Use recognised tools to ensure detection of people who have potentially unmet end of life and/or palliative care needs
Undertaking screening and identification with recognised tools ensures detection of people who have potentially unmet end of life and/or palliative care needs. The screening and identification process also recognises and identifies populations that face barriers in accessing and using services because of geographic location, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, racial and ethnic background, or communication difficulties.
Processes are in place to identify those people who are approaching and reaching the end of their life.
Screening and early identification of care needs is important to allow for shared care planning with the person, their family and carers. Early identification of care needs also ensures timely access to appropriate end of life and palliative care services.
Use of available tools supports screening and enables early identification of people with end of life and/or palliative care needs. Examples of useful tools include AMBER Care Bundle, Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICTTM) and the “Surprise Question”.
Recognition, management planning and care after death
Provides tools and resources to ensure all dying patients are recognised early; receive optimal symptom control; have social, spiritual and cultural needs addressed; with their families and carers are involved in decision-making and bereavement support occurs.
Clinical Excellence Commission | Toolkit | 2020
Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration
A registry of tools that helps palliative care services assess the characteristics and address the needs of patients.
University of Wollongong | Service development | 2020
Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT)
Helps identify people with deteriorating health due to advanced conditions or a serious illness, and prompts holistic assessment and future care planning.
The University of Edinburgh and NHS Scotland | Clinical tool | 2019
A systematic approach for the multidisciplinary team to follow when clinicians are uncertain whether a patient may recover.
Clinical Excellence Commission | Toolkit | 2020
Early palliative care for advanced illnesses
A presentation on the SPICT tool, and how it can help clinicians identify patients who might be at risk of deteriorating health.
Dr Kirsty Boyd Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer in Palliative Care, Primary Palliative Care Research Group, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, SPICT International Programme Lead, RED-MAP Framework Lead