“Thinking ahead about medical treatments in advanced illness: a qualitative study of barriers and enablers in end-of-life care planning with patients and families from ethnically diverse backgrounds”
The Thinking Ahead study explored with patients and families from diverse ethnic backgrounds their experiences and decisions concerning the future and planning for deterioration and dying. The stories on this page are fictional but they are based on the experiences and thoughts of the participants. After many years of hard work and collaboration, you can read the full report here.
Red 4 Research unites individuals and groups engaged in research, participants, and researchers themselves. Friday 16th June marked the date in which remarkable teams operate both on the forefront and in the background. The research and development (R&D) community thrives on innovation, adaptability, and vitality. However, research does not materialise on its own; it is the collective effort of research participants, patients, professionals, volunteers, and regulatory bodies that brings it to life. At LOROS, we celebrated Red 4 Research in style with a bright display at the hospice, an opportunity to win prizes, and staff wore bright red to commemorate the day!
Research in the field of palliative and end-of-life care plays a pivotal role in our society. As we navigate the complexities of providing care for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses, understanding their unique needs and enhancing their quality of life becomes paramount. The article below sheds light on the importance of palliative and end-of-life care research and its significant impact on patient well-being.
Research in palliative and end-of-life care plays a vital role in enhancing patient care and improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses and their families. Palliative care aims to alleviate the physical, psychological, and spiritual suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting conditions. Through research, healthcare professionals can develop and refine interventions and medications to better manage symptoms such as pain and fatigue. This research helps alleviate distress and discomfort, leading to improved patient comfort and overall well-being.
Research in palliative care facilitates the development of effective communication strategies between healthcare providers, patients, and their families. It helps identify the best ways to discuss end-of-life preferences, ensuring that patients’ values and goals are respected. This research empowers patients to actively participate in decision-making. Palliative care research also recognises the impact serious illness has on family caregivers. By investigating caregiver needs, challenges, and effective support strategies, researchers can develop interventions and resources that reduce caregiver burden, promote self-care, and provide emotional support. This research helps to create a more comprehensive care approach that addresses the needs of both patients and their caregivers.
In addition, research informs the training and education of healthcare professionals, enhancing their skills and competence in providing compassionate end-of-life care. Therefore, research in palliative care and end-of-life care is essential for improving patient care by enhancing symptom management, promoting effective communication and supporting caregivers. By continually expanding our knowledge and evidence based in this field, we can ensure that individuals facing serious illnesses receive the best possible care, maximising their comfort, dignity, and overall quality of life.
Here’s what the research department have been involved with in the last financial year. As you can see, we’ve been quite busy and heavily involved with research studies, data, and collaborating with organisations. Come and visit the LPDC if you would like to learn more about research!
