How many stages are there in the end-of-life care pathway
The end of life care pathway provides healthcare workers with an effective framework for providing high-quality care and support to patients in their final weeks or months.
According to the NHS, ‘people are considered to be approaching the end of their life when they are likely to die within the next 12 months.’ High-quality end of life care is invaluable to both patients and their families during this time.
The difference that receiving a high level of support during this time can make is unbelievable. Excellent end of life care can significantly improve the patient’s comfort and emotional wellbeing during this difficult time. It can also provide invaluable support to the patient’s family.
In this article, we will find out more about the importance of end of life care training for health and social care workers and the stages of the end of life care pathway.
What is end-of-life care training?
End of life care training provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills they require to provide effective and compassionate care to patients as they approach the end of their life.
It is a specialist type of care that requires specialist training to carry out, it aims to make things as simple and comfortable as possible for the patient and their family during their final weeks or months.
End of life care training teaches healthcare workers the national healthcare standards, legislation, and guidance for caring for patients at the end of their life. It also helps to prepare them for handling highly sensitive, upsetting, or distressing situations that they may encounter when providing end of life care.
Why is end-of-life training so important?
We would all like to think that our final days will be as peaceful and dignified as possible
When a person is reaching their final days, weeks, or months, they may have more complex healthcare requirements or experience significant levels of pain or discomfort. It can also be an extremely emotionally difficult time for them and their family.
So, why should nurses and carers receive training in end of life? End of life care training is very important as it equips healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills they require to competently and confidently support these patients and their families.
A person that has received end of life training can effectively provide patients with the invaluable care and support they require at the end of their life, including:
- Discuss the wishes and preferences of the patient to ensure that their wishes are respected during their final weeks or months.
- Reduce the patient’s pain and discomfort.
- Minimise the risk of costly and potentially fatal mistakes being made.
- Help the patient to avoid unnecessary pain, discomfort, or emotional distress.
- Provide emotional support to the patient.
- Support the patient’s family both before and after the patient’s life has ended.
- Help the patient die with dignity.
How many stages are in the end-of-life care pathway?
The end of life care pathway was first developed in the North West of England for use in care homes, but after great success, it has now been adapted for use in a variety of health and social care settings and is used all across the country.
The pathway covers six stages, which, when used together, offer a holistic approach to end of life care.
The six stages of the end of life care pathway are:
- Discussions as end of life approaches
- Assessment, care planning and review
- Coordination of care
- Delivery of high-quality care in care homes
- Care in the last days of life
- Care for the family after the death
This pathway can be followed in a variety of different settings depending on the patient’s healthcare needs and personal preference, including at home, in hospital, in a care home, or in a hospice.
What does each stage involve?
The end of life care pathway aims to provide patients and their families with high quality, timely, and appropriate end of life care, delivered by a specialist trained workforce.
This is achieved by delivering the following six stages of end of life care:
- Discussions as end of life approaches
Open and honest communications about the patient’s options and preferences during their final weeks or months. - Assessment, care planning, and regular reviews
A holistic assessment of the patient’s health, wellbeing, and medical requirements is carried out. At this point, the needs of the patient’s carers are also assessed. A care plan is then agreed upon and regularly reviewed to identify any point when the patient’s needs or preferences may have changed. - Coordination of care
The patient’s care plan is then communicated and coordinated with all relevant healthcare services. This may include social care, primary and community care, and ambulance transport services. - Delivery of high-quality care in care homes
The patient’s care plan is carried out in a way that is dignified, respectful, and makes the best use of resources. - Care in the last days of life
When the dying phase is identified, the patient’s needs are reviewed again, and support is provided to both the patient and their carers. The patient’s wishes regarding resuscitation and organ donation should also be recognised and respected. - Care after death
The patient’s death is verified promptly. Care and support are provided to the carer and patient’s family, including emotional and practical bereavement support.
End-of-life care training with CBAT
Here at Care Business Associate Training, we run a comprehensive short course in End of Life Care and Verification of Death for healthcare workers.
The course is run online in an interactive, virtual classroom and takes just one day to complete.
Completing this course equips healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills they need to provide a very high level of care to patients in their final weeks and months.
For more information about our End of Life and Verification of Death training course, give our team a call today on 01772 816 922, send an email to admin@cba-training.co.uk, or book online to secure your place.