Abstract
The purpose of this article is to present the results of an assessment to identify future service needs and preferences for a hospice program in an Upstate New York hospice catchment area. Information and data were collected through a literature review, focus groups, and surveys. Perspectives of professional providers, patients, and patients' families were included in the data collection. One need identified by patients and families was short-term respite in the home. A major need identified by all participants was more education of community members and healthcare professionals about the hospice concept and services. Discussion focuses on how the assessment design and results may provide a template for other communities in planning, implementing, and/or evaluating hospice services.