Transitions to palliative care in acute hospitals in England: qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore how transitions to a palliative care approach are perceived to be managed in acute hospital settings in England.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Secondary or primary care settings in two contrasting areas of England.

Participants

58 health professionals involved in the provision of palliative care in secondary or primary care.

Results

Participants identified that a structured transition to a palliative care approach of the type advocated in UK policy guidance is seldom evident in acute hospital settings. In particular they reported that prognosis is not routinely discussed with inpatients. Achieving consensus among the clinical team about transition to palliative care was seen as fundamental to the transition being effected; howeve

SUBMITTER: Gott M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3230109 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature