Case study:

11 May 2010

Developing a LINK Nurse scheme to improve end of life care

Key points

A system of LINK Nurses in 27 care homes (nursing) in West Lancashire, Southport & Formby has been developed.

The aim of the scheme is to develop closer working links with care homes (nursing) by providing regular education, a named community palliative care nurse specialist (CPCNS) attached to each home, and increased use of the Vigil Care Pathway for the Dying Document (adapted from the LCP) for all expected deaths.

Audit results demonstrated that many care homes (nursing) could not afford to send staff to palliative care education courses because of the cost of travel to the education centre and the backfill costs of releasing staff.

The Terence Burgess Education Centre (TBEC) at Queenscourt Hospice organised free ‘in house’ education on the Vigil Care of the Dying Pathway and use of syringe drivers.

The number of care home staff receiving palliative care education increased by 400% over an 18-month period.

The LINK Nurse system evolved from this initiative. LINK Nurses receive training, information and support. Each care home (nursing) has a named CPCNS attached who gives advice and acts as a resource.

Each LINK Nurse is offered a free place on the three-day care homes palliative care course.

In return LINK Nurses are expected to disseminate information to their colleagues, maintain a training register, keep a record of all expected deaths using agreed documentation and join in teaching sessions with their named CPCNS.

The scheme has yet to be evaluated, but it is hoped it will increase confidence among care home staff, enable provision of good end of life care for all care home residents and increase the use of the Vigil Pathway for the Dying Document for all expected deaths.