There has been recognition that diverse ethnic groups have not been served by hospice. Three reasons given by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization are absence of information about hospice, lack of financial resources, and cultural differences. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these reasons would explain the lack of hospice service to the Asian Indian immigrant population, one of the fastest growing groups of elderly in the United States. A descriptive correlational design was used with a sample of 43 Asian Indian, first-generation immigrants. Most of the Asian Indian immigrants had limited or no knowledge of hospice. Cultural differences related to death and dying rituals were misunderstood by hospice staff. Financial resources were not a barrier to hospice use. These findings suggest a need for increased knowledge of hospice services among the Asian Indian immigrant population. Providers should also become informed about the death and dying beliefs and practices of patients from ethnically diverse populations. © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

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