‘Less ticking the boxes, more providing support’: A qualitative study on health professionals’ concerns towards the Liverpool Care of the Dying Pathway

Background:Despite being widely used, research into the effectiveness of the Liverpool Care of the Dying Pathway (LCP) and associated cases of malpractice does not match dissemination. No study exists focusing on concerns voiced by professionals.Aim:To explore the views of professionals who, during the hospital implementation of the Italian version of the Liverpool Care of the Dying Pathway (LCP-I), voiced or showed concerns towards it.Design:A qualitative study nested within the LCP-I randomized cluster trial, with semi-structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis.Setting and participants:Six nurses and five physicians from six out of the eight hospital wards who completed the LCP-I implementation were interviewed. Eligibility criteria were having taken part in all steps of the LCP-I Programme, voiced or somehow shown concerns, or failed to fully engage with the implementation process.Results:A total of 12 categories were identified, referring to four topics: the Implementation Programme, the L...