Evidence-based practice in hospice: is qualitative more appropriate than quantitative?

Home Healthc Nurse. 2013 Apr;31(4):184-8. doi: 10.1097/NHH.0b013e3182885ec4.

Abstract

Evidence-based practice has become the accepted phrase relative to healthcare quality and outcomes. Hospice providers have begun to express an interest in applying evidence to practice. Evidence-based practice, with its tiers of evidence, ranks quantitative research methods at the top. However, there is concern that applying evidence-based practice to a subjective concept like pain and suffering may be problematic. A more balanced approach to quality outcomes in hospice care may need to involve patient experience and qualitative research.

MeSH terms

  • Evidence-Based Practice*
  • Hospice Care / standards*
  • Hospices / standards
  • Humans
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Pain Management / standards
  • Qualitative Research
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control