Effectiveness of an Integrated Continuity of Care Program on Palliative Care Outcomes and Caregiver Satisfaction for End-of-Life Patient in Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province.

Abstract

Abstract

This quasi-experimental, two-group pre- and post-test study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an integrated continuity of care program on palliative care outcomes and caregiver satisfaction for end-of-life patients in Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province. The sample consisted of 60 purposively selected caregivers. Data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire and a telephone nursing follow-up record form, with a content validity index of 1.00, and the Palliative care Outcome Scale for Carers (POS-C) and the Family satisfaction assessment questionnaire for palliative care (FAMCARE-2), had reliability coefficients of .81 and .94, respectively. The experimental group received an 8-week integrated continuity of care program, while the control group received standard care from the service unit. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing using paired t-test and independent t-test. The results showed that after the intervention, the experimental group had significantly better palliative care outcomes than before the intervention (P-value < 0.001) and significantly better than the control group (P-value < 0.001). They also showed significantly higher satisfaction with palliative care than before the intervention (P-value            < 0.001) and significantly better than the control group (P-value < 0.001). In conclusion, the integrated continuity of care program was effective in improving palliative care outcomes for terminally ill patients and increasing caregiver satisfaction with the care model. This program can be applied to enhance the development of palliative care services for end-of -life patients in healthcare settings.