What makes palliative care needs "complex"? A multisite sequential explanatory mixed methods study of patients referred for specialist palliative care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Specialist palliative care (SPC) providers tend to use the term 'complex' to refer to the needs of patients who require SPC. However, little is known about complex needs on first referral to a SPC service. We examined which needs are present and sought the perspectives of healthcare professionals on the complexity of need on referral to a hospice service.

Methods

Multi-site sequential explanatory mixed method study consisting of a case-note review and focus groups with healthcare professionals in four UK hospices.

Results

Documentation relating to 239 new patient referrals to hospice was reviewed; and focus groups involving 22 healthcare professionals conducted. Most patients had two or more needs documented on referral (96%); and needs were recorded across

SUBMITTER: Finucane AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7809819 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature