The article discusses the potential negative outcomes of respite care for both the patient and informal carers. Topics discussed include benefits of respite care in palliative care setting and study by Wolkowski et al suggesting that respite care does not make a difference to patients and informal carers. Also mentioned is the role of district nurses in being transparent about the emotional impact of respite care to both patients and carers. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.