End-of-life care in an Australian rehabilitation facility for older people: staff focus groups

Death Stud. 2014 Jan-Jun;38(1-5):186-93. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2012.738773. Epub 2013 Aug 27.

Abstract

A qualitative study of staff experiences of end-of-life care for older people in a subacute rehabilitation facility was undertaken using three focus groups with senior multidisciplinary staff (5), junior nurses (8), and junior allied health staff (7). Content analysis revealed four major themes: being a key contact person; the quality of end-of-life care; referring to off-site service providers; and differing perspectives. These data have implications for multidisciplinary practice including staff education and capacity to change focus of care in facilities for older people dedicated to rehabilitation rather than palliation or end-of-life care.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Australia
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Homes for the Aged / standards
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Professional-Patient Relations*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Terminal Care / psychology*
  • Terminal Care / standards