Study: Facilities Often Delay Palliative Care Until Death Is Imminent

A new study has found that long-term care nurses often delay transitioning residents to palliative care until they are very close to death, for a number of reasons.

The surveyors interviewed LTC staff, who offered multiple explanations for the findings. One reason is that family members often want care interventions as a resident approaches death, even if an advance directive is in place. Another possible reason is that the magnitude of the decision makes it difficult. Finally, caregivers explained that switching to palliative care can be construed as "giving up" on the resident.

As a result, residents might only be moved to palliative care once death is imminent, creating a scramble to get family members on board with the decision.

The study's authors suggest clearly defining "palliative care" for both staff members and family so that it is seen as a type of care rather than the absence of care. They also suggest facility policies include information on caring for residents with uncertain prognoses.

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