End of life care in CF: Patients, families and staff experiences and unmet needs

Palliative care is not well understood in CF. Unmet needs of patients with CF, their families and staff were explored. Method: Focus groups and interviews with forty-two participants (12 patients, 10 family members and 20 staff) were conducted at a university teaching hospital. Results: Thematic analysis identified six themes. Knowledge: Patients and families felt their knowledge of palliative care was limited. Psychological frame: Hope and a positive psychological frame was essential to coping, however, this was a hindrance to the acquisition of information. Denial as a coping strategy resulted in a lack of preparation for declining health. Treating team: High expectations were placed on the treating team. Psychosocial support was valued. Communication: Timing, honest and clear discussions were important. Engagement with palliative care service: Increased palliative care. Unmet needs: The emotional burden of caring for dying patients/families and balancing hope against death was a challenge. Conclusions: Opportunities exist to improve care. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of European Cystic Fibrosis Society.