Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient Resource Nurses
To ensure the continued success and sustainability following the implementation of the LCP in any care setting, it is recommended that LCP Resource Nurses be identified for each area. The LCP Resource Nurse has an important role in addressing knowledge gaps that result from staff attrition by educating staff new to their area about the appropriate use of the LCP for guiding the care of dying patients and their families/whanau. LCP Resource Nurses are encouraged to keep a record of staff they have educated, and to provide them with a certificate acknowledging they have received LCP education.
LCP Resource Nurses can assist with LCP data collection and analysis in their area to set standards, identify educational opportunities and inform best practice. “The LCP records the key outcomes of care and the efficacy of symptom control” (Ellershaw & Wilkinson, 2003, p.146). The Reflective Data Cycle is a continuous quality improvement tool that was specifically designed by Amanda Taylor (Taylor, 2005) to analyse the measurable outcomes of care in the LCP. Click on the link for more information on the Reflective Data Cycle and how to access this resource.
LCP Resource Nurses benefit from peer support and the ongoing support of the LCP Facilitator. This can be achieved by the LCP Facilitator facilitating regular meetings for LCP Resource Nurses, whilst providing them with additional end-of-life and palliative care education.
For more information, please contact Dianne Boone or Steph Ash.
References:
Ellershaw, J.E., & Wilkinson, S. (2003). Care of the dying: A pathway to excellence. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Taylor, A.J. (2005). The Liverpool care pathway Reflective Data Cycle (unpublished report). Daventry & South Northants Primary Health Care Trust.