Author
In recent years,in order to deliver equitable care, palliative care services have moved from a predominantly cancer model towards a model that incorporates care for patients with life-limiting nonmalignant chronic disease. Governments have also recognised the disparity in care provision and have encouraged palliative care services to meet the needs of this patient group. As a result patients with lifelimiting non-malignant chronic conditions are increasingly being referred to palliative care services. Despite this fact little is known about the preparedness, experiences and attitudes of palliative care nurses caring for this patient group. This presentation will detail a qualitative research project that examined specialist community palliative care nurses' experiences and attitudes in caring for patients with life-limiting, non-malignant chronic disease. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with specialist community palliative care nurses from the Mid North Coast of NSW. The data was analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach. In order for palliative care services to be 'Fit for the Future' with this patient demographic, we must be aware of the needs of the specialist nurses who are providing the care. Evidence from this study gained by listening to the nurses' voices and experiences may contribute to the development of services that are equitable, responsive and flexible in approach for all patient groups.
- Debbie White1
- Mid North Coast Local Health District1
2015
ExcerptIn recent years,in order to deliver equitable care, palliative care services have moved from a predominantly cancer model towards a model that incorporates care for patients with life-limiting nonmalignant chronic disease. Governments have also recognised the disparity in care provision and have encouraged palliative care services to meet the needs of this patient group. As a result patients with lifelimiting non-malignant chronic conditions are increasingly being referred to palliative care services. Despite this fact little is known about the preparedness, experiences and attitudes of palliative care nurses caring for this patient group. This presentation will detail a qualitative research project that examined specialist community palliative care nurses' experiences and attitudes in caring for patients with life-limiting, non-malignant chronic disease. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with specialist community palliative care nurses from the Mid North Coast of NSW. The data was analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach. In order for palliative care services to be 'Fit for the Future' with this patient demographic, we must be aware of the needs of the specialist nurses who are providing the care. Evidence from this study gained by listening to the nurses' voices and experiences may contribute to the development of services that are equitable, responsive and flexible in approach for all patient groups.