title: Developing a policy to empower informal carers to administer subcutaneous medication in community palliative care; a feasibility project.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This article describes the development and implementation of a policy to support community professionals to train informal carers to give, 'as required ', subcutaneous medications to their relative. In a rural county, Lincolnshire, despite out of hours responsive services, patients could wait up to one hour for subcutaneous medications. Additionally there were increasing requests from carers to participate in this role.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide a safe and effective framework via a robust policy to support informal carers to give, as required, subcutaneous medications in today's health-care environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A group of professionals working in adult community palliative care formed a working party to scope the literature and existing policies, and to consider risks, legalities and local infrastructure. The policy was developed and based on available literature. A consultation process on the policy was commenced before a series of educational workshops supported its roll out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The small number of informal carers (n=5) who undertook this role reported positive experiences and felt empowered. Professionals found the policy was able to be implemented quickly and was adhered to.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  From the small numbers audited it could be suggested that if the process is well managed and the informal carers feel supported they can safely and effectively administer subcutaneous injections in community palliative care. More importantly, if a policy is available, staff can respond to requests from carers in a timely manner.
authors: Specialist Nurse Practitioner, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, Lincolnshire UK.
authors: Louise
authors: L
authors: Lee
authors: Community Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist, Lincolnshire Community Health Services, Boston, UK.
authors: Kay
authors: K
authors: Howard
authors: Senior Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist, Lincolnshire Community Health Services, Lincoln UK.
authors: Lyn
authors: L
authors: Wilkinson
authors: Community Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist, Lincolnshire Community Health Services, Grantham UK.
authors: Cheryl
authors: C
authors: Kern
authors: Case Manager, Lincolnshire Community Health Services, Lincoln UK.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Hall
mesh_terms: D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006701:Home Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010166:Palliative Care; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012424:Rural Population
keywords: Community palliative care; Empowering carers; Informal carers; Policy; Subcutaneous medication; Symptom control.