Assessing quality of care for the dying from the bereaved relatives’ perspective: Using pre-testing survey methods across seven countries to develop an international outcome measure

SAGE Palliative Medicine & Chronic Care

This episode features Dr Catriona Mayland (University of Sheffield, UK). The Quality of Death Index showed variability in the international provision of care for the dying. In order to improve care, we need to have validated outcome measures to assess the current quality of care. One method of evaluation is to use the views from the bereaved relatives to assess their own perceptions and as proxy measures for the patient. We have developed a common, core international ‘Care Of the Dying Evaluation’ (i-CODE) questionnaire, assessing both patient care and family-carer support. Engagement of patient and public representatives and bereaved relatives has informed the development process adding to the face and content validity of i-CODE. i-CODE will enable a transnational comparison of care for the dying to be conducted. Results of i-CODE can be used directly for quality improvement purposes. i-CODE may be further developed into an international standard and benchmarking tool. Full paper available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269216318818299

If you would like to record a podcast about your published (or accepted) Palliative Medicine paper, please contact Dr Amara Nwosu: [e-mail]