Despite this, end-of-life care is frequently not yet seen as a core activity of hospitals and is not normally included in service plans. Neither is its importance adequately reflected in hospital cultures, systems and structures. Indeed, research at both national and international levels has raised concerns about the quality of end-of-life care in hospitals. In highlighting this, it should, of course, also be noted that there are many instances where people receive high quality end of life care in a hospital setting.
In 2004 The Irish Hospice Foundation initiated a pilot project, in partnership with the emergent HSE at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, to examine how a comprehensive approach could be developed to change the culture of care and organisation regarding dying, death and bereavement in hospitals. This Project was one of three winners of the 2006 Public Service Excellence Awards selected to represent Ireland in Europe. The Atlantic Philanthropies supported the Foundation during 2006 in using the learning from the project to inform the planning and development of a national initiative and on May 12th 2007 President Mary McAleese formally launched the Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme. In addition to partnerships and support from The Atlantic Philanthropies and the HSE the work of the programme is supported by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), The Dormant Accounts Fund and the Health Services National Partnership Forum.
Aims of the HFH Programme
- To develop comprehensive standards for all hospitals in relation to end-of-life care
- To develop the capacity of acute & community hospitals to meet and exceed these standards
- To change the overall culture in hospitals & residential facilities in relation to all aspects of dying, death and bereavement
- To achieve these aims the work of the programme is focused around four key themes: Integrated Care; Communications; Dignity & Design; Patient Autonomy
The HFH Programme is currently engaged in a public consultation process on the Draft Quality Standards for End Of Life Care in Hospitals. The finalised standards will be published in September 2009. Four draft standards are elaborated in the consultation document; patient care; support for families; staff training and support; an integrated hospital approach.
Currently, 24 acute hospitals and 19 community hospitals are involved in a baseline National Audit of End-of-Life Care in Hospitals. Interim reports are being provided from June 2009 and the full report will be published at the end of phase 1 of the programme in April 2010.
For more information, please contact Hospice Friendly Hospitals on +353 1 673 0068.