Access to this article is restricted until 12 months after publication by request of the publisher. Restriction lift date: 2025-04-25
Specialist palliative care professionals’ views on access to their services for people with dementia
Loading...
Files
Date
2024-04-25
Authors
Cronin, Lisa
O’Shea, Emma
Fox, Siobhán
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Published Version
Abstract
Background: In Ireland and around the world populations are ageing, contributing to an increase in the number of people living with dementia. Dementia is a life-limiting condition and evidence suggests that people with dementia would benefit from specialist palliative care (SPC) input. There is ongoing investigation into how people with dementia access the services they need at the right time. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore how people with dementia access SPC services in a region in the Mid-West of Ireland, from the perspectives of key healthcare workers linked to the service. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n=10) were conducted with healthcare professionals involved in the referral process of accessing SPC input, including consultants, specialist registrars, clinical nurse managers and an assistant director of nursing. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Overall four main themes were identified from the data: Capacity for providing SPC services to people with dementia; Appropriate Referrals and Recognising Need; Inadequate volume and inequitable geographical distribution of dementia services; Service integration and inter-professional collaboration. The underlying premise was the disease trajectory of dementia and a changing model of care. Conclusion: A needs assessment rather than a diagnosis is the referral process that underpins access to SPC for people with dementia. However, there is little consensus on ‘grey’ areas within this process and some SPC professionals may be less comfortable with treating patients with dementia. A different model of care is needed.
Description
Keywords
Specialist palliative care , Dementia , Needs assessment , Referral
Citation
Cronin, L., O’Shea, E. and Fox, S. (2024) 'Specialist palliative care professionals’ views on access to their services for people with dementia', Progress in Palliative Care, 32(3), pp. 183-188. https://doi.org/10.1080/09699260.2024.2339086