Recognising Dying in Elderly Adults in the Acute Hospital Care Setting

Project Duration

January 2007

Funder

HEFCE/School

Aims

The research will investigate the complex processes and difficulties involved in the professional recognition and communication of a diagnosis of dying in the acute hospital setting and contribute to a better understanding of how to improve the quality of care provided to dying patients through the most timely and effective implementation of the Care of the Dying Pathway. 

Main research questions 

1. What are the cues which health professionals and support staff use to recognise dying in older adults in the acute setting? 
2. What influence do patients and family members exert on the recognition of dying? 
3. What are the processes involved in the recognition and communication of a diagnosis of dying in the acute setting? 
4. What changes take place in the care of the older adult if and when dying is recognised and communicated? 

Secondary research questions

1. What is the process of placing a patient onto the Last Days of Life Care Pathway? 
2. What are the barriers to placing a patient on the Last Days of Life Care Pathway from the perspectives of the various staff groups, and how can these be overcome? 
3. What has been the impact of the Last Days of Life Care Pathway in the care of dying older adults in the acute setting?

Methods

Qualitative: ward observation and interviews with staff.

Outcomes and Findings

Project completed.