Palliative care provision for older people in care homes

There is a paucity of research in relation to district nurses' (DNs) experiences of palliative care provision in adult care homes (CHs) despite their substantial involvement. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the current involvement of DNs in CHs and identify the potential implications for future practice in providing palliative care in this setting. The findings suggested that even experienced DNs, wanted support and education about when to commence palliative care. They also wanted earlier involvement with CH residents who have a life-limiting condition and CH managers were seen as being essential contributors towards planning care. There was concern among DNs as to how the Liverpool Care Pathway could be introduced into CHs with untrained carers and finally, DN alignment to CHs was shown to improve continuity of care for residents and produce more effective partnership working between DNs, general practitioners and CH staff.