Palliative respite services using nursing staff reduces hospitalization of patients and improves acceptance among carers.
People caring for palliative patients at home identify respite care as a key need. However, caregiver concern over the skill level of respite care providers has been cited as a common barrier to uptake and satisfaction with respite services. This study implemented and evaluated an at-home palliative care respite service delivered by enrolled nurses, known by various names in the UK. It was found that the program reduced hospitalizations of palliative patients by 80% and potentially increased the likelihood that they would die at home.
Centre for Rural Health, Western Australia. melissab@cucrh.uwa.edu.au
M
M
Barrett
B
B
Wheatland
P
P
Haselby
A
A
Larson
L
L
Kristjanson
D
D
Whyatt
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009743:Nursing, Practical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012144:Respite Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D014904:Western Australia