Providing ‘professionalism with compassion’; how the time for caring communication can improve experiences at the end-of-life at home, findings from a realist evaluation

Supporting death and dying at home is a novel and difficult experience for many; skilled communication, provided by specialist palliative care staff, can make a positive difference. Through their provision of compassionate support, RRS staff can help caregivers to recognise and respond to different symptoms and situations, reducing fear. By responding rapidly, only on request, they also meet individual preferences for contact. Together, this improves the opportunity for the last days and hours of life to be experienced, at home, in as affirmative a manner as possible.