Journal of palliative medicine
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The study objective was to empirically identify barriers reported by multiethnic patients and families in receiving high-quality end-of-life care (EOLC). ⋯ Multiethnic patients report that high-quality EOLC is important to them; but unfortunately, a majority state that they have encountered barriers to receiving such care. Efforts must be made to rapidly improve access to culturally competent EOLC for diverse populations.
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Multicenter Study
The Prevalence of Inpatients at Thirty-Three U.S. Hospitals Appropriate for and Receiving Referral to Palliative Care.
The extent of unmet need for palliative care in U.S. hospitals remains largely unknown. We conducted a multisite cross-sectional, retrospective point prevalence analysis to determine the size and characteristics of the population of inpatients at 33 U.S. hospitals who were appropriate for palliative care referral, as well as the percentage of these patients who were referred for and/or received palliative care services. We also conducted a qualitative assessment of barriers and facilitators to referral, focusing on organizational characteristics that might influence palliative care referral practices. ⋯ This study provides useful information to guide providers, administrators, researchers, and policy experts in planning for optimal provision of palliative care services to those in need.