For every numerator, you need a denominator: A simple statement but key to measuring the quality of care of the "dying"

被引:27
作者
Teno, JM [1 ]
Coppola, KM [1 ]
机构
[1] Brown Univ, Ctr Gerontol & Hlth Care Res, Dept Community Hlth, Providence, RI 02912 USA
关键词
quality of care; terminal illness; dying; measurement;
D O I
10.1016/S0885-3924(98)00132-8
中图分类号
R19 [保健组织与事业(卫生事业管理)];
学科分类号
摘要
A mathematical rate is composed of a numerator; denominator, and time period of observation. Deciding who is in the denominator is a key, yet difficult task given the blurred boundaries of chronic illness, in examining the quality of care for dying patients. We propose two potential solutions. First, one could prospectively define the outcome state of "living with life-threatening'' illness, where there is life expectancy of 1 or 2 years. Second retrospective interviews could be used with family members or other loved ones about their perceptions of the quality of care in the last weeks of life. Improving the quality of care for dying patients and their families requires attention to this matter. J Pain Symptom Manage 1999;17:109-113. (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 1999.
引用
收藏
页码:109 / 113
页数:5
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