P-207 Scoping care homes support… what does good look like?. Issue Volume 8: Issue (2018)Supplement 2 (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Palmer, Kate; Hudson, Sharon
• Is Part Of: BMJ supportive & palliative care. Volume 8: Issue (2018)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A84
• Page End: A84
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-hospiceabs.232
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-435X

Abstract

Abstract : Without expansion of end of life care training for staff in care homes numbers of hospital deaths (of elderly, frail residents with dementia) will increase unsustainably (Bone et al, 2017). The challenges to education in care homes of high staff turnover, funding, time, attitudes, GP support and language and cultural differences (Marie Curie, 2017) impede this but there are established programmes, nationally, with evidence showing that, with high 'being present' facilitation supported by multi-layered learning, necessary change in this environment is achievable (Kinley, 2018). Whilst Birmingham St Mary's Hospice (BSMH) is a Regional Centre for Gold Standard Framework (GSF) Care Home Training and provides a substantial education programme, there is an urgent need to explore how to support local care homes better. Aims: Six months of discovery and design to produce an effective service model which facilitates on site education, embedding of sustainable systems and role modelling to local care home staff to improve their competence and confidence. Methods: Palliative Care CNS seconded for six months to: Map, scope and identify local and national evidence–based practice Design a model Test the model Collaborate with Birmingham University Audit and measure outcomes. Initial results: Preliminary interviews with 23 care homes show: Need for additional support (in particular health care assistants and on site) Examples of good practice (e.g. regular ANP and GP input) Uptake of education programme does not reflect the number of care homes Poor out of hours communication Poor communication from hospital Significant number of homes relying on more than two GP practices Some understanding of advance care planning but need to improve communication with families only four have embedded use of GSF. Conclusions: Prioritise completion of the Care Homes Project to produce a robust and flexible approach to facilitation. This project will build upon current research to produce innovative strategies in this arena.