Aims: This study reports an external evaluation of a funded model of integrated palliative care the Palliative Care Partnership. Care is delivered by a partnership between palliative care coordinators (augmented by specialist hospice clinicians), general practitioners, practice nurses, and supported by community district nurses. Mandatory induction clinician education and other support is a prerequisite.
Methods: A mixed method approach including in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of stakeholders and analysis of routinely collected data. The study was undertaken in the MidCentral District Health Board area.
Results: All stakeholders report favourably on the model of care. Data analysis shows the majority of MidCentral general practitioners and many practice nurses have completed training and cared for at least one patient using the funding stream of up to $400 per patient. Clinicians report increased clinical confidence and satisfaction. Patients/family describe best practice palliative care delivery. Funder and management organisation report robust quality and funding procedures.
Conclusions: The Palliative Care Partnership is an effective model of funded palliative care in primary care. It utilises the enhanced skills of primary and specialist clinicians to provide cost effective palliative care and is a model worthy of replication nationally and internationally.