Congress Abstracts 2006

54

ONCOLOGY AND BIOETHICS: A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP IN IMPROVING PALLIATIVE/END OF LIFE CARE. Sara Welsh, RN, MSN, CNAA, and Mary Ann Bowman Beil, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA.

Approximately one-third of all hospital deaths are related to cancer. Numerous studies have identified the opportunities to improve palliative and end of life care. Coordination of care and timely referrals to appropriate services can greatly impact cancer patients' quality of life throughout the disease continuum.

The partnership of Oncology and Bioethics can provide a powerful alliance in improving end of life care.

To improve palliative and end of life care for patients and their families in an academic medical center. To identify and implement appropriate policies, procedures and programs to enhance patient care. To implement the new role of Bioethical Nurse Liaisons.

Interventions included: Implementation of Bioethical Nurse Liaison Positions, expansion of the In-House Palliative Care Consult Services, initiation of an Out-Patient Palliative Care Service, revision of the End of Life Care Policy, approval of the End of Life Care Model, and the provision of professional and community education.

The hospital dashboard included initiatives on end of life care.

Bioethical Nurse Liaison positions were created and implemented, two of which were oncology nurses. Bioethical Nurse Liaisons submitted monthly reports on issues addressed in the clinical units. Palliative care services have been expanded.

Oncology nurses can serve as institutional champions in leading initiatives to improve palliative and end of life care for patients and their families. Oncology nurses can serve as clinical experts to help develop programs, as advocates for patients and families, and as educators to other staff and the community.