123 Addressing palliative care staff fears that discussing cornea donation is distressing for people

Abstract

Findings will help develop criteria to objectively and proactively define complex patients and improve care through greater team collaboration. Results Before the teaching programme, 26/30 respondents (87%) wished for further palliative care education. Key concerns included pain and symptom management, and a need for a key point of regular contact for advice. After the programme a second staff survey was conducted. 13/17 respondents were keen for more palliative care education. Their main concerns were pain (10), end of life care (10), advance planning and DNACPR (6), care of relatives (1). Of note, this was not the same group that received education or who replied to the first survey. Programme attendees who gave feedback reported increased awareness of palliative care. Following the training programme, relatives (n=10) felt care in Biggart was 'always good' (10/10), pain/symptoms 'always' or 'usually' well managed (5/10; 5/10 respectively); sufficiently supportive both emotionally (8/10) and spiritually (4/10). Conclusions Joint working improved relationships, skills and confidence. ANP visits consolidated this new approach. Education programme was valued by attendees albeit numbers were small. Education programmes need learner and management commitment to support attendance. Pain, spiritual support and care of relatives remain key areas for ongoing education. 121

Will the unusual become usual? A new legal change that aims to increase discussions around organ and tissue donation in England

“…A service evaluation of hospice inpatients who were offered information about corneal donation suggests that the fears of staff about causing distress to patients and families are unfounded. 11 Depending on their comorbidities, patients are not always sure about their eligibility to donate tissue and organs. 12 This is in keeping with the literature suggesting suboptimal knowledge among healthcare professionals, perhaps explaining why neither patients nor staff feel comfortable to initiate the conversation.…”