PP-16 Revealing the multifaceted role of healthcare assistants providing hospice care at home through artistic expression

<h3>Background</h3> Healthcare Assistants are key frontline workers providing most of the direct hospice care at home, often as lone workers within the out-of-hours period. They are caring for people living with terminal illness and supporting those close to them. Despite their significant contribution, research revealed that the role of Healthcare Assistants is complex, multifaceted, and largely undervalued and unrecognized.^1-3 To address this, innovative approaches are needed to raise awareness and appreciation for their work. Translating research into art has proven effective in engaging broader audiences and amplifying impact,^{4 5} offering a unique medium to highlight the important, yet often overlooked, role of Healthcare Assistants in hospice care. <h3>Aim</h3> To employ visual art as a medium to enhance recognition and fostering a sense of value and appreciation for Healthcare Assistant role. <h3>Methods</h3> The data from recent qualitative² and mixed-methods¹ studies form the foundation of our artistic representation. These findings have been translated into a visual art form, i.e. painting. A short summary of the findings will be presented alongside the painting for context. <h3>Results</h3> The painting visually represents the emotional complexities, challenges, and scope of the Healthcare Assistant role, showcasing how they deliver person-centred care by addressing the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of both people living with terminal illness and those close to them. The artwork allows viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the critical contributions Healthcare Assistants make to palliative and end-of-life care. <h3>Conclusion</h3> By harnessing the power of artistic expression, our display aims to raise awareness and celebrate the indispensable role of Healthcare Assistants providing hospice care at home. Artistic expression offers a unique lens through which viewers can engage with the research, embracing the nuances of the Healthcare Assistant role and challenging misconceptions about their work. <h3>References</h3> Patynowska KA, <i>et al</i>., 21 Wellbeing of lone working healthcare assistants and its impact on staff retention in hospice care at home services. <i>British Medical Journal Publishing Group</i> 2024. Patynowska KA, <i>et al</i>., ’That just doesn’t feel right at times’ - lone working practices, support and educational needs of newly employed healthcare assistants providing 24/7 palliative care in the community: a qualitative interview study. <i>Palliat Med.</i> 2023;p. 2692163231175990. Fee A, <i>et al</i>., The roles, responsibilities and practices of healthcare assistants in out-of-hours community palliative care: a systematic scoping review. <i>Palliat Med</i>. 2020;<b>34</b>(8):p. 976–988. Lafrenière D, Cox SM. ‘If you can call it a poem’: toward a framework for the assessment of arts-based works. <i>Qualitative Research</i>, 2013;<b>13</b>(3):p. 318–336. Chilton G, Leavy P. Arts-based research practice: merging social research and the creative arts. <i>The Oxford handbook of qualitative research</i> 2014;p. 403–422.