Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41188732›Full record

ArticleBMC geriatrics2025

Healthcare professionals' perspectives on implementing the Swedish palliative care guide in geriatrics - a qualitative study using small-group and individual interviews.

Marie-Louise Möllerberg, Karin Dalhammar, Birgit H Rasmussen, Carl Johan Fürst, Maria E C Schelin, Christel Hedman

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC geriatrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Marie-Louise MöllerbergFaculty of Health and Society, Department of Care Science, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. marie-louise.mollerberg@mau.se.
Karin DalhammarFaculty of Health and Society, Department of Care Science, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
Birgit H RasmussenInstitute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.
Carl Johan FürstInstitute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.
Maria E C SchelinInstitute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.
Christel HedmanInstitute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAs the global population ages, the demand for palliative care is expected to increase. However, studies show that older patients often receive inadequate palliative care, partly due to healthcare professionals lacking sufficient training and tools to identify and address palliative care needs effectively. This study aims to explore healthcare professionals' experiences regarding facilitators and barriers to integrating a palliative care approach in a geriatric setting by implementing the Swedish Palliative Care Guide.

methodsThis qualitative study employed a design consisting of four small-group interviews (with three participants each) and one individual interview, involving a total of 13 healthcare professionals working in a geriatric setting. The aim was to explore their experiences with integrating the Swedish Palliative Care Guide. Data were analyzed using the rapid identification of themes method and inductive content analysis.

resultsThe analysis revealed four interrelated themes-organizational prerequisites, knowledge of palliative care, teamwork, and communication-that acted as both facilitators and barriers to integrating the Swedish Palliative Care Guide in a geriatric setting. While structured tools and shared goals supported implementation, challenges such as unclear responsibilities, knowledge gaps, and discomfort discussing end-of-life issues hindered consistent application. Participants emphasized that continuity in care and a shared understanding among team members enhanced the use of the guide. In contrast, short-term admissions and a lack of systemic integration of the Swedish Palliative Care Guide into routine practice pose significant challenges to its long-term sustainability.

conclusionsSuccessful implementation of the Swedish Palliative Care Guide in geriatric settings requires clear professional responsibilities, integration into existing digital documentation systems, and targeted training to support staff in initiating end-of-life conversations. Tailoring implementation strategies for local conditions, such as short-term admissions and high staff turnover, can enhance sustainability. These findings provide practical guidance for improving the integration of palliative care approaches into everyday geriatric practice.

Indexed as

Attitude of Health PersonnelGeriatricsHealth PersonnelInterviews as TopicPalliative CareQualitative ResearchAdultAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedSwedenClinical pathwayClinical practice guidelinesDecision supportEarly identificationEarly palliative careGroup interviewsHealth care professionals’ perspectivePalliative carePerson-centered careQualitative methods

Identifiers

PMID41188732
PMCPMC12584315

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.