Barriers to hospice care: family physicians' perceptions.

The purpose of this study was to examine barriers family physicians face when providing hospice care. A questionnaire was developed by the authors, and was mailed to 1,013 randomly selected AAFP members. The questionnaire addressed the various hospice care barriers. The respondents felt comfortable with hospice care, but felt that they did not receive adequate education in this area. They stated that they do have access to hospice programs. There is a general belief on the part of the respondents that their education in death and dying issues, and in hospice care was inadequate. The respondents, however, did feel comfortable in providing hospice care.