Two hospice quality of life surveys: A comparison

Abstract

This study’s objective tested the utility of two quality of life (QOL) forms in a hospice setting. The compared forms were the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) and the Hospice Quality of Life Index-Revised (HQLI). Using a crossover design, hospice nurses first administered one survey to eligible patients and then, in the study’s second phase, administered the other survey to newly enrolled eligible patients. Nurses were interviewed regarding each form and possible changes in patient care that were made due to the assessment. Hospice care plans were reviewed looking for specific changes as a result of the surveys. The results showed that the QOL assessments were useful for the nurses in planning the care of the hospice patients and that the MQOL was preferred by the nurses over the HQLI.