An exploration of the experiences of professionals supporting patients approaching the end of life in medicines management at home. A qualitative study

Table 1 Participants by profession

Role	Number of participants
Specialist palliative care nurses^a	15
Community nurses^b	12
Consultants (palliative medicine, gerontology)	2
Pharmacists	4
GPs	7
Total	40

^aSpecialist palliative care nurses – those working at a Band 6 or 7 level with additional training in palliative care. These may include: Clinical Nurse Specialists/Hospice at home nurses – these nurses provide advice and support to patients and families as well as having expertise in the management of symptoms. They may be assigned to work in patients’ homes or with care homes. Macmillan Nurses – some specialist palliative care nurses are badged under the brand of ‘Macmillan Cancer Support’, a national cancer charity. These nurses focus on providing advice for the management of complex symptoms and/or psychological distress
^bThis is an overarching group of nurses working in the community including District nurses, Community Matrons and Clinical Nurse Specialists in non-palliative specialisms such as heart failure and neurological conditions. In the UK, qualified nurses’ start at Band 5 and go up to Band 8. Nurses at Band 6 have advanced training, skills and experience; those at Band 7 have managerial roles in addition

ISSN: 1472-684X