Bridging cultures in palliative care: A qualitative study of the care of Indigenous Australians with advanced illness

Abstract

Background: Lack of access, late engagement and limited referral for palliative care remain critical issues in supporting Indigenous Australians with life limiting illness. Aim: To explore the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous health professionals regarding the provision of palliative care for Indigenous people with advanced disease. Design: Qualitative study involving semi-structured focus groups/interviews with analysis following an inductive thematic approach. Setting/participants: A purposive sample (n = 54) of medical, nursing, allied health and Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officers engaged in caring for Indigenous patients at a metropolitan teaching hospital ..