Catherine Walshe

..Observational research methods are important for understanding people's actions, roles and behaviour. However, these techniques are underused generally in healthcare research, including research in the palliative care field...

..However, perceptions of the effectiveness of the operationalization of FCC in terms of meeting family needs are varied...

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..Studies need to move beyond description of utilization patterns, and examine whether such patterns are inequitable, and what is happening in the referral or other processes that may result in such patterns...

..Slow or incomplete adoption was reported. The GSF was recognised as important because it facilitated changes to previously difficult aspects of work between professionals, but few respondents reported direct benefits to patient care...

..Collaborations are generally formed through formal and informal referral processes, but little is known about what influences professionals' decisions to refer to such services...

..Practitioners could be more explicit about influences on decision making, and policy makers take account of these complex influences on referrals rather than just mandating change...

..Lessons should be learnt from the UK's promulgation of partnerships to ensure that these are used appropriately and only where patient benefit can be anticipated...

..Using case study strategies rigorously and appropriately can contribute to knowledge in a way which is sensitive to the complex, context-dependent and multiprofessional nature of palliative care...

..Case study research strategies may have potential to contribute to evaluating such complex interventions, and to develop this field of evaluation research...