116 Collaborative working to support patients who use alcohol and/or drugs to access appropriate palliative and end-of-life care
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Introduction Patients who use alcohol and/or drugs often have difficulty accessing appropriate support regarding palliative and end-of-life care issues. They are less likely to seek primary care support, more likely to access emergency healthcare services,1 and lack trust in healthcare providers.2 Healthcare professionals may lack knowledge about managing their complex3. Improving organisational relationships and collaborating with other services can improve palliative and end-of-life care for these patients.1 3 4 Method South East & Central Northumberland community palliative care team and Northumberland recovery programme (supporting people with drug and alcohol problems) developed a joint initiative to support patients with a palliative diagnosis and use alcohol/drugs. A monthly MDT has been developed where existing and new patients are discussed with ongoing community support provided, as required. Results The joint initiative started in April 2023. Four patients have been supported, with a fifth patient declining input. Of the 4 patients: Mean age 50 (41 – 74) All male Two used drugs and alcohol; two used alcohol Diagnosis: end stage cirrhosis3; metastatic lung cancer1 2 died; 2 alive. Referred to palliative care: 7 & 9 months before death; 3 & 10 months ago for those still alive Of the 2 patients who died: Preferred place of death: 1st choice achieved1; 2nd choice achieved1 Conclusions We recognise that the number of patients is small, but this alone can make it hard for professionals to maintain expertise or know who to contact for support. Both teams recognised that they were struggling to support the needs of patient with a palliative diagnosis and who use alcohol and/or drugs. Collaborative working has improved organisational relationships and support for professionals enabling patients and their carers to hopefully receive better palliative and end-of-life care. References Shulman C, Hudson BF, Low J, et al. End-of-life care for homeless people: A qualitative analysis exploring the challenges to access and provision of palliative care. Palliative Medicine 2018;32(1):36–45. doi:10.1177/0269216317717101. McNeil R, Guirguis-Younger M. Illicit drug use as a challenge to the delivery of end-of-life care services to homeless persons: Perceptions of health and social services professionals. Palliative Medicine 2012;26(4):350–359. doi:10.1177/0269216311402713. Ebenau A, Dijkstra B, Ter Huurne C, Hasselaar J, Vissers K, and Groot M. Palliative care for patients with substance use disorder and multiple problems: a qualitative study on experiences of healthcare professionals, volunteers and experts-by-experience. BMC Palliative Care 2020;19(1):8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-019-0502-x. Cook O, Doran J, Crosbie K, Sweeney P, Millard I, O’Connor M. Palliative care needs and models of care for people who use drugs and/or alcohol: A mixed methods systematic review. Palliative Medicine 2022;36(2):292–304. doi:10.1177/02692163211061994.
Source: Poster presentations
Authors: Helen Perdrix, Gillian Watson, Eleanor Grogan
Institution: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4408550548