National consultation informing development of guidelines for a palliative approach for aged care in the community setting

Aim: This study aimed to obtain perspectives from key stakeholders to inform the development of Australian national guidelines for a palliative approach to aged care in the community setting. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory qualitative design was used. Sampling was purposive. Data were collected during audiotaped, semistructured, individual and focus group interviews that addressed the need for the guidelines and aimed to identify practice areas for inclusion. Thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Interviews were conducted across Australia and included 172 participants: health-care providers, consumers, volunteers and researchers/educators. Themes emerging from the data were: Provision of a Palliative Approach in Community Aged Care, Carer Support, Advance Care Planning, Physical and Psychological Symptom Assessment and Management, Psychosocial Support, Spiritual Support, Issues for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander People, Older People from Diverse Cultural and Language Groups, and Clients with Special Needs. Conclusion: Findings underpinned development of new guideline documents.