Following the introduction of the Liverpool Care of the Dying Pathway in an acute hospital, nurses involved with the initial project requested the opportunity to continue the education meetings with the specialist palliative care team. The nurses reported they found this useful, especially the networking opportunity to meet with other generic nurses interested in palliative care. In response the palliative care team developed a network nurse programme, which included a clear defined role for the network nurse. The programme was delivered via monthly meetings focusing on an educational aspect selected by the network nurses and promoted the networking opportunity. As the programme has been in established for 4 years the aim of this study was to evaluate its impact on the network nurses.
Methodology: A confidential descriptive questionnaire was distributed to all 41 network nurses, 33 were retuned giving a response rate of 80%. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Open-ended questions were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.
Results and Discussion: All respondents indicated the positive benefits of attending the programme. 97% (32) nurses reported their palliative care knowledge had increased. Over 60% (20) highlighted the additional benefits of support, advice and networking. 93% (31) respondents reported the personal benefits including, increased knowledge and confidence to care for dying patients and empowerment. An overview of the programme and role of the network nurse will be presented and potential explanations for the results discussed.