Helping to shape ambulance services for people in the last year of life
Pilgrims Hospices is collaborating with a research team at the University of Southampton, the University of the West of England and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to invite people who have had experiences of ambulance callouts to learn about their views and help shape ambulance services in the future.
The research, called the ParAid Study and funded by Marie Curie, is evaluating how different ways of delivering services influence paramedic practice and experiences of individuals at end-of-life.
Paramedics are often important to patients in the last year of life (end- of-life). We know that 999 calls are increasing for individuals and their families at end-of-life, which may be because services in the community are under pressure e.g. those provided by family doctors and community nurses.
Little wide-scale research has been carried out to understand the contribution played by paramedics in these situations and how this might be improved.
From practice, it is known that paramedics attending patients at end-of-life face complex issues, such as:
Not knowing the patient or their family
Lack of availability of patient history
Fear of doing wrong
Issues with family conflict
A lack of healthcare professionals to handover to out-of-hours, if the patient is to remain at home.
These issues can mean people are admitted to hospital when circumstances mean they could be cared for at home.
Natasha Campling
Dr Natasha Campling (Associate Professor, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton), who is leading the research, said:
“We have already carried out a large-scale survey of paramedics throughout England to understand their professional practice and what factors influence this, and are now conducting in-depth case studies (collecting information from patients, carers and healthcare professionals) to examine different ways of delivering services. It is important to evaluate ambulance service delivery and understand how the best parts of service provision can be incorporated into other services to improve the quality of care and support provided to patients and their families during this crucial period of time. This may prevent unnecessary hospital admissions at end-of-life, which often leads to people dying in hospital.”
If you have had an ambulance callout in recent months, are aged 18+, living in your own home, in the last year of life, or a current or bereaved carer for someone in this situation, you may be eligible to take part in a one-off interview about your experience. A £25 voucher will be offered to those who take part.
If you are interested in taking part, please contact the Research team (and see the study poster for further information):
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
18th March 2024
Pilgrims Hospices wins prestigious Joanna Mugridge Research Award
The announcement, made during the conference in early February, marked a significant achievement for the ‘Talk’ evaluation team at Pilgrims Hospices, working with the Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent on evaluating the pilot. The team’s poster was one of 67 at the conference, reviewed by a panel of judges.
The Joanna Mugridge Research Award, established in memory of Joanna, a dedicated nurse at the Marie Curie Hospice in Caterham, serves to honour her legacy and unwavering commitment to serving individuals and families affected by cancer. Created by her family, following Joanna’s passing in May 2000, the award aims to support the vital work of Marie Curie and its researchers in advancing palliative care.
We are delighted to have received this recognition for the poster, it will inform the development of our Talk project within our region, moving forward, which supports earlier identification and referral of patients who need our hospice services”
Charlotte Brigden – Pilgrims Hospices Research Facilitator
Presented annually at the Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Conference, the award recognises outstanding contributions to research in the field of palliative care. It not only celebrates excellence but also provides recipients with resources to further their research, education, and professional development.
Doctor Andrew Thorns, Pilgrims Hospices Consultant in Palliative Care and Research Lead, expressed: “I’m so pleased for the project team, this is recognition of a great idea, lots of work, and the start of things to come—well done!”
Pilgrims Hospices extends heartfelt gratitude to Joanna Mugridge’s family for their invaluable support in perpetuating research efforts aimed at enhancing end-of-life care. The recognition received for their “Talk” pilot project underscores the team’s dedication to improving patient outcomes and fostering compassionate care practices. Pilgrims hope to share this information more widely moving forward.
For those interested in learning more about Pilgrims Hospices’ impactful work in end-of-life care, please visit www.pilgrimshospices.org.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families, the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
13th November 2023
Win cash prizes and make a difference with Pilgrims Hospices’ Fun Festive Superdraw 2023
By participating in Pilgrims Hospices’ Fun Festive Superdraw 2023, you have the chance to win exciting cash prizes, in time for some extra Christmas treats, while contributing to vital hospice care in east Kent.
Did you know? All proceeds from the Superdraw directly support our patients, enabling them to manage symptoms, such as pain, and access a wide range of services and facilities. It empowers them to spend quality time with their loved ones, live as normally as possible for as long as they can, and create cherished memories in their own way.
Charlotte Brigden, Pilgrims Research Facilitator
Every £1 ticket purchased not only helps patients in our care on the hospice wards and in their homes, but also supports innovative and vital research to help ensure we are providing the best care that we can. Led by Dr. Andrew Thorns and supported by Charlotte Brigden, Pilgrims Research Facilitator, this research strives for a greater understanding of the best end-of-life care and treatments and how to treat patients more effectively. Charlotte expressed her gratitude to Superdraw players for their invaluable contributions to care and resources, all while having a chance to win some lovely Christmas cash prizes!
Recently, the hospice provided valuable research into a treatment for managing symptoms of fatigue and also research on care provided in the home out of hours. Such important work is only possible with the continued support of Pilgrims Lottery players and supporters who purchase the special Fun Festive Superdraw tickets.
Pilgrims Hospices staff join in with Superdraw fun
Participating in the Superdraw offers the opportunity to win incredible prizes, including: First Prize: £2,000; Second Prize: £1,000; and Third Prize: £500. You can purchase tickets at the hospices’ receptions or call the Pilgrims Lottery ticket hotline at 01227 379741.
Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent extends its heartfelt gratitude for your generous support. Your contributions make a significant difference in the lives of those who rely on our care.
Please take part in the Fun Festive Superdraw 2023; you will be making a difference in the lives of those in need. while also having the chance to win exciting prizes!
Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent is dedicated to enhancing its services to better serve the local community. Our vision is to provide comprehensive support for individuals with terminal illnesses and their families, helping them live well in mind and body until their very last moments. By purchasing tickets for the Fun Festive Superdraw 2023, you are joining all those dedicated to ensuring that Pilgrims Hospices can provide expert care and guidance every step of the way. Your support is crucial to making this vision a reality.
Each year, Pilgrims support thousands of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services, from end-of-life care given on its wards to its Wellbeing Programme, which supports people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
