Care of the dying is now more firmly established as an important aspect of healthcare delivery. The LCP has developed from it's humble beginnings to be nationally and internationally recognised as an effective means of improving care of the dying. The framework incorporates change management techniques, education programmes, audit and research of demonstrable outcomes of care.

 

The LCP Framework is a continuous quality improvement model for care of the dying that informs and responds to the national agenda.

 

Key Influences include:

Care of the dying was clearly highlighted in the national Cancer Plan:

 

'Providing the best possible care for dying patient's remains of paramount importance. Too many patients still experience distressing symptoms, poor nursing care, poor psychological and social support and inadequate communication from healthcare professionals during the final stages of an illness. The care of all dying patients must improve to the level of the best'

                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                             The NHS National Cancer Plan 2000

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Beacon Status was awarded to the LCP Team in 2000 and this National recognition led to it being included in phase 3 of the Cancer Services Collaborative Partnership Palliative Care Initiative. The focus of which was to improve the quality and organisation of palliative care given to any patient in the NHS.

 

The Nice Guidance in Supportive and Palliative Care Strategy 2004 followed with Key Recommendation 14 stating that:

 

'In all locations, the particular needs of patients who are dying of cancer should be identified and addressed. The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient provides one mechanism for achieving this

 

                                                                                  National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2004) Improving Supportive 

                                                                                  and Palliative Care for Adults with Cancer, London, NICE         

 

 

The NHS End of Life Care Programme (EoLC) was launched in 2004. The key objective of the programme is, ''to offer all adult patients nearing the end of life, regardless of their diagnosis, the choice and access to high quality end of life care".  The LCP is one of the tools recommended within this programme.

 

For further information please click here and visit their website:   http://www.endoflifecareforadults.nhs.uk