Barriers for primary care physicians in providing palliative care service in Hong Kong - Qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the willingness and barriers for primary care physicians in providing palliative care service in Hong Kong. Design: Qualitative study comprising focus groups discussions and individual interviews. Subjects: 20 doctors previously or currently worked in Family Medicine Department in a regional cluster in Hong Kong. Main outcome measures: Perception about palliative care service in Hong Kong. Results: Themes on understanding of palliative care, role of family physicians, support and difficulties in providing the service, effect of Chinese culture in palliative care and suggestions were identified. Conclusion: Doctors with family medicine training have concept and skills of holistic approach, especially psychosocial care. Barriers perceived are similar to those postulated in overseas studies.

目的：調查研究香港基層醫生對提供紓緩治療服務的積極性及其面對的障礙。

設計：定性研究，包括專題小組討論及個別面談。

對象：20位曾任或現職於一所香港分區家庭醫學部門的醫生。

主要測量內容：對香港紓緩治療服務的看法。

結果：研究結果可歸納為以下各主題: 對紓緩治療的理解，基層醫生的角色，對提供紓緩治療服務的支持與所遇困難，中國文化的影響及建議。

結論：受家庭醫學訓練的醫生都有掌握全人醫治的概念及技巧，尤其對心理及社交方面的照顧。所察覺到的困難與外國研究結果類似。