Satisfaction Of Family Members Research Articles

A pilot study of audiovisual family meetings in the intensive care unit

PurposeWe hypothesized that virtual family meetings in the intensive care unit with conference calling or Skype videoconferencing would result in increased family member satisfaction and more efficient decision making. MethodsThis is a prospective, nonblinded, nonrandomized pilot study. A 6-question survey was completed by family members after family meetings, some of which used conference calling or Skype by choice. Overall, 29 (33%) of the completed surveys came from audiovisual family meetings vs 59 (67%) from control meetings. ResultsThe survey data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling, which did not find any significant group differences between satisfaction with the audiovisual meetings vs controls. There was no association between the audiovisual intervention and withdrawal of care (P = .682) or overall hospital length of stay (z = 0.885, P = .376). ConclusionsAlthough we do not report benefit from an audiovisual intervention, these results are preliminary and heavily influenced by notable limitations to the study. Given that the intervention was feasible in this pilot study, audiovisual and social media intervention strategies warrant additional investigation given their unique ability to facilitate communication among family members in the intensive care unit.

Assessment of satisfaction with care and decision-making among English and Spanish-speaking family members of neuroscience ICU patients

BackgroundPatients' and family members' experiences of hospital care are important indicators of quality. “Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients are more at risk than White patients for decreased satisfaction with care." In addition, of any of these groups, Hispanic patients were most likely to report a lack of patient-centered care. In the intensive care setting, (ICU) previous research has indicated that the needs and satisfaction of family members of neurological ICU patients are different from those of family members of other types of ICU patients. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine if there were any differences between English-speaking and Spanish-speaking family members of patients in a neurological ICU. MethodsThis study was a single center prospective study conducted over a 10-month period from April 2013 to February 2014 in the 18-bed neuroscience ICU of a large, urban, academic medical center. The Family Satisfaction with ICU (FS-ICU) questionnaire was used; it provides an overall score and has two factors: satisfaction with care and satisfaction with decision-making. ResultsThere was no statistical significance between the two groups in overall satisfaction or in satisfaction with care, however Spanish-speakers (n=22) were significantly less satisfied (p=.04) than English-speakers (n=50) with decision-making. There were three other discreet variables in which Spanish-speakers were also less satisfied: (a) management of patients' pain (OR 3.16, 95% CI [1.12, 8.9]) (b) management of patients' breathlessness (OR 3.5, 95% CI [1.23, 9.96]) as well as (c) ease of getting information (OR 3.25, 95% CI [1.09, 9.64]). ConclusionUsing a standardized survey it was found that Spanish-speakers were statistically less satisfied with decision-making than English-speakers. Additionally, Spanish-speakers were statistically less satisfied with management of patients' pain and breathlessness and ease of getting information. Based on these findings, increased vigilance is recommended regarding decision-making processes of Hispanic-families, especially with regard to provision of information.

Intensive care patient and family satisfaction.

The purpose of this paper is to measure family member satisfaction with the care provided in an Australian private intensive care unit (ICU) at two time points separated by two years. The study was part of a quality improvement process for ICU, and was designed with reference to the revised Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health care. This prospective study involved family members of patients admitted in ICU in February 2011 and February 2013. All patients admitted to during the study month were eligible. Questionnaire addressed staff competence, treatment of family, communication, environment and overall satisfaction, using a Likert scale. There was one free text question. The first survey was done by handing the survey package to the next of kin at the time of discharge while the second involved mailing a survey package within a week of discharge from ICU. Quantitative analysis was based on ten Likert items and qualitative analysis based on the free text question. The response rate was 53 percent (54/102) in 2013 (mailed) compared to 44 percent (44/100) in 2011 (hand delivered). The results from second (2013) survey showed statistically significant improvement in satisfaction associated with nursing and medical competency. Other areas with improvement were the relative's waiting room and visiting hours. The area lacking improvement was ease of finding ICU the hospital. It confirmed that families were satisfied with the care provided and highlighted areas for improvement. The results indicated high satisfaction overall, especially with the hospital staff competency and the overall care quality their relative received. Though most responses also indicated satisfaction with communication and support services, these areas did not perform as well. This study provided a simple and effective mechanism to monitor consumer satisfaction with ICU.

