The Inpatient unit are constantly looking at the way in which we work and how we can improve and change practice. One of the current projects we are undertaking is based on person-centred care and One Page profiles.

A one page profile captures all the important information on a single sheet of paper under simple headings. We have produced our own one page profile and named it ‘What is Important to You’ the headings we are using are:

• How will decisions be made, who will be involved in this?

• What is important to me?

• How to support me and those I love

• What must happen?

• What must not happen?

One page profiles are a way of learning and supporting people to achieve things that are important to them. Even if someone is in the hospice for a short period of time it is vital that we know what matters to them and what is important to them not just their clinical condition. We are encouraging staff to discuss one page profiles with patients on admission so that staff can get to know their wishes right from the start. Patients can change their one page profiles at any time.

We are receiving very positive feedback from patients that have completed them. Comments include:

‘I feel much more relaxed now that you know what my likes and dislikes are’

‘Suddenly after completing the one page profile I feel I have the strength to talk to my daughter about my wishes’

‘I am happy that my wife will be involved with decisions about my care this means a lot to me’

‘I feel safe and secure that my wish not to be resuscitated has been listened to and everyone will know my wishes’

We have a working group who are undertaking evaluations and will audit this work.