Defining practice variation and exploring influencing factors on needs assessment in home care nursing: A Delphi study.

Aim: To describe a Delphi study regarding practice variation in needs assessment by Dutch home care nurses, to define practice variation in home care nursing and explore which factors may have a role in this needs assessment.

Design: A Delphi study was conducted with the participation of home care representatives.

Method: A Delphi questionnaire was developed, preceded by literature research and an expert meeting.

Measures to improve patient needs assessments and reduce practice variation in Dutch home care organizations.

Aim: Worldwide, long-term care tends to shift from institutional care towards home care. In order to deliver high-quality and adequate care, the type, amount and cost of care is determined by a patient needs assessment. However, there are indications that this patient needs assessment varies between comparable patients.