Nurses' perceptions of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying patient in the acute hospital setting.
The Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying patient (LCP) was developed to transfer the hospice model of care into other care settings. It is a multiprofessional document that provides an evidence-based framework for the dying phase. It provides guidance on the different aspects of care required including comfort measures, anticipatory prescribing of medication, and discontinuation of inappropriate interventions. Additionally, psychological and spiritual care and family support is included. This article presents the findings of a study to explore hospital nurses' perceptions of the impact of the LCP using focus group interviews. Data were analysed for emerging themes using thematic analysis. The results suggest that the nurses have generally found that the LCP had a positive impact on patients, their families and also on nurses and doctors. This article will explore these benefits, as well as potential barriers to its use.
Edge Hill College School of Health Studies, University Hospital Aintree, Longmore Lane, Liverpool, L9 7AL, UK.
Barbara A
BA
Jack
Maureen
M
Gambles
Deborah
D
Murphy
John E
JE
Ellershaw
D000208:Acute Disease / Q000451:nursing; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019091:Critical Pathways / Q000592:standards*; D004282:Documentation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D017144:Focus Groups; D006040:Goals; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009737:Nursing Records; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D010327:Pastoral Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires