The research evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of ‘anticipatory prescribing’ for people approaching the end of life at home or in care homes remains unclear, say researchers at the University of Cambridge, who have just studied the most recent research on the topic. In standard anticipatory prescribing, which is commonplace in the UK, […]
New approaches needed to help ease symptoms amongst people in the last days of life
Patients in the last days of life at home or in care homes sometimes need fast access to medications to ease their symptoms but new approaches are needed to ensure this happens, say Dr Ben Bowers and colleagues in the BMJ today. For patients dying in the community, rapid and tailored access to last-days-of-life medications […]
‘Just in Case’ medicines don’t always help people dying at home
New research reveals the complexities of making ‘Just in Case’ medications available for people nearing the end of life at home. Patients, informal carers and healthcare professionals interviewed for the research said their presence could cause distress as well as comfort. Some families reported difficulties persuading nurses to administer the medications to relieve suffering. The […]
Dr Ben Bowers collects Outstanding Service Award from Queen’s Nursing Institute
Dr Ben Bowers received the Queen’s Nursing Institute Award for Outstanding Service today, in recognition of his person-centred approach and leadership in advancing care for patients and families at home. His award for Outstanding Service recognises that Ben’s clinical practice, leadership and research have already had an enduring impact on improving person-centred care. Ben is […]
End of life care research opportunity for community nurses
Dr Ben Bowers, Prof. Alison Leary, Prof. Stephen Barclay and colleagues at the University of Cambridge and University of Nottingham are researching community nurses’ experiences of providing end-of-life care since the start of the pandemic. The research is funded by the General Nursing Council Trust. Ben would like to invite two registered nurses, currently working in district […]
Innovation and research in anticipatory prescribing: Study Day report
Anticipatory Prescribing in community End of Life Care by Dr Ben Bowers Recent innovations and research in end-of-life anticipatory prescribing practice were discussed at a national Study Day hosted by PELiCam on 21 September 2022. The national Cross-Applied Health Research Collaboration (ARC) event brought healthcare professionals and researchers together to share and discuss recent research […]