Introduction: The goal of palliative care home care is to provide effective management of the patient and family in their home environment in conjunction with the primary care team.
Aim: This study was designed to assess family doctors level of understanding and satisfaction with the Home Care Service. Also to identify their learning needs in relation to palliative care and estimate the number of non-malignant referrals that might be made.
Method: A questionnaire was piloted. It was then posted to all Family Doctors in the Our Lady’s Hospice catchment area (379).
Findings: 187(51.3%) Family Doctors returned the questionnaire. Satisfaction was rated as either good or excellent by 171 (98%) of respondents. 91% of family doctors felt that they had learned from contact with the service. 80% expressed an interest in further education sessions and 77% requested further information on the service. Family doctors also had criticism of hold-ups in accessing home-care service 10 (5%) and delays in accessing admission to inpatient beds 10 (5%). 15 (8%) desired improved communication with the service. 18 (10%) doctors wanted more home care staff and 10 (5%) greater resources for the service.
Conclusion: Family doctors generally had a good understanding of the role of palliative care but most responded that they would appreciate further education and training in this area.At present our service is offered to people with malignant disease. Family doctors on average estimated that they would refer twice as many patients to the service if the service were offered to people with non-malignant disease. This has implications for future planning of the service. With better liaison between primary health carers and the home care team and improved education we should achieve more effective palliative care in the community.