The effectiveness of orthopedic patient education in improving patient outcomes: a systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to identify the effectiveness of patient education for orthopedic surgery patients. More specifically, the objectives are to identify the effectiveness of patient education on:length of staysatisfactionpain levelcost of carefunctional abilitiesknowledgeanxietyquality of life in orthopedic settings. Patient education is an essential part of practice for all healthcare professionals. In the orthopedic setting, effective patient education contributes to positive patient outcomes. Patient education is critical to ensure that patients receive appropriate information to assist in the pre-admission, peri-operative treatment and rehabilitation process for the patient. The process of patient education is essentially one where the patient comes to understand his or her physical condition and self-care using the experience and guidance of the multidisciplinary team.With an effective and well-structured patient education program, the cost benefit for health care provider and patient includes a shortened length of stay, and reduced cost of care. According to Huang et al. a simplified pre-operative education program reduced the length of stay and cost of care. Similarly, Jones et al. found that length of stay of a patient who received pre-operative education was reduced. In that study, the mean length of stay was significantly reduced from seven days in patients who did not received pre-operative education to five days in patients who received pre-operative education. These results suggest that pre-operative education programs are an effective method in reducing the length of stay of orthopedic patients.Johansson et al. also described pre-operative education for orthopedic patients in a systematic review published in 2005. They discussed the effect of patient education on the orthopedic patient and found that knowledge, anxiety, pain, length of hospital stay, performance of exercise and mobilization, self-efficacy, patient compliance, adherence and empowerment were all improved as a result of patient education. While Johansson et al. included studies up to 2003, the proposed systematic review will include studies from 2003 to 2013.Kruzik also reported benefits of decreased length of stay, reduced pain medication requested post-operatively together with increased patient and family member satisfaction. Bastable reported benefits of patient education, including increased patient satisfaction, improved quality of life, enhanced continuity of care, decreased anxiety, fewer complications, promotion of adherence to the plan of care, maximized independence, and empowerment.Types of education involved in this systematic review are patient education, pre-operative education, and discharge education. Only one study discussed discharge education and the outcome from this review. The outcomes that have been discussed in this systematic review include length of stay, satisfaction, pain level,, 21 cost of care, functional abilities, knowledge, anxiety, and quality of life.Major outcomes discussed in these studies are length of stay, pain,, 21 functional abilities, and anxiety. Most of these studies found significant results of reduced length of stay on those patients who received patient education compared to patient who did not received any patient education or information. Studies support the positive outcomes around length of stay.Common orthopedic conditions that have been discussed are osteoarthritis with total arthroplasty either hip or knee or joint replacement. A study on spinal surgery patients and the effects of pre-operative education, which stated that although there are many studies on the effectiveness on patient education, there are missing data on spinal surgery. This study found that the implementation of patient education has positive impacts upon patient satisfaction especially in managing pain.This review will look specifically at the effectiveness of orthopedic patient education for length of stay, satisfaction, pain level, cost of care, functional ability, knowledge, anxiety, and quality of life.

The Fruits of Passion: The Effect of Entrepreneurship on Life Satisfaction of Family Members

In this paper, we take a family embedded perspective to investigate the intertwined relationship between entrepreneurship and family. We argue that the involvement of family members in a family bus...

Medición de la satisfacción de los pacientes ingresados en unidad de cuidados intensivos y sus familiares

ObjectiveTo determine the level of satisfaction of family members with the care and decision making process, and to know the level of satisfaction of patients discharged from ICU. DesignA prospective, observational and descriptive study with a duration of 5 months was carried out. SettingThe ICU of Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander (Spain). SubjectsFamily members of adult patients admitted to the ICU and patients discharged to the ward. InterventionInstrument: Family Satisfaction Intensive Care Survey (FS-ICU 34) of family members of patients discharged to the ward. We adapted the FS-ICU 34 in relation to care for application to the patients. ResultsA total of 385 questionnaires were obtained: 192 from families of survivors and 162 from patients, and 31 from relatives of non-survivors. The majority of relatives were satisfied with overall care and overall decision making (survivors: 83.46±11.83 and 79.42±13.58, respectively; non-survivors: 80.41±17.27 and 79.61±16.93, respectively). Patients were very satisfied with the care received (84.71±12.85). ConclusionsThe level of satisfaction of the relatives of patients admitted to the ICU is high, in the same way as the degree of patient satisfaction. Still, there are several points that should be improved, such as the waiting room environment and the atmosphere of the ICU in terms of noise, privacy and lighting. In relation to the decision making process, there are also some aspects that may be improved, such as the provision of hope regarding recovery of the critically ill relative.

