Authors (including presenting author) :
Li PY, Chan HY, Pang CW, Cheung WSJ, Wong YP, Mak F
Affiliation :
Department of Medical & Geriatrics, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals, Hong Kong
Introduction :
End-of-Life care program (EoL) aims to improve patients’ quality of life through better patient-centered care approach. In caring of dying patients, sorrows between patients and relatives are commonly seen. Thus, supports and trusting relationships with the health care professionals become important (Andershed, 2006). Engaging the relatives always has holistically positive effects during the end of life care process. To address this, life story book (LSB) may help to initiate, cultivate and sustain better relationships among patients, relatives and clinical staff by life review and reflection. Different aspects of patient’s life events including hobbies, talents, religious, achievements, values and hopes were explored.
Objectives :
1. Enhance the understanding amongst patients, family and staff 2. Appreciate patient as a person during End-of-life through life reminiscence 3. Facilitate patient-centered care by knowing more about patient's life
Methodology :
This program was piloted in B3 extended care ward of Ruttonjee Hospital from July to September in 2018. Quasi-experimental method used. Program effectiveness was evaluated from patient, families and nurses with pre- and post-satisfaction survey.
Result & Outcome :
20 patients were approached in which 14 have agreed to participate. A total of 10 life story books were finally produced as 4 cases were discharged or died before completion of LSB. Significance in the effectiveness of program with the mean score >4 among relatives and healthcare professionals. LSB records patient’s past and present life, allowing relatives and health care professionals to embrace life. Every story is considered to be valuable and unique. Encouraging time to gather information and photographs of EoL patients, LSB provided a platform to share and glean from patients’ life. The positive result showed the importance of LSB in care planning and rapport building among patients, relatives and health care professionals. Relatives highly appreciated the program approach. This study was piloted among the EoL patients only so small sample size is the limitation.
