Supporting service change in palliative care: a framework approach.

Background: Palliative care services are increasingly identifying areas for improvement, then trying to create appropriate changes in response. Nurses in particular are often expected to take leading roles in quality improvement (QI) but are not necessarily trained or supported in these processes.

Methods: A framework approach to change was developed to guide services through a change cycle and delivered via workshops by representatives of three Australian national projects. Participants were predominantly nurses (80%), with the majority (63.7%) over the age of 50.

Findings: The workshops and the framework were positively evaluated, with participants feeling confident in a number of QI-related activities following workshop training.

Conclusion: Recognising and addressing problems in clinical practice and service delivery is an important way for nurses to ensure quality care for patients; however, they need support in developing the skills and knowledge that are essential to successful QI activities.