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BMC Palliative Care

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01-12-2020 | Care | Research article

The views of physicians and nurses on the potentials of an electronic assessment system for recognizing the needs of patients in palliative care

Authors: Natalia Radionova, Gerhild Becker, Regine Mayer-Steinacker, Deniz Gencer, Monika A. Rieger, Christine Preiser

Published in: BMC Palliative Care | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Objectives

Patients in oncological and palliative care (PC) often have complex needs, which require a comprehensive treatment approach. The assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) has been shown to improve identification of patient needs and foster adjustment of treatment. This study explores occupational routines, attitudes and expectations of physicians and nurses with regards to a planned electronic assessment system of PROs.

Methods

Ten physicians and nine nurses from various PC settings in Southern Germany were interviewed. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

The interviewees were sceptical about the quality of data generated through a patient self-assessment system. They criticised the rigidity of the electronic assessment questionnaire, which the interviewees noted may not fit the profile of all palliative patients. They feared the loss of personal contact between medical staff and patients and favoured in-person conversation and on-site observations on site over the potential system. Interviewees saw potential in being able to discover unseen needs from some patients. Interviewees evaluated the system positively in the case that the system served to broadly orient care plans without affecting or reducing the patient-caregiver relationship.

Conclusions

A significant portion of the results touch upon the symbolic acceptance of the suggested system, which stands for an increasing standardisation and technisation of medicine where interpersonal contact and the professional expertise are marginalized. The study results can provide insight for processes and communication in the run-up to and during the implementation of electronic assessment systems.

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Title: The views of physicians and nurses on the potentials of an electronic assessment system for recognizing the needs of patients in palliative care
Authors: Natalia Radionova
Gerhild Becker
Regine Mayer-Steinacker
Deniz Gencer
Monika A. Rieger
Christine Preiser
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: BMC Palliative Care / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1472-684X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-020-00554-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The views of physicians and nurses on the potentials of an electronic assessment system for recognizing the needs of patients in palliative care

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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