Background The Scottish Government recognises the importance of quality, person-centred healthcare, and current worldwide events have forced an examination of the nursing contribution to this agenda. This increasing requirement to demonstrate quality, person-centred care has resulted in the use of patient reported outcome measurement (PROMs) becoming essential, especially in palliative care.

Aim The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire (PROM), the Palliative Nursing Quality Measure (PNQM), and undertake initial validation. The PNQM aims to measure the quality of care provided by palliative care Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), from the patient's perspective.

Method Humanistic Nursing Theory provided a theoretical foundation to this study. In addition, Johnston's Expert Palliative Nurse Model provided an evidence-based framework on which to develop the questionnaire. The process of questionnaire development had six phases; including systematic literature review; questionnaire formation, advisory group of patients, expert panel review and initial testing with patients; which contributed to the questionnaire's face and content validity.

Results The development phases identified that input from CNSs contributes significantly to the quality of care given to palliative patients. Patients benefit from the personal and professional interaction with the CNS. This includes the provision of emotional support, the CNSs expert knowledge, practical help and advice, together with on-going review of their condition and symptom management. The personal qualities of the CNS, their ability to communicate effectively and spend time with patients were deemed most important and valuable to patients.

Conclusion The PNQM will be presented with recommendations for further testing to establish reliability and concurrent validity. In addition, recommendations for use of this questionnaire will be discussed.