Implementing the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient (LCP) locally

Preparing for implementation of the LCP

The LCP provides a useful template to guide the delivery of care for the dying to complement the skill and expertise of the practitioner using it. Once commenced the goals of care prompt staff to consider the continued need for invasive procedures and whether current medications really are conferring benefit. The clinician has the opportunity to follow the LCP guidance or to record the reason for decisions to determine a plan of care that deviates from this pathway. Using the LCP in any environment requires regular assessment and involves continuous reflection, challenge, critical decision-making and clinical skill. 

Guide to implementation

The LCP Central Team at the Institute has developed a 10 Step implementation and dissemination guide. This aids the cultural change management programme that is required to directly change the care of the dying in a clinical area or organisation.

The guide itself will only make a real difference if it is used alongside an implementation and dissemination model firmly embedded in the organisation and supported by a continuous learning programme. 

 

The LCP 10 Step Guide

The 10 Step Continuous Quality Improvement Programme for Care of the Dying using the LCP Framework.

Download the full LCP 10 Step Guide (pdf).

Outline of the steps involved:

• Step 1: Establishing the project- preparing the environment
• Step 2: Develop the documentation
• Step 3: Base Review / Retrospective audit of current documentation
• Step 4: Induction / Education Programme – Pilot Site
• Step 5: Clinical Implementation of the LCP in pilot sites
• Step 6: Maintaining and improving competencies using reflective practice and post pathway analysis
• Step 7: Evaluation and further training
• Step 8: Continuous development of competencies in order to embed the LCP framework within the clinical environment
• Step 9: Organisational recognition that all staff who work with people who are dying are properly trained to look after dying patients and their carers within an agreed organisational / educational strategy
• Step 10: To establish the LCP within the governance / performance agenda within the organisation / institution

Completing the Base Review and Post Pathway Analysis - UK

If you have registered your organisation to use the LCP generic version 12, and you are ready to submit your data for the Base Review or Post Pathway Analysis, please click here to 'Log In' to the LCP Electronic Data Tool.  You will be able to submit your data electronically and receive an instant report of the results.

If you have not registered your organisation to use the LCP generic version 12 but would like to register, please click here.

For more information about the Electronic Data Entry and Reporting Tool please click here.