The role of the keyworker in breaking down professional culture barriers to providing high-quality palliative care: a literature review

Abstract

Background: Palliative cancer care is by definition multi-professional in nature. An interdisciplinary approach to disease management emphasising continuity of care results in increased quality of life for patients and families. Complex disease management demands the provision of a full spectrum of high-quality care; requiring both specialist and generalist services. Appointed keyworkers are knowledgeable about patient preferences enabling effective coordination of care and promotes collaborative team-working. The need for diversity in the provision of palliative care is recommended but can challenge effective interdisciplinary collaboration by creating tension and limiting the interdisciplinary team (IDT) from reaching its full potential resulting in adverse outcomes.

Roles and responsibilities of the community palliative care key worker: a scoping review

“…Findings from the studies are mainly inconclusive regarding the role and responsibilities of the palliative care key worker. This scoping review supports the claim in previous research (Feuz, 2014) and editorial pieces (Berry, 2015) that gaps in understanding exist on the keyworker's role in palliative care. Further exploration and research are required to establish the role of key worker and how the role is allocated, implemented, and gauged to be effective within health systems.…”

“…Specifically: training, education, and clarification of the role. Feuz (2014) found that interdisciplinary collaboration was key to the provision of high-quality effective palliative care, however physicians are usually considered to be the ultimate decision makers (Bélanger et al, 2014). Feuz (2014) asserts that key workers are ideally placed to overcome professional culture barriers through facilitating improved communication within the interdisciplinary team.…”

“…Whilst first mentioned by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2016, there has been little evidence of this role being defined across the globe. Without standardisation, the title, role, and function vary according within and across countries and professions (Feuz 2014;Hull & Turton 2014). For example, in the United Kingdom (UK) variance of key worker role across clinical settings exist (see table 1).…”

Radiation Therapy Students′ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Cancer Patients

“…(R16). This is of particular concern because inadequate communication with patients and avoidant behaviours have been shown to contribute to workplace burnout for individuals working in palliative care [14,15]. Therefore, improving communication through increased knowledge and positive attitudes toward PEOLC benefits not only patients and families, but also the individuals working with this patient population.…”

“…This lack of understanding can contribute to dismissive or avoidant behaviours that may have a negative impact on the quality of patient care provided [11,12]. In addition, attitudinal barriers can influence HCPs' willingness to engage in PEOLC [13]; hindering the provision of quality care [14][15][16]. Yet, individuals are not born with specific attitudes toward PEOLC.…”