Implementation of a clinical interview guide to Multidimensional needs assessment in Palliative care (MAP): A...

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Lack of consensus exists on essential needs assessment for initial palliative care planning.
• A Multidimensional needs Assessment in Palliative Care (MAP) guide has been proposed to standardize this process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of implementing the MAP guide in routine clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, mixed-methods study assessed feasibility through patient/family acceptability, physician participation, administration time, clinical utility, and practice implementation.
• The MAP guide was used in 239 initial assessments by 24 physicians across diverse palliative care settings.

Main Results:

• Over 90% of indicators for acceptability, participation, applicability, and perceived clinical utility were met.
• Implementation reached 78% of the target, slightly below the 80% threshold.
• Patients, families, and physicians reported positive experiences, highlighting the guide's appropriateness, flexibility, and utility in comprehensive assessment.

Conclusions:

• The MAP guide demonstrates feasibility for exploring palliative care needs.
• Its use can help prevent overlooked needs, potentially reducing suffering and enhancing patient quality of life.