Palliative care nurse practitioners in aged care facilities

This project arose out of an increasing interest in the interface between palliative care services and aged care facilities. The example of a model of liaison developed in the United Kingdom encouraged introduction of a nurse practitioner project addressing palliative care needs in aged care facilities. In 1997, the South Australian Health Commission established three demonstration Nurse Practitioner Projects, of which the Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Project (PCNPP) is one.

The objects of this project were to:

1. Develop a clear role for the palliative care nurse practitioner in aged care facilities
2. Appoint and develop the knowledge and skills of ‘link nurses’ in aged care facilities
3. Increase palliative care confidence, knowledge and skills of all staff in aged care facilities
4. Encourage aged care facilities to become key providers of palliative care

Two palliative care nurse practitioners (PCNP) were employed over a period of 12 months from April 1998 to April 1999 to provide education, consultancy and support to aged care facilities in the southern region of Adelaide. A research officer from the Palliative Care Unit at Flinders University of South Australia assisted in the evaluation of the project.