Navigating Serious Illness: The Role of Palliative Care Consultations in Nursing Homes - Abstract

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel

Palliative care (PC) consultations in nursing homes (NHs) improve residents’ quality of life during serious illness, yet access remains uneven across facilities. This study developed a framework explaining PC consultation implementation and utilization in NHs from the viewpoints of PC and NH key partners. Using constructivist grounded theory, semi-structured and group interviews were conducted with administrators, nursing directors, social workers, nurses, primary care providers, and PC specialist nurse practitioners (N=33).

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Purpose and study aim

Methods and participants

Findings: central issue and mechanisms

Implications for NH staff and resident care

46 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.153 NAVIGATING SERIOUS ILLNESS: THE ROLE OF PALLIATIVE CARE CONSULTATIONS IN NURSING HOMES Elisha Oduro1, Ruth Palan Lopez2, Kathleen Unroe3, Alexandra Mora4, Moses Akwobugi4, and Joan Carpenter5, 1. University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 2. Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 3. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 4. University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 5. University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, United States Palliative care (PC) consultations in nursing homes (NHs) are recognized for enhancing the quality of life for residents living with serious illness. Despite their benefits, the accessibility of PC consultations remains variable and inconsistent across NHs. This study aimed to develop a framework to explain PC consultation implementation and utilization in NHs from the perspective of PC and NH key partners. A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed, using semi-structured and group interviews with PC and NH administrators, nursing directors, social workers, nurses, primary care providers, and PC specialist nurse practitioners. Participants (N = 33) were purposively sampled from three PC agencies with relationships in 14 NHs to capture variability in PC implementation and utilization. Data were analyzed through open, process, and theoretical coding to develop a theoretical framework. The central issue influencing PC consultations in NHs was the need to navigate resident and family uncertainty and complexity in serious illness care, especially for residents living with dementia. NH staff used PC consultations to guide residents and families during unpredictable disease trajectories, mediate family and institutional expectations by “bridging the gap”, and reframe PC as integrated support rather than only for end-of-life care. PC consultations facilitated better sensemaking, improved communication, and led to more effective care planning. PC consultations serve as strategic tools for NH staff to manage the complexities of serious illness care. Understanding and supporting the practical applications of PC consultations within NHs can lead to more effective integration and utilization of these services, ultimately enhancing resident care.

FAQs

What is the main problem this study addresses about palliative care consultations in nursing homes?

Access to palliative care consultations varies and is inconsistent across nursing homes, despite known benefits for residents with serious illness.

What research method was used to build the framework?

A constructivist grounded theory approach was used, with semi-structured and group interviews and open, process, and theoretical coding.

What was identified as the central issue influencing PC consultations in nursing homes?

Staff needed to navigate resident and family uncertainty and the complexity of serious illness care, particularly for residents living with dementia.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel