End of Life Care JSNA

Evidence base

This section provides links and a brief summary of a robust evidence base. For example, peer-reviewd studies, systematic revies, evaluations of interventions and best practice guidelines from national sources.

Issue number 1 = highest priority
1	Source	NICE
	Title incl. web link	End of life care for adults: service delivery NG142 Evidence review M
	Summary	Focuses on optimal transitions between care settings and facilitating discharge from hospital to community settings. Emphasises the importance of advance care planning, coordinated care, and timely discharge to reduce unnecessary hospital deaths. Recommends service models that support people to die in their preferred place, often outside hospital
	Source	Marie Curie
	Title incl. web link	National guidelines for end of life care National guidelines for end of life care \| Marie Curie
	Summary	Advocates for person-centred care and adherence to national and local guidelines. Stresses the need for clear communication, timely decision-making, and support for dying in preferred settings. Encourages integration of services across health and social care to reduce hospital dependency
2	Source	NICE
	Title incl. web link	End of life care for adults: service delivery Overview \| End of life care for adults: service delivery \| Guidance \| NICE
	Summary	Focuses on organising and delivering EoLC across all settings, including care homes. Key Recommendations: Ensure advance care planning is in place for care home residents. Provide holistic needs assessments and regular reviews. Support timely transfers between care settings, especially from hospital to care homes. Promote multi-disciplinary coordination and out-of-hours support to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. This helps to reduce unplanned hospital deaths and supports quality EoLC within care homes.
	Source	Office for Health Improvement & Disparities
	Title incl. web link	Palliative and end of life care profiles January 2025 update: statistical commentary Palliative and end of life care profiles January 2025 update: statistical commentary - GOV.UK
	Summary	Findings: In 2023, 21.0% of deaths occurred in care homes in England and a significant proportion of care home deaths were among temporary residents (41.3%), up from 36.6% in 2019. This indicates a need for better planning and continuity of care for individuals entering care homes temporarily and highlights the importance of integrated care pathways and early identification of EoLC needs
3	Source	Office for Health Improvement & Disparities
	Title incl. web link	Palliative and end of life care profiles January 2025 update: statistical commentary Palliative and end of life care profiles January 2025 update: statistical commentary - GOV.UK
	Summary	Shows that mortality rates in these age groups are higher in more deprived areas, including Hartlepool. Highlights the persistent impact of COVID-19 on mortality patterns, especially in younger age groups. Emphasises the need for targeted interventions in areas with high deprivation and mortality
	Source	Public Health England
	Title incl. web link	A review of recent trends in mortality in England A review of recent trends in mortality in England
	Summary	Found that mortality improvements stalled in England from 2011, particularly among working-age adults. Linked rising mortality in under 65s to wider determinants of health, such as poverty, housing, and access to healthcare. Recommends cross-sector collaboration to address root causes and improve outcomes