Experience or perception: What healthcare providers need when using the Utrecht Symptom Diary-4 Dimensional, a...

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Healthcare Delivery
• Symptom Management

Background:

• The Utrecht Symptom Diary-4 Dimensional (USD-4D) is an adaptation of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System.
• It aids healthcare providers (HCPs) in managing multidimensional symptoms and needs in palliative care patients.
• Understanding HCP needs is crucial for optimal USD-4D implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and interpret the facilitators and barriers perceived by HCPs when using the USD-4D in clinical palliative care.
• To understand the needs of HCPs for effective USD-4D implementation.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted.
• Phase I involved a quantitative survey of 122 Dutch palliative care HCPs.
• Phase II used mixed-composition focus groups with 21 HCPs to explore findings, contextualized by the COM-B model.

Main Results:

• Facilitators were linked to the USD-4D's perceived benefits for patient care.
• Barriers included HCP behavior, knowledge gaps, uncertainty, attitudes, and technical issues.
• Motivational barriers were particularly emphasized.

Conclusions:

• Facilitators and barriers span all COM-B model domains, with a focus on motivational aspects.
• Implementation is a continuous process, as facilitators and barriers evolve.
• Tailored interventions aligned with HCPs' reflective capacities are essential for USD-4D integration.