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A study to determine if and how bereavement support programs provided by Irish and Canadian hospices are evaluated
Donna M Wilson1, Begoña Errasti-Ibarrondo2
1Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada; Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta; Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland.
Evaluation and Program Planning
|August 19, 2021
Summary
Hospice bereavement programs in Ireland and Alberta are routinely evaluated using client feedback and internal assessments. Continuous refinement ensures these long-standing programs remain effective and meet participant needs.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Grief Counseling
- Healthcare Program Evaluation
Background:
- Hospices offer various bereavement programs to support grieving individuals.
- Evaluating the efficacy of these programs is crucial for quality improvement.
- Previous research on hospice bereavement program evaluation is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evaluation methods used for hospice bereavement programs in Ireland and Alberta.
- To determine how program efficacy is assessed and utilized for refinement.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study of bereavement programs in hospices across Ireland and Alberta.
- Data collection through analysis of routine in-house evaluations.
- Inclusion of solicited and unsolicited feedback from staff and clients.
- Utilization of self-devised questionnaires for specific information gathering.
Main Results:
- Nearly all hospices provided multiple bereavement programs.
- Routine in-house evaluations were standard practice.
- Client and staff feedback significantly informed program refinement.
- Hospices actively sought external developments for program improvement.
Conclusions:
- Hospice bereavement programs are consistently evaluated for efficacy.
- A combination of internal and external data informs program development.
- Long-term programs are perceived as effective, yet continuous quality improvement is prioritized.