Determining the satisfaction levels of the family members of patients with advanced-stage cancer

The objective of our study was to determine the satisfaction levels of family members of patients with advanced-stage cancer. This descriptive study was conducted in the palliative care and medical oncology clinics of a university hospital in the province of Izmir between April of 2011 and January of 2012. The study sample consisted of a total of 145 family members, who were selected from among the family members of patients with advanced-stage cancer receiving palliative treatment. The study data were obtained using the Patient Description Form and Family Satisfaction Scale during face-to-face interviews with patients. Some 67% of patients were female and 33% male, 70% were married, 35% were high school graduates, and 34.5% were housewives. The average total family satisfaction score was 76.87 ± 1.14, and the average scores for the component variables were as follows: information giving 74.37 ± 1.28, availability of care 78.40 ± 1.17, physical care 78.99 ± 1.09, and psychosocial care 74.52 ± 1.30. We found a relationship between the level of satisfaction of family members and (1) gender, (2) occupation, (3) presence of someone supporting the care, and (4) possession of sufficient information about the patient (p < 0.05). Satisfaction levels of participants were determined to be high. We found that family member satisfaction levels were affected by gender and occupation, the existence of someone supporting the care, and possession of sufficient information about the patient.

Establishing the Surgical Nurse Liaison Role to Improve Patient and Family Member Communication

Having clear personal communication with a surgical patient's family members decreases the anxiety and increases patient and family member satisfaction. Perioperative team members at one East Coast community hospital implemented a new approach to communication in the perioperative area to address patient satisfaction after patient survey scores declined in the areas of communication and calming fears. An additional consideration was the facility's plan to move to a new facility in which the surgical department would be split across two floors. A literature review revealed that adding a surgical nurse liaison can increase patient, family member, and staff member satisfaction. The administration approved creation of the position, with duties that included managing the waiting area, facilitating interaction between physicians and patients' family members, and assisting with family visits to the perianesthesia unit. After implementation of this position, results of surveys showed increases in patient satisfaction. One year after the position was established, staff members reported they were happy with the position as well.

Happy Anniversary Cochrane Collaboration

Twenty years of progress and still leading – congratulations to the Cochrane Collaboration on achieving this milestone while advancing research in health care and in nursing. As a global leader in research, the Collaboration has paved the way for the delivery of high-quality information about the effectiveness of health care. The Cochrane Collaboration is an international network of more than 31,000 people from over 120 countries working together and dedicated to helping health professionals, patients, policy makers and advocates make healthcare decisions based on the best, current evidence. The Collaboration is named after Archie Cochrane (1909–1988), who advocated the use of randomized controlled trials as a means of informing healthcare practice. The Collaboration produces systematic reviews that form the basis internationally for informed decision-making in health care. Patients benefit directly from improvements in quality of care because the best evidence is translated into clinical practice. Nursing has embraced evidence-based practice as a model for clinical decision-making. Evidence-based practice is a problem-solving method based on the systematic and diligent application of current research to inform practice (Pearson et al. 2011). The Cochrane Collaboration has produced over 5,000 systematic reviews that have yielded valuable scientific evidence and these studies are published online in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Although initially seen as focusing on the medical professions, the Cochrane Collaboration has expanded to augment nursing with the establishment of the Cochrane Nursing Care Field (CNCF) – to which we both belong – in 2009. The CNCF promotes systematic reviews that have a direct impact on nursing. Readers of JAN appreciate the advantages of evidence-based practice. New knowledge and evidence inform advanced practice for nursing and propel improvements in education, management and professional policy initiatives in health care. Nursing care is enhanced and the international audience of nurses interested in evidence synthesis is enriched by the development and distribution of systematic research. JAN contributes to scholarly dissemination by regularly publishing systematic reviews like the recent article that reported advanced practice nurses in long-term care facilities are effective in improving satisfaction of family members and reducing patient complications such as depression, incontinence and pressure ulcer formation in older residents (Donald et al. 2013). Systematic reviews provide a rigorous explanation of current knowledge, a robust analysis of evidence and strategies for sharing scholarship in clinical practice and policy formation. Another example of scholarship is the systematic review authored by Hamel and Robbins (2013) that found Web-based interventions can improve eating behaviour and diet-related physical outcomes among children and adolescents, especially when conducted in schools and designed individually. They went further to advise that the results of the interventions may not be sustained over time without reinforcement. Nurses can apply this science in patient care, in education and in developing policy. The value of evidence synthesis is easily recognized as essential to the professional growth of nursing as a discipline. In the future, nursing will be guided by theory development and sound research methods to produce evidence that challenges conventional thinking and practice. There is a growing demand for verifiable healthcare facts that can be trusted, and ideas that improve health care. We are assured that the Cochrane Collaboration and its partners in evidence dissemination will continue to promote new nursing science. Unlimited opportunities await as we strive to practise high-quality nursing care with treatments and interventions based on accurate evidence.

