Optimization of complex palliative care at home via teleconsultation

Palliative care involves the care for patients with a life threatening disease, often advanced cancer, aiming at an optimal quality of life for the patient and his/her family. Although many patients with advanced cancer live at home in the last phase of disease, hospital transfers are often performed increasing burdening of patients and families and health care costs. Teleconsultation may be able to bring hospital expertise to the patient’s home, thereby supporting home care and fostering continuity of care. This research will combine qualitative and quantitative research to investigate whether teleconsultation will contribute to aspects of symptom management and quality of life in palliative patients residing at home. Research objectives will not only cover domains of quality of care but will also include ethical and communication aspects of teleconsultation for palliative patients.