Implementing audit in palliative care: an action research approach.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Management
• Palliative Care Research
• Action Research Methodology

Background:

• Quality assurance is essential in modern healthcare.
• Palliative care has historically lacked systematic audit and quality management.
• Increasing pressure for clear quality policies in healthcare organizations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing successful audit implementation in palliative care.
• To explore the application and modification of the Support Team Assessment Scale (STAS).

Main Methods:

• Action research project conducted in a palliative care setting.
• Utilized and adapted the Support Team Assessment Scale (STAS).

Main Results:

• Collaborative approach identified key success factors for audit implementation.
• Effective teamwork, external facilitation, management support, and timely feedback were crucial.
• STAS was integrated, establishing a robust audit program.

Conclusions:

• Action research and audit, guided by Lewin's change theory, offer a conceptual framework.
• This approach is applicable for quality management improvements across healthcare settings.