Staff perceptions of the impact of the Liverpool Care Pathway in aged residential care in New Zealand

AIM: To determine staff perceptions of the impact of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying patient (LCP) in three aged residential care facilities in New Zealand. METHODS: A mixed methodology approach was adopted, including the use of a survey, focus groups, and individual interviews. FINDINGS: Fifteen of 194 staff participated in the focus groups (five nurses and nine health-care assistants). The interviewees included three GPs, one registered nurse, and one manager. The post-implementation survey response rate of 13% was poorer than the 32% response rate to a pre-implementation survey reported elsewhere. Nevertheless, there was congruence across the data sources. The participating staff perceived multiple benefits to residents, family, whãnau, and staff following implementation of the LCP. CONCLUSION: As a tool the LCP was effective in supporting, guiding, and prompting care delivery. However, challenges remained, particularly regarding environmental factors.