Talking about Hospice with Dr. Scott Beede

For the past several years at Boca Raton Community Hospital, West Boca Medical Center and at his private practice, Dr. Scott Beede has successfully relied upon Hospice of Palm Beach County and the many services that it provides. “I often refer my patients to Hospice of Palm Beach County,” said Dr. Beede. “The hospice team typically sees the patient the same day that we call – and it doesn’t get any better than that. I think they do an excellent job of assessing the individual needs of the patient and the family – all bases are covered.”

Dr. Beede chooses to refer his patients to Hospice of Palm Beach County for many reasons beyond the prompt service and attention to detail. “Whether the patient needs a hospital bed, pain management, pharmacy services, a Chaplain or counselor to talk with right away – you name it and Hospice of Palm Beach County has it covered,” he said. Throughout the years Dr. Beede has continually received positive feedback regarding the care that the Hospice of Palm Beach County team provides. Whether the team is tending to the patient at home, in an assisted living or a skilled nursing facility, the service is always top notch. “When I refer a patient to Hospice of Palm Beach County I have peace of mind. I know the patient and family will be given all aspects of care,” he said. One of the few challenges Dr. Beede has experienced is the lack of education regarding hospice care. Many patients and families have cultural beliefs they feel don’t allow for hospice care. Others buy into the misconceptions that surround hospice. “The myths and facts about hospice care are something we could all stand to revisit periodically. When Hospice of Palm Beach County comes and talks to us about the services they offer and how the entire family unit can benefit, hospice becomes clear and acceptable,” he said. The importance of early admission is another issue that Dr. Beede tries to impress upon his patients and their families. “I think far too often families wait too long to initiate hospice services,” he said. “Many have the impression that hospice is for patients on ‘death’s door.’ I have tried to educate patients that hospice is appropriate for anyone diagnosed with a terminal illness. Initiating services earlier in the illness brings many valuable resources to the patients and their families.” When a patient receives a terminal diagnosis it could become a guessing game. “No one can look at a patient and say he or she has six months to live. Once a patient has a terminal diagnosis I recommend that they have Hospice of Palm Beach County assess their needs and come up with a plan of care. The programs and services available to patients and families is something I think everyone should take advantage of,” he said.

Hospice of Palm Beach County has also recently started a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program. The mission of the organization’s Medical Education Program is to provide fellows, residents, medical students and staff with the learning opportunities and resources that will assist them in becoming competent in the delivery of end-of-life care. Dr. Beede, who was trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota, thinks this Fellowship program is an excellent opportunity. “When I think back to medical school, we learned very little about end-of-life care,” remembered Dr. Beede. “If I had the opportunity to be mentored by a physician certified and trained in hospice and palliative medicine back then, I would have welcomed it.”