Roles and responsibilities of the community palliative care key worker: a scoping review

Abstract

This article illustrates the completion of a scoping review of the evidence relating to the role of the palliative care key worker, providing an insight into current literature. While advocated in international and national policies, the evidence underpinning this role is lacking, with only five empirical papers: two national and three international. The review identifies the need for the key worker role in palliative care; however, little consensus exists on who should adopt this role and their remits. Several implementation barriers are cited relating to communication and training. Further research on the development, implementation and consensus on the allocation of duties of the key worker role would expand the existing evidence base.