Preparing for HOPE: Setting Hospice Teams Up for Success in Holistic, Compassionate Care

Written By Michelle Horner, Manager of Clinical Consulting & Education, McBee

In the ever-evolving world of hospice care, one thing remains constant: the goal of delivering deeply personalized, compassionate care that honors each patient’s journey. The upcoming implementation of the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) assessment on October 1, 2025, is a significant step toward reinforcing that mission. 

Rather than just another regulatory hurdle, HOPE is designed to strengthen how hospice teams collect and organize information—so they can build care plans that reflect each patient’s unique needs, symptoms, goals and wishes. It’s not about checking boxes. It’s about centering care around what matters most to the patient and their loved ones. 

What is HOPE Really For? 

The HOPE assessment isn’t a standalone task—it’s a tool that feeds into the broader comprehensive assessment. The data gathered helps hospice teams craft a holistic, individualized plan of care that supports physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual needs. 

For patients, that means better symptom control. For families, it means peace of mind. For clinicians, it’s a way to ensure care is consistent, coordinated and compassionate across the entire team. 

The Shift Feels Big—But It Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming 

We know many hospice professionals are feeling anxious about the changes ahead. The connection between HOPE and the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP), the use of iQIES for submission and new assessment timepoints can all feel like a lot to manage—especially while continuing to care for patients in the moment. 

But what if this transition could be a moment of clarity, not chaos? 

When teams are educated and supported early, HOPE becomes less about compliance—and more about improving the care experience for patients, families and clinicians alike. 

Education = Empowerment 

Now is the time to equip your staff with the knowledge and confidence they need to: 

• Understand what the HOPE assessment is—and what it is not 
• Accurately complete assessments across required timepoints 
• Use collected data to enhance clinical decision-making and care planning 
• Navigate regulatory changes tied to HQRP and iQIES submission 

This education shouldn’t just come from a rulebook. It should come from people who understand your daily workflow, care challenges and commitment to delivering excellent care. 

How McBee Can Help—On Your Terms 

At McBee, we meet agencies where they are. Whether you’re just beginning to unpack what HOPE means or looking to refine your strategy, we offer education and support that’s practical, approachable and rooted in clinical excellence. 

Beyond our HOPE training, we also support agencies through: 

• Mock surveys to prepare your teams with confidence 
• Clinical consulting to optimize interdisciplinary care delivery 
• ICD-10 coding and documentation services to strengthen compliance and accuracy 
• Assessment review to improve quality outcomes and reduce risk 

We’re not just educators—we’re partners in your mission to deliver the highest quality hospice care. 

Explore the Full HOPE Assessment Series

The transition to HOPE doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and McBee is here to support you. The HOPE Assessment: The Complete Series breaks down various sections of the assessment, helping hospice teams build confidence and clarity.

Access the series now on Post-Acute Academy.

Let’s turn this transition into an opportunity. Set your team up for a successful, patient-centered future.