Abstract
BackgroundHospitalized palliative patients need to keep in touch with their loved ones. Regular social contact may be especially difficult for individuals on palliative care in-patient units due to the isolating nature of hospital settings. Technology can help mitigate isolation by facilitating social connection. This study aimed to explore the acceptability of introducing internet-based communication and information technologies for patients on a palliative care in-patient unit.MethodsIn the first phase of the Keep in Touch (KIT) project, a diverse group of key informants were consulted regarding their perspectives on web-based communication on in-patient palliative care units. Participants included palliative patients, family members, direct care providers, communication and information technology experts, and institutional administrators. Data was collected through focus groups, interviews and drop-in consultations, and was analyzed for themes, consensus, and major differences across participant groups.ResultsHospitalized palliative patients and their family members described the challenges of keeping in touch with family and friends. Participants identified numerous examples of ways that communication and information technologies could benefit patients’ quality of life and care. Patients and family members saw few drawbacks associated with the use of such technology. While generally supportive, direct care providers were concerned that patient requests for assistance in using the technology would place increased demands on their time. Administrators and IT experts recognized issues such as privacy and costs related to offering these technologies throughout an organization and in the larger health care system.ConclusionsThis study affirmed the acceptability of offering internet-based communication and information technologies on palliative care in-patient units. It provides the foundation for trialing these technologies on a palliative in-patient unit. Further study is needed to confirm the feasibility of offering these technologies at the bedside.
Highlights
Hospitalized palliative patients need to keep in touch with their loved ones
Palliative care is important for patients who experience significant burden of illness at any stage along the disease trajectory; helping them and their families adapt to these challenges and improve their quality of life in existential, spiritual, psychological, and social domains, despite a decline in their overall health [2]
Many factors contribute to psychological well-being and the quality of life in terminally ill patients, but social support and social connectedness play a key role
Summary
Hospitalized palliative patients need to keep in touch with their loved ones. Regular social contact may be especially difficult for individuals on palliative care in-patient units due to the isolating nature of hospital settings. The quality of life in terminally ill patients is challenged by physical, emotional, social, and spiritual concerns [1]. Palliative care is important for patients who experience significant burden of illness at any stage along the disease trajectory; helping them and their families adapt to these challenges and improve their quality of life in existential, spiritual, psychological, and social domains, despite a decline in their overall health [2]. In a study by Brecher [12], the use of Skype (a brand of voice-over-internet protocol) in a palliative care in-patient setting enhanced patient quality of life and connection to their loved ones. Skype has been reported as being helpful in facilitating communication between care providers, patients and families [13]. Important is that most of these studies have focused on improving the clinical care of patients, not necessarily focused on the dimensions of social support and social connectedness
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