Mesilla Valley Hospice

<h3></h3> The care of the dying patient document (CDP) is a document used in hospitals and hospices to ensure patients who are approaching the end of their life receive appropriate care. The CDP focuses on recognition of dying, holistic care planning, symptom management, support for family and care of the patient after death. This audit examined the documentation within the CDP at a local hospice from medical and nursing staff. Data was collected from 10 patients who had the Care of the dying patient document (CDP) initiated during their stay at a local Hospice. The CDPs were reviewed using a yes/no questionnaire, assessing each section of the document. Sections that were incomplete were recorded as ‘no,’ while completed sections were recorded as ‘yes.’ Comments could also be made to highlight areas for discussion. Overall documentation quality was high across domains. Recognition of death, likely cause of death, nutrition and hydration status, symptom management, initial discussions with carers/relatives and medical reassessment achieved 100% compliance. Initial holistic nursing assessment received 85% compliance. Documentation of tissue/eye donation was 50%, spiritual/religious needs were documented in 60% of cases and daily nursing assessment of carers/relatives was documented in 20% of cases. The audit demonstrated good overall documentation by medical and nursing teams but identified areas for improvement - recording eye/tissue donation discussions, documentation of relative/carer communication, and capturing spiritual needs. Gaps likely reflect documentation issues, not care omissions. Training and standardization, including input from an organ donation nurse specialist, are planned, with the aim of improving confidence to have conversations regarding tissue and organ donation with patients and their relatives. The hospice plans to re-audit following further training.

Plates are In pocket] PLATE 1. Map showing location of wells and drains in the lower Mesilla Valley, Tex. and N. Mex. 2. Geologic section A-A', lower Mesilla Valley, Tex. and N. Mex. 3. Geologic section B-B', lower Mesilla Valley, Tex. and N. Mex. 4. Approximate altitude of water levels in wells in the lower Mesilla Valley