Challenges of regional hospice and palliative care networks: A group discussion study with coordinators and network experts

Abstract

Background: Within hospice and palliative care, professionals from various disciplines collaborate to deliver comprehensive care to terminal patients and their relatives. Regional hospice and palliative care networks exist in various countries, aimed at facilitating cooperation among health care providers at a local level. To date, little is known about the challenges faced by these networks. Aim: This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by regional hospice and palliative care networks in Germany. Design: A qualitative study with n = 6 group discussions was conducted. Group discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Setting/participants: Participants were n = 19 coordinators or leaders of regional hospice and palliative care networks in Germany or persons with theoretical expertise about these structures. Results: Regional hospice and palliative care networks face numerous challenges relating to: (1) establishment and development, (2) infrastructure, (3) moderation, (4) public relations and information exchange, (5) education and training and (6) the development of regional care services and practices. Network moderation appears crucial for network success and is highly dependent on infrastructural conditions. A key challenge is gaining network acceptance and support from potential network partners. Specifically, this includes securing the commitment of network partners to agree on common goals, develop joint actions and standards and allocate resources effectively. Conclusions: Sustainable infrastructure, competent network governance and adequate resources for network members are essential for the success of regional hospice and palliative care networks. To improve networking, funding conditions should be simplified, the involvement of network partners should be improved and network coordinators should receive training in network management.