Collaborative Research Secures £1.38M to Boost Psychological Support for Palliative Care Staff

Caring for people approaching the end of life is a deeply rewarding yet highly demanding role. A new joint study from the University of Edinburgh, University of Chester, Edge Hilll University, and the end-of-life charity Marie Curie has secured £1.38 million from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to evaluate psychological support for palliative care staff.

The study, named RESTORE (Research Evaluating Staff Training Online for Resilience), aims to enhance the wellbeing of palliative care staff through psychological skills training. Staff in these roles often face the unique emotional burdens of supporting grieving families and confronting death daily which can take a heavy toll on mental health. By addressing this issue, the study seeks to improve staff resilience and enhance their wellbeing.  

A pilot study has already demonstrated that RESTORE is beneficial and has been well-received by staff. Participants reported improvements in self-care, increased activity outside of work, and enhanced overall well-being.  

It is so important for us to find ways to support our staff. Working with patients with life-threatening illnesses, and the dying, and their families is emotionally exhausting. We have to find ways to support our colleagues so they can keep on caring.

Dr Paul Perkins Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Sue Ryder Chief Medical Director

The programme includes live online sessions complemented by video, audio, and written materials that participants can navigate at their own pace. This training helps staff attain a better work-life balance, stay connected to the core values of their work and become more present, aware, self-compassionate, and proactive in their health and well-being.  

RESTORE uses approaches to improving wellbeing and self care which seem to resonate in a very intuitive way with those working in palliative care. It is exciting to see access to the benefits shown in the pilot being widened and researched in such a potentially transformative way and excellent to see this vital aspect of staff support being prioritised for research.  As more staff develop and use these skills and strategies the positive ripple effect will impact patients and their families, work colleagues as well as their own family and friends.

Dr Juliet Spiller Consultant in Palliative Care, Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh

In the forthcoming randomized controlled trial which will commence in February 2025, RESTORE will be delivered to over 170 staff members in hospices and community teams across the UK, with participants monitored for six weeks post-intervention to evaluate the lasting impact of the training.

If successful, RESTORE could revolutionize support for palliative care staff, enhancing mental well-being, and leading to improved care for patients at the end of life.

If you're living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death and bereavement, Marie Curie can help. Visit www.mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309. 

 

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