The Management of Terminal Illness: Opinions of the Medical and Nursing Staff in a Paris University Hospital

Abstract

The views of French physicians and nurses of the organization of palliative care have not been previously analyzed. We surveyed opinion on the care of the terminally ill in a 1000-bed Paris university hospital. Data were obtained in 1992 by non-directed interviews of leading physicians and semi-directed interviews of nurses. Most physicians wished to manage terminal care in their departments. Patient and family preferences were considered in choosing the place for care. Treatment of hospitalized patients should be limited to relieving symptoms. Department heads and senior nurses agreed on most problems encountered in the management of care. The psychological burden borne by nurses was emphasized. Terminal care training and the possibility of consulting experts in palliative care were the main suggestions for improvement cited by both department heads and senior nurses. Integrating this knowledge into the planning process should result in improved care and in increased satisfaction for the care providers.