The HOLISTIC Study is a mixed-method research project that aims to evaluate the effect of different hospiceled innovations on the amount of time that people spend in hospital towards the end of their lives. It was commissioned from Hospice UK by NHS England.
The study has two components. A quantitative strand seeks to examine the effects of the established innovations on the number of bed days, in the last 90 days of life, compared to prior practice and data from control sites. A second qualitative strand uses 360ยบ interviews with a range of local stakeholders to explore the critical success factors in implementing an innovation.
General aims of the HOLISTIC Study
To support and inform end of life care service re-design by delivering shared learning across the NHS, hospices and other providers involved in the delivery of end of life care.
To improve the evidence base to enable NHS commissioners to commission appropriate services and for providers to design appropriate services tailored to local circumstances.
To contribute to the efficient and cost effective use of acute services.
To contribute to the improvement of patient outcomes and experience of the care they receive.
Research questions
For people approaching the end of life:
Which hospice-led interventions are effective, in terms of quality, outcomes and costs, in reducing unplanned and/ or avoidable admissions to hospital or facilitating appropriate and timely transfer from a hospital bed?
What are the characteristics and critical components of successful hospice-led interventions?
What is needed to successfully introduce these interventions elsewhere?
Acknowledgements
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Written for Hospice UK by Claire Hawksworth, Research Lead, St Giles Medical.
