Support team assessment schedule (STAS)
What is known
STAS is a validated audit tool developed in the UK. It is designed to be incorporated into routine documentation of patient care by specialist palliative are services, and covers patient and family issues, including symptom control, and service issues. It has been used in both inpatient and community settings.
It is freely available for use with permission from the developers of the tool. [1]
Implications for practice
The STAS tool allows a team to monitor the progress of their care for individual patients throughout the course of their involvement with the palliative care service. The team are able to audit their practice in the various aspects of care identified. It has been shown to be practical and reliable. However, it relies on assessment by members of the healthcare team, which may differ from the patient’s assessment of their own concerns. [2]
The STAS tool provides only basic information about psychosocial aspects of care, and does not deal with bereavement services. It does not address aspects of service delivery other than patient care.
Finding out more
Kings College London, Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS)
Related CareSearch pages
Audit
References
- Higginson, I., ed. Clinical Audit in Palliative Care. 1st ed. Radcliffe Medical Press; Oxford: 1993.
- Cooper J, Hewison A. Implementing audit in palliative care: an action research approach. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2002 Aug;39(4):360-9.
Last updated 26 May 2008