Developing a Next-of-Kin Involvement Guide in Cancer Care—Results From a Consensus Process. Issue 6 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bergerød, Inger J.; Braut, Geir S.; Fagerdal, Birte; Gilje, Bjørnar; Wiig, Siri
• Is Part Of: Cancer nursing. Volume 44:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Cancer nursing -- Consensus methods -- Guide -- Hospitals -- Involvement -- Next-of-kin -- Nominal group technique; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.736
• DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000869
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0162-220X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: In 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. 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. Method: A consensus process based on a modified Nominal group technique was applied with 20 stakeholder participants from 2 Norwegian university hospitals. Result: The 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. 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. 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 Practice: Service providers can use the guide to formulate intentions and make decisions with suggestions and priorities or as a reflexive tool for organizational improvement.