Mrs Louise Ambegoda1, Mrs Grace Edwards1,2, Mrs Jennifer Graham1
1Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, Australia, 2Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
Biography:
Louise and Grace are the End-of-Life Coordinators for Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), where they champion compassionate, person-centred care for individuals nearing the end of life. With a deep commitment to improving experiences for patients, families, and healthcare teams, they lead initiatives that foster dignity, empathy, and cultural sensitivity across diverse communities.
Jennifer is the clinical audit and ims manager who aims to enhance incident reporting processes within end-of-life care, aiming to improve safety, transparency, and compassionate outcomes for patients and families.
Abstract:
Background:
End-of-Life Care (EOLC) is a vital component of person-centred care, yet it remains a sensitive and often underreported aspect of clinical practice. Within acute facilities in Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), there is growing recognition of the need to normalise conversations and practices surrounding EOLC. Accurate documentation of incidents involving patients receiving EOLC is essential to support quality improvement, staff education, and the delivery of compassionate care.
Aim:
To improve the accuracy and consistency of incident reporting related to End-of-Life Care across acute care facilities within SLHD.
Method:
A dedicated ims+ factsheet was developed in collaboration with the SLHD ims+ district manager. This resource provides clear guidance for staff on identifying and reporting EOLC-related incidents. It includes examples of reportable events, clarifies definitions, and offers step-by-step instructions to help staff report incidents with confidence and clarity. The factsheet also contains guidance for staff managing incidents, recommending the use of the “EOL in review” tab to enable more effective data extraction.
Results:
The factsheet has been successfully implemented across four facilities, covering 44 wards and departments. Since its rollout, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of EOLC-related incidents reported across SLHD acute care settings. This trend reflects improved staff understanding and engagement with the reporting process, contributing to more comprehensive data collection and better-informed care strategies. The implementation has also enhanced data capture from staff managing incidents.
Conclusion:
The development and implementation of the ims+ factsheet have significantly improved staff awareness and reporting of EOLC incidents. This initiative represents a positive step toward embedding EOLC into routine clinical practice, fostering a culture of transparency, learning, and continuous improvement. It aligns with SLHD’s commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care throughout all stages of life, including its end.