Perceived barriers and facilitators for general practitioner-patient communication in palliative care : a systematic review

Slort, W and Schweitzer, B P M and Blankenstein, A H and Abarshi, E A and Riphagen, I I and Echteld, M A and Aaronson, N K and van der Horst, He and Deliens, L (2011) Perceived barriers and facilitators for general practitioner-patient communication in palliative care : a systematic review. Palliative Medicine, 25 (6). pp. 613-629. ISSN 1477-030X

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Abstract

While effective general practitioner (GP)-patient communication is required for the provision of good palliative care, barriers and facilitators for this communication are largely unknown. We aimed to identify barriers and facilitators for GP-patient communication in palliative care. In a systematic review seven computerized databases were searched to find empirical studies on GP-patient communication in palliative care. Fifteen qualitative studies and seven quantitative questionnaire studies were included. The main perceived barriers were GPs' lack of availability, and patients' and GPs' ambivalence to discuss 'bad prognosis'. Main perceived facilitators were GPs being available, initiating discussion about several end-of-life issues and anticipating various scenarios. Lack of availability and failure to discuss former mistakes appear to be blind spots of GPs. GPs should be more forthcoming to initiate discussions with palliative care patients about prognosis and end-of-life issues. Empirical studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of the perceived barriers and facilitators.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Palliative Medicine
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/core/keywords/health/supportiveandendoflifecare
Subjects:
?? communication family physicians palliative care physician–patient relationship systematic reviewsupportive and end of life careanesthesiology and pain medicinegeneral medicinemedicine(all)r medicine (general) ??
ID Code:
56330
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
30 Jul 2012 09:11
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
16 Jul 2024 09:06