Towards a standardized method of developing quality indicators for palliative care: protocol of the Quality indicators for Palliative Care (Q-PAC) study

BMC Palliative Care

Study Protocol

Susanne JJ Claessen¹  Anneke L Francke²  Kathleen Leemans³  Joachim Cohen³  Robert Vander Stichele³  Lieve Van den Block⁴  Luc Deliens⁵ 

[1] Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, Amsterdam, BT, The Netherlands;Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, Amsterdam, BT, The Netherlands;NIVEL. Netherlands Institute for health services research, Otterstraat 118-124, 3513, Utrecht, BN, The Netherlands;End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium;End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium;Department of Family Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium;End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium;Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, Amsterdam, BT, The Netherlands;

关键词: Quality indicators;    Quality measurement;    Palliative care;    Quality of care;    End of life care;    Hospice care;    Outcome measures;    Developing method;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1472-684X-12-6

 received in 2012-09-28, accepted in 2013-02-06,  发布年份 2013

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundIn recent years, there have been several studies, using a wide variety of methods, aimed at developing quality indicators for palliative care. In this Quality Indicators for Palliative Care study (Q-PAC study) we have applied a scientifically rigorous method to develop a comprehensive and valid quality indicator set which can contribute to a standardized method for use in other countries.Methods and designFirstly, an extensive literature review identified existing international quality indicators and relevant themes for measuring quality in palliative care. Secondly, the most relevant of these were selected by an expert panel. Thirdly, those prioritized by the experts were scored by a second multidisciplinary expert panel for usability and relevance, in keeping with the RAND/UCLA-method, combining evidence with consensus among stakeholders. This panel included carers and policymakers as well as patients and next-of-kin. Fourthly, the draft set was tested and evaluated in practice for usability and feasibility; the indicators were then translated into questionnaires presented to patients, next-of-kin and care providers. To encourage the acceptance and use of the indicators, stakeholders, including national palliative care organizations, were involved throughout the whole project.ConclusionOur indicator development trajectory resulted in a set of quality indicators applicable to all patients in all palliative care settings. The set includes patient and relative perspectives and includes outcome, process and structure indicators. Our method can contribute internationally to a more standardized and rigorous approach to developing quality indicators for palliative care.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Leemans et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2013