Research roundup

摘要

Barriers to palliative care in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in home care: a qualitative study of the perspective of professional caregivers A growing number of individuals living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who live in their own homes require the support and input of professional caregivers, as they may be housebound due to their condition. Many individuals experience complex symptoms, and the unpredictable disease trajectory may impact on access to palliative care services. Unlike some other life-limiting conditions, it has been identified that the palliative care needs of patients living with COPD can be impacted by a number of factors. One factor is the identification of COPD as a life-limiting condition by professional caregivers, who are best placed to identify the needs of individuals when they visit their home. This qualitative explorative study, based in Denmark, sought to identify the views of professional caregivers about those living with COPD and their palliative care needs. The study comprised two parts: the initial observation and subsequent individual interviewing of 10 caregivers as they engaged in their daily practice, and the development of 10 small group discussions engaging 66 professional caregivers.