Using caregivers-as-proxies to retrospectively assess and measure quality of dying of palliative care clients

This study evaluated two quality-of-life assessment and measurement tools, the Client Generated Index and the McGill Quality of Life questionnaire, within palliative care nursing. Primarily tested was the feasibility of the tools to assess clients’ QOL at admission and, if necessary, when their condition altered. The reliability of the tools has previously been ascertained. Additionally, quality of dying during the last two days of life for 14 participants who died during the study was assessed and measured retrospectively by these tools, using the client’s nominated care-giver as proxy for the client. It is this second focus that we report on here. The reasons why proxy assessment and measurement of client QOD was not useful or feasible are discussed.