TY - JOUR T1 - Developing a framework for palliative interventions in respiratory services in Ireland: One year into an action research project JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 38 IS - Suppl 55 SP - 165 AU - Bettina Korn AU - Patricia White AU - Rory O'Donnell AU - Caitriona Corcoran AU - Kay Kealy AU - Marie Lynch AU - Liam O'Siorain Y1 - 2011/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/165.abstract N2 - Background: Traditionally, palliative care services have centred on the needs of patients with malignant disease and there is little evidence of the integration of palliative care into disease-specific services in Ireland. The purpose of this research is to devise, implement and evaluate palliative care responses for people with advanced respiratory disease.Methods: An action research methodology has been adopted for this multi-site research. This approach provides the opportunity for collaboration, reflection and exploring ways of improving service delivery. It incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and includes an expert focus group, survey of palliative care education needs, interviews with patients and families and retrospective chart reviews.Results: To date, the initial planning and action cycles have started. The project outcomes and potential barriers have been identified through an expert focus group. Ongoing retrospective chart reviews highlight the low level of referrals to specialist palliative care. Results from the quantitative survey showed a lack of understanding of what palliative care entails, with 93% of respiratory hospital staff interested in attending palliative care education. Other actions include the establishment of multi-disciplinary, multi-site team meetings to improve patient care.Conclusions: The reactive and reflective nature of action research has been advantageous in bringing about change in a demanding health care system. This project is developing and evaluating a palliative care model of support, intervention and referral pathways for people with advanced respiratory disease. ER -