Echteld.net

Research in palliative care and quality of life

An individualised quality of life intervention for patients admitted to a hospital-based palliative care unit

Investigators
MA Echteld, PhD
Prof L Deliens, PhD
M van der Linden, PhD 
Prof HMW Verheul

Background
In palliative care, much attention is devoted to interventions that target physical symptoms. Interventions that have quality of life as the primary outcome are scarce, even though the primary aim of palliative care is achieving the best possible quality of life. A previous study suggests that even in excellent hospital-based units for palliative care, patient quality of life is sub-optimal, and many quality of life-related issues are not treated. In this project, a protocol will be developed for individualised quality of life-related interventions in a hospital-based facility for palliative care and symptom control. Its effectiveness (in terms of increased quality of life) and feasibility will be assessed.

Methods
A non-equivalent groups design will be employed (N=30 in the experimental group and N=30 in the control group). The project entails four steps: (1) assessing the problems of patients admitted to a hospital-based palliative care unit that are thought to cause suboptimal quality of life; (2) deciding on suitable interventions for these problems in multidisciplinary teams; (3) asking the best qualified available professionals to perform the interventions; (4) evaluating the interventions. A validated interview method (Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life [SEIQoL]) is used to determine which problems are associated with suboptimal quality of life in each individual patient. Standard symptom control, supportive care, and spiritual care interventions will be used. Cancer patients admitted to the palliative care unit of the Department of Medical Oncology for an anticipated period of at least a week, not receiving treatment with curative intent, will be asked to participate.

Links
For more information on the SEIQoL, click here. For more information on quality of life in general, click here.