Comparison of Family Satisfaction in Australian Ethno-Specific and Mainstream Aged Care Facilities

The aim in this study was to identify specific aspects of care that increased satisfaction of family members of Greek and Italian residents with dementia in mainstream or ethno-specific aged care facilities in Australia. Relatives of 83 aged care residents with Greek or Italian backgrounds who were also cognitively impaired were interviewed. They rated their satisfaction with the facility and suggested improvements regarding the care provided. Family members with relatives in ethno-specific care were more satisfied, in terms of the facility's ability to meet the resident's language and cultural needs, social/leisure activities, and the food provided. The presence of a bilingual staff member and greater perceived reduction in family caregiver stress upon admission were associated with higher satisfaction. Results implicate the role of activities programs, catering, resident interaction, supporting caregivers upon admission, and bilingual staff members to increase family satisfaction, with the potential to improve the care provided to residents in mainstream care.

Stress and satisfaction of family members and independent living skills of psychiatric outpatients

Background There are several parameters that must be included in the evaluation psychosocial rehabilitation. Objectives To describe and correlate the degree of stress of family members who live with schizophrenic and bipolar disorder patients, their satisfaction with mental health services and the level of daily living skills of the patient. Method Cross-sectional and correlational study, from 2012 to 2013, with a sample of 100 caregivers. The Family Satisfaction with Mental Health Services Rating Scale (SATIS-BR), the Independent Living Skills Survey (ILSS-BR), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.21, with the Mann-Whitney test, Jonckheere-Terpstra test, and Pearson’s, Spearman’s and Partial correlations, and a significance level α = 0.05. Results The score for the SATIS-BR scale was 4.28, 1.59 for the ILSS, and 7.39 for the GHQ-12. The value of the Pearson correlation coefficient between the SATIS-BR and ILSS was r = -0.27, and r = -0.23 between the GHQ-12 and SATIS-BR. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient between Education and the GHQ-12 was r = -0.24 and there was a negative linear trend between stress and the level of education (JT = -2.54, p < 0:01). Discussion The caregivers presented a very high level of psychological distress, therefore, it is critical that mental health services perform more effective psychosocial rehabilitation actions.

Resección de focos epileptogénicos frontales identificados tras la callosotomía: resultados a largo plazo

To analyse the results of resective surgery in patients in whom it was possible to identify a frontal epileptogenic focus through corpus callosotomy. Data from patients suffering drug-resistant epilepsy showing persistence of disabling seizures after undergoing corpus callosotomy and subsequent treatment with frontal lobe resective surgery were prospectively reviewed. Classifications according to Engel's scale before and after each intervention were evaluated, as were the percentages of seizure reduction. Additionally, the satisfaction of family members with surgical outcomes was also assessed. Eleven patients were identified. After a median follow-up period of 7 years (IQR: 3-8 years), 63.6% of patients showed improvement of seizures according to Engel's scale, 27.2% remained unchanged and one worsened. One patient was categorised as class i, 8 as class ii, one as class iii and one as class iv. The percentage reduction in the number of seizures was over 90% in 54.5% of patients, between 50% and 90% in 36.4% and less than 50% in 9.1%. Family satisfaction was reported as good or excellent in 90.9% of cases. In addition to providing better seizure control, corpus callosotomy also appears to be a diagnostic tool allowing the identification of potential targets for resective surgery. Therefore, it should be considered upon suspicion of a frontal epileptogenic focus which could be surgically treated.

