Using focus groups to explore nurses’ perceptions of the impact of the Liverpool Care of the Dying Pathway in the acute hospital

Background: The last decade has seen the widespread development of care pathways in many areas of healthcare provision across the UK. Approximately 56% of cancer patients die in hospital and in order to transfer the hospice model of care for the dying patient into other settings, the Liverpool Care of the Dying Pathway (LCP) was developed. Little evidence exists to illustrate the views of nurses regarding the impact of the LCP. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ perceptions of the impact of the LCP in the acute hospital setting. Methodology: A qualitative methodology using focus group interviews was adopted. Focus groups were selected enabling group discussion and interaction. A purposive sample of palliative care network nurses familiar with the LCP were invited to participate. 15 ward based nurses from participated in 2 focus groups. Data was analysed for emerging themes using thematic analysis. Results and Discussion: The results suggest that generally nurses found the LCP has a positive impact on patients including, reducing inappropriate routine care, enhanced symptom control, and improved communication. Additionally participants reported the positive impact on doctors and nurses including. A potentially negative factor concerning the barriers to its usage was also highlighted. This paper discusses the value and practicality of using a focus group approach.