title: The role of practice nurses in providing palliative and end-of-life care to older patients with long-term conditions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many people with palliative care needs will receive care from a primary care provider. However, GPs often have limited time to deal with these patients' supportive care needs, which is where primary care nurses can make a significant contribution.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the role of practice nurses in the provision of palliative and end-of-life (EoL) care to older patients with long-term conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty one practice nurses from a selection of rural and urban areas in New Zealand were interviewed about their EoL care experiences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three themes were identified relating to EoL care: variability of practice nurse involvement in EoL care, limited education and training in EoL care, and what practice nurses can (and do) contribute to EoL care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Priority should be given to developing the palliative care skills and knowledge of primary care nurses and their ability to provide the necessary support to the growing number of patients who will require palliative care.
authors.affiliation: Research Assistant; The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Raphael
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Waterworth
authors.forename: Merryn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gott
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010166:Palliative Care; D011320:Primary Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013727:Terminal Care; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: End-of-life care; Older adults; Palliative care; Primary health care nurses