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The positioning of palliative care in acute care: A multiperspective qualitative study in the context of metastatic melanoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 October 2015

Jennifer Fox Open the ORCID record for Jennifer Fox [Opens in a new window] ,
Carol Windsor Open the ORCID record for Carol Windsor [Opens in a new window] ,
Shirley Connell Open the ORCID record for Shirley Connell [Opens in a new window]  and
Patsy Yates
Jennifer Fox*
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
Carol Windsor
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
Shirley Connell
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
Patsy Yates
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Jennifer Fox, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, 4059, Queensland, Australia. E-mail: jennifer.fox@qut.edu.au.
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Abstract

Objective:

The positioning and meaning of palliative care within the healthcare system lacks clarity which adds a level of complexity to the process of transition to palliative care. This study explores the transition to the palliative care process in the acute care context of metastatic melanoma.

Method:

A theoretical framework drawing on interpretive and critical traditions informs this research. The pragmatism of symbolic interactionism and the critical theory of Habermas brought a broad orientation to the research. Integration of the theoretical framework and grounded-theory methods facilitated data generation and analysis of 29 interviews with patients, family carers, and healthcare professionals.

Results:

The key analytical findings depict a scope of palliative care that was uncertain for users of the system and for those working within the system. Becoming “palliative” is not a defined event; nor is there unanimity around referral to a palliative care service. As such, ambiguity and tension contribute to the difficulties involved in negotiating the transition to palliative care.

Significance of Results:

Our findings point to uncertainty around the scopes of practice in the transition to palliative care. The challenge in the transition process lies in achieving greater coherency of care within an increasingly specialized healthcare system. The findings may not only inform those within a metastatic melanoma context but may contribute more broadly to palliative practices within the acute care setting.

Keywords

PalliativeAcuteSpecializationMelanomaTransition
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 14 , Issue 3 , June 2016 , pp. 259 - 268
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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