Users' views of palliative care services: Ethical implications

This article is based on the findings of a study that elicited the views of terminally ill patients (n = 15), their carers (n = 10) and bereaved carer s (n = 19) on the palliative care services they received. It explores the r ange of ethical issues revealed by the data. Although the focus of the orig inal study was on community services, the participants frequently commented on all aspects of their experience. They described some of its positive an d negative aspects. Of concern was the reported lack of sensitivity to the role of the family among health professionals. The family, as carers, servi ce users and advocates, represent a challenge to professional boundaries an d the ethical norms of confidentiality and best interest. The accounts reve al the complexity of the ethical issues that characterize terminal care, is suing specific ethical challenges to nurses and other health professionals involved in this field.