METHODOLOGY

The theory of “End-of-life communication in nursing homes” represents the theoretical framework of the IN-CARE project. According to this theory, timely, welcoming and thorough communication limits treatments of uncertain benefit and improves the quality of life by promoting residents’/family carers’ disease understanding, shared decision-making and knowledge of the care preferences. 

The "Teach-to-communicate" intervention is introduced and evaluated in Piedmontese nursing homes (North-West of Italy) by using a pre-post study design with interviews to explore the experience of family carers and care home staff. Evaluations involve care home staff, family carers and residents, and are scheduled at the baseline, 4 weeks, 6 months and 8 months after the educational intervention.

We will evaluate the feasibility of the intervention in nursing home and strategies for successful implementation will be hypothesized. 

The hypotheses will be tested and refined by introducing the intervention into the care homes sequentially. 

Lessons learnt from the first edition of the educational course will guide subsequent editions. 

Data collection will allow to evaluate the impact of the intervention on the quality of perceived communication, emotional stress, satisfaction with the care received, completion of advance care planning documents and use of hospital services, in addition to the impact on care home staff. 

The interviews will allow to identify barriers to the implementation process and offer suggestions for improvement.