" ... the Classical Problem is to State, you are now Palliative" End-of-Life Care at the Interfaces of Primary Care in Rural Regions - A Qualitative Multiperspective Study

Objective The aim of this study was to explore palliative care at the end of life in two rural counties in Lower Saxony. Methods Qualitative interviews with palliative care experts (i.e. staff of hospices, specialized outpatient palliative care services, palliative care units) at the interfaces primary care were analyzed using content analysis. Results Interviews were conducted with 28 experts (75% female). They emphasized four aspects: To assure end-of-life care, (1) shortage of general practitioners and nurses ought to be countered, (2) health professionals' awareness for palliative care needs has to be increased in order to initiate measures at an early stage, (3) enlightenment and information for patients and their relatives regarding palliative care should be optimized, and (4) networking and cooperation of health care providers in palliative care ought to be promoted. Conclusion End-of-life care is closely linked to the assurance of care provided by general practitioners and to nursing care. In general palliative care, the early identification of palliative care needs is crucial.