title: Role of a clinical facilitator in introducing an integrated care pathway for the care of the dying.
abstract: Integrated care pathways (ICPs) have been developed as a tool for improving end-of-life care. The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying (LCP) is a multidisciplinary and evidence-based approach to caring for the dying person. At Wythenshawe hospital a clinical facilitator was appointed to facilitate the introduction of the LCP. This full-time post, which existed for 18 months, involved supporting and educating staff about the pathway. The LCP is now used through the general surgical and medical wards and acute and regional coronary care units. This article reflects on the different aspects of the role and the development of the project.
authors.affiliation: Macmillan Team, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 9LT, UK. Frances.Mellor@smuht.nwest.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mellor
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Foley
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.forename: Vicky
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mercer
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spanswick
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D019091:Critical Pathways / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support