IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVERPOOL CARE PATHWAY IN THE ACUTE SETTING IMPROVED END OF LIFE CARE

Abstract

BackgroundThe care of dying patients and families represents an important aspect of health service provision. 1500 patients a year die in Eastern Health beds, only 40% of whom are seen by the hospital based palliative care consultation team (HBPCCT). There is room to improve the quality of care offered to dying patients and families outside a specialist palliative care setting. The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is an integrated, evidence-based, multidisciplinary document representing the ‘Gold Standard’ in quality end-of-life-care provision.AimTo implement and evaluate the LCP in acute wards in EH.MethodsWards with the highest numbers of deaths were identified. After consultation, the LCP was..