Practice improvement as a result of an end of life care programme for care homes

This article explores practice outcomes from a Six Steps+ programme for end of life care (EoLC) delivered in care homes in the south of England. The education programme aims to increase staff's knowledge, skills and confidence to counter-balance their anxiety about EoLC. The Six Steps+ programme promotes a culture of high quality, compassionate, person-centred and dignified holistic care to meet the needs of residents who may have increasing complex requirements throughout their last year or more of life. Through integrated working and a reduction in avoidable hospital admissions, residents are enabled to die in their place of choice where possible. Case studies show that participating in the Six Steps+ programme increases care home staff's knowledge, skills and confidence and enhances the quality of EoLC for residents. With the cost of the education and support required essentially covered by six avoided hospital admissions throughout the one-year course, the Six Steps+ programme is an attractive and cost-effective approach to improving EoLC.