The Western Australia Cancer and Palliative Care Network
End of Life Care Pathways in Western Australia
The Western Australia (WA) Cancer and Palliative Care Network identified the need to implement an end of life care pathway to direct patient care in the last days and hours of life. After registering with the Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute in Liverpool, England (MCPCIL), the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network consulted with the MCPCIL to adapt the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) for use in WA.
An initial pilot study of the WA LCP was conducted in four settings in Perth during 2007-2008. The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of the LCP in the WA setting and to determine potential strategies and pathways for implementing the LCP in WA.
This initial study highlighted the potential to promote a change in practice, but demonstrated the need for a systematic and planned approach to implementing a pathway with ongoing support needed from a centralised group of experts.
In a collaborative project, designated areas were chosen for implementation of the WA LCP, from 2009. These areas included the WA Country Health Services of Great Southern, Midwest and South Health. A formal evaluation of the use of the WA LCP is being undertaken by the project group, which involves members from the WA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care at Edith Cowan University, the Cancer and Palliative Research and Evaluation Unit at the University of Western Australia, the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network and associated health services.
For more information on this pathway, please contact WA LCP Project Team, WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, or telephone 1800 998 001.
