Development of a Scale Based on Nursing Outcome Classification "Dignified Life Closure" (1307) to Assess End-of-Life Dignity of Patients in Care Homes for the Elderly.

Abstract

To develop and pilot the DD-14 scale, a 14-indicator scale based on the Nursing Outcome Classification "Dignified life closure" (1307). Sixteen experts selected 14 indicators for Spanish populations. Six care home nurses piloted the scale in 50 terminal patients without cognitive impairment. Factorial and reliability analyses were performed and correlations were determined with dependency, symptomatology, and palliative care quality. DD-14 demonstrated high reliability (α = 0.916) and a stable factorial structure. It was not influenced by sex, age, or disease and correlated positively with the Barthel index (r = .622; p = .00) and negatively with the Palliative Outcome Scale (r = -.542;p = .00). DD-14 is a useful scale for evaluating end-of-life dignity. This instrument could be useful in planning nursing interventions.