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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01.12.2013 | Original Article

Involvement of general practitioners in palliative cancer care: a qualitative study

verfasst von: Anne Dahlhaus, Nicholas Vanneman, Andrea Siebenhofer, Marie Brosche, Corina Guethlin

Erschienen in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Ausgabe 12/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

General practitioners play an important role in palliative care for cancer patients. The intensity of care and its medical complexity make palliative care a demanding task for general practitioners. This study explored general practitioners' perceptions of their involvement in palliative cancer care and the constraints they confront.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 German general practitioners. Recruitment occurred by means of purposeful sampling to secure maximum heterogeneity. The interviews were electronically recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.

Results

A number of themes were identified. General practitioners describe being intensely involved in the final phase of their patients' lives. When providing home-based end-of-life care to cancer patients, general practitioners become aware of the limitations in their medical skills and knowledge and their ability to provide round-the-clock care. They find it helpful and satisfying to collaborate with trusted care providers and seek to cooperate with specialized palliative care services for outpatients.

Conclusions

The substantial involvement of general practitioners in end-of-life care for cancer patients pushes them to their limits because of the major time commitment required, and the need for special skills for which they have received no training. It will be a challenge to provide general practitioners with the structural and personal support they need to provide home-based palliative care for their cancer patients at end of life.

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Titel: Involvement of general practitioners in palliative cancer care: a qualitative study
verfasst von: Anne Dahlhaus
Nicholas Vanneman
Andrea Siebenhofer
Marie Brosche
Corina Guethlin
Publikationsdatum: 01.12.2013
Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Ausgabe 12/2013
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Elektronische ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-1904-6

Springer Medizin

Involvement of general practitioners in palliative cancer care: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Springer Medizin

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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