The implementation and evaluation of a psychosocial care programme to improve the patient experience at the end of life
 
This study aims to ensure the best possible end-of-life care for patients by developing staff who can provide effective psychosocial care. An education needs assessment of health professionals working at the hospice identified psychosocial care as an area of high priority. The study follows the first three stages of the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for the evaluation of complex interventions. Nine patients will participate in semi-structured interviews. Their reflections on psychosocial care will inform the development of a three day education programme. Health professionals participating on the programme will complete pre and post course questionnaires, and participate in two separate patient interviews. Each student will also audiotape two separate interviews with a patient after day 2 and day 3 of the programme. The second interview will also be observed by an independent researcher.
 
 
The nature of psychosocial care is inherently complex. Therefore any education intervention attempting to develop psychosocial skills has to consider both the nature of the intervention and the context, the behaviours and beliefs of the people involved. The Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for the evaluation of complex interventions offers a systematic approach to assess the variety and complexity of the components of the intervention. Patients at the hospice will be invited to participate in semi-structured interviews, to provide their reflections and experiences of psychosocial care.

Project Team:
Mary Mahoney
John Lansdell
Karen Norman
Nicola Beech