Development of a generic working definition of 'supportive care'

Cramp, Fiona; Cramp, Fiona (Alice); Bennett, Michael I.

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.

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 7, 2019
• Journal: BMJ supportive & palliative care
• Print ISSN: 2045-435X
• Electronic ISSN: 2045-4368
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 3
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 53-60
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2012-000222
• Keywords: supportive care, Delphi, palliative care
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/944941
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2012-000222