Clinician perceived good practice in end-of-life care for patients with COPD

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have significant end-of-life needs, but are much less likely than patients with cancer to access or receive appropriate palliative care. Little is known about the existing availability or quality of available services within the United Kingdom. We surveyed 100 NHS acute hospitals enquiring into the provision of care for patients with COPD and requesting examples of current good practice that might be used to set standards. Forty-two percent of hospitals had formal palliative care arrangements for patients with COPD, whereas 59% had plans to develop or further develop services. Analysis of qualitative data suggested four strands that highlighted good practice; teams, care pathways, service components and linkages. These data may help to inform the debate leading to the development of standards in end-of-life care for patients with COPD.