Sammanfattning
The trend nationwide in Denmark indicates that the care pathway for patients with incurable
disease is becoming more protracted and more complicated than in the past. In recent years, the
population of patients on open-ended stays in the Medical Ward, Vejle Hospital has increased by 279
per cent.
In response to this situation, the Medical Ward introduced initial systematic needs-assessment
interviews with the aim of giving incurably ill and dying patients end-of-life care in which palliation is
individualised based on the patient’s and family’s personal needs and preferences. The introduction
of the interview practice was evaluated by means of a questionnaire-based survey of relatives
approximately three months after the patient’s death. The survey included 30 patients, and 20 of their
relatives responded to the questionnaire. The results demonstrate that an initial, systematic, needs-
assessment interview is a helpful care measure conducive to fulfilment of patients’ needs. Equally,
the results show that the interview helps to ensure continuity and peace of mind in transitioning from
the treating to the referring department.