Does respite care address the needs of palliative care service users and carers? Their perspectives and experiences

To establish whether respite care addresses the needs of palliative care service users and carers.

Respite care is often described in UK policy and guidance as a key need to providing support for this group and yet little is known about it and there is a lack of research to support its efficacy.

The approach was qualitative and the methodology was interpretive. The method used was constructivist grounded theory.

Data collection was carried out by unstructured informal interview with three couples and two bereaved carers who had experienced hospice respite care.

Findings showed that respite care is valued by palliative care service users and carers although there are some fundamental tensions in service models which limit its potential.

A reframing of respite care as an empathic response within a new palliative care approach is proposed. Within this, the centrality of the relationship is reinforced.