[Palliative care at a university hospital center: physicians' opinions (1992-1996)].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evolution of doctors' opinions in a university hospital centre concerning care for terminally ill patients following the creation of a Mobile Palliative Care Unit (MPCU). METHODS: In the relevant services of a university hospital in Paris (1095 beds), (1) the first survey in 1992 included interviews with 17 doctors; (2) the second interview was carried out in 1996 by self questionnaire among 55 doctors. RESULTS: (1) The doctors stressed their wishes to accompany their patients "until the end" and stressed the role of the patients' family (support system) and of nurses. They indicated their wishes especially for training then for the creation of a MPCU. (2) The MPCU, solicited by 87% of doctors, teaches palliative care and provides therapeutic, psychological and relational assistance, judged as very satisfactory, to carers and families. The doctors would like to see these activities sustained.