Next of Kin Perceptions of End of Life Care: An Investigation of Open-Ended Survey Responses to the VA’s Bereaved Family Survey (GP738)

Objectives Develop fuller and more nuanced understanding of family needs at end of life Consider ways that findings may inform quality improvement efforts and best practices at VA and other organizations. Importance. Although bereaved family surveys are routinely used quantitatively for quality asse...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pain and symptom management 2020-07, Vol.60 (1), p.268-268
Main Authors: Gray, Caroline, PhD, Yefimova, Maria, PhD RN, McCaa, Matthew, MSOT OTR/L, Goebel, Joy, PhD RN FPCN, Shreve, Scott, DO, Giannitrapani, Karleen, PhD, Lorenz, Karl, MD, MSHS
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anesthesia
Appreciation
Bereavement
Best practice
End of life decisions
Hospice care
Narratives
Next of kin
Pain Medicine
Palliative care
Personal information
Polls & surveys
Qualitative research
Quality assessment
Quality management
Respondents
Restaurants
Rites & ceremonies
Sympathy
Veterans
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Summary:Objectives Develop fuller and more nuanced understanding of family needs at end of life Consider ways that findings may inform quality improvement efforts and best practices at VA and other organizations. Importance. Although bereaved family surveys are routinely used quantitatively for quality assessment, open-ended, narrative responses often are not systematically analyzed, despite their potential for detailed, personal information about the receipt of care. Indepth analysis of narrative responses to bereaved family surveys allows researchers to identify opportunities for improving end-of-life care delivery. Objective(s). Based on qualitative analysis of responses to the Bereaved Family Survey (BFS), identify areas where the VA is excelling in delivering high quality end of life care for Veterans, as well as identify areas that may need further attention. Method(s). We analyzed over 6000 responses from 2017 to BFS open-ended questionnaire items. Using descriptive qualitative methods, we found several notable themes. Results. Overall, respondents were impressed with the level of care provided at VA facilities, and praised VA employees for their commitment and dedication. Respondents noted their appreciation of ceremonies that honored the life of the Veteran. Respondents recommended consistent provision of booklets that include information about benefits provided upon the Veteran's passing as well as recommendations for local lodging, restaurants, and funeral arrangements. Staff expressions of condolence, including sympathy
ISSN:0885-3924
1873-6513
DOI:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.165