An international study of healthcare professionals’ understandings of palliative care

Introduction: The development of palliative care across the World is varied and often limited. The purpose of this comparative study was to explore healthcare professionals’ (doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers) understanding of palliative care in several different countries. Patients and methods: Eight focus groups were held in eight different countries using open-ended semi-structured questions that allowed participants to report on their understanding and experience of palliative care, the referral to services and the difficulties in providing and accessing palliative care. Transcriptions were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Sixty people in total participated in focus groups held across eight countries. The main themes derived from the data included: definitions of palliative care; place of death and last care; and barriers to providing palliative care. Knowledge and understanding of palliative care vary across countries and between professionals and family carers. Cultural attitudes around death and dying in some countries appear to impact the introduction, availability, and use of palliative care services. The place of death of people with palliative care needs may also be influenced by resources and cultural norms. Limitations: The participants were self–selected and may not be representative of the wider views within each country. Conclusions: Increased educational interventions about palliative care for both professionals and the public would help improve palliative care provision, taking into account the social and cultural norms within communities.