Feasibility and Limitations of a Delphi Method (Type 4) in Generating a Set of Quality Indicators for Palliative Care

摘要

Background: The growing number of programs and services providing palliative care in Germany call for measures to demonstrate and assess the quality provided. The aim of this study was to define a set of 5 -10 significant quality indicators for palliative care provision by means of a consensus delphi method. Additionally, the utility of this methodological approach was evaluated. Methods: Following a limited literature review, a three-step-delphi survey was performed based on quality indicators described in the palliative care literature. Participants of this survey were an extended circle of members of the Steering Committee of the German National Hospice and Palliative Care Registry.