Family members are being trained to administer drugs in case doctors or nurses are not available to give injections when needed and new palliative care drugs are being considered for use during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research carried out at the height of the pandemic. Dr Stephen Barclay and Dr Barbara Antunes from the […]
Dr Stephen Barclay provides expert help on end of life care in the community during the pandemic
As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops, increasing numbers of seriously ill and dying patients are being cared for at home and in care homes by GPs, nurses, and their families and friends. Significant challenges are emerging for primary care practitioners including: symptom management for the dying phase of COVID-19; planning and coordination of […]
Family caregivers need support to administer end of life medications for patients dying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic
Doctors, nurses, and family caregivers worldwide are facing tough decisions concerning the supply and administration of medications to manage symptoms when patients are dying from COVID-19 or other conditions at home and in care homes. In many countries around the world, family caregivers are increasingly being asked to administer medications to relieve distressing symptoms for […]
85% of GP practices in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough use data sharing system supported by Primary Care Unit research
85% of GP practices in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area now use an electronic data sharing system designed by practitioners, patients, IT specialists and commissioners in the region. This initiative is underpinned by research carried out by Dr Mila Petrova and Dr Stephen Barclay at the Primary Care Unit’s Palliative and End of Life Care Group. The data sharing system, […]
Is it really better to die at home? New study highlights challenges for family members and healthcare professionals looking after patients at home
Family carers and healthcare staff said that hospital admission for patients near the end of their lives became necessary because of insufficient nursing and support at home, in a newly published study from the Cambridge Palliative and End of Life Care Group at the Primary Care Unit, University of Cambridge. The study was carried out […]
Anticipatory syringe drivers: a step too far
The latest Gosport War Memorial Hospital inquiry has increased patient, public, and clinician awareness in the UK about syringe drivers for continuous subcutaneous delivery of opioids and other medications at the end of life. In safe hands, syringe drivers facilitate safe and effective symptom control for those no longer able to swallow or absorb tablets. […]