Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Apr 2018
Measuring the quality of end-of-life care: Development, testing, and cultural validation of the Danish version of Views of Informal Carers' Evaluation of Services-Short Form.
The perspectives of patients and relatives are important in the improvement of the quality of health care. However, the quality of end-of-life care has not been systematically evaluated in Scandinavia. ⋯ With a few adaptations, the British Views of Informal Carers' Evaluation of Services-Short Form was relevant in a Danish setting.
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Palliative medicine · Apr 2018
Patients' and carers' perspectives of palliative care in general practice: A systematic review with narrative synthesis.
General practitioners have overall responsibility for community care, including towards end of life. Current policy places generalists at the centre of palliative care provision. However, little is known about how patients and carers understand the general practitioner's role. ⋯ Although the terminology and context of general practice vary internationally, themes relating to the perceived role of general practitioners were consistent. General practitioners are considered well placed to provide palliative care due to their breadth of clinical responsibility, ongoing relationships with patients and families, and duty to visit patients at home and coordinate healthcare resources. These factors, valued by service users, should influence future practice and policy development.
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Palliative medicine · Apr 2018
The views of adults with Huntington's disease on assisted dying: A qualitative exploration.
Assisted dying is frequently debated publicly and research often includes the views of health professionals on this issue. However, the views of people with life-limiting conditions, for whom this issue is likely to have a different resonance, are less well represented. ⋯ Our findings suggest that talking to patients about assisted death may not cause harm and may even be invited by many patients with Huntington's disease. The perspectives of those who live with Huntington's disease, especially given its extended effects within families, add significant clinical and theoretical insights.