What enables discharge for people requiring palliative care?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What enables discharge from hospital to the community for people requiring palliative care in the last weeks or months of life?
IRAS ID
194007
Contact name
Emily Mckean
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 20 days
Research summary
What enables discharge from hospital to the community for people requiring palliative care in the last weeks or months at the end of life?
This research question was chosen because during practice the researcher worked in the community, hospital and hospice settings and observed a disparity in how end of life issues were approached in hospital and community settings, particularly around discharge. It was also observed that at the end of life some patients experienced a smooth discharge and were able to die in their place of choice, while others experienced a more complicated discharge, were readmitted to hospital frequently or did not die in their place of choice. The study aims to include all the key individuals involved in the process of discharge to the community for palliative care. The study will use an approach whereby all key individuals are given the opportunity to discuss their experience of the discharge process. At the heart of each case will be the patient. Recommendations will be made regarding discharge from hospital in the last weeks or months of life. The study will not only highlight areas for improvement but also of existing good practice. Recommendations will help improve efficiency and free up beds whilst improving quality of life for those in the future who are discharged from hospital to the community in the last weeks or months of life, making a valuable contribution to the knowledge in the areas of palliative care, discharge, and multidisciplinary working across health and social care, in the hospital and the community.
Participants will take part in an interview lasting approximately 30-90 minutes. Data collection will take place in the patient's place of residence post-discharge, the carer's choice of venue and the healthcare professional's work or other choice. Data collection will last until data saturation is achieved.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0854
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion