Specialist palliative care services are organised and delivered in different ways in different hospital trusts. The level of input that can be provided by the stroke team themselves versus the need from a specialist team should be considered by the team looking after the patient. However, having an understanding of what specialist services may be able to provide can be useful to improve patient care.
At this stage, the stroke team felt that support required by George and his family were being adequately met and therefore, he did not need a referral to specialist palliative care services.
How can the stroke team obtain specialist palliative care input?
Unlikely to be appropriate for George as the stroke unit is providing for his care needs.
Telephone advice
This service can be useful to answer any specific palliative care questions which cannot be answered by using the ward based palliative care resources.
Assessment visit
If George has complex physical, psychological, spiritual or family needs that cannot be met within the stroke unit he should be referred. A single assessment visit can be made by the specialist palliative care team and recommendations given.
Direct input from the palliative care team
The specialist palliative care team will support the stroke team rather than take over the patient’s care. They will provide intervention for complex symptom management and support George and his family in difficult end of life decision making.
Page last reviewed: 08 Jan 2021
