Use of quality-of-life scores in care planning in a hospice setting: a comparative study.

This study examined the concept and measurement of quality of life (QOL) in terminally ill patients. It also addressed how patients' QOL can be improved within a hospice setting. Measurement of QOL was used in developing patient-care plans and to identify differences in QOL assessment between nurse and patient as an aid to reflective practice. The findings of the study revealed that a better understanding of the patient can be achieved if nurses have access to the patient's QOL perspective. This better understanding, when translated into meeting patients' QOL priorities and needs, resulted in clinically significant improvements in their QOL. Reflective practice by nurses was also shown. A second article will discuss how the theme 'revelation' emerged from the insights of those involved in the study.