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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
Published on: May 22, 2026
[Balancing maximum commitment and challenges: Interdisciplinary networks in outpatient palliative care within the
Anastasia Suslow1, Chantal Flemm2, Nino Chikhradze3
1Abteilung für Allgemeinmedizin (AM RUB), Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Abstract:
Palliative care in Westphalia-Lippe is characterized by an interdisciplinary network of palliative medical consultation services. This network enables care without a strict distinction between general and specialized outpatient palliative care. This study aimed to analyze the special features and challenges of this network.In a qualitative study within the VESPAL project (VESPAL - "care quality in ambulatory palliative care with Westphalia-Lippe as example"), 50 care providers in the Palliative Care Model Westphalia-Lippe were interviewed individually and in focus groups. In addition, non-participant observations were carried out in order to provide a more accurate depiction of the reality of care. Afterwards, the observations and interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis based on Kuckartz using MAXQDA software.Providers emphasized the advantages of interdisciplinary cooperation, which enabled quick solutions and individual patient care. Challenges arose due to on-call duty, coordination problems, and logistical difficulties, particularly in rural areas.The palliative care model Westphalia-Lippe offers flexible, needs-oriented care with short service routes and networked teams. However, it requires adjustments to improve communication and coordination.
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