'They're part of the team': participant evaluation of the ACTIVE intervention.

ABSTRACT

This study used participant feedback to qualitatively evaluate an intervention (Assessing Caregivers for Team Intervention through Videophone Encounters [ACTIVE]) that used videophone technology to include patients and/or their family caregivers in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings. Data were generated during individual interviews with hospice staff members and family caregivers who participated in ACTIVE intervention. Modified grounded theory procedures served as the primary analysis strategy. Results indicated that ACTIVE intervention enhanced team functioning in terms of context, structure, processes and outcomes. Participants discussed challenges and offered corresponding recommendations to make the intervention more efficient and effective. Data supported the ACTIVE intervention as a way for hospice providers to more fully realise their goal of maximum patient and family participation in care planning.