TABLE 5.2 Dimensions of Quality in Care of Dying Patients and Related Quality Strategies


ContextStructuresProcessesOutcomes

Culture, norms,
social institutions
Care settings (home, institution)Establishing diagnosis and prognosisPhysical (symptoms, function)
DemographicPersonnel (staff, volunteers, numbers, training)Establishing goals and plansPsychological (emotional, cognitive)
GeographyClinical policies (protocols, guidelines)Providing palliative and other patient careSpiritual
Economic system, resourcesInformation and decision support systemsCaring for families,bereavement carePerceptions of care, burden of care
Political system, policies, regulationsFinancial policies (free care, target profit levels)Coordinating care including transfers among settingsDignity, control over decisionmaking
Individual and family characteristics Monitoring, improving careSurvival



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