In line with the Hospice movement's key role in promoting the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) across health and social care settings, quarterly link nurse meetings involving care home, community nursing and hospital staff were developed by the Hospice LCP team in 2008. These have been successful in engaging staff from a range of settings, with a current membership of approximately 60.The benefits of the LCP are well documented. However, the challenges of delivering any aspect of end of life (EOL) care requiring co-operation across social and healthcare settings has also been recognised, particularly in terms of the support needed by care home staff. Assumptions can be made about the impact of the group in meeting these support needs. However, as the Hospice education team look to deliver a more comprehensive EOL programme and to expand the remit of the group to reflect this, understanding representatives' perceptions of the group and its future direction seemed important to ensure ongoing engagement.Questionnaires, using Likert scale and open questions to capture participants' perspectives on different aspects of the group's activities and on expanding the its remit, were e mailed to all representatives.A response rate of 63% (n=38) was achieved. Responses are still being analysed but there is emerging evidence of the value placed, particularly by care home staff, on the opportunity to meet with those working in other settings and of perceived educational needs if taking on a wider EOL role.Both the ongoing commitment of the group and the early results of this survey support previous work highlighting the importance of strong cross sector relationships (3,4).When finalised, the Hospice education team will feedback to the link and EOL steering groups to inform the future direction of the link group and education initiatives.

The sessions are generally very well evaluated: feedback comments from recent sessions include the following: "the carer was very inspiring and it was helpful to hear first-hand experience"..."very upsetting at times but have taken a lot from the experience nonetheless"..."especially enjoyed the talk regarding spirituality"It has always proved important to discuss the sessions with the Interprofessional Learning Co-ordinator in the School of Social Work at the University to see if there have been any changes to the core teaching programme, in order that we can ensure that the sessions are covering new ground for the students and enhancing their learning about hospice care, which we believe is a life lesson for all. Title Changing the face of mandatory training through blended learning. Background New medical director observed that staff did not demonstrate an understanding of Mental Capacity Act (MCA). P49 WILLEN HOSPICE -CHANGING THE FACE OF MANDATORY TRAINING THROUGH BLENDED LEARNINGMCA provides protection for both patients and staff. Evidence of training required for CQINS. Aims and objectives• By linking theory to practice, enhances staff knowledge.• By using mental capacity we were promoting patient choice as central to specialist palliative care.• Key functional skills embedded into mandatory training.Approach used Practice Development Lead Nurse formed a multi-professional group to review how MCA training could be facilitated. The group decided to train staff who were in daily contact with patients. This included clinical and non-clinical staff from reception, housekeeping and catering. Training was divided into two parts: Part 1; included key facts related to the act. Staff completed an online training session. Online quiz was used to assess staffs understanding of the theory of the MCA. Part two; Staff attended a workshop and small groups worked through different scenarios exploring how key points of the MCA works in day-to-day practice. Workshop facilitators were from different disciplines to provide breadth of insight. Outcomes• Learning was measurable. An 80% pass mark was required to progress to part two of the training. Feedback was obtained from the workshops.• A competent hospice workforce with the MCA embedded into practice.• Staff demonstrating how to empower patients to make choices.• Innovative approach to hospice learning.Staff feedback "It affects everyone and all staff has a responsibility""Mental capacity is part of everyday care" "We should accept people's decisions even if we don't agree" "Eccentric or odd decisions are okay" Application to Hospice Practice Our education reflects the broadening horizons of palliative care. Developing, equipping and preparing staff for the new challenges ahead. Hospiscare community teams, the Hospiscare education team, and primary care nurse managers were also interviewed. Findings We received a 92% response rate from Domiciliary Care Agency's employing just over a 1000 staff. P50 END OF LIFE CARE (EOLC) TRAINING FOR SOCIAL CARE PROVIDERS IN DEVONAnalysi...

Evidence suggests there is a great need to support social care home staff in End of Life Care (EOL). Staff may lack confidence in their ability to provide EOL care. The Local Hospice has worked with social care homes, running a successful Liverpool Care Pathway training programme. Participants identified other EOL training needs and the focus was directed to the use of therapeutic hand massage, a recognised effective method of providing pain control and comfort for those clients with dementia and distress.AimTo enable care home staff to use therapeutic touch and non-pharmacological management for end of life symptoms and aid communication with the residents in their care.Methodology20 care homes and 23 staff were involved in the pilot. Places were free and staff were recruited at NVQ 3 level and above. The programme was delivered in two workshops, held a month apart. The first day focused on practical hand massage techniques, the theory of therapeutic touch and some guidance on how to run workshops in their own care setting. The second workshop required a case study presentation demonstrating what impact hand massage has had on EOL clients.EvaluationParticipant evaluation of this ‘train the trainer’ approach demonstrated an increased confidence to provide the training to other care home staff and positive effects on the residents were also reported, in terms of reduced agitation and more engagement in communication. There were also reported benefits for relatives of the residents, as they could perform hand massage when visiting. This made them feel that they were ‘doing something’ for their loved ones.Due to the positive outcome of the pilot programme this workshop is now offered as a regular educational programme. The next programme is already oversubscribed and there is a growing demand for the programme.