PD821 - EXPLORING WHERE ACCEPTABILITY MEETS OPERATIONAL FEASIBILITY IN THE PROVISION OF PALLIATIVE PARENTERAL NUTRITION

PD821

EXPLORING WHERE ACCEPTABILITY MEETS OPERATIONAL FEASIBILITY IN THE PROVISION OF PALLIATIVE PARENTERAL NUTRITION

J. Baker^1,*, A. J. Gifford¹, S. J. White¹

¹School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom

Rationale: The provision of palliative parenteral nutrition is characerised by variable decision making and a resultant inequity of access. This abstract presents the findings of a synthesis of findings from semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals exploring the acceptability and operational feasibility of palliative parenteral nutrition in UK clinical practice.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a multidisciplinary cohort of 30 healthcare professionals based in North-West UK hospitals. Data were analysed using the Framework Method to enable systematic cross-comparison of the seven component constructs of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability¹ against the four domains of the Normalisation Process Theory² to explore how individual attitudes shape (or are shaped by) organisational processes.

Results: Participants perceived palliative PN as a useful addition to the armoury. However, there are a diaspora of factors that need to be considered and addressed, ranging from benchmarking and assessing how PN is provided to how nutritional assessment and support is included within the curricula of stakeholder professions training.

Conclusion: These findings illustrate that the implementation of an equitable palliative PN service not only requires clinical expertise, but also strong organisational support, sustainable workforce delivery and robust communication practices. To create the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of an equitable PN service, policy-level changes and investment in workforce and digital infrastructure will be required.

References:         1. Sekhon, M. et al. 2017. 'Acceptability of healthcare interventions: an overview of reviews and development of a theoretical framework', BMC Health Serv Res, 17: 88.

        2. May, Carl R.et al. 2009. 'Development of a theory of implementation and integration: Normalization Process Theory', Implementation Science, 4: 29.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared