title: Evaluating a palliative care program: methodology and limitations.
abstract: The article describes an evaluation of a palliative care service in a regional and tertiary care facility. The service components are described. The four outcomes chosen for evaluation were: (a) symptom relief; (b) satisfaction with care for patients/families; (c) utilization of community resources; (d) good nursing morale and low staff stress. Quality of life was measured using a symptom distress scale; satisfaction using an adapted Kristjanson FAMCARE scale; community resources with opinion and satisfaction surveys; and staff morale and stress with the Maslach Bumout Inventory and Latack's Coping Questionnaire. Results showed that overall symptom distress was reduced. Patients/families were generally satisfied, with some areas needing attention. Physicians were generally satisfied and believed patients/families benefited from the psychosocial support, respite, and education/information. Nurses felt they had the time, energy, resources and support to give quality care.
authors.affiliation: Queen Elizabeth II Health Science Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jarvis
authors.forename: F I
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Burge
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D009674:Nova Scotia; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010166:Palliative Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires