Keeping the Hospice Spirit Alive in Client Satisfaction Surveys

Funding bodies and accreditation organizations now demand objective data from hospice evaluations, and quantitative measures assessing outcomes. This is despite the fact that the goals and outcomes of hospice practice are not reductionist and are not easily quantified. One alternative to this bureaucratic challenge that does not necessitate compromise to hospice ideology is to develop an assessment tool through qualitative research using phenomenological data on carers’ insights with regard to hospice practice. In this article, the findings from the qualitative research that preceded the development of the assessment tool provide an insight into the key issues that carers give priority in evaluating a hospice. These findings provide valuable baseline data for understanding aspects of hospice practice that are valued by carers. The information gathered is a significant affirmation of the success of the hospice ideology and highlights the need to protect this precious philosophy. In short, it is an important statement about the need to keep the hospice spirit alive in client satisfaction. The findings from the qualitative study for the questionnaire can be interpreted as an affirmation to hospice workers that their vision and beliefs are valued and appreciated by those they serve.