Fördelar och Nackdelar med Liverpool Care Pathway : En litteraturöversikt

Sammanfattning: Abstract Background: There is a need of good palliative care of the growing elderly population. Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is a care program that was developed for palliative care in other facilities than hospice departments. There is lack of evidence on the effect of the LCP, therefore it has been phased out in many countries. Objective: To investigate the advantages and disadvantages of Liverpool Care Pathway, factors affecting the implementation and if the LCP can be used in the care of dying elderly non-cancer patients. Methods: A literature review containing 15 scientific original articles. Articles were searched in PubMed. All of the articles were of high or medium quality. Results: Several studies showed that communication improved. Treatment of symptoms and pain increased in frequency. Examinations and blood sampling decreased. Psychosocial support for patient and family improved. Management of medication was safer with the LCP. Shortcomings regarding documentation were discussed. The quality of implementation had influence on how the LCP would be carried out. Factors affecting implementation was time, money, personal views, leadership and support. Conclusion: The results of the literature review shows improvements on the communication, medication management, symptom management and psychosocial support to patients and families. The documentation process requires further improvement. For LCP to work optimally implementation it requires careful implementation with clear leadership and proper training. There are parts of the LCP that could be used in the care of dying elderly non-cancer patients, but more research is needed in this area. Keywords: LCP, Palliative Care, Elderly Care, Implementation,