This 3-part webinar series offers hospice professionals detailed instruction on the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool, a CMS-mandated assessment essential to ensuring high-quality, patient-centered hospice care. Designed for clinical and administrative staff involved in hospice admissions, the series delivers clear, practical guidance on completing each section of the HOPE tool with accuracy, compassion, and regulatory compliance in mind.
Through focused walkthroughs, expert tips, and item-specific instruction, participants will gain confidence in capturing the patient data necessary to guide individualized care planning, fulfill CMS documentation requirements, and support improved outcomes for patients at the end of life.
Webinar 1: HOPE Tool Essentials – Administrative Data, Preferences, and Diagnoses
September 17th 1-2 PM EST
Focus Areas:
Section A – Administrative Information
Section F – Preferences
Section I – Active Diagnoses
This session will provide clear, item-specific guidance for completing Sections A, F, and I of the HOPE tool. Emphasis will be placed on accurately capturing patient-specific data that directly informs individualized care, including:
Documenting CPR and other life-sustaining treatment preferences
Hospitalization choices and spiritual/existential concerns
Identifying the principal hospice diagnosis, related conditions, and relevant comorbidities
Attendees will learn how thorough and accurate documentation in these areas impacts service delivery, team communication, and regulatory alignment. Practical tips and real-world examples will help attendees avoid common documentation errors and enhance data integrity.
Webinar 2: HOPE Tool Clinical Assessment – Health Conditions, Skin Integrity, Medications & Record Management
September 24th 1-2 PM EST
Focus Areas:
Section J – Health Conditions
Section M – Skin Conditions
Section N – Medications
Section Z – Record Administration
This session offers focused instruction on completing Sections J, M, N, and Z of the HOPE tool, covering critical aspects of the clinical assessment and documentation process. Participants will learn how to:
Assess and document signs of imminent death, pain levels, dyspnea, and other key symptoms
Complete follow-up items and symptom impact screenings
Evaluate and document wounds, ulcers, and skin treatment plans
Accurately record opioid use and associated bowel regimens
Ensure complete and compliant record administration, including interdisciplinary staff contributions, verification, and signatures
This session emphasizes accuracy, clinical relevance, and compliance, offering concrete strategies to enhance care planning and overall patient outcomes.
Webinar 3: Applying HOPE Data to Care Planning and Interdisciplinary Practice
October, 15th 1-2 PM EST
In the final session, participants will learn how to integrate findings from the HOPE tool into interdisciplinary team practice, person-centered care plans, and quality improvement processes. Topics include:
Translating assessment data into actionable care plans
Facilitating effective IDT collaboration
Using HOPE data to identify care gaps and inform QAPI initiatives
Sustaining quality and compliance across hospice programs
Format: 3 live webinars (60–75 minutes each, includes Q&A)
Who Should Attend: Hospice nurses, social workers, admissions staff, administrators, clinical managers, quality improvement professionals, and all team members involved in HOPE tool completion or care planning.
