Table 1 Specialist palliative care service profile in participating cities

Hospital palliative care team(s) providing a consultative service

Medical Attendings/Consultants, fellows/trainee doctors, clinical nurse specialists/practitioners, psychosocial/social workers, administrative support

Medical Attendings/Consultants, fellows/trainee doctors, clinical nurse specialists/practitioners, psychosocial/social workers, administrative support

Medical Attendings/Consultants, fellows/trainee doctors, clinical nurse specialists/practitioners

Inpatient palliative care unit within service

No

No

Yes, 10 beds

Extended team

Chaplaincy, pharmacy

Pharmacy, physiotherapy, chaplaincy

Social workers, chaplaincy, fellows/trainee doctors, triage nurse

Outpatient clinics

Yes

Yes

Yes

Community palliative care team

Yes (part of catchment area)

No

Yes

On call for specialist advice and emergencies

Yes

Yes

Yes

On call weekend ward rounds

Yes

No

Yes

Co-operation with local hospices^a

Yes

Yes

Yes

Funding

Paid for by a tariff specifically for activity as part of National Health Service within the hospitals, local inpatient services in hospices paid for by mix of charity and National Health Service. Additional charitable support for components.

Paid for as part of historic block grant allocation as part of National Health Service within the hospitals. Additional charitable support for components.

Program is funded through physician and advance practice nurse billing under Medicare Part B, the Mount Sinai Hospital through Medicare Part A revenues, and contributions from private sector philanthropy.

Annual referrals to services (all ages) at time of study, % >65 years, % with cancer.

1450 Annual referrals (KCH)

70% aged over 65 years

35% Cancer, 65% Non cancer

1370 Annual referrals (MMUH + Beaumont)

74% aged over 65 years

65% Cancer, 35% Non cancer

2175 Annual referrals (consultation service)

57% aged over 65 years

34% Cancer, 66% Non cancer