Specifying service models has been a challenge due to the variation of service developed. At the Forums national conference in 2008 seven core elements were identified by the delegates as a minimum standard that commissioners could expect from Hospice at Home providers. These are based on current service provision and are not evidenced based.
These core elements are;
- Ability to provide all services on a 24/7 basis, 365 days per year.
- Hands on practical nursing and social support.
- Crisis response to patient need regardless of diagnosis.
- Planned response to patient need regardless of diagnosis.
- Single point of access, working in partnership with other organisations.
- Respite for carers.
- Team includes clinical nurse specialist i.e. has specialist palliative care qualification.
Research is currently being undertaken by the forum chair on defining the core elements and this work should be complete by April 2010 with feedback by September 2010 for members via the website.
A generic service specification for hospice at home services has been developed by the forum. and this can be downloaded alongside the service specification created for the Birmingham East and North Hospice at Home collaborative .
