International journal of palliative nursing
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The aim of this study was to assess the culture-specific palliative care needs of ethnic minority patients. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted using elements of phenomenology with four ethnic minority patients who were attending a day-care centre. ⋯ This suggests that stereotypical cultural care may not always be appropriate, as micro-cultures and individual diversity within cultures exist. These should be explored in the cultural assessment of ethnic minority patients.
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There is much interest in whether the needs of ethnic minority patients are being met by palliative care services. Bradford has a population that includes people from several different ethnic minorities, the largest number of whom originate from Pakistan. In May 2000 a bilingual health-care worker (BHCW) was appointed to work with the local palliative care teams to improve service provision for patients from South Asia. ⋯ It was found that the BHCW was involved in 41% of referrals from ethnic minorities. In addition to aiding communication, the BHCW also provided an important link between the community and the hospital for patients and had a role in bereavement and family support. This audit indicates the BHCW role can be successful and may be useful for other population groups.
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The focus group interview is an increasingly common qualitative research method used by health professionals. General approaches to conducting focus groups have been published. There has, however, been minimal exploration of issues regarding the use of focus groups with palliative care populations and data analysis procedures have been underreported. ⋯ A succinct outline of why, when and how to use focus groups is offered. Key ethical and practical issues are explored as well as considerations for data analysis. This guide offers researchers and clinicians fundamental strategies for the use of focus groups within the palliative care context.
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It has been recognized that education may be one way of improving the provision of palliative care to patients and their families. This article is the culmination of a multi-phase evaluation project that aimed to investigate the effectiveness of palliative care education provided by a hospice education network in the north west of England. Results from a study of 46 students over a three year period indicate that in order for education to be deemed effective, there are certain fundamental requirements. ⋯ This paper describes a model for providing palliative care education, which encompasses these fundamental requirements. It also meets the needs of stakeholder and provides evidence of improvements in clinical practice. In particular, it focuses on the challenges of implementing this model in the current climate of clinical effectiveness, evidence-based practice and value for money.