@article {Lovellbmjspcare-2021-003113, author = {Pippa Lovell and Kathryn Bullen}, title = {Vitamin D levels in hospice in-patients}, elocation-id = {bmjspcare-2021-003113}, year = {2021}, doi = {10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003113}, publisher = {British Medical Journal Publishing Group}, abstract = {Objective Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was obtained alongside routine blood tests in all suitable patients admitted to the St Cuthbert{\textquoteright}s Hospice Inpatient Unit for a period of 12 months. Supplementation was offered to exclude vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency as a contributor to the complex pain and symptom profile of our patients.Methods During admission, and alongside routine blood tests, a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D test was requested for suitable patients. Supplementation was offered to patients with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D less than 50 nmol/L.Results This audit identified that 79.73\% of patients assessed had a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 50 nmol/L and were therefore insufficient or deficient in vitamin D. The results of the audit were discussed within the clinical team at the hospice and guidance changed to obtain serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in all suitable patients. A reaudit highlighted that some patients were missed from testing and therefore reminders were sent to the clinical team.Conclusions Most patients admitted to St Cuthbert{\textquoteright}s Hospice had either insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D. It seems reasonable for all suitable palliative care patients to have their vitamin D level checked and to be started on a suitable dose of vitamin D replacement therapy.}, issn = {2045-435X}, URL = {https://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2021/11/14/bmjspcare-2021-003113}, eprint = {https://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2021/11/14/bmjspcare-2021-003113.full.pdf}, journal = {BMJ Supportive \& Palliative Care} }