title: District nurses' referrals to home-based palliative nursing services.
abstract: This study investigated district nurses' considerations of the Marie Curie Nursing Service. Most saw the primary service as respite care and referred patients to it during late stages of illness rather than palliative phases. The MCNS is valued, but confusion exists about appropriate referral times and the services provided. Improvement in communication and education is needed. The provision of this home palliative nursing service helps to promote the principle of palliative care in optimising the quality of life of patients who have life-limiting diseases and their families.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fellowes
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goodman
authors.forename: Susie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Low
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Harvey
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom