BACKGROUND: The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient (LCP) was developed to transfer palliative care standards for the last hours or days of life, including family support, from hospice to other care settings. AIM: This study sought to explore family members' experiences of end-of-life care in a palliative care unit and in a general geriatric ward in Sweden before and after implementation of the LCP. METHODS: Experiences were evaluated in relation to the goals of the LCP. Family members of patients deceased before and after implementation answered a questionnaire 3-6 months after the death. Comparisons between the samples were assessed by non-parametric tests. RESULTS: There were significant differences concerning dialogue about existential issues that arise and about emotions and practical issues faced in bereavement. Significant improvements after the implementation of the LCP were reported in experiences regarding physicians' ability to listen to family members' concerns. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that using a structure such as that provided by the LCP may improve communication between physicians and the families of dying patients.
BACKGROUND: The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient (LCP) was developed to transfer palliative care standards for the last hours or days of life, including family support, from hospice to other care settings. AIM: This study sought to explore family members' experiences of end-of-life care in a palliative care unit and in a general geriatric ward in Sweden before and after implementation of the LCP. METHODS: Experiences were evaluated in relation to the goals of the LCP. Family members of patients deceased before and after implementation answered a questionnaire 3-6 months after the death. Comparisons between the samples were assessed by non-parametric tests. RESULTS: There were significant differences concerning dialogue about existential issues that arise and about emotions and practical issues faced in bereavement. Significant improvements after the implementation of the LCP were reported in experiences regarding physicians' ability to listen to family members' concerns. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that using a structure such as that provided by the LCP may improve communication between physicians and the families of dying patients.
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Keywords:
Communication; Evaluation; Family members; Geriatric ward; Liverpool Care Pathway; Palliative care unit