RESUMO
AIMS: New Zealanders dying in public hospitals or hospices are increasingly being discharged and admitted-to-die in aged residential care (ARC) facilities as hospitals and hospices struggle to meet demand. This study sought to investigate how care is delivered to patients admitted-to-die in an ARC facility. METHODS: A mixed-methods case study including a clinical notes review of seven patients who died in one ARC facility within three months of admission and a focus group with ARC facility staff and visiting professionals from other organisations. RESULTS: The clinical notes review showed a high burden of palliative care symptoms that constituted specialist palliative care, provided by ARC staff plus professionals from other organisations. Focus group data showed those involved were willing, but expressed significant concern about lack of structure and funding. CONCLUSIONS: As our increasing and aging population reaches end-of-life, New Zealand hospitals/hospices will not be able to provide ongoing specialist palliative care and admission-to-die in ARC facilities may be a viable alternative. However, ARC facilities are not set up or staffed to provide specialist palliative care of those admitted-to-die. A specific model of care that is funded appropriately is required.
