Jackie Robinson - NP Palliative Care, Auckland DHB
Identified need
- Inequities in palliative care provision resulting in: frequent/high level of hospital admissions; longer hospital stays; and poorer quality of life and increased suffering for patients and their families
- inequity in accessing specialist palliative care for Māori and Pacific peoples, people with a non-malignant illness and people in residential aged care facilities
- poor integration of palliative care services across primary and secondary services
- need to increase the capacity of other health professionals and residential care providers.
Service delivered
- clinical responsibility and case management for those with complex palliative care needs within the hospital setting from referral to discharge
- consultation–liaison role between hospital services and community palliative care providers
- mentoring of palliative care nurse specialists within hospital and community settings.
Outcomes
- fewer hospital admissions for uncontrolled symptoms
- improved palliative care in rest homes with a reduction in hospital admissions
- improved quality of life and reduced suffering for patients and their families
- increased skills and knowledge of the palliative care nursing workforce.
