Palliative care necessitates a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s needs. This research evaluates a holistic assessment tool designed for palliative care practice, examining its usability, applicability, and barriers to implementation.
This mixed-method study analyzed 132 piloted holistic assessments conducted using the tool and incorporated insights from two focus groups with 10 healthcare professionals. The tool effectively facilitated the identification of patient needs, particularly physical health needs. However, discrepancies emerged between documented tool analysis and focus group feedback.
For instance, while 68.8% of documented assessments indicated discussions with patients regarding preferred care priorities, focus group participants expressed concerns about this aspect. Similarly, although 57.5% of assessments considered prognostic clinical indicators, focus groups revealed questions surrounding healthcare professionals’ knowledge and perceived utility of these indicators.
Healthcare professionals found the tool easy to understand and effective in capturing individual needs. However, repetitiveness and the experience level required of assessors were identified as drawbacks. The evaluation highlighted the complexities of holistic assessment in palliative care and underscored the crucial role of communication.
Ultimately, this holistic assessment tool can aid in patient assessment and needs identification within real-world palliative care settings. It serves as a valuable resource, enabling professionals to navigate sensitive and challenging care discussions. The study emphasizes that the tool itself is simply a facilitator, highlighting the importance of skilled communication and a comprehensive approach to patient care in palliative practice. Further research and refinement of such tools are essential to optimize holistic palliative care delivery.
