Poster 159
Promoting a culture of compassion
within the hospital setting
Claire Nicell , Hospice Champion Educator ([email protected])
Working in collaboration with The Hospice of St Francis, Peace Hospice
Care and West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Using an end of life care symbol (the rose) to encourage dignity,
respect and compassion at the end of life
in a district general hospital
Context
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Over 50% of people die in hospital1
Recognition and experience of dying is poor at times in hospitals1,2
“One chance to get it right” highlights need to recognise dying and
to support individuals and their families with compassionate
communication at this time3
A culture of compassion
Culture is “the way we do things round here” 4
Compassion is “intelligent kindness” 5
The Rose Project – promoting a culture of compassion
• Inspired by previous work (Hospice Friendly Hospitals/Royal’s Alliance Bereavement Service)
• End of life rose symbol designed and guidelines written in consultation with staff
• “The rose symbol to be displayed when a person is expected to die in the next few hours, or when a
patient has just died. On seeing the symbol, staff should be considerate in their activity and in any
encounters with people who may be grieving or distressed.” 6
• Used in consultation with and agreement of family
• Rose boxes available on each ward - containing rose symbols (for use on door, curtains and at ward
desk), rose magnets for use on ward boards, staff guidelines, information posters and feedback forms
• Training delivered to clinical and non-clinical staff groups (including porters, nurses, doctors,
housekeepers, domestics) by Hospice Champion Educator
• Funded with support of the League of Friends (£7,500)
“Highlights the need for extra nurturing” 7
How does its use influence culture?
• Raises awareness that someone is dying/has died on the ward
• Prompts staff to consider needs of the dying person and their
family and how to show care at this time – kind words, cups of
tea and practical support
• Encourages staff to be mindful of this significant event and to
consider whether they need to adapt their behaviour at all
• Encourages an atmosphere of quiet and respect by all
• Promotes dignity – property returned to family carefully
packed in rose bag and jewellery in small drawstring bag
• Rose sympathy card sent to bereaved family
References
1.
National Survey of Bereaved People, VOICES, (2014)
2.
National Care of the Dying Audit of Hospitals (2014)
3.
“One chance to get it right” (2014)
Leadership Alliance for the Care of Dying People
4.
“Creating Caring Cultures: Getting started” (2015)
Foundations of Nursing Studies
5.
The 6Cs, NHS England (2012)
6.
Staff Guidelines for the use of the Rose Symbol (2014)
7.
Staff member
Challenges now and ahead…
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Knowing when to use the symbol
Explaining its use to families
Measuring impact through bereavement
questionnaires, audit and
staff/family feedback
Ongoing training
Rolling out concept to other settings
Acknowledgements – to those who inspired and supported the Rose Project
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Compassionate end of life care group/Specialist Palliative Care Team/Patient Affairs/League of Friends (West Hertfordshire
Hospitals NHS Trust)
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The Hospice Champion Project – funded by St James Place Foundation. Supported by The Hospice of St Francis, Peace
Hospice Care, West Hertfordshire NHS Trust and Help the Hospices
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Hospice Friendly Hospitals, The Irish Hospice Foundation
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The Royal’s Alliance Bereavement Service , Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
and Wigan, Wrightington and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust