Search

This review paper explores the use of telehealth in relation to palliative care in the UK. Information technology (IT) developments are being harnessed throughout society, and there is growing interest in the ways in which they can be used to meet and support patients' health needs in the community. The aim of the literature review was to scope the information available from published and unpublished research, with particular reference to older people. The evidence suggests that, despite the challenges, there are numerous examples of good practice in relation to telehealth, palliative and end-of-life care, and older people. Developments in technology that have increased the capacity to improve care, through reaching greater numbers of people of all age groups, mean that telehealth has much to offer people living with and dying from advanced illness. However, some of the evaluative evidence is limited and further rigour is needed when evaluating future telehealth innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The UK Department of Health's End of Life Care Strategy highlighted the low percentage of patients who achieve their wish to die at home (~20%). Figures in south west London were below the London regional average. This paper reports an attempt to improve the proportion of patients from one hospital in the area achieving their preferred place of death. Methodology: A funded initiative by two local primary care trusts allowed the development of a 7-day-per-week fast-track discharge service provided by the hospital palliative care team. The hospital team acted as coordinators, ensured that the correct medication and equipment would be available at the home, and personally transferred the patients to community services. Results: Data is presented from the first representative period of fast-track discharging (June 2009-July 2010). A total of 110 discharges were facilitated over this time, with the rate increasing as the service developed. The vast majority of discharges occurred within 72 hours, and a significant number (~20%) occurred within 24 hours. Conclusions: The data indicate that the new service is effective. There are logistical problems in providing such a service and these are discussed. Further work is required to determine the feasibility of extending this service model to other acute hospitals and to evaluate its health-economic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the UK there has been a widespread introduction of 'anticipatory prescribing' in community based palliative care. This involves general practitioners (GPs) writing prescriptions in anticipation of them being needed and has been encouraged to try to minimise the risk of patients suffering uncontrolled symptoms and distress; a key reason why terminally ill patients are admitted to hospital in contradiction of most people's preferences. This paper presents the findings from an ethnographic study of healthcare professionals across four care homes and four community sites in two regions (East Midlands and Lancashire/South Cumbria) of the UK. Data were collected from a range of community health professionals, resulting in 83 episodes of observation and 72 interviews. Findings highlight how essential good interdisciplinary communication is to the process of anticipatory prescribing and end-of-life care. This study found that when interdisciplinary communication worked well the anticipatory prescribing process could be carried out smoothly, optimising patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]