• Marie-Louise Ekeström, Mariann Olsson, Sara Runesdotter, and Carl Johan Fürst.
• Research Nurse, Stockholm Sjukhems Foundation, Research and Development Unit in Palliative Care, Box 12230, SE 102 26 Stockholm, Sweden;
• Int J Palliat Nurs. 2014 Aug 1;20(8):381-6.

BackgroundThe Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient (LCP) was developed to transfer palliative care standards for the last hours or days of life, including family support, from hospice to other care settings.AimThis study sought to explore family members' experiences of end-of-life care in a palliative care unit and in a general geriatric ward in Sweden before and after implementation of the LCP.MethodsExperiences were evaluated in relation to the goals of the LCP. Family members of patients deceased before and after implementation answered a questionnaire 3-6 months after the death. Comparisons between the samples were assessed by non-parametric tests.ResultsThere were significant differences concerning dialogue about existential issues that arise and about emotions and practical issues faced in bereavement. Significant improvements after the implementation of the LCP were reported in experiences regarding physicians' ability to listen to family members' concerns.ConclusionThe results suggest that using a structure such as that provided by the LCP may improve communication between physicians and the families of dying patients.

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