Abstract
End-of life care is one of the principle components of cancer care. Measurement of the quality of care provided for end-of-life cancer patients is an important issue. The aim of this study was to identify the quality indicators (QIs) for end-of-life cancer care for Japanese patients using a medical chart review. A modified Delphi method for the development of QIs was adopted. Seventeen multi-professional specialists participated by rating the appropriateness and feasibility of potential QIs. Thirty QIs for end-of-life cancer care were ultimately identified within 4 domains: (1) symptom control, (2) decision-making and preference of care, (3) family care, and (4) psychosocial and spiritual concerns. These QIs will be useful for monitoring and evaluating end-of-life care for Japanese cancer patients. The QIs are feasible for use in any clinical setting and cover a comprehensive area in accordance with the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of palliative care including physical, psychosocial, and spiritual concerns.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 33-38 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 Feb |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Delphi technique
- Neoplasms
- Palliative care
- Quality indicators
- Quality of life
- Terminal care
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)
