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The subject of palliative care in nursing homes is receiving steadily more attention from researchers worldwide. In this Australian study, 228 nurses working in nursing homes situated in the Perth metropolitan region completed a questionnaire based on 'free response' methodology. The results indicated that most respondents had strong views on palliative care, but that these were strongly polarised. The attitudes of those nurses working in palliative care were significantly more positive to it than the attitudes of those who were not. Direct exposure to palliative care therefore seemed to have a positive impact. In their exploration of the negative views, the authors highlight fear of litigation, lack of support, and the stigma associated with death and dying. 71 references.