gms | German Medical Science

Background and state of research: Day hospices, as specialized outpatient institutions, aim, among other things, to improve the quality of life of patients with an advanced disease. Currently, there are no conclusive recommendations for the uniform implementation of day hospice structures and interventions.

Research question and objectives, hypothesis: To develop a theory model on day hospice structures and offered interventions for guests of a day hospice.

Method: Within the research project “Investigation on the implementation, realization and benefits of a day hospice” (DRKS-ID: DRKS00031613) a literature and guideline research on definition, admission criteria, structural requirements and interventional measures/offers of a day hospice is conducted by the authors in a first step. In a second step, the results are supplemented by qualitative interviews of experts, patients and caring relatives. On this basis, a Logic Model of a day hospice is created by the authors in a nominal group process according to Dunham. After review by an external expert council, finalization and final consensus is reached.

Results: Final results are not available at this time. However, preliminary data indicate that crucial structural and service forms can be identified in both the retrospective analysis and the qualitative survey.

Discussion: The Logic Model is intended to provide a structured and comprehensible basis for further research on day hospices and to form the basis for the creation of a concrete catalog of organizations and offerings.

Implication for care: In the future, a clustered establishment of day hospices as part of outpatient palliative care can be expected. A uniform and evidence-based theoretical model can provide feasible and meaningful support in the implementation of this new form of care.

Funding: Other funding; Noch offen