6533b872fe1ef96bd12d3a43
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Improving End-of-Life Care in Hospitals
Sonja BussmannMartin WeberPia MudersJan SchildmannPinzon Luis Carlos EscobarCorinna Aruna Zahrt-omarMatthias Claussubject
medicine.medical_specialtyPalliative careBereaved familyQualitative analysisNursingSurveys and QuestionnairesHealth carebusiness.product_linemedicineHumansFamilyInterpersonal RelationsGeneral hospitalQualitative ResearchTerminal Carebusiness.industryGeneral MedicineCommunication skills trainingQuality ImprovementHospitalsCross-Sectional StudiesFamily medicinebusinessEnd-of-life careBereavementQualitative researchdescription
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 the need for improvement in general hospital EOL care. The results underline the importance of a more holistic EOL care. The application of communication skills training, structured family meetings, and integrated pathways is recommended.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-12-02 | American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine® |