Home care of dying patients. Family physicians' experience with a palliative care support team.

Family physicians were asked about their recent experience with caring for dying patients at home and for their evaluation of a recently established Palliative Care Home Support Team. Ninety-four percent of the respondents had cared for at least one dying patient at home during the previous 2 years. About two thirds felt comfortable, competent, confident, supported, and in control. One quarter felt personally drained by the experience, but almost as many found it personally renewing. Of those who had referred patients to the team, two thirds gave the team high ratings for being supportive, helpful, quick to respond, and effective in communication.