Article: The dying parent and dependent children: a nationwide survey of hospice and community palliative care services

This study was carried out to establish the bereavement support provided by UK hospices to families with dependent children before and after a parent's death.  197 hospices were invited to complete a web based survey.  130 hospices responded.  Most types of support were provided after, rather than before the death of a parent, with 22% of hospices reporting no formal processes for asking or documenting dependent children.  Volunteers were an underused resource before the death of a parent.  Four themes characterised the challenges involved:  for families these were emotional, practical and social difficulties, and for hospices, funding/resources and staff training and numbers.  The study identified a number of areas for development.

Cockle-Hearne, J. 2020.  The dying parent and dependent children: a nationwide survey of hospice and community palliative care services.  BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. epub ahead of print. March 9, 2020.

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Article: Lymphoedema management by independent hospices: a cohort study

Lymphoedema is thought to affect more than 200,000 in the UK, with most cases associated with cancer. Hospices frequently provide a service for lymphoedema.  This study, involving 9 hospices in the North East aimed to establish the type and cost of lymphoedema services.  12,965 appointments were attended, equating to a cost of £1.56 million.  They concluded independent hospices are providing a specialist lymphoedema service which is high in volume, largely invisible with significant costs.  Long term funding from the NHS is important to ensure sustainability,

Brown, A. et al. 2019. Lymphoedema management by independent hospices: a cohort study. BMJ Supported and Palliative Care, 9, 389-396.

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Article: The effectiveness of aromatherapy, massage and reflexology in people with palliative care needs

The authors carried out a literature search to bring together all the published trials on these treatments in palliative care.  22 trials were identified.  Unfortunately many of the trials were small and most of the treatments when compared to another therapy were inconclusive.  There was some evidence however that reflexology reduced pain.

Candy, B. 2020. The effectiveness of aromatherapy, massage and reflexology in people with palliative care needs: a systematic review.  Palliative Medicine, 34 (2) p 179-194

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Article: Protecting the wellbeing of nurses providing end of life care

Written particularly for nurses providing end of life care in hospital, the article discusses issues around work-related stress in delivering high quality end of life care.  It looks at what staff and organisations can do to manage stress and avoid burnout including coping strategies, resilience training, self-care, mindfulness, Schwartz rounds and a supportive organisational culture, all of which are essential to support staff.

Cedar, S. H & Walker, G. 2020.  Protecting the wellbeing of nurses providing end of life care.  Nursing Times, 226 (2) p 30 - 34.

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Article Palliative care needs in Parkinson's disease: focus on anticipatory grief in family carers

This Irish study looked at the occurrence of anticipatory grief in family carers and how this grief related to caregiver burden and depression.  29 family carers completed a survey, a depression scale and anticipatory grief scale.   The study found anticipatory grief was common among carers, particularly those who considered either themselves and/or loved one as depressed.  The authors concluded that to improve carer outcomes, the focus of support should include the period before and after the death of a loved one and carers should receive regular psychological assessment and support.

Fox, S. et al.  2020.  Palliative care needs in Parkinson's disease: focus on anticipatory grief in family carers.  Annals of Palliative Medicine, 9 (Suppl 1) p S34

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Article: Palliative care for chronic respiratory disease: integrated care in outpatient settings

Chronic respiratory diseases are progressive and often life-limiting illnesses, however there is often a lack of awareness that patients may be entering the final year of their life requiring palliative care services. The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust in partnership with Compton Care have established multidisciplinary team meetings combining respiratory and palliative care outpatient clinics to address these issues. This article presents the impact of this service, now in to its fourth year, of delivering palliative care services to patients with chronic respiratory disease.

Huntley, C. et al. 2020.  Palliative care for chronic respiratory disease: integrated care in outpatient settings.  British Journal of Community Nursing, 25 (3) p132-138.

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Guidance: Talking about sex, sexuality and relationships

Adult hospices in the UK are increasingly working with children's hospices providing support to young people who have transitioned from children's to adult services.  This guidance provides information about how best to support young people, and their families, in addressing sexuality, sexuality expression, relationships and intimacy.  It's not a comprehensive ‘how to’ guide but aims to highlight some of the key issues that may arise and build confidence in staff who work with young people.

Open University, 2019.  Talking about sex, sexuality and relationships.  3rd edition.

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Interactive web site: Let's talk about sex, intimacy and relationships with a life-limiting condition

This interactive web site from the Open University pulls together a number interviews from young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions talking to each other about sex, privacy and relationships.  It also includes 9 top tips to help young people start talking about this topic.

Article: Bitesized teaching sessions to increase physical health knowledge

Finding staff time for education and training can be difficult.  This one page article describes bitesized teaching sessions delivered in the clinical environment which provides staff with an opportunity to refresh their knowledge and identify their own learning needs

Thompson, S. 2020.  Bitesized teaching sessions to increase physical health knowledge.  Nursing Times, 116 (2) p 29.

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Article: Life is for living: the contribution of the arts and gardens

Quality of life and life enrichment are important throughout the lifespan and no less during ill-health or later life. The role of the arts and gardens and their potential benefits are not prominent within healthcare practice. This paper outlines the evidence reported in two literature reviews, one addressing the arts and the other focusing on gardens and gardening so that district nurses can understand what art-based and gardening opportunities they may offer their clients and their carers.

While, A. E. 2020.  Life is for living: the contribution of the arts and gardens.  British Journal of Nursing, 25 (3) p 140-143.

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