An evaluation of dependency assessment: experiences of staff, patients and carers in a UK hospice.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the experiences of health-care professionals, service users and carers of service users from a UK hospice in relation to dependency assessment.


METHODS
Qualitative evaluation.


METHODS
Purposive, convenience sample of hospice staff, patients receiving hospice services and carers of patients receiving hospice services.


METHODS
Focus group interviews with hospice staff and carers of hospice service users. Individual interviews with patients.


RESULTS
Staff felt the tool used produced inaccurate results, in part because of omissions in content. They did not perceive the data produced affected working practice, e.g. staffing levels. Patients described unobtrusive assessment and stated their needs were met. Carers reported feelings of isolation. They also described differing information and support needs from the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is required to improve the validity of dependency data collection. Further investigation of carer assessment is also justified.
Quinn
Helen
H
Frimley Park Hospital, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey GU16 7UJ, UK.
Allan
Helen
H
Bryan
Karen
K
D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing; D010166:Palliative Care; D006113:United Kingdom