VITAS Innovative Hospice
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Running head: VITAS Innovative Hospice
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care
Amanda Ladagana
National University
VITAS Innovative Hospice
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VITAS Innovative Hospice Care
Management Functions
No matter how big or small a company might be they still need to run efficiently and
effectively. “The leadership of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care is guided by the pioneering
vision and values of our founders. From the beginning, our goal has been to provide
comprehensive end-of-life services that meet the needs of terminally ill patients and their
families. Our diverse leadership team shares a common focus on that goal, as do all of VITAS’
team members” (“leadership,” n.d.). Planning is the first managerial function and carries right on
through the other functions as well. It is also happens to be one of the main control strategies
used at VITAS in the decision making process. “Hospice care focuses on quality rather than
length of life. It provides humane and compassionate care for people in the last phases of
incurable disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible” (“Finding and
Paying,” n.d.). In order for VITAS to stay competitive in providing this care, it is essential for
them to have a well thought out management plan. Not only to be formed, but to be executed,
assessed, and improved regularly to permit the organization in making necessary changes and
remain competitive. “The hospice team develops a care plan that meets each patient’s individual
needs for pain management and symptom control. This interdisciplinary team (IDT), as
illustrated in Figure 1 below, usually consists of the patient’s personal physician, a hospice
physician or medical director, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, bereavement counselors,
clergy or other spiritual counselors, trained volunteers, and speech, physical, and occupational
therapists, if needed” (“National Hospice” n.d.). These teams meet on a regular basis (once a
week), formulate a plan for the patient, and support each other throughout the process. They have
the same goals, appreciate each other’s work, share the patient, which in turn bonds the team and
VITAS Innovative Hospice
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they do not compete amongst each other. The teams are also a significant resource to patients and
their loved ones for education, conflict resolution, crisis mediation and environmental
interventions. By planning ahead, utilizing the vision and mission statements of VITAS, and
making changes to plans when needed, will in turn lead to the success and well-being of the staff
and patients.
Internal Operations
“Although death is a natural part of life, the thought of dying understandably still frightens
many people. You may imagine pain and loneliness, spending your final days in the cold, sterile
environment of a hospital far from family, friends and all that you know and love. However,
hospice care represents a compassionate approach to end-of-life care, enhancing the quality of
