WHAT IS THE LCP?
The LCP is a document which should be used to facilitate best practice and improve care of the dying patient. Adapted from the hospice model of care the LCP is a holistic, multidisciplinary and evidence based tool which focuses on the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of the dying patient (and their families) in the last few days of life. focuses on the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of the dying patient (and their families) in the last few days of life The LCP allows health care practitioners to identify the dying phase and initiates appropriate comfort measures required at this phase of a person’s life. The LCP is a legal document, replacing all other documentation at this time. It aims to standardise and improve end of life care throughout Lanarkshire.
LCP PROJECT / TEAM
The Government document Living and Dying Well (2008) strongly recommends the use of the LCP for the dying patient. As a result, NHS Lanarkshire has established an LCP team with the purpose of implementing and facilitating the use of the document into everyday practice throughout all care settings in Lanarkshire. One lead practice development practitioner and five practice development facilitators are actively introducing, training and raising awareness of the LCP throughout Lanarkshire.
'My mum died three months ago. I miss her so much but we knew she was dying. We talked but most of all we laughed. She was cared for on the LCP for the last three days of her life. I said goodbye, she died, time was precious but we used it wisely.'
Patient’s daughter