Introduction: Models of palliative care to support dying residents in aged care homes proliferate across the country. Outcomes can be difficult to measure to indicate effectiveness.

Aim: this project aimed to assess impact of palliative care interventions from an aged care consultation team in residential aged care.

Method: over the last few years and within the staff of a community-based palliative care service, a discrete group consisting of nurses and a social worker, were designated to provide support to dying residents and their families in aged care homes. Some awareness-raising of this resource was undertaken, but most referrals came from word of mouth, when individual needs arose. A modified PCOC tool was introduced at the first visit and to guide subsequent clinical discussions with staff. 

Outcomes: In the first six months of 2022, 244 clients were visited, with 251 contacts made; all residents were seen within three days of referral and the mean length of stay was 31 days. The major presenting problem was family/carer issues; and the main physical issues were pain (both clinician and resident-rated), breathing problems and insomnia. All issues were resolved in more than 97% of presentations. Case studies will be used to illustrate the impact of these interventions.

 Conclusion: PCOC as a validated and objective tool, has assisted in measuring the impact of palliative care for dying residents in aged care homes. A discrete team has enabled the development of skilled expertise particular to older people in this setting.