Tuesday April 3, 2012
The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) and the
guideline development panel have compiled a list of implementation
strategies to assist health-care organizations or health care
providers that are interested in implementing this guideline.
According to the RNAO, this nursing best practice guideline is a
comprehensive document, which provides resources necessary for the
support of evidence-based nursing practice. The document must be
reviewed and applied, based on the specific needs of the
organization or practice setting/environment, as well as the needs
and wishes of the client. This guideline should not be applied in a
"cookbook" fashion, but rather as a tool to enhance decision-making
in the provision of individualized care. In addition, the guideline
provides an overview of appropriate structures and supports
necessary for the provision of best possible care.
The purpose of this best practice guideline is to provide
evidence-based recommendations for Registered Nurses and Registered
Practical Nurses on best nursing practices for end-of-life care
during the last days and hours of life. The guideline does not
replace consultation with palliative care specialists, who can
support nurses to provide quality end-of-life care. The guideline
is intended to be a resource to nurses who may not be experts in
this practice area. It is acknowledged that individual competencies
vary between nurses and across categories of nursing professionals.
The inclusion of recommendations on clinical, education,
organization and policy topics makes this guideline applicable to
nurses in all domains and settings of practice
Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
End of Life Care During the Last Days and Hours