Primary Care and Public Health Libraries

C1a Library Impact Case Study

Library concerned: Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Name of case study: Care after death Date of interview: 20/01/17

Interviewee Name: Julie Bruce Watt Job Title: Senior Professional Education and Lecturer Practitioner Trust/Employing body: Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Email: [email protected] Tel: 0300 4226307

Summary of A review of the procedure of care after death before the patient problem or goes to the mortuary was required. Mortuary staff raised concerns reason for about how the patients were being prepared by ward staff prior to enquiry arriving in the mortuary and nursing staff raised concerns about “packing” the patients and dignity.

Brief A literature search was conducted and the following guideline was description of found Wilson, J. & White, C. (2011). Guidance for staff responsible for care the after death (last offices). RCN and Royal College of Pathologists information As well as procedures from the Royal Marsden found / service The search was requested on - 16 April 2015 provided The results were sent on – 17 April 2015 No deadline for this information was requested

It was conducted by Sandra Weir

Summary of Based on the evidence found a pilot of new procedures was outcome and undertaken, the condition of the patient was significantly improved impact on arrival to the mortuary. This has lead to a change in policy and practice. A new checklist has been created and a microteach will be conducted by the end of life champions

Immediate Based on the evidence Impact - Patients will no longer be shaved after death as this can cause bruising (including - “packing” in genital/anal areas will no longer be conducted as quotes) this can cause damage and increase of bacteria, instead pad and pants will be used - Mouth and nose will not be “packed” instead new gauze is put “in place”

There has been a change in language, from “last offices” to “care

24_05_16 C1a Library Impact Case Study

after death”, the term is more appropriate for our multicultural society.

There has been more understanding of work roles between the mortuary team and nursing/HCA staff.

Having the evidence made the change easier “the evidence takes away the emotion” and “we were confident to make the changes with the evidence… it is easier to explain and confront challenges”

Probable Experience for the families will improve future Impact Experience for HCAs/nurses will improve Time will be saved as nursing staff will no longer have to go to the (including mortuary to help if procedures have been done incorrectly. quotes) Time will be saved by mortuary staff as they should no longer have to deal with leakages. This should be a cost neutral change as the time saved should offset the cost of the new “packing” materials used.

24_05_16