Evaluation of an after hours telephone support service

Wilkes, L, Mohan, S., White, K, Smith, H. (2004). Evaluation of an after hours telephone support service for rural palliative care patients and their families: a pilot study. Aust J Rural Health 12 (3): 95-98.

Tele-tool of note: Telephone

The authors report on the introduction and evaluation of an after hours telephone support service for palliative care patients and their families at home, in Grafton, New South Wales, Australia. Not the patients nor families themselves but 48 health professionals using the Palliative Care Service in Grafton and 21 nurses providing the palliative care services were the participants in this study. The patients and families benefited significantly, however. Positive results of the study indicated that their knowing that the after hours service was there offered a great sense of security and reduced the sense of isolation that is predominant in the experience of rural families caring for a palliative care patient at home. Based on this positive evaluation, the area health service organization has provided ongoing funding for this palliative care service.

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