of hospice care in an acute care teaching hospital is described. This approach incorporates the concepts of hospice into existing care services for oncology patients and their family members. Presented are the roles of the social worker in implementing this approach and interventions by the social worker in problems that arise. Improvements in patient/family care services and changes in staff attitudes are summarized.