Abstract
Background: The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is a multi-professional document that provides an
evidence-based framework for the delivery of care during the dying phase. Originally developed to
transfer best practice from specialist palliative care into the acute sector, the document was then
introduced into the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool in 1997. A focus group study amongst nursing
staff recently undertaken in the acute sector identified the usefulness of the LCP in the delivery of
care in the dying phase. However, no work has yet been undertaken around the perspectives of hospice staff. Aim: To explore doctors’ and nurses’ perceptions of using the LCP within the hospice
setting. Methods: A purposive sample of ten nurses and five doctors who had worked at the hospice
for at least six months were selected. This was designed to represent staff working at various grades
within the organisation. Individual interviews (audio-taped and transcribed) lasting between 30
minutes and one hour were undertaken. A semi-structured topic guide was used to enable the identification of salient themes. Results: A total of 13 interviews of nine nurses and four doctors were
undertaken. The LCP was generally regarded by both groups as a useful and important document for
the delivery of consistent and appropriate care to dying patients and their carers. Its usefulness as a
teaching tool for new/inexperienced staff was also highlighted. Perceptions of hospice staff and staff
from the acute sector differed in subtle ways. Conclusion: The pathway was generally regarded
favourably by both doctors and nurses in this sample.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2004 |
| Event | Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Development Unit - London, United Kingdom Duration: 25 Dec 2004 → … |
Conference
| Conference | Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Development Unit |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | London |
| Period | 25/12/04 → … |