QUIS feasibility project
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study to develop the Quality of Interactions Schedule (QuIS) for use as an outcome measure in acute hospital care.
IRAS ID
158514
Contact name
Christopher McLean
Contact email
Research summary
Research into the delivery of fundamental care in acute hospital environments requires the development of measures which reflect the nature of staff-patient interactions. The Quality of Interactions Schedule (QuIS) uses independent observers to measure the quality and quantity of staff-patient interactions, yet its’ feasibility for use within acute care as an outcome measure in interventional studies has not been established. This study aims to test the feasibility of, and develop a protocol for, the use of QuIS as an outcome measure within interventional studies in the acute hospital care of adults.
This study adopts a 3 stage iterative approach to the testing, revision, and retesting of observational and training protocols. An initial pilot phase will undertake 8 x 2 hour periods of observation across 4 wards in order to note practical obstacles to the use of QuIS and identify solutions. In stage 2 two nurses will be recruited and trained as observers. Stage 3 will recruit a further two nurses and two non-clinical volunteers. Protocols will be revised at each stage with the aim of maximising inter-rater agreement.
In order to examine the relationship between patient experience and observer categorisation of interactions, patients will also be asked to categorise interactions. Additional data on patients’ experience of interactions will be gathered through a shortened version of the Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation (PEECH) questionnaire.
Outputs from the study will include a report on feasibility together with protocols for the administration of QuIS and training of observers. These outputs will enable future researchers to identify whether service developments or intervention the delivery of fundamental care have a positive impact on the number and quality of interactions which patients experience.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SC/1100
Date of REC Opinion
20 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion