Operation of a hospital palliative care service: a fourth-generation evaluation

Objective: Qualitatively evaluate the operation of a palliative care service in oncology. Methodology: Qualitative study conducted in a service in southern Brazil based on a fourth generation evaluation. Between September 2014 and June 2015, 460 hours of operation were observed, and 45 semi-structured interviews and five negotiation meetings were conducted; data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results: Potential services are: provision of outpatient palliative care, home and inpatient care provided by a multidisciplinary and support team, meeting the patient’s biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Study limitations: ineffective communication between clinical and surgical oncology and palliative care sectors, lack of specialized training for professionals and in interpersonal relationship issues among team members. Final Consideration: For palliative care progress in the service, some arrangements are required to enhance integrality of care.