RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Is palliative care feasible within respiratory disease models? A multi-site action research approach
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P1304
VO 44
IS Suppl 58
A1 Bettina Korn
A1 Rory O'Donnell
A1 Kay Kealy
A1 Patricia White
A1 Geraldine Tracey
A1 Marie Lynch
A1 Caitriona Corcoran
A1 John Latham
YR 2014
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P1304.abstract
AB The importance of embracing a palliative care approach for people with advanced respiratory disease is acknowledged in the literature and health policy but there is a lack evidence-based models of care.This study aimed to devise, implement and evaluate palliative care responses for patients with advanced respiratory disease.The multi-site action research project used mixed methods data collection strategies including qualitative interviews with patients and families, expert focus groups and quantitative methods such as education surveys, evaluation and chart audits.Study findings demonstrate that palliative care interventions can be implemented within respiratory services for those patients with advanced disease. The study methodology of action research ensured that all key stakeholders in the service delivery across several sites contributed to sustainable organisational change which delivered measurable care improvements for patients throughout the research process. Interventions that have developed include: shared training and education across sites, multi-disciplinary team meetings, pulmonary rehabilitation session on advanced care planning, end of life care reviews, priority review clinics, supportive home visits and the development of a respiratory palliative care pathway for patients.Palliative care interventions are feasible within care delivery models for patients with advanced respiratory disease. Referral links and a care pathway between hospital and hospice settings are at the cornerstone of this care delivery model. The key to developing appropriate models of care is in the collaboration between respiratory and specialist palliative care teams.