Assessing Family Members' Satisfaction with Information Sharing and Communication during Hospital Care at the End of Life

Despite the fact that most deaths occur in hospital, problems remain with how patients and families experience care at the end of life when a death occurs in a hospital. (1) assess family member satisfaction with information sharing and communication, and (2) examine how satisfaction with information sharing and communication is associated with patient factors. Using a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from family members of adult patients who died in an acute care organization. Correlation and factor analysis were conducted, and internal consistency assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Linear regression was performed to determine the relationship among patient variables and satisfaction on the Information Sharing and Communication (ISC) scale. There were 529 questionnaires available for analysis. Following correlation analysis and the dropping of redundant and conceptually irrelevant items, seven items remained for factor analysis. One factor was identified, described as information sharing and communication, that explained 76.3% of the variance. The questionnaire demonstrated good content and reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.96). Overall, family members were satisfied with information sharing and communication (mean total satisfaction score 3.9, SD 1.1). The ISC total score was significantly associated with patient gender, the number of days in hospital before death, and the hospital program where the patient died. The ISC scale demonstrated good content validity and reliability. The ISC scale offers acute care organizations a means to assess the quality of information sharing and communication that transpires in care at the end of life.

Increasing patient family member satisfaction with information received from a post-anesthesia care unit

Families of patients in post-anesthesia care units (PACUs), often feel anxious because of a lack of information on patient condition and post-operative care. Based on interviews with families, we designed a family information needs questionnaire to measure family information needs, satisfaction with information received, satisfaction with post-operative care, and level of perceived anxiety. Results of a questionnaire survey taken in March 2011 revealed an average satisfaction-level score of 75.5%. Factors negatively affecting satisfaction included lack of orientation information on the PACU, unclear PACU navigation information, and general comprehension difficulties due to anxiety. A project was designed to increase PACU patient family members' satisfaction levels with information received. In April 2011, education material was developed that provided relevant PACU care and PACU orientation information. Improvements directly associated with this project included reducing the incidence of unauthorized entry of family members from 15 to 5 times per day, decreasing the average level of perceived anxiety from 3.4 to 2.2 (1-4), and increasing satisfaction from 75.5% to 92.5% (0-100). By providing education material in response to family needs, nurses can reduce family member anxiety and increase satisfaction with nursing care.

Application of Orem self-care theory in self-nursing education for family members with PICU children

Objective To investigate the application of Orem self-care theory in self-nursing education for family members with PICU children.Methods Totals of 126 family members of children with PICU were selected,and Orem self-care theory was used to assess the nursing problems,made care plan,and adjust the care measures.Then evaluated the nursing satisfaction in family members before and after the application of Orem self-care theory education.Results After the education of Orem self-care theory,the satisfaction of family members with PICU children were improved from 80.0％ to 96.6％,and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =14.596,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The application of Orem self-care theory in PICU children and their families can significantly improve their uncomfortable and satisfaction for the nursing care, Key words: Orem self-care; PICU; Family members with children; Self-care education

Presencia de los familiares durante la realización de procedimientos invasivos

IntroductionFamily members of child patients have traditionally not been allowed to be present during invasive procedures. ObjectivesTo evaluate the level of satisfaction of family members, healthcare professionals, and the patients themselves, when family members are present during invasive procedures carried out in the pediatric emergency department. Materials and methodsA prospective observational study was carried out, which included a questionnaire containing demographic information, the details of the procedure, and the level of satisfaction of the patient, their family members, and the healthcare professionals present. ResultsData was obtained from 75 procedures. In 5 of these, family members chose not to be present during the procedure. The most frequent procedures were lumbar punctures (44%), laceration repairs (22,7%) and venopunctures (17,3%). All (100%) the children who were asked wanted their family members to be present. 90% of family members and 57% of healthcare professionals were of the opinion that the presence of family members facilitated the procedure. Furthermore, 90% of family members and 76% of healthcare professionals thought that family presence was beneficial to the patient. 95% of family members and 71% of healthcare professionals thought that the option to be present during invasive procedures should be given to family members. 73% of healthcare professionals were satisfied with the presence of family members. On a scale of one to ten, overall satisfaction of family members was 9.5. ConclusionsIn our experience, family presence during invasive procedures is possible, and we have found this to be beneficial to the child. We also found that both family members and healthcare professionals were accepting and also satisfied with this new practice policy.

