What are physicians' reasons for not referring people with life-limiting illnesses to specialist palliative care services? : a nationwide survey

Background : Many people who might benefit from specialist palliative care services are not using them. Aim : We examined the use of these services and the reasons for not using them in a population in potential need of palliative care. Methods : We conducted a population-based survey regarding end-of-life care among physicians certifying a large representative sample (n = 6188) of deaths in Flanders, Belgium. Results : Palliative care services were not used in 79% of cases of people with organ failure, 64% of dementia and 44% of cancer. The most frequently indicated reasons were that 1) exist... Mehr ...