Nurses' needs in delivering palliative care for long-term conditions

This study addressed the question 'What are the needs of community nurses in delivering palliative care to people with long-term conditions?' A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed. Ten community nurses (Band 5-7) were recruited from a purposive sample following a process of randomised stratified sampling, according to geographical area and Band for matched numbers. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken and audio recorded with written informed consent. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an adapted Burnard's framework. The study found that establishing therapeutic relationships, having access to resources, co-ordination and provision of clinical care and collaborative working were all highlighted by the community nurses as needs in delivering palliative care. If these four needs were met, the community nurses believed they could deliver palliative care to their patients. Issues around a lack of resources, community nurses' educational needs and the late referral of patients with non-malignant long-term conditions to community nursing were also identified.