Palliative care providers' perspectives on service and education needs

To obtain the information necessary for coordinated regional program development, we examined (a) the multidisciplinary viewpoint of palliative care service provision and (b) the continuing education needs reported by non-physician service providers. Of 146 surveys distributed to care providers from multiple settings, 135 were returned. Respondents cited these problems: fragmented services, poor pain and symptom control, lack of education for providers, lack of public awareness, problems with the continuity and coordination of care, lack of respite, and lack of hospice beds. Stress management for caregivers, pain management, communication skills, and symptom assessment were rated as priorities in continuing education. Lectures, small group discussions, practicum, and regular medical centre rounds were the preferred learning formats, while costs and staff shortages were cited as educational barriers.