Research Library

Home Research Library Homecare workers needs and experiences in end of…

Workforce
Homecare workers needs and experiences in end of life care: rapid review

Published: Dec 2024

Authors

Catherine Forward

Health and Social Care Workforce Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK

Zana Bayley

University of Hull, Hull, UK

Liz Walker

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK

Justine Krygier

Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK

Caroline White

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK

Kasonde Mwaba

Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK

Helene Elliott-button

Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK

Paul Taylor

Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK

Miriam J Johnson

Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, Kingston Upon Hull, UK

Abstract

Background:

Social homecare workers provide essential care to those living at home at the end of life. In the context of a service experiencing difficulties in attracting and retaining staff, we have limited knowledge about the training, support needs and experiences of this group.

Aim: 

To gain a timely understanding from the international literature of the experience, training and support needs of homecare workers providing end-of-life care.

Methods:

We conducted a rapid review and narrative synthesis using the recommendations of the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. Building on a previous review, social homecare worker and end-of-life search terms were used to identify studies. Quality appraisal was conducted using a multimethods tool.

Data sources:

CINAHL and Medline databases (2011–2023; English language).

Results:

19 papers were included representing 2510 participants (91% women) providing new and deeper insights. Four themes were generated: (1) emotional support; homecare workers need to manage complex and distressing situations, navigating their own, their clients’ and clients’ family, emotions; (2) interaction with other social and healthcare workers; homecare workers are isolated from, and undervalued and poorly understood by the wider healthcare team; (3) training and support; recognising the deteriorating client, symptom management, practicalities around death, communications skills and supervision; (4) recognising good practice; examples of good practice exist but data regarding effectiveness or implementation of interventions are scant.

Conclusions: 

Social homecare workers are essential for end-of-life care at home but are inadequately trained, often isolated and underappreciated. Our findings are important for policy-makers addressing this crucial challenge, and service providers in social and healthcare.

Access

Web link: https://spcare.bmj.com/content/14/e3/e2330.abstract

Document:

Research Library