Defining 'specialist palliative care.

ConclusionsAreas of connection were identified: clinicians from disease-specific specialties should be more involved in leading discussions on futile or burdensome treatment and providing care to people in their last months and days of life, in collaboration with specialists in palliative care when required.What is known about the topic?At present there is no evidence-based definition or agreement about what constitutes specialist palliative care (as opposed to palliative care delivered by non-specialists) in the Australian Capital Territory. An agreed definition is needed to effectively determine the workforce required and its clinical skill mix, and to clarify roles and expectations to mitigate risks in not adequately providing services to patients with life-limiting conditions.What does this paper add?This paper offers, for the first time, an evidence-based definition that distinguishes specialist palliative care from non-specialist palliative care. End of life care and bereavement support are not just the remit of specialist palliative care clinicians. Clinicians from beyond specialist palliative care should lead discussions about futile or burdensome treatment.What are the implications for practitioners?The findings of this study can facilitate implementation of palliative care strategies by enabling practitioners and patients to distinguish who should be delivering what care. PMID: 31248475 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research