CAHPS Hospice Surveys have been a longstanding component of the hospice program. These surveys have presented challenges for hospices, not only in terms of their content but also in securing the responses needed to make an impact on outcome measures. In the 2025 Hospice Proposed Rule, many proposed adjustments to CAHPS Hospice Surveys are on the table.
In 2021, a demonstration involving 56 hospices experimented with administering the survey and collecting responses through email for the first time. In an exciting new development, the aim now is to incorporate delivering surveys via email into the Hospice Survey Protocols. Additionally, a reminder will be sent to recipients if responses are not received within a specified timeframe.
Several modifications have been made to the CAHPS survey content, including the removal of three nursing home items. One item, deemed contradictory and confusing, was eliminated from the “Hospice Team Communication” measure. Multiple items within the “Getting Hospice Care Training” measure were consolidated into a single summary measure. Additionally, two new items have been introduced to be used in the “Care Preference” measure calculation. Furthermore, the language in several CAHPS questions have been simplified.
If finalized, the implementation of the new CAHPS survey will occur in January 2025. Unlike the fiscal year for Hospice, which spans from October 1 through September 30, the Hospice Quality Reporting Program operates on a calendar year basis. Therefore, the new survey would launch on January 1, 2025.
We can expect the initial reporting with the new measures to start with the November 2027 refresh. This reporting will encompass data from Quarter 1, 2025 through Quarter 4, 2026.
During this interim period, seven measures will continue to be reported with star ratings. Once there are eight full quarters of data for the new measures, the star rating will encompass nine measures, including the updated “Getting Hospice Care” training measure and the new “Care Preference” measure.
Table 14 provides detailed information regarding the changes in the survey questions. It presents the current format of the questions alongside their modified versions in the new survey. Additionally, it lists the questions that will be completely removed.
It’s crucial to grasp that this survey’s impact extends beyond Care Compare results. The information gathered is also utilized in various calculations, including the specific algorithm calculation for the new Special Focus Program.
Prioritize educating your staff members about the Hospice CAHPS survey information. This will enable them to positively influence the responses received from patients and caregivers.
Should you require assistance in interpreting the new changes to the CAHPS Survey Protocols, please feel free to reach out to us.
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