Evaluating quality of care at the end of life and setting best practice performance standards: a population-based observational study using linked routinely collected administrative databases

• DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00927-2
• Publication Date: 2022-04-12T06:03:42Z
• Authors: Mariska G. Ooster...; Marianne J. Heins; Manon S. A. Boddaert; Yvonne Engels; Agnes van der Heide; Bregje D. Onwutea...; Anna K. L. Reyners; Anneke L. Francke
• Keywords: End-of-Life Care

Abstract Background A high percentage of people dying at home, and a low being admitted to hospital there are regarded as indicators appropriate care the end life. However, performance standards for these quality often lacking, which makes it difficult state whether an indicator score falls between ranges good or poor care. The aim this study was assess concerning place death utilization in with diseases relevant palliative care, establish best practice based on scores 31 regions Netherlands. Methods retrospective nationwide population-based observational conducted, using routinely collected administrative data persons who died 2017 Netherlands underlying causes ( N = 109,707). Data from four registries were linked analysis. Scores eight calculated, compared across healthcare insurance relative benchmarks. Results On average, 36.4% population home (range 30.5%-42.6%) 20.4% 16.6%-25.5%). Roughly half received any time last year life found (also) receive month In month, 32.0% 29.4-36.4%), 5.3% Intensive Care Unit 3.2-6.9%) 23.9% visited Emergency Department 21.0-27.4%). same period, less than 1% resuscitated tube intravenous feeding hospital. Conclusions variation points towards opportunities improvement. set serve ambitious but attainable targets those that currently do not meet standards. Policymakers, providers researchers can use suggested further analyze variance develop test interventions improve practice.