Palliative respite services using nursing staff reduces hospitalization of patients and improves acceptance among carers.

People caring for palliative patients at home identify respite care as a key need. However, caregiver concern over the skill level of respite care providers has been cited as a common barrier to uptake and satisfaction with respite services. This study implemented and evaluated an at-home palliative care respite service delivered by enrolled nurses, known by various names in the UK. It was found that the program reduced hospitalizations of palliative patients by 80% and potentially increased the likelihood that they would die at home.