{"id":1790,"date":"2023-09-14T12:18:33","date_gmt":"2023-09-14T11:18:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.reading.ac.uk\/community-based-research\/?p=1790"},"modified":"2023-11-22T11:03:38","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T11:03:38","slug":"excellence-in-end-of-life-care-making-better-memories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.reading.ac.uk\/community-based-research\/excellence-in-end-of-life-care-making-better-memories\/","title":{"rendered":"Excellence in End-of-Life Care: Making Better Memories?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Let\u2019s embark on a journey to explore the profound world of end-of-life care and how it\u2019s changing the way we approach the final chapters of our lives.<\/p>\n

This project outlines the essential components of end-of-life care and unveils our innovative research approach, conducted in collaboration with patients and families, as well as clinical and non-clinical staff within an NHS trust.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”1791″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In the UK, a startling statistic tells us that approximately one in three patients find themselves in the hospital during their last year of life. Even more striking, about\u00a0one in ten<\/a>\u00a0will pass away during that hospital stay.<\/p>\n

While many of us envision our final moments in the comfort of home, the reality is that most people take their last breaths within the sterile walls of a hospital.<\/p>\n

Surprisingly, this isn\u2019t necessarily a negative outcome. Some patients actually prefer the familiarity and safety that hospitals provide.<\/p>\n

In moments of unexpected deterioration or acute events, hospitals remain a sanctuary for many. Ensuring the best possible end-of-life experiences within these hospital settings is paramount.<\/p>\n

Breaking down the barriers to excellence<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Recent studies have shone a light on the obstacles to achieving optimal end-of-life care. These challenges include poor communication, insufficient symptom control, and the continuation of treatments that may offer little benefit.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not just the medical aspect; it\u2019s the culture within hospitals that sometimes prevents us from offering the best care. In some settings, there\u2019s a reluctance to even acknowledge the possibility of death, which can delay the implementation of essential comfort measures. This can result in unnecessary, burdensome interventions.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s high time we addressed this issue and shifted the narrative around death.<\/p>\n

Defining excellence in end-of-life care<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What exactly makes an excellent end-of-life care experience within the confines of a hospital?<\/p>\n

While there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all answer, studies have highlighted some\u00a0key factors<\/a>. These include clear and open communication, trust in healthcare professionals, compassionate care, emotional support, an appropriate environment, and the involvement of family.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just about the clinical care; environmental factors and the perspectives of non-clinical staff play a vital role in creating a comprehensive end-of-life care experience.<\/p>\n

Strikingly, the hospital environment itself can\u00a0be a source of dissatisfaction<\/a>\u00a0for patients. Balancing the priorities of observation and privacy adds complexity to creating an ideal environment in an acute setting.<\/p>\n

Clearly, further research is needed to better understand what the ideal environment looks like and how it impacts patient experiences.<\/p>\n

Putting personal wishes first<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Research has shown that people fear having their personal needs and wishes\u00a0ignored or overridden<\/a>, especially when facing death. This concern extends to their families, caregivers, and those who have experienced bereavement.<\/p>\n

The desire to be actively involved in one\u2019s care is\u00a0strong<\/a>. It means having access to information, advice, and support to make informed decisions about health.<\/p>\n

Despite the challenges in discussing death, individuals express a desire for repeated opportunities to have honest conversations about their future. Importantly, there\u2019s evidence that poor end-of-life experiences can lead to\u00a0complex grief reactions<\/a>\u00a0in bereaved families and caregivers.<\/p>\n

Turning insights into action<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Now, let\u2019s turn our attention to an exciting research project: \u201cExcellence of End of Life Care: Making Better Memories.\u201d Our mission is to understand the end-of-life care experience from the perspectives of patients, families, and hospital staff in acute settings.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re using a participatory action research (PAR) design, following the co-operative inquiry approach. Our aim is to provide a platform for participants to openly and honestly share their perspectives without compromising their autonomy or decision-making capacity.<\/p>\n

Giving patients a voice in the research process is essential to ensure their needs and preferences are met by healthcare providers. By actively listening to patients and families, we gain invaluable insights into their experiences, views, and challenges. This approach empowers them to communicate their wishes, desires, and concerns, enabling healthcare providers to respond with more compassionate and personalized care.<\/p>\n

Through our research, we aim to bridge the gap between patients, families, staff perceptions, and the organizational capacity of acute healthcare providers, fostering better communication and collaboration.<\/p>\n

Our study is essential as it seeks to create a meaningful impact on end-of-life care in acute hospital settings. By actively involving patients, families, and staff in the research process and ensuring their perspectives are valued, we\u2019ll contribute to the development of best practices that truly make a difference.<\/p>\n

Dr\u00a0Loua Khalil<\/a>\u00a0is Lecturer in Leadership at Henley Business School, University of Reading. This project is in collaboration with Royal Berkshire Hospital.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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