Nurses' experiences of using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale with patients in specialized palliative care—A qualitative focus group study

Aim: To explore nurses’ experiences of using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) as a communication tool in specialized palliative care. Design: This study employed a qualitative inductive approach. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research were followed for reporting. Methods: Five focus groups were conducted with nurses from four specialized palliative care units, and the discussions were analysed with quality content analysis. Results: Using IPOS for communication with the patient gave an opportunity to understand the patient's care needs and to let these care needs guide care interventions. Prerequisites in terms of relation, atmosphere, skills and flexibility were needed to establish an interactive communication. It was challenging to communicate about issues that evoked emotional reactions in the patient. There was a balancing act between the use of a structured scale and overcoming communication challenges. Nonetheless, when the two complemented each other, IPOS was a useful tool for nurses to promote person-centred care.