August 2023 Blog
Background
In 2019, the These standards provide a free, evidence-based framework to help practices self-assess and consistently offer the best end of life and bereavement care for patients.
There are approximately GP practices in the UK, and 1661 are ‘signed up’ to the Daffodil Standards.
Researchers at Cardiff University have been commissioned by the RCGP and Marie Curie to undertake an independent evaluation of the implementation of Daffodil Standards. The aim of this evaluation is to understand how they have sustained or improved end of life care activities, and to identify factors and processes which could lead to wider implementation of the Standards.
Our findings so far
Preliminary data, taken from a survey and interviews (phases 1 and 2), demonstrate motivation and evidence of activities to deliver and improve end-of-life care in GP practices. This is demonstrated by both those who have signed up to the Daffodil Standards and those who have not signed up to the Daffodil Standards.
Around 50% (n=42/85) of the survey respondents reported signing up to the Daffodil Standards and responded positively about the purpose of the Daffodil Standards. Barriers to further implementation of the standards include time and workload pressures.
However, 50% (n=43/85) of the survey respondents were either aware of but had not signed up to the Daffodil Standards, or had not heard of the Daffodil Standards, but still reported undertaking activities to improve end-of-life care. Again, implementing activities to improve care have been limited by time and workload pressures in the current climate faced by staff in GP practices.
What next?
As part of this evaluation, we are looking for GP practices who are using the Daffodil Standards to share their stories and experiences. This will help us understand how the standards are being used and how they can be improved, to enable greater uptake and ultimately improve the delivery of end-of-life care in general practice.
We are engaging with those signed up to the Daffodil Standards via RCGP & Marie Curie’s National End of Life Care Clinical Champion, regional palliative care groups, relevant newsletters, Marie Curie hospices, and RCGP chairs.
If you are currently using the Daffodil Standards in your practice and would like to register your interest in taking part in our evaluation and sharing your experiences, please follow the link below:
https://forms.microsoft.com/e/e4kKGhfMym
Methods
Conferences
We have presented our evaluation and findings to date at various conferences, meetings, and events as listed below:
We have presented our evaluation and findings to date at various conferences, meetings, and events as listed below:
- PRIME Centre Wales Conference, October 2022 – poster presentation
- Marie Curie Conference, February 2023 – poster presentation
- British Journal of General Practitioners Conference, March 2023 – oral presentation
- Upcoming: RCGP Conference, October 2023
