The effect of transfer from a palliative care unit to nursing homes--are patients' and relatives' needs met?
The constant demand on hospice inpatient services has led to an increasing use of nursing home beds for patients requiring longer-term nursing care, once their symptoms have been controlled and if care at home is feasible. The effect of such a transfer on the patient has not previously been examined. The results of this study suggest that the transfer of a patient from a palliative care unit to a nursing home may lead to a shortfall in meeting the needs of patients and relatives. Strategies that might improve this practice in the current social services climate are suggested.
Nottinghamshire County Council Social Services Department, Macmillan Palliative Care Unit, Nottingham.
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Maccabee
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003625:Data Collection; D004739:England; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006302:Health Services Research; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016134:Organizational Policy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000458:organization & administration*