BackgroundComplementary Therapy (CT) is widely used in hospices; however the backing research on its efficacy has been somewhat limited. CT can be understood as the bridge between the medical model and alternative therapies. Yet this profession has struggled to gain respect in modern medicine and it is debatable whether Complementary Therapists are seen as equal to other MDT members. Against this background a team of hospice Complementary Therapists have been gathering evidence of their clinical input with a view to assessing and demonstrating its efficacy.AimsTo conduct a wide scale evaluation of CT treatments provided across all services to assess the impact on patient care and for a range of symptoms. Results to guide future evidence based treatment management (the right treatment at the right time).MethodsPatients, using an adapted visual analogue scale, rated their symptoms pre and post CT input. Results, separated into symptom categories, were analysed over a three year period.Results1321 patient reported outcomes were collected. After data cleansing, 1217 treatment episodes were reviewedOn average, patient symptoms improved by 2.13 on the 10 point adapted VAS scale which is statistically significantPain, breathlessness, anxiety and nausea gained the highest score and were perceived to have the most benefit by patientsConstipation, fatigue, insomnia and appetite had very poor outcomes.ConclusionsWe believe the above results demonstrate that CT can indeed provide statistically significant results in a palliative setting. Of particular interest has been the emerging evidence with regards to particular efficacy for particular symptoms. These results can guide other clinicians when referring to the CT team more appropriately therefore meaning patients receive the most suitable treatment for their needs. Such evidence helps with improving the recognition of the role of Complementary Therapy in the hospice setting.

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organisations. This multi-component approach included: the development of dementia friendly hospice building; an enhanced hospice/dementia specialist team; a day hospice service for persons with dementia and their carers which provided opportunities for nurse specialist assessment, creative therapies to improve cognition and promote well-being for the person, and complementary therapy; development of education and learning through certificate programme in holistic dementia care.HEDP has fostered the development of strong partnerships between participating organisations and has facilitated the cross-fertilisation of expertise. External practitioners and hospice staff have benefitted from integrating learning from mental health, palliative care and other areas of practice. Aim To profile findings from the evaluation of the HEDP in terms of uptake, the experiences of carers, health and social care professionals, service commissioners and policy makers, and to highlight recommendations for service development, education and practice. Methods Multiple methods: data collection including documentary record analysis, interviews, focus groups and analysis of reflective diary accounts. Ethical approval was secured. The evaluation was undertaken by researchers independent of the hospice. Descriptive statistical analysis with chart data and thematic analysis applied to qualitative data. Results/conclusion Core findings from the evaluation process highlighted four main themes: (i)The impact of dementia, (ii) Value of service, (iii) Information and learning needs and (iv) Working in partnership, and has developed key recommendations for teams, commissioners and policy makers considering developing integrated approaches between palliative and dementia care.

Conclusion Evaluation of the 'This is Me' boards demonstrates a dynamic approach to patient-centred care where individual wishes and goals are communicated to all staff, and relatives in a meaningful patient-led approach.