Abstract

BackgroundIn hospital cancer care, there is no set standard for next-of-kin involvement in improving the quality of care and patient safety. There is therefore a growing need for tools and methods that can guide this complex area.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to present the results from a consensus-based participatory process of designing a guide for next-of-kin involvement in hospital cancer care.MethodA consensus process based on a modified Nominal group technique was applied with 20 stakeholder participants from 2 Norwegian university hospitals.ResultThe participants agreed on the 5 most important priorities for hospital cancer care services when involving next-of-kin. The results showed that next-of-kin stakeholders, when proactively involved, are important resources for the patient and healthcare professionals in terms of contribution to quality and safety in hospitals. Suggested means of involving next-of-kin were closer interaction with external support bodies, integration in clinical pathways, adjusted information, and training healthcare professionals.ConclusionIn this study, we identified topics and elements to include in a next-of-kin involvement guide to support quality and safety in hospital cancer care. The study raises awareness of the complex area of next-of-kin involvement and contributes with theory development and knowledge translation in an involvement guide tailored for use by healthcare professionals and managers in everyday clinical practice.Implications for PracticeService providers can use the guide to formulate intentions and make decisions with suggestions and priorities or as a reflexive tool for organizational improvement.

Highlights

  • In hospital cancer care, there is no set standard for next-of-kin involvement in improving the quality of care and patient safety

  • The following research questions guided the consensus process: 1) What can we learn from next-of-kin experiences with hospital cancer care? 2) How can next-of-kin experiences be valued more systematically to improve the quality and safety of cancer care? 3) What methods or tools are appropriate for collecting experiences and for next-of-kin involvement locally, regionally, and nationally?

  • 2 male and 18 female 5 managers and 15 healthcare professionals in cancer care?” In addition, we asked them to respond in writing to the following questions that guided the consensus process: 1) What can we learn from next-of-kin experiences with hospital cancer care? 2) How can next-of-kin experiences be valued more systematically to improve cancer care quality and safety? 3) What methods or tools are appropriate for collecting experiences and for next-of-kin involvement?

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Summary

Introduction

There is no set standard for next-of-kin involvement in improving the quality of care and patient safety. Objective: The aim of this study was to present the results from a consensus-based participatory process of designing a guide for next-of-kin involvement in hospital cancer care. Result: The participants agreed on the 5 most important priorities for hospital cancer care services when involving next-ofkin. The results showed that next-of-kin stakeholders, when proactively involved, are important resources for the patient and healthcare professionals in terms of contribution to quality and safety in hospitals. Conclusion: In this study, we identified topics and elements to include in a next-of-kin involvement guide to support quality and safety in hospital cancer care.

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