Sterbebegleitung im Krankenhaus ― erste Erfahrungen mit dem Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) in Deutschland

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the lastfew years public interest in the care of severely ill and dyingpatients has been growing. The aim of palliative medicine is toimprove the care of the dying. However, this is still not achievedin many general hospitals. The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) forthe care of the dying intends to change this situation. The aimof this study was to explore the views of professionals using theLCP as a framework for ensuring good care of the dying. METHODS: A qualitative study was conductedwith an interdisciplinary focus group of ten professionals (nurses,physicians, spiritual adviser, social worker, physiotherapist andart therapist) to explore their views and experience after implementationof the LCP in a palliative care unit (PCU). The recorded discussionbetween them was transcribed verbatim and analysed using contentanalysis by three independent reviewers. RESULTS: Seven nurses and three physicianswith an average work experience of 16 years each took part in thefocus group. Based on the experience of 24 patients, the LCP wasevaluated as very positive by all participants. In particular, threeaspects were emphasized as having high relevance for a good qualityof care: improvement of self-confidence, better control of symptoms,and enhancement of the communication between professionals and withpatients and their relatives. However, some weaknesses were alsomentioned, e.g. inadequate effort of documenting the beginning ofimplementing the scheme. CONCLUSION: The LCP was well receivedby professionals after the initial implementation of the LCP ina German PCU. The LCP was judged as an appropriate and helpful frameworkin the care of the dying.