Determinants of Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit

The aim of this study was to explore the degree and determinants of satisfaction of family members of patients being cared for in an Australasian intensive care unit. This was a prospective observational study that took place within a mixed medical/surgical, level three intensive care unit. One hundred and eight family members of patients staying in the intensive care for more than 48 hours were identified. Eight were excluded because next of kin contact details were unavailable. A questionnaire was posted to next of kin four weeks after intensive care unit discharge. Subjects who had not responded after four weeks were contacted by telephone and, if consent was given, a phone questionnaire was performed. Evidence of family meetings with the social worker or medical staff was sought in the patients' case notes retrospectively. Family satisfaction was measured using a 10-item questionnaire incorporating visual analogue scales. Seven subjects refused to participate. Fifty-nine responded by post and a further 25 agreed to a phone interview. Nine subjects were unable to be contacted. Eighty-four family members were included, 73 of patients who survived. Overall family satisfaction was a high 8.0 (interquartile range 6.5 to 9.5). Highest scores recorded were for communications with nursing staff (9.0), while lowest scores were for frequency of doctors' communication (7.0). Families who had meetings with the social worker or medical staff were less likely to report dissatisfaction (relative risk 0.14; confidence interval 0.03 to 0.59; P=0.08; relative risk 0.23; confidence interval 0.07 to 0.81; P=0.02). Our study found that the majority of families are happy with their care in the intensive care unit. Social work and medical meetings with the family reduce dissatisfaction.

Family Satisfaction With Care Provided by Nurse Practitioners to Nursing Home Residents With Dementia at the End of Life

The purpose of this study was to examine family satisfaction with care provided by nurse practitioners (NP) to nursing home (NH) residents with dementia. A survey was mailed to 239 family members of nursing home residents who died with dementia. One open-ended question was added to provide comment about the care provided by the NP. A total of 131 surveys were returned (response rate 55%). The study revealed that 98% of family members agreed that they were satisfied with the end-of-life care provided by the NP. Survey responses were used to analyze the associations of communication, comfort, and satisfaction with NPs to total satisfaction with end-of-life care. Pearson's correlations demonstrated that overall satisfaction was significantly associated with NP-family communication, resident comfort, and satisfaction with NP care. Findings suggested that NPs using a model of care that emphasizes advance care planning, communication, and comfort results in high satisfaction of family members.

Critical Care Open Visiting Hours

To gain an understanding of and increased knowledge about the effects of open visiting hours on patients, their family members, and nurses within the intensive care unit environment, the author reviewed 10 empirical studies. Much has been debated about the essentials needed to create a healing environment that best promotes harmony of the mind, body, and spirit for the critically ill patient. Research indicates an open visiting policy may improve the quality of care and satisfaction of patients, family members, and nurses in the intensive care unit. The studies reviewed show that although most critical care nurses find that open visiting hours may impede patient care, the benefits to patients and family outweigh any negative impact to the patient.

Die Entwicklung eines Instruments zur «Evaluation stationärer Hospize aus der Perspektive hinterbliebener Angehöriger» (EHPA)

Inpatient hospice settings as facilities of health services are obliged to the quality assurance and internal quality development in Germany. The meaning of the patient's satisfaction as one of the indirect indicators for the judgement of nursing and care quality is indisputable by now. However, a subjective evaluation of the hospices by guests is practically and ethically problematic. An alternative approach is to investigate the views of bereaved relatives and close friends after the guest's death. The present article describes the development of an inventory for the evaluation of inpatient hospice settings from the bereaved relatives' point of view in order to examine the satisfaction of family members with the end-of-life care their loved ones received. With help of the inventory the question should be answered how family members judge the end-of-life care which was given to them and their late family members by the hospice. The construction of the questions results from the basis of existing concepts to the assessment of the end-of-life care and an analysis of all identified instruments to the evaluation of inpatient hospice settings from the perspective of bereaved relatives. The development of the questionnaire enclosed the formation of an item pool, the item choice, the critical discussion of the questions in the body of experts as well as a standardised and cognitive pretest beside a comprehensive literature research. A five-dimension questionnaire was developed that integrates physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and organisational aspects of the care at the end of life. The instrument encompasses 53 items, predominantly closed questions.