Publication of the Public Health England Palliative care clinical dataset evaluation report.
Further information, including the report itself and guidance on definitions used, is available here: https://www.endoflifecare-intelligence.org.uk/resources/publications/pccdseval
The key messages are below.
- Providers should consider implementing the data set to measure outcomes and complexity, to improve clinical communication and streamline clinical processes and to benchmark their service. The core data set should be used to ensure standardisation, but local providers may wish to collect additional data items.
- Providers would be able to use the data set to collaborate and share good practice in outcome measurement with other local teams and across local regions.
- The data set should be used alongside the Palliative care clinical data set Guidance and definitions document.
- The most important factor for implementation in the pilots was the engagement of clinical leaders in the project. This should be the first step to ensure successful implementation.
- IT system readiness is the next most important factor in implementation and the cause of most delays. Providers will need to ensure that their IT system is able to collect and report on the data set prior to rolling it out.
- Commissioners would be able to use the data set as a way of monitoring outcomes and case-mix of their SPC services and to benchmark those services, so they may wish to encourage the services they commission to implement this.
- Commissioners should be aware that this data set does not collect data about indirect care delivered by Specialist palliative care team s and therefore cannot be used as a complete record of activity of the service.
- The pilot exercise provided limited, but positive, evidence that the data set could enhance quality and consistency of care. Further validation of the data set as a tool to measure and assure care quality should be undertaken.