Practicing Surgeons' Perception of Barriers to Palliative Care Delivery in British Columbia.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Utilization of palliative care remains low among surgical patients. We aim to characterize general surgeons' perceptions of barriers to access palliative care in British Columbia (BC). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a total of 11 surgeons in BC. Interviews were transcribed for thematic analysis via interpretive description. Dominant themes were identified and agreed upon between the authors. RESULTS: Several barriers were identified, which include system and institution, communication and surgical workflow barriers. At the system and institutional level, there were difficulties accessing patient information and continuity of care. Themes in the communication included patient misconceptions about palliative care and communication challenges with consulting services. Surgical workflow barriers influenced the overall perceived role of surgeons when caring for patients with palliative care needs. CONCLUSION: Understanding surgeons' perspectives on barriers to palliative care is an important step in changing management. This can aid in the development of strategies that ease access to palliative care.