Respect

During 2020/21 we:

• Worked closely with Queen Margaret University to successfully transfer our academic courses online.
• Continued to publish articles in journals and books across nursing, medicine and the arts in palliative care influencing practices in a wider context.
• Extended the academic partnership with Queen Margaret University through joint posts and joint research activity.
• Completed a collaborative research study with Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh into the use of inpatient beds in the hospice setting. The findings informed the reshaping of our models of care and have been shared nationally with other care providers.
• Adapted to virtual methods of working to ensure business continuity. Our experience of using virtual consultation technology (ECHO) has been invaluable and enabled us to continue to support local care homes through an incredibly difficult period of time. ECHO networks have also been established with NHS Lothian volunteers, local homelessness support teams and the Art in Palliative Care community to further enhance their practice.

• Utilised a research approach to evaluate the impact of the new hospice at home service.
• Were able to continue with the Biotech research study ‘Revolution’ which is evaluating the impact of living with advanced illness on the physical body and the person’s quality of life.
• Revised our MSc Person Centred Practice (Palliative Care) programme after it successfully completed its 5-year validation process, providing increased flexibility for our students.  
• Delivered all teaching online in response to Covid-19 restrictions.
• Continued to contribute to the specialist interest groups (Dementia, MH, Outcome measure, patient safety) in the hospice which focus on learning, development and collaboration on projects. This enables staff from all departments to work together on different projects bringing learning and development into all areas.