Palliative care in nursing homes: a qualitative evaluation of the content comprehensiveness and the practical usability of the interRAI Palliative Care instrument

Abstract

Research aims: Nursing homes are important palliative care settings for frail older persons. By means of comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs), an appraisal can be made of the different palliative care needs of nursing home residents. The interRAI Palliative Care (interRAI PC) instrument is a CGA which assesses the diverse needs of older adults requiring palliative care in all healthcare settings. Examples of results are Client Assessment Protocols (CAPs) and Scales. Based on these outcomes, care plans can be evaluated and adjusted. This study aims to evaluate the content comprehensiveness and the practical usability of the interRAI PC instrument for use in palliative care in Belgian nursing homes. Study population: Care professionals in Belgian nursing homes. Study design and methods: Care professionals of ten nursing homes fill out the interRAI PC instrument during one year for all nursing home residents with palliative care needs. After six months, focus groups and interviews will be organized to determine whether items are lacking or redundant in the interRAI PC instrument for use in Belgian nursing homes. Furthermore, the usability of interRAI PC will be asked for in terms of barriers and facilitators. A qualitative data analysis will be conducted. Results: Results on interviews and focus groups will be available in March 2014. Discussion: Based on the results of this study, we will be able to adjust and optimize the content and the usability of the interRAI PC instrument for use in Belgian nursing homes.