Caregiver participation in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings via videophone technology: A pilot study to improve pain management

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2010 Nov;27(7):465-73. doi: 10.1177/1049909110362402. Epub 2010 Mar 18.

Abstract

This article discusses a pilot study testing a videophone intervention enabling hospice patients and caregivers to remotely participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, with the goal of improving pain management. The aim of this study was to test potential outcome measures and combine the data with qualitative observations to assess the overall feasibility and promise of the intervention. The outcomes evaluated included hospice patient quality of life, caregiver perceptions of pain medications, caregiver quality of life, and caregiver anxiety related to team participation. The pilot study showed that caregiver participation in the care planning process is feasible and may change caregiver perceptions of pain medication, potentially improving pain management for hospice patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Decision Making
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Home Care Services / organization & administration
  • Hospice Care / methods*
  • Hospice Care / psychology
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / psychology
  • Pain Management*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Terminal Care / methods
  • Videoconferencing*