To describe prevalence and characteristics associated with family physician and general practitioner (FP/GP) provision of home palliative care (HPC).
Methods:
We surveyed FP/GPs in an urban health region of Ontario, Canada, to determine their current involvement in HPC, the nature of services provided, and perceived barriers and enablers.
Results:
A total of 1439 surveys were mailed. Of the 302 FP/GP respondents, 295 provided replies regarding engagement in HPC: 101 of 295 (33%) provided HPC, 76 (26%) were engageable with further support, and 118 (40%) were not engageable regardless of support. The most substantial barrier was time to provide home visits (81%). Engaged FP/GPs were most likely to be working with another physician providing HPC (P < .0001). Engageable FP/GPs were younger (P = .007) and placed greater value on improved remuneration (P < .001) than the other groups. Nonengageable physicians were most likely to view time as a barrier (P < .0001) and to lack interest in PC (P = .03).
Conclusion:
One-third of FP/GPs provide HPC. A cohort of younger physicians could be engageable with adequate support. Integrated practices including collaboration with specialist PC colleagues should be encouraged and supported.
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