Barriers to Palliative Care Referral and Advance Care Planning (ACP) for Patients With COPD: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Palliative Care Nurses

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, life-limiting illness that requires end-of-life care planning, yet remains under-served. Understanding barriers to advance care planning (ACP) from different specialties’ perspectives will enable a co-ordinated, cross-disciplinary approach to improving ACP access. Methods: Australia and New Zealand palliative care nurses were invited to complete an anonymous online cross-sectional survey. Questions tested knowledge of validated ACP-related practice indicators and canvassed perspectives on barriers to ACP in COPD. Data are described and free-text thematically analyzed. Results: The 90 participants had high knowledge an..