VITAS

The Description of VITAS

Site Editorial Commentary：A Hospice App for Clinicians

The VITAS app is a comprehensive mobile resource designed for clinicians to efficiently determine hospice eligibility and facilitate referrals for patients in need of end-of-life care. Developed by VITAS® Healthcare, a leading hospice provider, this app offers user-friendly tools and guidelines tailored to various healthcare professionals.

The app allows you to personalize your experience by selecting your role: physician, advanced practice provider, nurse (RN/LPN/LVN), case manager, social worker, healthcare administrator, PT/OT/RD/RT/SLP, or VITAS employee. This customization ensures you receive the most relevant information and resources.

Quickly assess a patient's hospice eligibility with color-coded, disease-specific guidelines and functional assessment tools. Streamline the referral process by capturing face sheets or submitting forms directly from your mobile device.

Key features include:

* **Disease-Specific Hospice Eligibility:** Access guidelines for ALS, Alzheimer’s and Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia, Cancer, Heart Disease, HIV/AIDS, Liver Disease, Lung Disease, Renal Disease, and Sepsis, as well as general hospice guidelines.
* **Interactive Assessment Tools:** Utilize the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) to evaluate a patient’s functional status and activities of daily living (ADLs), receiving an instant PPS rating to guide eligibility decisions. The integrated BMI calculator helps assess a patient’s weight status.
* **Seamless Referral Process:** Refer patients securely via face sheet photo capture or mobile form submission, with immediate confirmation and prompt VITAS response to ensure a smooth transition to hospice care.
* **Location and Contact Information:** Find VITAS hospice locations using zip code or state maps, including service areas, office locations, phone numbers, and inpatient hospice units. Easily contact VITAS admissions staff via phone or email.
* **Educational Resources:** Enhance your knowledge of end-of-life care by exploring and registering for VITAS webinars, earning CE/CME credits (where applicable), and receiving in-app reminders and calendar updates. Share VITAS hospice information and PDFs with colleagues, patients, and families.

The VITAS app empowers healthcare professionals to confidently and securely refer seriously or terminally ill patients to VITAS professionals across 14 states and the District of Columbia, ensuring timely access to compassionate hospice care.