Professionals’ views and experiences of using outcome measures in palliative care

• DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2003.9.6.11511
• Publication Date: 2014-05-23T15:43:00Z
• Authors: Rhidian Hughes; Fiona Aspinal; Julia Addington-Hall; Jayne Chidgey; Uta Drescher; Maria Dunckley; Irene J Higginson
• Keywords: Medical Audit; Motivation; Time Factors; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Attitude of Health Personnel; Nursing Audit; Palliative Care; 610; Sensitivity and Specificity; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Surveys and Questionnaires; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Humans; Clinical Competence; Needs Assessment; Qualitative Research

In palliative care, outcome measures are increasingly used to aid clinical practice, conduct audit and research. The objective of this study was elicit professionals’ views experiences using measures, paying special attention the Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS). This article presents results a qualitative 26 professionals, experienced in POS, who were invited participate semi-structured telephone interviews. Of those invited, 22 people took part. Participants’ comments noted verbatim throughout interviews data subjected content analysis. Analysis identified number key themes surrounding notably their reasons for use, application settings range attitudes. concludes that understanding process is important improving implementation. When undertaking further research, should be paid wider social, cultural structural context, as factors can influence implementation measures. As drive towards continues, it essential not developed vacuum. Instead they always informed by needs individuals services.