GPs and paediatric oncology palliative care: a Q methodological study

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Oncology
• General Practice
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in providing palliative care for children with cancer.
• Understanding GPs' perceptions of their role is essential for improving care delivery.
• Existing research has not fully explored the nuanced perspectives of GPs in this specialized area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and delineate the diverse viewpoints of general practitioners (GPs) regarding their role in pediatric oncology palliative care using Q methodology.
• To identify shared and divergent perspectives among GPs concerning the challenges and facilitators of providing end-of-life care for children with cancer.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed in the West Midlands, UK.
• Semistructured interviews with GPs and bereaved parents informed the selection of 50 representative statements.
• Q methodology, involving 32 GPs ranking statements and providing commentary, was utilized, with data analyzed using PQMethod V.2.20 and centroid factor analysis.

Main Results:

• Four distinct shared viewpoints emerged, characterizing GPs as: the GP, the compassionate practitioner, the team player practitioner, and the pragmatic practitioner.
• Areas of consensus included time pressures, knowledge deficits, and emotional toll.
• Disagreements centered on psychological support, role definition, experiential learning, and the impact of prior relationships.

Conclusions:

• Q methodology successfully identified four novel and distinct viewpoints of GPs in pediatric oncology palliative care.
• Findings highlight the need for timely and targeted education, training, and support for GPs.
• Collaborative multiprofessional working is crucial for informing GP roles and enhancing practice across specialties.