• Chang-Hae Park, Dong-Wook Shin, Jin Young Choi, Jina Kang, Ha Na Mo, Young Ji Baik, Yeo Hwan Kim, Min Joo Kang, Jung Im Gwak, and Jeong Ja Lee.
• Department of Family Medicine, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea. dwshin@snuh.org
• J Palliat Care. 2013 Jan 1; 29 (2): 91-8.

ObjectiveWe aimed to identify which structures and processes of care are key determinants of overall satisfaction with palliative care.MethodsA nationwide, multicentre, cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 501 bereaved family members of terminal cancer patients (effective response rate: 20.9 percent). Structures and processes were evaluated using the Care Evaluation Scale (CES).ResultsIn univariate analyses, all domains of the CES were significantly associated with overall satisfaction with care. In multivariate analyses, the domains of physical care by physician, physical care by nurse, environment, and coordination positively influenced overall satisfaction. After case-mix adjustment, physical care by nurse, age of patient, and lower education level of bereaved family member remained as significant determinants.ConclusionOur finding that nursing is the most critical determinant of overall satisfaction within many structure and process domains has an important implication for clinical quality improvement and resource allocation.

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