Andrea Gibbs, Sarah Rodgers
Abstract:
Palliative care in the comfort of one’s home, has at times become an alternative to intensive care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. The Wellington Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a tertiary unit servicing the lower North Island and upper South Island of New Zealand where patients receive specialist care but frequently away from whanau and support systems. When treatment options are limited, exhausted or futile patients may be transferred to regional hospitals closer to home for end of life care. At times however there is a strong desire for patients to return to their homes.
Palliative care at home fosters a holistic approach to patient and whanau care prioritising comfort and dignity and can enhance the patient’s sense of autonomy and control. Being surrounded by familiar faces and personal belongings can alleviate anxiety and facilitate meaningful connections with loved ones during the end-of-life journey. Additionally, this encourages shared decision-making and advanced care planning, empowering patients and families to actively participate in treatment decisions and end-of-life preparations.
The Wellington flight team has supported several patients to return to their homes for end of life care. Timing is of the essence with pre-planning paramount. Effective communication and collaboration with family, hospital and community services is necessary to facilitate a smooth transfer and a comfortable stress-free death. This presentation details some of these stories, the benefits of palliative care in the home instead of hospital and the logistics required to make these final wishes a reality.
Biographies:
Andy Gibbs
Flight – Associate Charge Nurse Manager & Clinical Nurse Specialist Wellington Intensive Care Services
She trained at Christchurch polytech, starting her nursing career in the Spinal Unit where her interest in ventilation and care of the critically ill developed so a transition in to ICU followed.
This has taken her to London and then Australia working in small rural hospitals. The interest in fight nursing and transport developed here when RFDS teams would swoop in and take away their most unwell patients. Upon returning to Wellington, she became involved in the flight service and is a member of the COASTN committee. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family (niece and nephew pictured) and exploring our amazing country.