Decision-making in palliative and continuing care in the community: an analysis of the published literature with reference to the context of UK care provision

Palliative and continuing care in the United Kingdom (UK) is provided by a range of health and social care professionals who work within a variety of statutory and non-statutory organisations. This selective review of the literature focuses upon palliative and continuing care decision-making undertaken by district nurses and social workers as an exemplar of interprofessional decision-making. The decision-making process is complex and heavily influenced by the organisations employing district nurses and social workers. A model of strategic decision-making is identified which facilitates the exploration of events within the context of practice, thus providing a greater understanding of the process and outcomes to inform the professional development of practitioners.