title: Palliative care in nursing homes: a comparison of high- and low-level providers.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore staff perceptions and concerns about the use of palliative care services in the nursing home setting. Six administrators from nursing homes were purposively selected for key informant interviews. Four common themes emerged, including issues related to the culture of care, the model of care, the relationships with hospice partners, and the role of staff. Recognition of staff perceptions is an important first step in improving the utilization of palliative care services. Staff insight provided clarification related to impediments in promoting a culture of care that was person-centered and relationship-based. We conclude by identifying the solutions for raising the level of dialogue to promote palliative care practice in the nursing home environment.
authors.affiliation: Polisher Research Institute, Abramson Center for Jewish Life, North Wales, Pa, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Hodgson
authors.forename: Amanda J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lehning
mesh_terms: D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D010414:Pennsylvania; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration