The Objectives

To work together to:

• systematically identify and critically evaluate the current research evidence base for the last days of life
• systematically explore the opinions of ‘experts' regarding best practice in the last days of life
• Specifically assess needs, identify and critically evaluate tools/technologies and quality indicators for care delivery and measurement in the last days of life
• devise research protocols to address identified gaps in the evidence base
• promote the development of the LCP in an international context
• disseminate the findings widely through publication and presentation at national and international conferences

The Work Packages

Primary

• WP1 Signs and symptoms of approaching death
• WP2 End of life decisions
• WP3 Complementary comfort care
• WP4 Psychological and Psychosocial support for patients, relatives and caretakers
• WP5 Voluntary Service

Executive

• WP6 Management, communication and dissemination
• WP7 Evaluation (including development of the LCP in an international context

Methods

• Systematic Review of the published and unpublished research re care in the last days of life
• Delphi method to explore ‘expert' opinion regarding best practice in the last days of life
• Regular meetings to share, debate and gain consensus re emergent findings - (Nominal Group Technique)
• Qualitative Case Study evaluation of the process of collaboration

Dissemination

General target audience for the outputs/results of this collaborative project:

• European Governments
• European Commission
• National/International Policy makers
• Providers of education and training
• Healthcare organisations delivering and commissioning care in the last days of life
• Clinicians, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals
• Researchers
• Patients and Carers