Patients’ views of using an outcome measure in palliative day care: a focus group study

Outcome measures are being increasingly used in palliative care. Palliative day care is significantly different to other specialist palliative care settings, as patients may attend for much longer periods of time. The aim of this study was to elicit patients' views on using an adapted version of the Palliative Care Outcome Scale (POS) and to determine its value in identifying their individual needs. This qualitative study involved a focus group of nine patients who had used POS weekly for a minimum of 3 months. The focus group discussion was tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Participants found POS to be a useful communication tool, which helped them to identify their individual needs.