Palliative Care Service Use in Four European Countries: A Cross-National Retrospective Study via Representative Networks of General Practitioners

摘要: Background: Due to a rising number of deaths from cancer and other chronic diseases growing people experience complex symptoms require palliative care towards the end life. However, population-based data on receiving in Europe are scarce. The objective this study is examine, four European countries, last three months life factors associated with care. Methods: Cross-national retrospective study. Over two years (2009–2010), GPs belonging representative epidemiological surveillance networks Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain registered weekly all patients ($18 years) their practices they received using standardized form. Sudden were excluded. Results: We studied 4,466 deaths. perceived have delivered 50% 55% 62% 65% (p,.001). Palliative specialists attended 29% 39% 45% Spain, 47% Belgium Specialist lasted median (interquartile range) 15 (23) days 30 (70) Italy Cancer more likely than non-cancer receive countries as younger regard specialist Conclusions: Although established studied, there considerable differences its provision. Two potentially underserved groups emerge older Spain. Future research should examine how use relate both patient characteristics existing national health policies.