PaTz groups for primary palliative care: reinventing cooperation between general practitioners and district nurses in palliative care: an evaluation study combining data from focus groups and a questionnaire.
BACKGROUND
PaTz (an acronym for 'PAlliatieve Thuis Zorg'; palliative care at home) is an intervention to improve palliative care provision and strengthen the generalist knowledge of palliative care. In PaTz general practitioners and district nurses meet on a regular basis to identify patients with palliative care needs and to discuss care for these patients. This study explores experiences with regard to collaboration between general practitioners and district nurses, and perceived benefits of and barriers for implementation of PaTz.


METHODS
This study is conducted within the primary care setting. Participants were 24 general practitioners who filled in a questionnaire, and seven general practitioners, five district nurses and two palliative care consultants who attended one of two focus groups.


RESULTS
PaTz led to improved collaboration. Participants felt informational and emotional support from other PaTz participants. Also they felt that continuity of care was enhanced by PaTz. Practical recommendations for implementation were: meetings every 6 to 8 weeks, regular attendance from both general practitioners and district nurses, presence of a palliative care consultant, and a strong chairman.


CONCLUSIONS
PaTz is successful in enhancing collaboration in primary palliative care and easy to implement. Participants felt it improved continuity of care and knowledge on palliative care. Further research is needed to investigate whether patient and carer outcomes improve.
VU University medical centre, Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO + Institute for Health and Care Research, Centre of Expertise in Palliative Care, P,O, Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. eol@vumc.nl.
Annicka G M
AG
van der Plas
Martijn
M
Hagens
H Roeline W
HR
Pasman
Bart
B
Schweitzer
Marij
M
Duijsters
Bregje D
BD
Onwuteaka-Philipsen
D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D058006:General Practice; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009729:Nursing; D010166:Palliative Care; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires