The effectiveness of structured interdisciplinary collaboration for adult home hospice patients on patient satisfaction and hospital admissions and re-admissions: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Patient satisfaction and hospital re-admission rates are the two major outcomes for measuring quality of healthcare delivery. Interdisciplinary collaboration, a concept that describes coordination of care between multiple healthcare professionals and patients and families to deliver the highest quality of care across settings, is fundamental to improving patient outcomes. Home hospice care is palliative in nature and is a critical segment of patient care. To date, no systematic review has been undertaken to determine the effectiveness of structured interdisciplinary collaboration in the home hospice setting in relation to patient satisfaction and hospital readmission.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the review was to synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of structured interdisciplinary collaboration on patient satisfaction and hospital admission and re-admission rates for adults receiving home hospice services.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Adults, male and female (18 years old or older), receiving home hospice services or transitioning from hospital to home hospice servicesThe studies that evaluate interdisciplinary collaboration among the hospice team providing home hospice services in the home care settingsIn this review, randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies were considered for inclusion.Patient satisfaction and all cause hospital admissions and re-admission rates.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Published and unpublished literature in the English language was sought from the inception of the databases through August 15, 2014. The databases searched included: PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Nursing & Allied Health Source, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition and ProQuest Health Management. A search of grey literature and any relevant homecare/hospice websites was also performed.

RESULTS

There were no studies located that met the inclusion requirements of this review. There were no text or opinion pieces that were specific to structured interdisciplinary collaboration among the hospice team in home care settings on patient satisfaction and hospital readmission.

CONCLUSION

There is currently no evidence available to determine the effectiveness of structured interdisciplinary collaboration among hospice teams in home care settings in regard to patient satisfaction and hospital readmission.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

No conclusive recommendations can be made regarding the effectiveness of structured interdisciplinary collaboration among home hospice teams in home care settings in regard to patient satisfaction and hospital readmission.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

Quantitative and qualitative research studies are urgently required to determine the effectiveness of structured interdisciplinary collaboration among home hospice teams in home care settings in regard to patient satisfaction and hospital readmission.