title: Staff perceptions of the impact  of the Liverpool Care Pathway in aged residential care in New Zealand.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine staff perceptions of the impact of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying patient (LCP) in three aged residential care facilities in New Zealand.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed methodology approach was adopted, including the use of a survey, focus groups, and individual interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen of 194 staff participated in the focus groups (five nurses and nine health-care assistants). The interviewees included three GPs, one registered nurse, and one manager. The post-implementation survey response rate of 13% was poorer than the 32% response rate to a pre-implementation survey reported elsewhere. Nevertheless, there was congruence across the data sources. The participating staff perceived multiple benefits to residents, family, whãnau, and staff following implementation of the LCP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As a tool the LCP was effective in supporting, guiding, and prompting care delivery. However, challenges remained, particularly regarding environmental factors.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Palliative Care Team, Palmerston North Hospital, New Zealand. jean.c@arohanuihospice.org.nz
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sheward
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Allan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019091:Critical Pathways; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010166:Palliative Care