Implementation of Primary Palliative Care in five Belgian regions: A qualitative study on early identification of palliative care needs by general practitioners.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To deliver optimal palliative care, a Care Pathway for Primary Palliative Care (CPPPC) was developed. This CPPPC was implemented by general practitioners (GPs) in territories of five Belgian palliative care networks (2014-2016). Belgian doctors have much therapeutic freedom, and do not commonly follow guidelines.

Objectives

To assess how palliative care was provided by GPs before the CPPPC and its implementation project were presented publicly.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2015, seven focus groups with GPs were conducted. Participants included 15 GPs in three French-speaking focus groups and 26 GPs in four Dutch-speaking focus groups, with diversity for age, gender, palliative care experience and practice context. Some GPs implemented the CPPPC later.

Result

SUBMITTER: Leysen B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7592891 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature