Authors (including presenting author) :
Kwok WY, Poon YKC, Ho WH, Lung KWM, Tsoi YK
Affiliation :
Department of Medicine, Haven of Hope Hospital
Introduction :
It should not come as a surprise that staff often had to care for the dying patients. Although palliative care needs were increasingly recognized, not all staff felt well equipped to deliver quality care for the imminently dying patients. A couple of limitations in a general ward were observed, namely a lack of designated area for those in need; inadequate staff involvement in the practical implementation at the right time.
Objectives :
1. To promote the concept and importance of supporting patients and their relatives in the stage of imminently dying.
2. To facilitate the practical implementation of the imminent death care by using the “Cherish Box” as a simple reminder.
3. To enhance the ward environment for supporting dying patients and their caregivers.
Methodology :
1. Identified the gap in current practice in imminent death care by collecting a pre-questionnaire from the ward staff.
2. Reserved a designated corner bed for the dying patient.
3. Design and prepare the “Cherish box” which packed with the essential basic nursing care items and a simple care reminder.
4. Briefing to ward staff for the using of the “Cherish Box”.
5. Provide the “Cherish Box” to all imminent death patients, arranged the designated bed for use if indicated.
6. Evaluated the effectiveness and identified the areas for improvement by using a post-questionnaire.
Result & Outcome :
- A pilot trial has been performed on 9 patients from August to December 2024.
- Over 90% of the ward nurses and Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) stated the using of “Cherish box” could facilitate the provision of essential and good nursing care to the dying patients.
- The confidence level of staff in attending and supporting patients and their family's emotional distress was increased after offering the "Cherish Box".
- 100% of them expressed that the “Cherish Box” is user-friendly and agreed to use it continuously.
The “Cherish Box” could act as a tool to enhance the imminent death care by increasing the staff awareness and accessibility to the basic nursing care items. In addition to the cooperation with the doctor and ward staff, imminent death care could be more comprehensively implemented in the general ward setting, and hence improving the support to the patient and their beloved ones in the last journey.
