STUDY OBJECTIVE: Although the focus of emergency care is on the diagnosis and
treatment of acute illnesses and injuries or the stabilization of patients for ongoing treatment,
some patients may benefit from a palliative approach. Little is known about delivering
palliative care in the emergency department (ED). We explore the attitudes, experiences,
and beliefs of emergency providers about palliative care in the ED, using structured
qualitative methods. METHODS: We studied 3 focus groups with 26 providers, including 14 …

Study Objectives Though the primary focus of emergency care is to cure disease or stabilize
the patient for ongoing treatment, some patients may benefit from a palliative approach. Little
is known about delivering palliative care in the emergency department (ED). We sought to
explore the attitudes, experiences, and beliefs of emergency providers about palliative care
in the ED. Methods Three focus groups with 26 physicians, nurses, social workers, and
emergency technicians working in 2 academic EDs in Boston. Transcripts were coded by …