EVALUATION OF PARTNERSHIP WORK BETWEEN COMMUNITY PALLIATIVE CARE AND COMMUNITY INTRAVENOUS THERAPY SERVICES: ENHANCING CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH LIFE-LIMITING ILLNESS AT HOME.

Published Date: 01st March 2025

Publication Authors: Shepherd. P, Hodgkins. P, Krueger. K, Maddock. N., Carrigg. J, Stenson. S, Ryan. S

Abstract:
Background: The Community Specialist Palliative Care Team (CSPCT) in St Helens and Knowsley in Merseyside are able to refer patients to a Community Intravenous Therapy Service for an expanding range of intravenous treatments at home with the aims of avoiding hospital admissions, fulfilling patients’ preferred place of care and death, and optimising symptom management. This service is not available in all areas regionally or nationally.

Methods: Patients referred by the CSPCT to the Community Intravenous Therapy Service over 2 years up to September 2024 were identified. Retrospective data was collected on indication for referral, treatments administered and duration of treatment.

Results: Sixteen patients were referred during this time. Almost two thirds of referrals (63%) were within the last six months. Indications for referral included dehydration (50%), hypercalcaemia (19%), infection (19%), reflux (6%) and hypomagnesaemia (6%). Median treatment duration was 2 days (range 1 day – 42 days). One patient with recurrent hypomagnesaemia continues to receive ongoing weekly treatment after 7 months. Three patient stories are included to illustrate the collaborative and individualised approach we have developed, the range of possible interventions and their potential impacts on patient outcomes.

Conclusions: CSPCT referrals to the Community Intravenous Therapy Service are significantly increasing in our area. This growing model of joined up care allows patients with limited life expectancy and a preference to remain at home to still receive intravenous treatments when appropriate to manage reversible causes for deterioration and optimise symptom control, with the potential to avoid hospital and hospice admissions. This is a crucial service improving the experiences of patients with palliative illnesses and their families and reducing pressures on inpatient services.

Shepherd, P; Hodgkins. P; Krueger, K; Maddock, N; Carrigg, J; Stenson, S; Ryan, S (2025). EVALUATION OF PARTNERSHIP WORK BETWEEN COMMUNITY PALLIATIVE CARE AND COMMUNITY INTRAVENOUS THERAPY SERVICES: ENHANCING CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH LIFE-LIMITING ILLNESS AT HOME. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. 15(Supp 2), p.150–154. [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/spcare-2025-PCC.171 [Accessed 20 August 2025].

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