Consensus development of quality indicators for end‐of‐life care for elders in Japan. (June 2017) - Masaki, Harue
Abstract: Aims and objectives: Quality indicators for end‐of‐life care have been published; however, none have been developed specifically for nursing in the cultural and traditional context of Japan. This study aimed to develop and build a consensus of quality indicators for end‐of‐life care for elders in Japan from the perspective of nursing science. Methods: To develop the quality indicators, we used a literature review, expert panel process, and the Delphi technique among clinical nurse specialists in geriatrics. Results: Quality indicators were identified in 7 major areas: advance directives and surrogate continuity, ethical daily care, care preferences and decisions about life‐sustaining treatment, assessment and management of pain and other symptoms, daily care for the dying, family care, and institutional systems for end‐of‐life care. Conclusions: These quality indicators represent the first attempt to develop a best practices approach toward improving the quality of elderly end‐of‐life care in nursing.