International journal of palliative nursing
-
This article reports on the implementation process and preliminary results of a year-long pilot project providing hospice day care to patients with non-malignant conditions in Dundee, Scotland, UK. With appropriate enthusiasm, planning, consultation, staff education, access via clinical nurse specialist screening, careful referral criteria, goal-setting, an overt discharge policy and close collaboration between clinical nurse specialists, specialist palliative care services and the primary health care team, we were able to offer care to a small number of selected patients perceived to have the greatest need. ⋯ Attendance appeared generally acceptable to patients. The project did not overwhelm the service, had negligible impact upon inpatient admissions and did not require extra funding.