Improving the quality of community primary palliative care in COPD: A qualitative study of health-care providers.

Abstract

Primary palliative care is essential for the continuity of care in severe COPD. This study aimed to identify essential factors and aspects to enhance the quality of primary palliative care for adults with severe COPD living in the community. Interviews with medical professionals from six institutions located in two major metropolitan areas in Japan were conducted, and these interviews were analyzed by using a qualitative content analysis approach. Results indicate that effective collaborative communication among team members, long-term care insurance system and related services, and palliative care techniques were the primary themes.