Changing characteristics of patients with palliative care needs in acute hospitals

Palliative care services drastically changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic between the years 2020 to 2022.

To report on the changes in a specialist palliative care hospital liaison service (SPCHLS) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and consider the impact of this for longer term service modelling.

A retrospective analysis of patients admitted via the emergency department (ED) in January 2020 and 2021, who were given a palliative care 'code' at the end of their episode of care. Data were collected using electronic records and descriptive statistics were used.

The total number of patients seen in the ED increased by 30%, with a 185% increase in death as an outcome of admission. A total of 50% of patients were seen by a member of the SPCHLS in the ED in 2021, compared to just 28% in 2020. There was a 46% increase in the number of patients transferred to a Specialist Palliative Care Unit.

Delayed diagnoses, long waiting times and changing community services lead to increased pressure and a requirement to meet palliative care needs in acute hospitals. There is a growing need for acute palliative care services to meet the needs of the population.