Cramp, F and Bennett, MI (2013) Development of a Generic Working Definition of ‘Supportive Care’. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, 3 (1). 53 - 60. ISSN 2045-435X
Abstract
Context: The term ‘supportive care’, despite everyday and widespread use, remains an ambiguous concept that lacks clarity. A generic definition would underpin the development of services and provide a basis for disease specific approaches to care. Objectives: To develop a generic working definition of supportive care that could be applied to a range of diseases and chronic illnesses. Methods: An indepth review of the literature was carried out to identify existing generic and disease specific definitions and descriptions of supportive care. Following the review, a modified two-phase Delphi study was performed. Participants included experts in the area of supportive care identified during the review in addition to charities or their representatives. A draft definition was developed based upon the outcome of the Delphi study. Results: The literature review identified one brief generic definition of supportive care with no explanation of its origin. A further 17 disease specific definitions were identified, all relating to cancer. The review led to the development of 100 statements for inclusion in phase I of the modified Delphi study. 26 responses were received to phase I of the Delphi study and 17 responses to phase II. General agreement was received during the second stage and a final draft definition subsequently developed. Conclusions: The resulting definition of supportive care might provide a basis for service development and could be further adapted to disease specific contexts. It would benefit from broader consultation to determine acceptability among a wider range of health professionals and service users.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Medicine (Leeds) > Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (Leeds) > Academic Unit of Primary Care (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 12 Nov 2015 09:30 |
Last Modified: | 16 Nov 2015 07:51 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2012-000222 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | BMJ Publishing Group |
Identification Number: | 10.1136/bmjspcare-2012-000222 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:87922 |