OP-6 The impact and value of Marie curie health care assistants in the emergency department at university hospitals Plymouth

<h3>Introduction</h3> In 2023, University Hospital Plymouth (UHP) recognised that their emergency department (ED) was under immense pressure and as a result, ED patients who had end-of-life care needs were not receiving the best quality care. To counteract this, UHP commissioned an end-of-life facilitator funded by Macmillan which has been supplemented by the introduction of Marie Curie Health Care Assistants (HCA) into the ED to deliver care and support to patients and those close to them. <h3>Aims</h3> The aim of the evaluation was to focus on what impact, if any, the MC HCAs were having on patients, those close to them, and staff in the ED. <h3>Methods</h3> The evaluation used several sources including reflective journals kept by the HCAs, reflective practice sessions, interviews with those close to patients and staff members, and anonymised Episode of Care records. <h3>Results</h3> <h3>The main impact findings were:</h3> Marie Curie HCAs improve the comfort and dignity of dying patients with compassionate, discrete, and person-centred care Patients and people close to them have improved peace of mind through HCA’s careful consideration of their mental health and emotions The impact was a result of the HCAs’ considerable community experience and adherence to Marie Curie’s values and ethos The service is supporting those not known to palliative care The role of the HCA relieves the emotional burden from ED staff and lifts morale <h3>Conclusion</h3> The HCAs bring unique value because they provide holistic, person-centred care and support with compassion and consideration. This results in dignity for patients when dying in a busy environment. <h3>Impact</h3> The HCA ED pilot is making a significant difference to patients, those close to them, and UHP ED staff. Key take home messages MC HCAs bring unique value to an overstretched ED The holistic person-centred care and support delivered with compassion and consideration results in dignity for patients in a busy environment The HCA ED pilot is making a significant difference to patients, those close to them, and UHP ED staff