|
|
|
Mercy Health Partners of Scranton, Pennsylvania, aimed to decrease the sense of loneliness and isolation felt by dying patients who have little family or social support. Pastoral companions, who participated in several training sessions on the needs of dying patients, were assigned to be present for patients.
Measures were the number of patients enrolled, the number of visits made by pastoral care volunteers, the number of hours spent with patients, and comments from patients and family members about the visits.
Outcomes demonstrated success - from 57 visits with 16 patients in March, to 128 visits with 25 patients in June. Patients commented, "I don't always feel like talking, but I am glad you stop and pray for me." The Breakthrough Series team reported no negative comments on the program from either staff, families, or patients. The team learned that because patient needs are so individual, no methodology could be developed, and that the only important agenda was the patient's. To journey with a dying patient, the team found, requires a special kind of presence, and companions had to be willing to engage in reflection and to learn from the experience.
The group plans to expand the program so that it provides round-the-clock coverage, and it will also expand the volunteer base. Between February and December 1998, 941 patients were seen, 2,525 visits made, and 705 hours spent with patients. Today, almost 30 volunteers participate in the program, which has been expanded to offer evening and weekend coverage. Three or four volunteers come in daily, coordinating schedules to cover more units. Many of the original volunteers were Catholic, and the team is working to recruit volunteers from other denominations as well.
<<< Previous Next >>> [ Go Up ]
|
This online version of the book Improving Care for the End of Life: A Sourcebook for Health Care Managers and Clinicians is provided with permission of Americans for Better Care of the Dying [ www.abcd-caring.org ] and Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For further information on quality improvement in end-of-life care visit The Palliative Care Policy Center [ www.medicaring.org ]. |
|
