Complementary therapy services within a hospice – pre and post treatment evaluation

The aim of this audit was to identify the benefits of complementary therapy services within a hospice. Evaluating effectiveness of therapies provided to patients (including adults and children), carers and hospice staff to gain greater understanding of the benefits of providing complementary therapies alongside the medical, nursing models of care which were currently practiced.

Over 12 months (Jan – Dec 2014) 665 complementary therapy treatments were audited. Before and after each treatment the clients completed an evaluation sheet to identify how they were feeling from a pre-written list.

The outcomes illustrated an improvement in the physiological and psychological wellbeing of the clients post treatment. Not all the negative feelings were eliminated but there were overall positive responses. Results charts will be added to demonstrate the improvement.

Demand on the service increased, hospice staff increased their patient and carer referrals to the complementary therapy team and patients, carers and staff was booking appointments and attending pre planned therapy sessions. Complementary therapy has become main stream within the hospice.

Completion of the evaluation form was challenging at times when the patient was unable to complete or voice their feelings due to their medical conditions. We were reliant on the carer, family member or hospice staff to complete and interpret the patient’s feelings. This was particularly relevant in the children’s hospice.

When analysing audit results it became clear that the feedback needed to be specific with patients, carers and staff groups to highlighting the outcomes within these groups, which will be illustrated in the poster.

The project has shown benefits of complementary therapy being offered within the hospice and has identified areas of development potential, including providing services in the community, staff education to offer more complementary therapy and further audit and evaluation to develop existing services.