title: Exploring the extent of communication surrounding transitions to palliative care in heart failure: the perspectives of health care professionals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of health care professionals (HCPs) on the transition of heart failure (HF) patients to a palliative care approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative data were generated from 24 HCPs specializing in cardiology, care for the elderly, and palliative care. Data were analyzed using the principles of thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Emergent themes related to the unpredictable trajectory of HF, causing prognostic ambiguity; the use of structured pathways in end-of-life decision making; and comparison of HF and cancer patients in terms of their requirements and access to high-quality palliative care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a need for both established prognostic guidelines and further education to develop the communication skills to facilitate end-of-life discussions with HF patients.
authors.affiliation: University of Sheffield Medical School, Sykes House, St. Luke's Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield, UK. mda07eg@shef.ac.uk
authors.forename: Emilie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gardiner
authors.forename: Merryn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gott
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ingleton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003144:Communication Barriers; D019091:Critical Pathways; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation