Exploring the delivery of end-of-life care by community nurses.

Aims: To understand what aspects of care and support were important to bereaved relatives and to explore the experiences of nurses delivering end of life care.

Methods: Interviews and focus groups were undertaken with 17 family members, 31 community nurses and 13 community hospital staff. A workshop was held with 6 family members, 13 community nurses and 3 hospital nurses to review findings and make recommendations for improvement.

Findings: Four themes were identified: relationships and being treated as a whole person; being able to make choices; getting help when and where it is needed; specialist advice and care, especially at the very end of life.

Conclusion: Seeking feedback from relatives was valued both by family members and the staff and has provided an effective model to lead to focussed improvements.