Goals of care: a concept clarification

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Medical Ethics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The concept of goals of care has been utilized by healthcare professionals since 1978.
• A lack of a universally accepted, operational definition for goals of care persists.
• This study addresses the need for a clear, consensual definition from the provider's viewpoint.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and clarify the concept of goals of care.
• To develop an operational definition and conceptual model for goals of care.
• To generate testable hypotheses regarding goals of care.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Norris's method of concept clarification.
• Synthesized data from research reports (2003-2013), expert interviews, and professional organization websites.
• Systematized antecedents, definitions, and consequences to form abstract groups.

Main Results:

• Defined goals of care as desired health expectations.
• Emphasized the importance of thoughtful interaction between patients and healthcare teams.
• Stipulated that goals of care must be appropriate, agreed upon, documented, and communicated.

Conclusions:

• Clear goals of care enhance patient satisfaction and quality, while reducing costs and hospital stay.
• Goals of care are dynamic and require regular reassessment.
• Further research is needed on the transition from implicit to explicit goals, and provider education is essential.