The challenges of implementing a multi-centre audit of end-of-life care in care homes

Aims: This article aims to share the experience of a hospice in facilitating a multi-centre audit of end-of-life care in care homes, particularly noting the challenges and enablers of carrying out the audit. Methods: The audit was a retrospective multi-centre survey of bereaved relatives/next of kin of residents who died in the care home, using an anonymous, validated questionnaire: the Family Perception of Care Scale. Questionnaires were sent 3-months after bereavement. Returned questionnaires were analysed using SPSS and Excel. The care homes were in areas encompassing outer and inner city populations. Findings: The team identified eight challenges to the audit process, in particular, embedding procedures within the care homes, non-responses and developing action plans for improvement. Conclusion: Overall, the audit provided an indication of where improvements could be made and where care was already excellent, built confidence and increased expertise in the care-home staff.