Nurses' perceptions of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying patient in the acute hospital setting

The Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying patient (LCP) was developed to transfer the hospice model of care into other care settings. It is a multiprofessional document that provides an evidence-based framework for the dying phase. It provides guidance on the different aspects of care required including comfort measures, anticipatory prescribing of medication, and discontinuation of inappropriate interventions. Additionally, psychological and spiritual care and family support is included. This article presents the findings of a study to explore hospital nurses' perceptions of the impact of the LCP using focus group interviews. Data were analysed for emerging themes using thematic analysis. The results suggest that the nurses have generally found that the LCP had a positive impact on patients, their families and also on nurses and doctors. This article will explore these benefits, as well as potential barriers to its use.