title: Evidence-based practice in hospice: is qualitative more appropriate than quantitative?
abstract: Evidence-based practice has become the accepted phrase relative to healthcare quality and outcomes. Hospice providers have begun to express an interest in applying evidence to practice. Evidence-based practice, with its tiers of evidence, ranks quantitative research methods at the top. However, there is concern that applying evidence-based practice to a subjective concept like pain and suffering may be problematic. A more balanced approach to quality outcomes in hospice care may need to involve patient experience and qualitative research.
authors.affiliation: St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood, KY 41017, USA. brian.jones@stelizabeth.com
authors.forename: Brian W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000592:standards*; D006738:Hospices / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D059408:Pain Management / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control