General practitioners' perceptions of best practice care at the end of life: a qualitative study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: GPs can play a central role in palliative care delivery. However, little is known about their views on what constitutes best practice care at the end of life. AIM: To explore, in a sample of Australian GPs, their perceptions of best practice palliative care and their ideal role in its delivery. DESIGN & SETTING: A qualitative interview study of 25 GPs practising in metropolitan and non-metropolitan locations in New South Wales, Australia. METHOD: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 51 years, and had practised between 3 and 38 years (mean 19 years). Best practice palliat..