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Carter, Laura (2008) Delivering palliative care in the community: community nurses' experiences and perceptions of their role. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Title: Delivering palliative care in the community: community nurses' experiences and perceptions of their role.

Aim: To explore community nurses' experiences and perceptions of their role in delivering palliative care in the community.

Background: Traditionally access to specialist palliative care services have been restricted to people with cancer however recent policy directives have called for the extension of skilled palliative care to patients with life limiting illnesses regardless of cause. The NHS End of Life Care Programme aims to improve communication and co-ordination of services so all patients receive a better quality of care at the end of life. Generalist healthcare professionals in primary care are increasingly been recognised as pivotal in the delivery and success of these initiatives.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of community nurses (n=11) within two primary care trusts in the UK. The interviews focused upon experiences and perceptions of the provision of community-based palliative care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and findings were generated through framework analysis.

Findings: Community nurses in the sample aimed to deliver patient centred care through building supportive networks for patients. They perceive their role as a co-ordinator and negotiator of care and often experienced emotional labour within their roles. End of life initiatives were viewed positively; however nurses identified weaknesses within implementation and relationships within the wider team context.

Conclusions: Successful implementation of policy initiatives relies on promoting effective relationships between generalist healthcare professionals, including a shared understanding of role domains. In addressing holistic needs at the end of life, it is possible a more family centred approach could be utilised recognising the integral role of informal carers in the community. Further research is required to address policy initiatives for patients with chronic conditions as this was not found to be established yet within primary care.

Item Type:	Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Keywords:	MNursSci, Master Of Nursing Science, Palliative Care, Community
Depositing User:	EP, Services
Date Deposited:	04 Dec 2008
Last Modified:	02 Jan 2018 17:01
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/22541

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