FAMILY CAREGIVER SATISFACTION WITH HOME-BASED PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES IN NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, GERMANY

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to give an overview of family caregiver satisfaction within the home palliative care situation in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire, with seven validated scales, and comprising of 71 items, was used. The items investigated perceived needs and burdens of families within a home-based palliative care situation. The satisfaction of the family caregivers with the services delivered by palliative care teams was measured by the FAMCARE-2 Scale. Descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed. Results: A convenience sample of 106 family members agreed to participate in the study. Overall, we found high satisfaction within our sample. There was high satisfaction with how the services respected the dignity of families, and how they provided comfort to patients. Satisfaction was lower with regard to information about patients. Conclusion: High or low satisfaction with palliative care, tells us little about the quality of services. The high satisfaction within this study could be interpreted as a sign that palliative care was important to families at the time of availability. Regular and continuous assessment can serve to inform the continuous quality of care provision for patients and their families.