Engaging Specialist Palliative Care in the Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Patient, Family, and Provider-Based Approach
- 2022-04.
/pmc/articles/PMC7429241/ /pubmed/32066316
PURPOSE: To describe key stakeholders' perspectives on specialist palliative care and its integration into the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: Qualitative, non-interventional, descriptive study. Data collected via individual interviews of 42 stakeholders (n = 14 patients, n = 16 family caregivers, n = 12 healthcare providers). Transcribed interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis techniques. RESULTS: Stakeholders' general impressions of specialist palliative care were highly variable. Many expressed limited or inaccurate understandings of palliative care's definition and purpose. Perceptions of palliative care as hospice were common. Stakeholders generally supported the integration of specialist palliative care into ALS management, and many recognized the value of early integration of palliative services in both the community and the clinic setting. CONCLUSION: Key stakeholders readily identify a meaningful role for specialist palliative care in ALS management. Integration of specialist palliative care into existing systems of support would be facilitated by a more comprehensive understanding of the service among patients, family caregivers, and healthcare providers.