P-54 Developing accessible and inclusive palliative care for lgbtqi patients and their carers

Abstract

Background The Care Quality Commission’s report ‘A different ending’ (2016) highlighted the health inequalities that LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex) patients, and their carers, experience with end of life care. The hospice values accessibility, so a group was set up to determine whether our services are accessible and inclusive to LGBTQI patients and their carers. Aim(s) To understand the issues facing LGBTQI patients, and their carers, at the end of life. To recognise their experience of using the hospice’s services and explore service development ideas with staff and external stakeholders. Methods A multidisciplinary working group was set up, which included medical and nursing staff, the communications manager, volunteer chaplain and external representation from the local LGBTQI community. The group used a service audit tool (LGBT Age 2015) to discuss the current services and generate ideas. A literature review was conducted to understand LGBTQI issues at the end of life and a staff survey performed to understand their knowledge and attitudes about LGBTQI issues. Expert advice was sought from Marie Curie, Macmillan, other hospices and a local LGBTQI healthcare professional group. Results The hospice will increase its visibility to the LGBTQI population and service users by promoting the project through local and social media, attending the local Pride festival and displaying the synonymous rainbow flag in reception. Hospice policies, monitoring form and leaflets have been reviewed and will be made public, which include clear confidentiality and anti-discriminatory statements. Education sessions for staff will be designed and members of the working group will become LGBTQI champions. Conclusions By increasing the hospice’s visibility to the LGBTQI community, understanding their needs and making it clear that we are an accessible and safe service to use, our LGBTQI patients, and their carers, will have a better end of life care experience at the hospice.