Population-Based Quality Indicators for Palliative Care Programs for Cancer Patients in Japan: A Delphi Study

Abstract

Comprehensive quality indicators for palliative care programs were identified. The indicators are currently being used, and the feasibility of measuring change over time will be examined. It is expected that the indicators will be used effectively in the future. It is important to evaluate outcomes of the program, to improve weaknesses, improve outcomes, and promote the welfare of cancer patients.

The Impact of Measuring Patient-Reported Outcome Measures on Quality of and Access to Palliative Care

“…identified indicators or performance measures that are relevant to hospice and palliative care; narrowed the list through a modified Delphi rating process through consultation with different professional and patient groups; and established consensus on a set of quality indicators for hospice and palliative care program service assessment. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Evidence that measuring improves quality of and access to palliative care…”

Measuring the Quality of Palliative Care at End of Life: An Overview of Data Sources

“…76,77 Several research studies have used questionnaires for bereaved caregivers, 72,78 which have been found to be an adequate substitute for collecting these data directly from the patient. 74,76,79,80 Bereaved family caregiverreported outcomes are becoming more the standard of quality EOL assessments 72,81,82 and have the advantage of covering the full EOL care trajectory care provided including that immediately before death, which can be most vital, as well as bereavement care. 79 Two validated questionnaires from the Lendon et al's review that have been most widely used are the After Death Bereaved Family Member Interview and the Views of Informal Carers-Evaluation of Services (VOICES-SF) survey.…”

A Population-Based Mortality Follow-Back Survey Evaluating Good Death for Cancer and Noncancer Patients: A Randomized Feasibility Study

“…Good death has been adopted as one of the quality indicators of national palliative care programs. 19 This study aims to explain the scientific background and rationale for assessing the feasibility of the mortality follow-back study at a national level as follows: 1) verify the response rate to confirm that the bereaved family finds the questionnaire acceptable, 2) confirm whether representative samples can be obtained, 3) examine the effect on response rate with two randomized methods: an attached pen with the questionnaire, and resending the questionnaire as a follow-up contact, and 4) examine the respondents' survey acceptability.…”