Engelsk titel: Staff experiences with use of the Liverpool Care Pathway in two Norwegian hospitals
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Författare:
Iversen, Grethe Skorpen
;
Haugen, Dagny Faksvåg
Email: grethe.skorpen.iversen@helse-bergen.no
Språk: Nor
Antal referenser: 31
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 15073113
Sammanfattning
Background: Care for dying patients and their next of kin is part of basic health care. This is also
true for hospitals, where more than 30 per cent of the annual deaths in Norway occur. The Liverpool
Care Pathway (LCP) is a tool to ensure quality in care for the dying. The LCP was introduced in
Norwegian hospitals in 2007.
Objective: To investigate staff experiences with the use of the LCP.
Methods: A survey was carried out among nursing staff and physicians (n=356) on eight wards in two
hospitals. A focus group interview was conducted to further explore the answers from the survey.
Main results: The survey had a response rate of 47 (n=167). Using the LCP made the work safer and
more predictable. Symptom relief and discontinuation of inappropriate interventions were the
practices most changed after implementing the LCP. A large part (94 per cent) of the respondents
wanted to continue the use of the care pathway. The focus group interview showed an improved
preparedness and consciousness when facing dying patients and their loved ones. At the same time,
the staff found it challenging to decide when the patient was entering the imminently dying phase,
and consequently, when to introduce the LCP.
Conclusion: The staff evaluated the LCP as a useful tool and wished to continue using it. Bedside
teaching and a closer cooperation with the hospital palliative care team may improve clinical skills to
recognise the dying phase.