Online Article: The role and response of primary healthcare services in the delivery of palliative care in epidemics and pandemics

Only five studies met the criteria in this UK study, highlighting a striking lack of evidence base for the response of primary healthcare services in palliative care during epidemics and pandemics.  Findings were synthesised using a pandemic response framework according to ‘systems’ (community providers feeling disadvantaged in terms of receiving timely information and protocols), ‘space’ (recognised need for more care in the community), ‘staff’ (training needs and resilience) and ‘stuff’ (other aspects of managing care in pandemics including personal protective equipment, cleaning care settings and access to investigations).  As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the authors concluded there is an urgent need to increase understanding of the role of primary care and community nursing services in palliative care, alongside hospices and community specialist palliative care providers.

Mitchell, S. et al 2020. The role and response of primary healthcare services in the delivery of palliative care in epidemics and pandemics: A rapid review to inform practice and service delivery during the
COVID-19 pandemic.  Palliative Medicine, 34 (9) p 1182-1192

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Article: The roles, responsibilities and practices of healthcare assistants in out-of-hours community palliative care: A systematic scoping review

This study, carried out in Northern Ireland searched the literature to understand more of the role of healthcare assistants (HCA's) in community out of hours palliative care.  Only 6 papers were identified.  Findings from the study highlighted a lack of previous research in relation to the role and contribution of HCA's, evidence that they play an integral role in the delivery of end of life care, and their role is currently hidden and undervalued. 

The roles, responsibilities and practices  of healthcare assistants in out-of-hours community palliative care: A systematic  scoping review.  Palliative Medicine, 34 (8) p 976-988.

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