Ms Mika Musgrave-Takeda1, Esther Wen2, Dr Neil Robinson2,3, Dr Rachel Everitt2,3, Isabella Hall2,4, Dr Laura Bird2,3, Jade Hudson2,3, Emmy Trinh2,3, Dr Scott Reeves2,3, Tanya Dale5, Dr Catriona Parker4, Associate Professor Peter Poon2,3
1Holmesglen Institute, Australia, 2Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia, 3School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia, 4School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 5Regis Healthcare Limited, Australia
Biography:
Mika Musgrave-Takeda is a Lecturer in Nursing at Holmesglen Institute and also holds a nursing research role at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne. Mika has previous experience in research with Monash Health, where she helped lead two implementation projects in palliative care settings. She has also held research roles with the Australian Catholic University and Chiba University in Japan. Mika has a broad interest in gerontology and aged care, and the work she has authored and collaborated on has been published in renowned international journals.
Abstract:
Background:
People with palliative care needs who live in residential aged care facilities (RACF) face challenges in accessing specialist care under current care models. Barriers include knowledge gaps that can lead to the late identification of end-of-life needs. The fragmented healthcare systems also limit early palliative care introduction. A primary goal of this implementation study is to establish a single point of contact for addressing all end-of-life clinical and social needs of residents in RACFs.
Aim:
To design a novel model of care embedding a specialist palliative care clinical nurse consultant (CNC) within RIR services to streamline access and delivery of specialist palliative care to residents, and provide education to RIR and RACF staff.
Methods:
An exploratory survey was conducted to identify barriers and expectations in palliative care among staff and consumers, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. A multidisciplinary steering group comprised of key stakeholders advised the development of a specialist palliative care CNC role. The role and escalation pathway were reviewed and specified throughout committee meetings
Results:
Barriers include limited resources and support, a knowledge gap and challenges in family involvement. Nurturing and mentoring, as well as care coordination and liaison, were identified as expectations of the new CNC role. The new CNC role consists of four pillars: patient care and symptom management, support for decision making and care planning, coordination of palliative care services and educational support. Post implementation surveys are ongoing, with preliminary results showing the service is highly valued.
Conclusion:
This stakeholder-informed approach successfully guided the development and plan for subsequent integration of a novel specialist palliative care CNC role within RIR services. This model addresses identified barriers and expectations of consumers and staff through simplification of referral processes, provision of staff education, and direct access to specialist care.