Needs and experiences of homecare workers when supporting people to live at home at the end of life: A rapid review

Forward, Catherine; Bayley, Zana; Walker, Liz; Krygier, Justine; White, Caroline; Mwaba, Kasonde; Elliott-Button, Helene; Taylor, Paul; Johnson, Miriam J.

Abstract

Background Social homecare workers provide essential care to those living at home at the end of life. In the context of a service experiencing difficulties in attracting and retaining staff, we have limited knowledge about the training, support needs and experiences of this group. Aim To gain a timely understanding from the international literature of the experience, training and support needs of homecare workers providing end-of-life care. Methods We conducted a rapid review and narrative synthesis using the recommendations of the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. Building on a previous review, social homecare worker and end-of-life search terms were used to identify studies. Quality appraisal was conducted using a multimethods tool. Data sources CINAHL and Medline databases (2011 2023; English language). Results 19 papers were included representing 2510 participants (91% women) providing new and deeper insights. Four themes were generated: (1) emotional support; homecare workers need to manage complex and distressing situations, navigating their own, their clients and clients family, emotions; (2) interaction with other social and healthcare workers; homecare workers are isolated from, and undervalued and poorly understood by the wider healthcare team; (3) training and support; recognising the deteriorating client, symptom management, practicalities around death, communications skills and supervision; (4) recognising good practice; examples of good practice exist but data regarding effectiveness or implementation of interventions are scant. Conclusions Social homecare workers are essential for end-of-life care at home but are inadequately trained, often isolated and underappreciated. Our findings are important for policy-makers addressing this crucial challenge, and service providers in social and healthcare.

Citation

Forward, C., Bayley, Z., Walker, L., Krygier, J., White, C., Mwaba, K., Elliott-Button, H., Taylor, P., & Johnson, M. J. (in press). Needs and experiences of homecare workers when supporting people to live at home at the end of life: A rapid review. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, https://doi.org/10.1136/spcare-2023-004737

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 29, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Mar 15, 2024
• Deposit Date: Mar 27, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 27, 2024
• Journal: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care
• Print ISSN: 2045-435X
• Electronic ISSN: 2045-4368
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/spcare-2023-004737
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4612979