Authors
- Jolanta Swierczynski1,
- Janeane Harlum1,
- Willie Wilson1,
- Antonella Vergis1,
- Kath Skinner1,
- Josephine Chow1,
- Smeal Therese1
- South Western Sydney Local Health District1
2015
Excerpt
The Palliative Care Home Support Packages (PEACH) Program is an initiative provided across five Local Health Districts (LHD) in NSW Illawarra Shoalhaven, Nepean Blue Mountains, South Western Sydney, Sydney and Western Sydney. The program is funded by the NSW Ministry of Health and commenced in December 2013, servicing a population of over 2.9 million (40% of NSW's total population), geographically covering metropolitan and rural communities. PEACH provides intensive, rapid response, nurse-led specialist palliative care nursing and coordination for end of life care, enabling clients to die at home as per their wishes. It is built on a partnership between existing LHD services including community based nurses, specialist palliative care teams, GPs and Silver Chain. The program includes:
• The unique partnership between LHDs and Silver Chain with a transparent governance structure
• Clear eligibility criteria for entry into the program
• Well defined care plans, systematic clinical handover and technology to optimise seamless patient care 24/7
• Carer education and support
• A rigorous research and evaluation working party
• GP communication strategy.
A total of 670 individuals received PEACH packages between December 2013 and March 2015, ranging from three to 96 years of age. Positive feedback was received from carer and staff surveys. An informational DVD has been developed. Continual data analysis of the PEACH Program evaluates both patient/carer and staff experiences.
• The unique partnership between LHDs and Silver Chain with a transparent governance structure
• Clear eligibility criteria for entry into the program
• Well defined care plans, systematic clinical handover and technology to optimise seamless patient care 24/7
• Carer education and support
• A rigorous research and evaluation working party
• GP communication strategy.
A total of 670 individuals received PEACH packages between December 2013 and March 2015, ranging from three to 96 years of age. Positive feedback was received from carer and staff surveys. An informational DVD has been developed. Continual data analysis of the PEACH Program evaluates both patient/carer and staff experiences.