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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.
Background:
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.
Methods:
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.
Results:
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.
Conclusions:
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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