TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and examine attitudes and perceptions of leaders on application of quality improvement (QI) strategies in a palliative and hospice care organization.Design/methodology/approach This study employed qualitative research methodology where leaders working in a hospice and palliative care organization were invited to participate in 45–60-min-long semi-structured interview. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was utilized to analyze the data collected during participant interviews.Findings Seven leaders participated in the interviews. Five themes were developed from data analysis: patient-centered care; continuous QI; leadership involvement and commitment; communication as a foundation for QI; and perceived barriers. Data analysis suggests that use of QI approach in palliative and hospice care enhances the quality of care provided for patients, and can help improve patient satisfaction.Practical implications Because there is a paucity of research on implementation of QI strategies in hospice and palliative care settings, this research can have wide practical implications. This research can provide useful practical tips to leaders as they work on implementing QI projects in their organization.Originality/value This manuscript can be of value to leaders, administrators and academicians who are interested in applying QI principles to healthcare processes especially in palliative and hospice care settings. Ability to work with others, solid communication and involvement of employees from all levels can help in streamlining current systems of care.
VL  - 32
IS  - 7
SN  - 0952-6862
DO  - 10.1108/IJHCQA-04-2019-0084
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-04-2019-0084
AU  - Singh Jitendra
AU  - Sillerud Brandi
AU  - Omar Marah
PY  - 2019
Y1  - 2019/01/01
TI  - Quality improvement in hospice settings: perceptions of leaders
T2  - International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance
PB  - Emerald Publishing Limited
SP  - 1098
EP  - 1112
Y2  - 2024/05/11
ER  -