The constant demand on hospice inpatient services has led to an increasing use of nursing home beds for patients requiring longer-term nursing care, once their symptoms have been controlled and if care at home is not feasible. The effect of such a transfer on the patient has not previously been examined. The results of this study suggest that the transfer of a patient from a palliative care unit to a nursing home may lead to a shortfall in meeting the needs of patients and relatives. Strategies that might improve this practice in the current social services climate are suggested.
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