Introduction: Many chronic illnesses progress to a terminal phase when therapeutic options have been exhausted and the focus of care becomes palliative. Evidence suggests that although there is recognition that patients with illnesses such as heart failure, respiratory and renal disease often have palliative care needs these are not well addressed when compared to cancer patients. This study was set in a large teaching hospital covering a range of clinical specialities. relation to the palliative care needs of their patients.
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the palliative care needs of patients with a non-cancer diagnosis.
Method: A case study approach using qualitative and quantitative methods was selected as the most appropriate. A purposive sample of 18 patients was selected with a diagnosis of heart failure, renal or respiratory disease. Separate qualitative interviews were conducted with the patient and a nominated carer and a focus group was conducted with the clinical team for each case study. The patient's clinical condition and symptoms were assessed using generic instruments SF36 (Jenkinson et al. 1996), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire (Zigmond and Snaith 1983) and Symptom Checklist (Edmonton) and one disease specific instrument.
Results: Data collection and analysis in this study is well underway and the results will be available before the conference. Qualitative data will be analysed using Collaizzi's (1978) nine stage approach and quantitative data will be analysed using SPSS and standard non-parametric statistics.
Conclusion: This is an exploratory study and our intention is to provide data on which to base further research on this important topic. Data analysis across cases seeks to develop understanding of the commonalties in palliative care needs of patients with chronic illness and to provide insight into ways in which.this may be improved.