RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 P-153 New model for end of life care
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP A55
OP A55
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-001026.153
VO 5
IS Suppl 3
A1 Valerie Shaw
A1 Kay Harrison
YR 2015
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/5/Suppl_3/A55.1.abstract
AB Introduction A local health needs assessment indicated a need for end of life beds in a care setting for patients who did not want to, or could not, die at home or in hospital and did not have the level of need requiring a Hospice bed. Population predictions suggest this need will increase. A model of a Hospice commissioning and supporting beds in a nursing home was created and is currently being piloted.Aims The overall aim was to develop a new model of end of life care in a care setting providing high quality care for patients and families.Project plan This included: developing eligibility criteria, a contract, operational policies, budget; undertaking publicity; preparing environment; planning evaluation; providing education.Results The first 4 months indicateBenefits include:High quality of carePositive patient and carer satisfactionSaving of hospital bed days through admission avoidance and earlier discharge.Increased choiceRapid access to bedsReduced paperwork and administration time for professionalsIncreased psychological support for patients and familiesTraining and development of care home staffimproved care for all residentsImproved partnership working with acute trust, hospice and communityRapid access to medicines through Hospice nurses prescribingChanged perceptions of care homesCost effectiveChallenges includeIdentifying patients for referralEstablishing new referral pathwaysIssues around communicationLack of understanding by relatives of medical condition and prognosisTransfers felt rushed for some relativesConclusions Implementing new models across hospitals and community takes time and presents challenges. However, early indications are that this model of high quality care is successful and has many benefits to patients, families and professionals. It could be replicated in other care homes.