The dementia patient’s pathway through the specialist palliative care services : part I

Article

KELLY, Jacinta | O’CONNELL, Dympna

Introduction: Specialist Palliative Care (SPC) at the end of life is much more available than it was 50 years ago. However, there is increasing evidence that patients with diseases other than cancer have difficulty accessing this specialist service. Methodology: A retrospective case note review was carried out of referrals in 2012 to a SPC Service. Ten healthcare professionals were interviewed to determine their experiences. Case note review findings: 409 referrals were received in 2012 42% had a non-malignant diagnosis and 58% a malignant diagnosis All patients (100%) had contact from the SPC team within 2 days from the time the referral was made. Results of interviews: Three main themes emerged from the interviews: The challenge of caring Experience of the SPC service Management of care of the dementia patient. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals acknowledged the positive aspects of having SPC advice and support for dementia patients. Healthcare professionals face numerous challenges in delivering a palliative care approach to this cohort of patients.

Voir la revue «EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PALLIATIVE CARE, 25»

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