Decision-making in palliative and continuing care in the community: an analysis of the published literature with reference to the context of UK care provision

Int J Nurs Stud. 2003 Nov;40(8):881-8. doi: 10.1016/s0020-7489(03)00070-1.

Abstract

Palliative and continuing care in the United Kingdom (UK) is provided by a range of health and social care professionals who work within a variety of statutory and non-statutory organisations. This selective review of the literature focuses upon palliative and continuing care decision-making undertaken by district nurses and social workers as an exemplar of interprofessional decision-making. The decision-making process is complex and heavily influenced by the organisations employing district nurses and social workers. A model of strategic decision-making is identified which facilitates the exploration of events within the context of practice, thus providing a greater understanding of the process and outcomes to inform the professional development of practitioners.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Continuity of Patient Care / organization & administration
  • Decision Making, Organizational*
  • Decision Support Techniques
  • Humans
  • Judgment
  • Long-Term Care / organization & administration*
  • Models, Psychological
  • Nurse's Role
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Palliative Care / organization & administration*
  • Public Health Nursing / organization & administration*
  • Social Work / organization & administration*
  • State Medicine / organization & administration
  • United Kingdom