Open AccessElectronic Implementation of Integrated End-of-life Care: A Local Approach
Author(s) -
Daniel Schlieper,
Christiane Altreuther,
Manuela Schallenburger,
Martin Neukirchen,
Andrea Schmitz,
Christian Schulz-Quach
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of integrated care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.083
H-Index - 32
ISSN - 1568-4156
DOI - 10.5334/ijic.2507
Subject(s) - usability , audit , integrated care , end of life care , palliative care , medicine , care pathway , medical emergency , nursing , computer science , health care , business , accounting , human–computer interaction , economics , economic growth
The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient is an instrument to deliver integrated care for patients in their last hours of life. Originally a paper-based system, this study investigates the feasibility of an electronic version. Methods: An electronic Liverpool Care Pathway was implemented in a specialized palliative care unit of a German university hospital. Its use is exemplified by means of auditing and analysis of the proportion of recorded items. Results: In the years 2013 and 2014 the electronic Liverpool Care Pathway was used for the care of 159 patients. The uptake of the instrument was high (67%). Most items were recorded. Apart from a high usability, the fast data retrieval allows fast analysis for auditing and research. Conclusions and discussion: The electronic instrument is feasible in a computerized ward and has strong advantages for retrospective analysis. Trial registration: Internal Clinical Trial Register of the Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, No. 2015124683 (7 December 2015).