Outcome measures of spiritual care in palliative home care: a qualitative study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify key outcome measures of spiritual care in palliative home care. A qualitative study was conducted with experts from 3 stakeholder groups (physicians, professional spiritual caregivers, and researchers) representing 2 countries (Belgium and The Netherlands). Three key outcome measures were identified: the extent to which the patient feels that he or she is being heard and taken seriously, the extent to which the patient experiences that there is a place for that which is insoluble, and the extent to which the patient experiences that there is a place for that which cannot be said. Further research is needed to implement and evaluate these new outcome measures.