Description

In an effort to describe, quantify and analyze Patient and Family Support in a context understood by medical staff and hospital administration, an assessment and data gathering SUPPORT CARD was developed in March 2011. The objective has been to capture quantity and quality of care, record demographics and numbers of people seen, assess acuity and needs, track services and outcomes. The goal is to measure both staff productivity and impact.

The tool uses a medical model for needs assessment: INITIAL PSYCHOSOCIAL ASSESSMENT, PAIN/SUFFERING ACUITY SCALE (based on 0-10 pain scale) and SUPPORT DIAGNOSIS (i.e. Advanced Directive issues, Anger/discord, Isolation, Crisis, Cultural/religious concerns) in the first domain. The second domain lists SERVICE PROVIDED (i.e., Counseling, Liaison/communication, Life review, Family Meeting, Physical/comfort care) and REFERRALS. The third domain details OUTCOMES/PROGRESS (i.e. Adjusted goals of care, Improved communication, Life review facilitated, Coping strategies identified) and DISCHARGE INFORMATION. Monthly reports of productivity have been generated and submitted to the Department of Medicine and Hospital Administration. After six months of use, analysis has identified areas for programmatic and service change to enhance patient and family care and evidence-based data to support Palliative Care program growth.

Bottom line…we can report support!