The Development of a Management Model for Palliative Care Patients

Abstract

Palliative care is care that focuses on increasing the quality of life of patients and their families that reduces suffering by taking into account the needs and wishes of the patient and family. The objectives of this research were to 1) study palliative care management; 2) develop a palliative management model, and 3) study the results of the developed palliative management model for end-of-life patients. The study was conducted between 1 April 2022 - 31 October 2022. The sample consisted of 60 professional nurses and 30 end-of-life patients receiving palliative care at Yasothon Hospital. Research tools used to conduct the research included: 1) group discussion questions, 2) of the "YASO-PCN-CARE Mode!" management model for end-of-life palliative care patients. Assessment tools included: 1) the professional nurses practice evaluation form, 2) the Personnel satisfaction questionnaire, 3) the patient care nurse competence questionnaire, and 4) the family satisfaction with patient care questionnaire.               The research assessment tools’ reliability were assessed using Cornbrash's Alpha Coefficient produced reliability values of 0.81, 0.79, 0.83 and 0.80, respectively. Descriptive statistics and Paired t tests statistics were used to analyze the data.

The results of the research found that the "YASO-PCN-CARE Model" palliative management model for end-of-life patient practice guidelines consisted of structuring, setting goals, holistic care, communication channels for continuous care, working as a team and building a clinical supervision network, having a care plan, sharing resources, and reviewing and evaluating the plan. The results of the assessment of the management model found that, (1) overall, personnel satisfaction was at a high level (Mean = 4.75, S.D. =0.45); (2) the ability to provide palliative care to end-of-life patients was very high (Mean =4.68, S.D. =0.14) and was statistically significantly higher than before implementation of the guidelines at the .05 level; (3) satisfaction of family on having model of care, the overall satisfaction was at a high level (Mean = 4.37, S.D. = 0.54): (4) compliance to the guidelines among the nurses was at a high level (Mean = 4.41, S.D. =.54); and (5) family meetings and advanced care planning was conducted in every case (100 %) after using the guidelines. Conclusion the palliative management model for end-of-life patient was easy to practice, personnel have ability to care for patients. Personnel and their families are satisfied with the model.