title: Palliative care for patients with non-malignant disease: will hospital physicians refer?
abstract: The objective of this research was to determine whether consultant physicians would consider referring patients with non-malignant disease to a specialist palliative care service, and if so, which patients they would refer. In addition, reasons for referral, expectations of the palliative care team and concerns about the extension of palliative care to non-malignant disease were examined. A postal questionnaire was sent to all 100 consultant physicians, including subspecialities, working in hospitals in south-east Wales, UK. Out of the 100 questionnaires, 78 physicians responded, of whom 94% would consider referring patients with non-malignant disease to a specialist palliative care service. The physicians would be prepared to refer patients with a wide range of conditions, for a variety of reasons. Among the physicians surveyed there was a general enthusiasm for specialist palliative care services to be made available to patients with non-malignant disease. The most appropriate form of service was thought to be a system of shared care and responsibility and this was seen as a means of addressing concerns regarding the lack of disease-specific expertise within the palliative care team.
authors.affiliation: Department of Palliative Medicine, Y Bwthyn Newydd, Princess of Wales Hospital, Coity Road, Bridgend CF31 1R0, UK.
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Dharmasena
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Forbes
mesh_terms: D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010166:Palliative Care; D011364:Professional Practice; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013727:Terminal Care; D006113:United Kingdom