Developing and Evaluating a Care Pathway for Improving Palliative Care in Western Norway.

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> To operationalize the palliative care approach and improve care across services, a palliative care pathway (PCP) was developed in Western Norway. The PCP is an evidence-based framework for palliative care assessment and interventions in the form of a web-based flowchart. <b><i>Measures:</i></b> An electronic questionnaire aimed at health care professionals (HCPs) examined perceived usability and content. We registered PCP webpage activity and conducted an evaluation seminar and group interviews. <b><i>Intervention:</i></b> The pathway was developed (2015) and piloted in two cities (2017-2018/2020). <b><i>Outcomes:</i></b> HCPs perceived that the PCP contributed to increased palliative care knowledge and skills and worked as a reference and educational tool. They found the PCP easily accessible but asked for a search option and easier webpage navigation. <b><i>Conclusions/Lessons Learned:</i></b> An available PCP can support a common language for palliative care in different settings and enhance patient-centered care. HCPs need time to familiarize themselves with its content and use.