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P-117 Implementation of outcome measures in a community palliative care service
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  1. Lyndsay Cardwell and
  2. Liz Smith
  1. Strathcarron Hospice, Denny, UK

Abstract

Background The community palliative care service provides care and support to people who are living with palliative and end of life care needs at home. The team is well established and provides vital support to the wider primary care team. Despite this we had no way of demonstrating the difference we were making to patient care. The implementation of outcome measures would enable us to better recognise areas of improvement, evidence what care we are currently delivering more effectively and measure the impact of what is being delivered.

Aim Can IPOS, AKPS and POI be used reliably by the community team to measure the difference they make to patients and families?

Methods Phase 1 (April to June 2022) included training workshops, online learning and time for the team to pilot and reflect on the tools. Phase 2 (July 2022 to June 2023), IPOS, POI and AKPS were recorded at each home visit electronically using Crosscare. Where possible the IPOS was completed by the patient. Case studies have been used to demonstrate impact and also highlight any facilitating factors and barriers of using the tools. A staff survey was completed at three time points.

Results Quantitative data will be presented including patient numbers, IPOS symptom scoring, phase of illness, AKPS scoring and how this data was used both for the patient and their family but also to implement change within the service. Case studies will highlight some of the barriers we faced during the process and some of the successes. Staff surveys have been used to assess how we approached the change throughout the pilot period.

Conclusions Outcome measures when used as part of everyday practice can improve the quality of care provided to patients and their family. They are able to assist us in identifying future areas of development required across the service.

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