Year: 2016
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To determine the quality of dying and death in residents of a long-term care facility. Methods: Primary caregivers (n=79) were recruited 6.4 (+2.20) months after the resident’s death. The quality of dying was assessed using the Quality of Dying and Death (QODD) questionnaire, which yields scores from 0-100 for overall QODD and for subscales of Symptom Control, Death Preparation, Connectedness, and Transcendence. Results: The mean patient age was 87.6 (+8.11) years and 86.1% had dementia. Overall QODD was rated “neither good nor bad” by 75.9% and “good to almost perfect” by 24.1% of caregivers. In a multi-variable model, correlates of overall QODD (R2=0.429) were: palliative care receipt (p=0.015), family satisfaction with care (p=0.001), patient’s cognitive functioning (p=0.230) and presence of caregiver illness/disability (p=0.022). Conclusion: The overall QODD in a long-term care home was intermediate. A good death can be achieved in this setting, especially when palliative care is available.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Samantha Fernandes
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2558572808