title: Outcome measures for holistic, complex interventions within the palliative care setting.
abstract: As members of the Association of Palliative Care CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) Task Group we set ourselves two tasks: the task of exploring different facets of holistic care relevant to the palliative care setting and then to review outcome measures that might assist in researching complex interventions such as complementary therapies. Complementary therapies often embrace holistic philosophy where mind and body are connected and the complexity of symptoms acknowledged. These holistic or complex interventions within the palliative care setting are important to research and research holistically. We therefore gathered together outcome measures in the areas of hope, spirituality, symptom control, self-concept, the therapeutic consultation and dignity which would assist in the design of clinical trials of complementary therapies in the palliative care setting.
authors.affiliation: Bristol Homeopathic Hospital Department, United Bristol Healthcare Trust, Palliative Medicine Bristol University, Cotham Hill, Bristol, UK. Elizabeth.thompson@ubht.swest.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Elizabeth Anita
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cooke
authors.forename: Deidre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McQuigan
authors.forename: Graeme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Butters
mesh_terms: D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D009013:Morale; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000592:standards*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D012649:Self Concept; D029181:Spirituality