SAEM24 Abstracts

Abstract

Background Out-of-Hours care is a critical component of palliative and end of life care, yet significant variation in access, coordination, and data collection limits our ability to ensure equity, sustainability, and quality. Service mapping performed in 2024 highlighted major gaps, particularly in data availability, medication access, and workforce distribution. Aim To gather standardised activity and workforce data on palliative and end of life care Out-of-Hours services to inform strategic planning, reduce unnecessary variation, and ensure consistent, equitable care. Method A data collection exercise was conducted across multiple children and adult provider types (community nursing, hospices, Out-of-Hours General Practitioners, Emergency Departments, NHS 111, etc.) during March 2025. Standardised forms captured activity across Out-of-Hours periods (18:00-08:00 weekdays; 24/7 weekends), including patient demographics, time of call, visit types, contact reasons, and outcomes such as avoided admissions. Data was submitted with follow up validation and provider narrative captured. Results More than 2,000 entries were received from providers, showing clear peaks in activity among patients aged 80-89 and a complete absence of contacts from those aged 19-29. Initial analysis highlighted increased demand during late evening on weekdays and throughout the day and late evening hours on weekends. Most recorded activity was unplanned, pointing to a largely reactive Out-of-Hours model. Common reasons for contact included symptom management, advice, and medication-related needs. Some providers declined to participate, highlighting ongoing challenges around engagement and system readiness. Conclusion The data collection exercise has provided a clearer picture of current Out-of-Hours palliative and end of life care delivery, revealing service gaps, areas for improvement, and potential opportunities. The findings will serve as a valuable evidence base to support future planning and quality improvement initiatives and ensuring sustainable, high-quality care beyond standard working hours.