InGaP: Understanding interface between Geriatrics & Palliative Care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
InGaP: Practices, issues and possibilities at the interface between Geriatrics and Palliative Care in the last year of life: An Exploratory Study
IRAS ID
229254
Contact name
Richard Holti
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Open University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
For many older patients, the healthcare they receive in the last year of life is delivered by multiple specialties in addition to general geriatric medicine. It is suggested in the medical literature that palliative care could provide additional care and support during the last year of life (as part of end of life care). However, there is little in the research and professional literature about how geriatric services and palliative care services work together.
This project is a scoping study to understand how geriatric medicine and palliative care services work together in one hospital trust for patients on an Older Persons Unit ward who may be in their last year of life. It is based on qualitative interviews (1 hour in length: recorded, transcribed, and anonymised with consent) with staff (30) in both services, and patients (and/or those close to them – 20 interviews) to understand the current working practices and experiences of care (50 interviews in total). Additional quantitative data about the referral practices between the services will also be collected. The data collected will be analysed using activity theory and theories about professional behaviour. This will enable us to understand how the system of care is evolving in this trust and the tensions within this system that require attention.
The findings from the research will be used in a workshop with staff to develop ideas and action plans for improving services. The findings will also be produced in a report and academic publications.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1586
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion