Assessing the value of online palliative care information

Objective This study aimed to assess the value of an online palliative care resource (CareSearch) in providing evidence-based information to clinicians and consumers; and online palliative care information more broadly from the perspective of key stakeholder organisations. Methods Nine semi-structured interviews with representatives from key stakeholder organisations were undertaken. A pragmatic, qualitative analytical approach was used to identify key findings. Results Seven key findings were identified. These emphasised the criticality of CareSearch, the importance of access to high-quality online palliative care information, the need for a robust palliative care evidence base, challenges to the delivery of palliative care, the need to improve visibility, the need to improve accessibility, and the importance of co-design and lived experience. Conclusions CareSearch and online palliative care information have a critical role to play in responding to the challenges facing the sector. Maximising the value of such information will require improvements in access to evidence, visibility, usability, and the development of resources tailored to diverse users.