Completed Research Project
Implementation and evaluation of a rural palliative care respite service
Investigators: Barrett M, Oldham L, Larson A, Whyatt D.
Funding: SHRAC ($143,356)
Administering Institution: Curtin University
This study will add to the body evidence that supports the provision of EN-delivered respite services to the carers of palliative patients as a cost effective strategy to reduce hospital in-patient days. Cost estimates based on a 2006 Geraldton pilot suggests that this intervention, if implemented throughout the state, would save $1.4 million annually.
The pilot demonstrated that offering carers who are finding it difficult to cope in their current role (eg. suffering exhaustion, stress or caring patients with symptoms that are tiring to manage) EN delivered respite care for a relatively limited time is associated with significantly fewer days in hospital and greater likelihood of dying at home.
Here we propose a larger comparative study involving study populations drawn from palliative care patients in three regional centres (Geraldton, Albany and Busselton). Patients from two sites will be offered the EN respite while patients from Busselton will be offered usual care.
This larger study will expand on the pilot study, conducted Geraldton, enabling greater confidence in the results and a greater understanding on how to implement the intervention efficiently while still producing savings in reduced hospital days. The first element of the study will be to evaluate the continued implementation and effectiveness of the respite care program in Geraldton following the establishment of EN-delivered respite as normal practice after the end of the pilot. The second element is extended to Albany (intervention site) and Busselton (control site). EN respite is not currently provided in Busselton or Albany and all three towns are of similar population size and composition. three research outcomes will be measured: 1. Hospitalisation rates from assessment of eligibility to death 2. Place of death 3. Carer satisfaction. Furthermore a cost analysis will be prepared to demonstrate savings to the Western Australian health system.
