FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Referral Criteria
Guidance for healthcare professionals considering a referral to the Franklin Hospice specialist palliative care team.
Franklin Hospice provides specialist palliative care for people living with a life-limiting illness who have needs that require specialist assessment, advice or support.
REFERRAL CRITERIA
When A Referral May Be Appropriate
Patients may be eligible for referral to the Franklin Hospice Palliative Care team when they have a life-limiting illness, palliative care needs and would benefit from specialist palliative care support.
Life-Limiting Illness
The patient has a life-limiting illness and identifiable palliative care needs.
Awareness & Consent
The patient and/or whānau are aware of the referral and consent has been discussed.
SPECIALIST PALLIATIVE CARE NEED
At Least One Of The Following Should Apply
In addition to the core referral requirements above, the patient should have one or more needs requiring specialist palliative care input.
Complex Symptom Control
The patient requires specialist care for managing complex symptoms such as pain, nausea or breathlessness.
Psychosocial Support
The patient or their whānau requires specialist care for complex psychosocial needs, including issues such as existential distress, social support, depression, grief or anxiety.
Difficult Conversations
The patient, whānau or healthcare team requires support with difficult conversations relating to end-of-life care, Advance Care Planning or family meetings.
Home Care
The patient is in the deteriorating or terminal phase of their illness and is currently being cared for at home.
CLINICAL GUIDANCE
Phase Of Illness
Phase of Illness can help describe the patient's current palliative care situation and identify when care needs may be changing.
PHASE
Stable
Stable Situation
- Symptoms are well controlled with the current management plan.
- Plans are in place to keep symptoms managed and maintain quality of life.
- Family or carers are coping well.
PHASE
Unstable
Needs Monitoring And Adjustment
- A new issue has developed, or existing symptoms aren't controlled.
- Family or carer difficulties are affecting care.
- The management plan needs to be changed and closely watched.
PHASE
Deteriorating
Declining
- The person is getting weaker and is not expected to improve.
- Symptoms are getting worse or new ones are appearing.
- Family or carers are struggling or unavailable and the patient isn't safe to be left alone.
PHASE
Terminal
Dying
Death is expected within days.
Phase of Illness is a guide to help describe the patient's current situation. If you are uncertain whether a referral is appropriate, please contact the Franklin Hospice team to discuss the patient's needs.
AFTER REFERRAL
What Happens Next?
Our clinical team reviews each referral and determines the most appropriate next step for the patient and whānau.
READY TO REFER?
Refer A Patient To Franklin Hospice
Complete the online referral form or return to our Health Professionals page for referral pathways, clinical tools and further information.