Ms Rachael Williams1, Ms Janeane Harlum1, Miss Nikita Cunningham1, Ms Rani Tee1
1South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
Biography:
Rachael Williams is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Palliative Care (Residential Aged Care). She brings extensive nursing experience spanning intensive care, end-of-life research, and her previous role as Advance Care Planning Project Officer with SWSLHD. In her current role, Rachael supports residential aged care homes to deliver best-practice palliative care. She has a strong interest in transforming care for people with life-limiting illnesses and end-of-life needs across all settings, with a focus on promoting patient awareness, autonomy, and choice.
Abstract:
Background:
The Specialist Palliative Care in Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) Service within South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) provides palliative care support to 64 RACHs. A survey of these facilities identified significant gaps in palliative care education, with 57% lacking access to a Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE). In response, a temporary CNE position was established under the Comprehensive Palliative Care in Aged Care measure to enhance workforce capability and improve resident outcomes through education sessions based on the End-of-Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) model.
Aims:
To improve palliative and end-of-life care in RACHs by increasing staff knowledge, skills and confidence; aligning delivery with the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, keeping education sustainable upon project completion and reducing avoidable hospital transfers for residents receiving palliative care.
Methods:
The project commenced in August 2025, with the CNE delivering face-to-face ELDAC based workshops to nurses across 40 RACHs, covering five Local Government Areas (Liverpool, Fairfield, Bankstown, Macarthur, Wollondilly). Initial training assessments (ELDAC personal learning assessments) established baseline knowledge and confidence levels, a post-training ELDAC personal learning assessment will be conducted at the end of the project to measure improvements. Session specific evaluation forms assessed perceived learning.
Results:
Of the 64 RACHs engaged with the SWSLHD palliative care service, 40 (63%) expressed interest in staff education. Priority topics include recognising end-of-life, responding to deterioration and advance care planning. Two LGAs comprising of 21 RACHs have completed two topics, with 36 sessions held and a total of 367 Registered Nurses participating. Early evaluations indicate better understanding of symptom management and palliative care. Ongoing data collection will evaluate impact on resident outcomes through service referrals and hospital transfer data.
Conclusion:
Appointing a CNE within the Specialist Palliative Care in RACH Service will enhance workforce capability and improve palliative care delivery across SWSLHD RACHs.