Evaluation of the first inpatient hospice located in a university hospital in Germany in Cologne - EVEREST-KÖ

Objective: To explore clinical staff’s and volunteers’ expectations and concerns of the first proposed university inpatient hospice in Germany. Methods: Clinical staff and volunteers of the Department of Palliative Medicine of the University Hospital in Cologne, Germany received questionnaires and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide following three themes of interest, that is, opportunities, challenges, and general criteria. Questionnaire results were analyzed descriptively using mean ± SD and percentages, open-ended questions, and the interviews were analysed using content analysis. Results: 28 participants returned the questionnaires and 18 completed interviews. The need for a university inpatient hospice was estimated at rather to very high. There was great overlap between all three themes of interest. Within each theme three categories were identified: staff, organizational level, and patient-centered care. Conclusion: Clinical staff and volunteers considered the intended university inpatient hospice a great improvement for end-of-life care. Albeit several serious concerns were mentioned, our results indicate that all participants believe in a positive impact and that they are aware of the need for such a project. Practical Implications: Our results clearly indicate the need of developing a solid concept prior to the construction of the planned university inpatient hospice.