Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10316/95920
Title: Family Physicians' Perspectives on Their Role in Palliative Care: A Double Focus Group in Portugal
Authors: Cardoso, Carlos Seiça
Prazeres, Filipe 
Xavier, Beatriz
Gomes, Bárbara
Keywords: Focus group online; Palliative care; Primary care; Training program
Issue Date: 2021
Publisher: MDPI
Project: UIDB/4255/2020 
Serial title, monograph or event: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume: 18
Issue: 14
Abstract: Background: Aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the provision of palliative care for patients with palliative care needs emerges as a necessity more than ever. Most are managed in primary care by their family physicians (FP). This study aimed to understand the perspectives of specialist and trainee FPs about their role in palliative care. Methods: we conducted a double focus-group study consisting of two separate online focus-groups, one with FP specialists (n = 9) and one with FP trainees (n = 10). Results: FPs already gather two fundamental skills for the provision of palliative care: the capacity to identify patients’ needs beyond physical symptoms and the recognition that the patient belongs to a familiar, psychosocial, and even spiritual environment. They perceive their role in palliative care to be four-fold: early identification of patients with palliative care needs, initial treatment, symptom management, and patient advocacy. Participants recognized the need for palliative care training and provided suggestions for training programs. Conclusion: FPs share a holistic approach and identify multiple roles they can play in palliative care, from screening to care and advocacy. Organizational barriers must be addressed. Short training programs that combine theory, practice, and experiential learning may further the potential for FPs to contribute to palliative care. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10316/95920
ISSN: 1660-4601
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147282
Rights: openAccess
Appears in Collections:FMUC Medicina - Artigos em Revistas Internacionais

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