Getting ready to implement an end of life care pathway

What is it about?

In a review of the literature, experiences of implementing end of life care pathways were examined. The successes and challenges of implementation were categorized into four implementation areas: the meaning of the new practice, whether the practice is within the scope of individual roles, how the practice fits with other work, and how the team assess the practice. A list of key considerations for each of the four areas was developed as a framework for organizational leaders to check their readiness to implement an end of life care pathway.

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Why is it important?

Care at the end of life is important socially, as well as clinically. Health services focus on saving lives, and organizational structures and staff values are strongly aligned with this goal. However, most people will die in hospital and in order to support care at the end of life, end of life care pathways have been developed. Implementing those pathways can be very challenging. A guide on how to get ready to introduce an end of life care pathway assists organizational leaders to prepare.

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