Journal of pain and symptom management
-
J Pain Symptom Manage · Apr 2016
Population-Based Quality Indicators for Palliative Care Programs for Cancer Patients in Japan: A Delphi Study.
Cancer control programs in Japan strongly endorse the dissemination of palliative care, and various policy measures have been implemented; however, indicators for evaluating palliative care programs have not been defined. ⋯ Comprehensive quality indicators for palliative care programs were identified. The indicators are currently being used, and the feasibility of measuring change over time will be examined. It is expected that the indicators will be used effectively in the future. It is important to evaluate outcomes of the program, to improve weaknesses, improve outcomes, and promote the welfare of cancer patients.