Supporting end of life care research
1 April 2010
News Release from NETSCC, SDO In response to the Department of Health’s End of life Care Strategy, the National Institute for Health Research Service Delivery and Organisation (NIHR SDO) programme has funded four new research projects on generalist services for people at the end of life, with a combined value of £1.4 million. This is over and above the £1.2 million already invested by the Department of Health in palliative care research.
The four projects which are in the process of start up are looking at:
- The impact of the Liverpool Care Pathway on care of dying patients in nursing homes and intensive care units in England
- factors that influence the place of death for patients with non-cancer conditions
- how the co-ordination of end of life care could be improved to benefit patients, families and professionals
- the impact of variations in the provision of out of hours end of life care on patients and cares’ experiences and satisfaction.
The work will be led by research centres at the University of Liverpool, Kings College London, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Southampton.
Professor Scott Murray, lead researcher on the co-ordination of end of life care study commented: “It is important that this research is conducted as around three quarters of deaths follow a period of chronic illness where people may need access to end of life care. Good general care for patients at the end of life and their families has been recognised as an essential component of high quality, equitable care, but is often found wanting.
To view the project summaries click here
Notes to Editors
- Chapter 7 of the Department's End of Life Care Strategy set out a number of topics for which significant research opportunities exist. Following this the SDO programme advertised a call for research proposals on generalist service for people at the end of life, which resulted in the above projects being funded.
- The National Institute for Health Research Service Delivery and Organisation (NIHR SDO) programme was established in 1999. It aims to improve health outcomes for people by commissioning research evidence that improves practice in relation to the organisation and delivery of healthcare. Building research capability and capacity amongst those who manage, organise and deliver services - improving their understanding of the research literature and how to use research evidence. The goal of the programme is to identify, prioritise and refine the research needs of the NHS management community. The programme commissions research that will be of great value in shaping and contributing to decision-making and in promoting the more effective use of research evidence by NHS managers.
- The National Institute for Health Research provides the framework through which the research staff and research infrastructure of the NHS in England is positioned, maintained and managed as a national research facility. The NIHR provides the NHS with the support and infrastructure it needs to conduct first-class research funded by the Government and its partners alongside high-quality patient care, education and training. Its aim is to support outstanding individuals (both leaders and collaborators), working in world class facilities (both NHS and university), conducting leading edge research focused on the needs of patients. www.nihr.ac.uk
Further information:
Naomi Williams, Programme Manager (Communications), NETSCC Tel. 02380 595646, email n.e.williams@southampton.ac.uk
Kelly Waterman, Assistant Programme Manager (Communications), NETSCC, Tel. 02380 597376, email k.waterman@southampton.ac.uk
