Article Text
PDF
Abstract
Introduction St Gemma’s Hospice and Leeds teaching hospitals trust are involved in a national end of life care programme’s pilot. This is an education initiative called ‘Quality End of Life Care for All’ [QELCA] developed by St Christopher’s hospice.
Aims
Share expertise of Hospice care with nurses working in a variety of settings where End Of Life Care [EOLC] was being provided.
Empowerment of generalist nurses to make a difference in practice, providing EOLC.
Address with nurses issues of anxiety, fear, and lack of insight/self-awareness when providing EOLC.
Equip nurses to remain in meaningful emotional contact with patients/relatives whilst preserving professional integrity.
Prevention of emotional exhaustion and risk of ‘burn out’.
Methods
5 days placement at St Gemma’s Hospice.
Combination of facilitated classroom learning and practical experience. [IPU, Community, Day services.]
Reflect on learning and formulate action plan for priorities for change.
Action plan is supported by facilitated action learning [AL] over six sessions.
Results
Positive relationships/ networks between acute and hospice staff.
Constructive comments made regarding EOLC provision in different clinical areas.
Each QELCA candidate focusses on something to change/ implement within clinical practice based on Hospice experience.
During AL sessions, progress discussed/ action plans made. Changes occurred, with management support.
Discussion Attendance and feedback from the course is so far very positive, candidates enjoyed being in the different environment. AL sets not well attended therefore criteria could be changed for future courses. Results from AL are positive showing that changes had been implemented and worked in practice.
Conclusion/ Future recommendations Since the introduction of the DoH’s End of life care strategy 2008, there has been a focus on patients’ wishes at end of life especially on Preferred Place of Care, [PPC]. Courses such as QELCA, enable healthcare professionals to expand their knowledge in such a specialist area and provide such care through a process of innovation and change.