End-of-life care from the perspective of primary care providers.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To explore the factors influencing primary care providers' ability to care for their dying patients in Michigan.

Methods

We conducted 16 focus groups to explore the provision of end-of-life care by 7 diverse primary care practices in southeast Michigan. Twenty-eight primary care providers and 22 clinical support staff participated in the study. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Primary care providers (PCPs) wanted to care for their dying patients and felt largely competent to provide end-of-life care. They and their staff reported the presence of five structural factors that influenced their ability to do so: (1) continuity of care to help patients make treatment decisions and plan for the end of life; (2) scheduling flexibility and tim

SUBMITTER: Silveira MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3445687 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature