General Practitioners' Use and Experiences of Palliative Care Services
Author Information
Author(s): Bajwah Sabrina, Higginson Irene J
Primary Institution: Trinity Hospice, King's College, London
Hypothesis
What are the use and previous experiences of GPs with palliative care services, and what barriers to referral exist?
Conclusion
Most GPs were satisfied with palliative care services, but many felt that a significant number of terminally ill patients needed specialist input.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 90% of GPs were satisfied with the palliative care services over the preceding two years.
- Two areas of possible improvement emerged; communication and prescribing practices.
- 76% of GPs using Hospice A and 91% of GPs using Hospice B would recommend the service to a colleague.
Takeaway
Doctors mostly like the help they get for patients who are very sick, but they think many of those patients need even more help from specialists.
Methodology
Descriptive postal survey of GPs regarding their use and experiences of palliative care services.
Potential Biases
Potential under-representation of single-handed practices and small practices.
Limitations
The study reflects views at one moment in time and may not be fully representative of other populations.
Participant Demographics
180 GPs in a PCT in south London, with a population of 298,500; 48% male, 19.3% retirement age.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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