The role of practice nurses in providing palliative and end-of-life care to older patients with long-term conditions

Background: Many people with palliative care needs will receive care from a primary care provider. However, GPs often have limited time to deal with these patients' supportive care needs, which is where primary care nurses can make a significant contribution. Aim: The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the role of practice nurses in the provision of palliative and end-of-life (EoL) care to older patients with long-term conditions. Methods: Twenty one practice nurses from a selection of rural and urban areas in New Zealand were interviewed about their EoL care experiences. Results: Three themes were identified relating to EoL care: variability of practice nurse involvement in EoL care, limited education and training in EoL care, and what practice nurses can (and do) contribute to EoL care. Conclusion: Priority should be given to developing the palliative care skills and knowledge of primary care nurses and their ability to provide the necessary support to the growing number of patients who will require palliative care.