GP Daffodil Standards

GP Daffodil Standards: An independent evaluation of implementation and use of the Daffodil Standards (DS) for General Practice

Background

Primary care professionals deliver the majority of end-of-life care to patients. However, extensive pressures and constraints can contribute to variable and substandard care quality.

In February 2019, the Royal College of General Practitioners and Marie Curie launched the 'Daffodil Standards for Advanced Serious Illness and End of Life Care' – an evidence-based and structured approach to support general practices to improve and sustain activities that can culminate in high-quality palliative and end of life care for patients and carers.

An independent evaluation of the implementation and use of the Daffodil Standards was commissioned by Royal College of General Practitioners and Marie Curie.

Aims

To evaluate the current level of end of life (EOL) and palliative care activities carried out across UK-GP practices.

To identify the factors and mechanisms that can lead to wider implementation of the Daffodils Standards.

Methods

This is a three-phase longitudinal multi-method study.

Phase 1

Online survey to map the activities of GP practices

Phase 2

Interviews with GP practice staff to identify processes and mechanisms of implementation

Phase 3

Case studies to assess wider implementation.

Progress

The online survey (Phase 1) is currently live and open to all UK General Practices.  Qualitative and quantitative data are being analysed as responses are received.

Eligible participants from Phase 1 (survey) are being contacted to take part in an interview (Phase 2).  One interview has currently been completed.

The methods for Phase 3 will be finalised based on the data from the Phases 1 and 2.

Information