Background Our service supports patients and carers to manage the challenges of living with a life-limiting condition; helps maintain independence and enhance quality of life, and gives patients the confidence to live as well as possible. Prior to COVID-19, we offered one-to-one therapy assessments, personalised programmes, group therapies and open-ended general wellbeing activities; our Compassionate Neighbours project supported those who were lonely and at risk of isolation. A full review of our services took place following the closure of all hubs, reduction in staff and enforced shielding of our patients, including the impact of social interaction for those vulnerable and isolated.

Aims To enhance the patient experience by offering episodes of clinical care, supported with a range of therapy interventions. Patients, their carers, and those bereaved are then invited to attend informal social meet-ups, or take part in wellbeing activities at new social hubs in community spaces to foster compassion and peer support. The hubs maintain a connection to the hospice until the point where clinical care might once again be needed.

Methods

• Developed a blended approach of online and face-to-face assessments.

• Introduced defined episodes of therapeutic care (6, 8 or 12 week groups).

• Patient-centred programmes focus on achieving specific personal goals (Fettes, Ashford, Maddox, 2018).

• All care led by Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale (IPOS)

• Therapy to Compassionate Community (Compassionate Communities UK) caseload transition.

• Set up new social hubs.

Results 53 patients transitioned (Apr 20-May 21). Increased feedback from ‘Views on care’ to aid evaluation. Carer experience significantly improved.

Conclusions We adapted our service to bring an exciting solution towards enhancing the patient and carer experience by replacing ‘discharge’ with ‘episode of care’ and offering a transition from clinical therapy to community caseload for continued support and connection. This model has also enhanced our family support service.