Validation of the German Version of the Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire for Health Professionals

Purpose: To validate the Quality of Dying and Death (QoDD) instrument for health professionals (QoDD-D-MA) and to test its feasibility in 2 German palliative care units (PCUs). Methods: The QoDD was translated from English to German and then retranslated following European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) guidelines. Data were collected in 2 German PCUs to calculate aspects of validity and reliability. Results: Mean total score was 83.05 (range 49-100; N = 232). The QoDD-D-MA showed satisfactory psychometric properties, Cronbach α = .830; interrater reliability r = .245 ( P < .01). The QoDD-D-MA was independent of patients’ demographic and clinical aspects. Some …

Support for families of patients dying with dementia: A qualitative analysis of bereaved family members' experiences and suggestions

AbstractObjective:To explore and document the needs of family caregivers of patients dying with dementia and to identify how healthcare professionals can adequately support them.Method:We employed a cross-sectional survey containing open-ended questions that were analyzed using qualitative methods.Results:Receiving information about the diagnosis and disease trajectory of dementia is essential for the caregiving families of people dying with the disease. However, at present the communication of information offered by professionals is not experienced as satisfying. Further aspects that require improvement concern issues related to time constraints, as well as practical and emotional support …

Rückmeldungen Nahestehender verstorbener Patienten zur Versorgung in den letzten Lebenstagen – Lob, Kritik, Vorschläge

Validation of the German Version of the Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire for Informal Caregivers (QODD-D-Ang).

Abstract Context The quality of dying and death (QOD) influences end-of-life care for patients and their relatives. To the best of our knowledge, there are currently no validated standard instruments for evaluating the QOD of patients in palliative care units (PCUs) in Germany. Objectives This study aimed to validate the German version of the multidimensional questionnaire "Quality of Dying and Death" for informal caregivers (QODD-Deutsch-Angehorige [QODD-D-Ang]) and provide a detailed report on its validity and reliability. Methods The QODD was forward/backward translated following the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer guidelines. Data collected in two German palli…

Improving End-of-Life Care in Hospitals

Objectives: To explore and document the experiences and expectancies of bereaved family members concerning the end-of-life (EOL) care of their deceased relative in a general hospital setting. Methods: Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that included open-ended questions. Free-text answers were evaluated with qualitative content analysis. A total of 270 family members provided information about improvements in inpatient care. Results: Families described structural deficiencies. Furthermore, they requested a more holistic patient health care beyond medical treatment and expressed the wish for more professional support for families. Discussion: The view of bereaved families confirmed …