Electronic Implementation of Integrated End-of-life Care: A Local Approach

Introduction: The Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient is an instrument to deliver integrated care for patients in their last hours of life. Originally a paper-based system, this study investigates the feasibility of an electronic version. 

Methods: An electronic Liverpool Care Pathway was implemented in a specialized palliative care unit of a German university hospital. Its use is exemplified by means of auditing and analysis of the proportion of recorded items. 

Results: In the years 2013 and 2014 the electronic Liverpool Care Pathway was used for the care of 159 patients. The uptake of the instrument was high (67%). Most items were recorded. Apart from a high usability, the fast data retrieval allows fast analysis for auditing and research. 

Conclusions and discussion: The electronic instrument is feasible in a computerized ward and has strong advantages for retrospective analysis. 

Trial registration: Internal Clinical Trial Register of the Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, No. 2015124683 (7 December 2015).