New Zealand hospice staff perspectives on ‘Xcellent Gowns’ for big bodied palliative care patients: a qualitative study
Jazmin Phillips 1 , Emily Wood 2 , Tanya Loveard 3 , Eileen McKinlay
4 , Carol MacDonald 5 , George Parker 6 , Lesley Gray 2 *
1 University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
2 Department of Primary Health Care & General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington/Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Te Whanga-Nui-a-Tara, Wellington 6242, New Zealand.
3 Mary Potter Hospice, Wellington, New Zealand.
4 University of Otago, New Zealand.
5 Masterton, New Zealand.
6 Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
Journal of Primary Health Care 15(3) 238-245 https://doi.org/10.1071/HC23009
Published: 29 May 2023
Abstract
A handful of reports detail efforts to redesign traditional hospital gowns to address common concerns related to patient comfort and privacy for big bodied patients. Results suggest that improving gown design has the potential to improve both the patient and carer experience and satisfaction of care.
This study aimed to ascertain the utility of gowns purposely designed for big bodied patients (named Xcellent Gowns) from a staff perspective.
Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2022 with 14 hospice staff members. Interview transcripts were uploaded to DedooseTM. Data were analysed utilising reflexive thematic analysis according to a six-phase process including data familiarisation, iterative data coding, and theme development and refinement.
The qualitative analysis of the interview data identified four main themes: (1) the gown experience, (2) fit-for-purpose, (3) love and dignity, (4) design principles. Each theme is presented and discussed with illustrative quotes from participants’ interview transcripts.
The perspectives of the staff participants in this study confirm research findings from other healthcare settings, that the patient and carer experience may be improved through focused redesign of this vital item of patient clothing.
Keywords: body size, equity, palliative care, qualitative study.
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