RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 27 Palliative care day services operate through therapeutic relationships JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care JO BMJ Support Palliat Care FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group SP A357 OP A357 DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001407.27 VO 7 IS 3 A1 George Kernohan A1 Kevin Brazil A1 Jo Coast A1 Anne Finucane A1 Lisa Graham-Wisener A1 Felicity Hasson A1 Louise Jones A1 Joanne Jordan A1 Noleen McCorry A1 Sonja McIlfatrick YR 2017 UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/7/3/A357.1.abstract AB Introduction Marie Curie Palliative Care Day Services have been developed to support people with life-limiting illness who live in their own home. Patients attend on a regular basis, typically receiving a mix of clinical and social care. Despite their popularity and general satisfaction (Kernohan et al, 2006), there is ambiguity concerning the content.Aim To provide in-depth knowledge of day services by mapping services at three Marie Curie Hospice sites. Methods We: reviewed the records of a 25% random stratified sample of new patients attending in 2015, providing evidence on the content of care; undertook focus groups with staff, focusing on their knowledge and experience of providing Day Services.Results The three services are characterised by:• wide-ranging care that spans physical, psychological, emotional and social domains;• care for both patients and their informal carers;• the development of patient-patient and patient-professional therapeutic relationships• extremely proactive care, based on regular assessment and follow-up;• being able to respond to a majority of identified needs ‘in-house’;• where such response in unavailable, ensuring onward referral and follow-up;• extensive liaison with other health and social care providers.Conclusion Findings contribute to the limited evidence base on the organisation and content of day services. They highlight how these services are firmly rooted in, but extend beyond, their immediate context to promote holistic, patient-centred care. This care is premised on meaningful therapeutic relationships, which form between patients themselves and between patients and day services staff.Reference. Kernohan WG, Hasson F, Hutchinson P, Cochrane B. Patient satisfaction with hospice day care. Support Care Cancer2006;14(5):462–8.