What's in a name? A qualitative exploration of what is understood by "palliative care" in the emergency department

Abstract

Background: The understanding of what palliative care is, and which patients may benefit from palliative care, has important implications for optimal patient care in all areas of health provision. Aim: To explore the understanding of palliative care by healthcare professionals caring for patients with advanced cancer attending emergency departments. Design: Qualitative study, with two phases: the first, a series of focus groups with healthcare professionals from various disciplines and settings caring for patients with advanced cancer presenting to emergency departments; the second, semi-structured telephone interviews with emergency healthcare professionals across Australian States and Terr..