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.
Maccabee
J
J
Nottinghamshire County Council Social Services Department, Macmillan Palliative Care Unit, Nottingham.
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*