43 ‘Comfort trolleys’ – improving experience for families at the end of life in hospital

<h3>Background</h3> In May 2024 ‘Comfort Trolleys’ were introduced to all 6 wards in the Mater Hospital by the palliative care team to help support relatives and loved ones of patients in the last hours to days of life. They are stocked with tea, coffee, biscuits and basic toiletries 24hrs a day so families can stay on the ward. <h3>Method</h3> A convenience sample of ward staff and relatives were surveyed anonymously to determine the usefulness of the trolleys, any challenges experienced, and if they should continue to be available. <h3>Results</h3> 23 ward staff (Nursing- 2 Band 7s, 5 Band 6s, 9 Band 5s, 6 HCAs, 1 domestic) and 12 relatives completed the survey. 21 (91%) staff saw the trolleys regularly used, and all felt they were useful. Eight (35%) felt they reduced staff workload, whereas 9 (39%) felt they increased it (6 felt no impact), and while there were some issues with stocking the trolley (10- 43%), 22 (96%) felt they should continue to be available (1 unsure). Suggestions of items to be added included tissues and relevant leaflets. All (100%) relatives had used the comfort trolley (11/12 (92%) ‘a lot’), found it helpful, and felt it should continue to be available. Hot drinks were valued by all (100%), with 9 (75%) finding biscuits helpful and 5 (42%) appreciating the toiletries. Five (42%) felt it would be helpful to have relevant leaflets available. <h3>Conclusion</h3> ‘Comfort Trolleys’ have been really useful in the hospital setting to help support families and friends when their loved one is dying, and feedback from staff and relatives supports their ongoing use. For little cost and maintenance, this intervention has had a big impact on relatives, resulting in 5 ‘donations in lieu of flowers’ within 4 months of commencement from relatives specifically to support their continued availability.