Quality in Palliative Care for Patients With Pre-existing Severe Mental Disorders – A Questionnaire Study With Danish Health Care Professionals

Abstract

Background Patients with severe mental disorders (SMDs) face disparities in end-of-life care, yet knowledge about the quality of palliative care is limited. Aims This study examined healthcare professionals’ perspectives on palliative care for patients with SMDs. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to general practitioners (GPs) and specialist palliative care (SPC) professionals in the Central Region of Denmark regarding 75 deceased patients with SMDs sampled from the Danish Palliative Care Database. Data, including fixed-response and free-text answers, were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi2-tests, and thematic qualitative analysis. Results Of 162 questionnaires, 123 were completed (76% response rate). Most trajectories were rated as good or very good quality. Free-text analysis generated three themes: Collaboration and timing, Communication and relations, and Complexity. Conclusions Patients with SMDs generally receive high-quality palliative care, although some care pathways remain challenged regarding coordination, timing and communication around end-of-life decisions.