However, a limited number of studies report a higher preference for PC services [ 11].
In particular, starting from the QUALICOPC data, our study focuses on ICT use by GPs because of their roles as the main gatekeepers for PC services [ 53].
QUALICOPC looks at what a strong PC system entails and aims to provide an answer to the question: To this end, the organisation of PC at GP practice level and national structures for PC will be related to overall health care system goals, to indicators of the process quality of PC service provision, and to indicators of the quality of PC as perceived by the users of services.
Barriers for referral to PC were negative attitudes of patients to PC (26%), lack of availability of PC services (20%), lack of expertise of PC physicians(18%), the belief that referral to PC signifies abandoning patients (8%), and that PC specialists discourage active oncological therapy (8%).
Assurance of the population access to quality PC service is important for attainment of the MDGs.
Diffusion rates for PCs, Internet service, telemarketing services are very low and the growth rates are accelerating very quickly," he says.
The rapid increase in demand for palliative care (PC) services has led to concerns regarding workforce shortages and threats to the resiliency of PC teams.
This has major consequences for both Oncological and PC services, and the realization of a common goal of providing better quality patient-centred services.
Of the thirteen suggested strategies for improving after hours PC services there was no significant difference in the views of nurses and GPs in relation to nine of these.
For example, earlier referral to PC services has been shown to reduce ED presentations amongst both adult and paediatric patients when compared to usual care [20,38].
