Table 1 Supportive care checklist for assessment and management of people referred for HPN.
Domains | Factors for consideration |
|---|---|
Medical | |
Current admission | Reason for admission Length of admission Prolonged illness versus sudden illness Level of institutionalisation |
Previous medical history | Key health events Ability to adjust during periods of previous illness |
Mental health | Current diagnosis and treatments Current and previous psychological support and perceived usefulness Current perception of own mental health Body image and disordered eating |
Suicide ideation/attempts | Any current or previous suicide ideation, planning or attempts. |
Functionality | Physical (sight, hearing, mobility, dexterity) Cognitive ability Literacy level |
Formal support services | Current services and possible need for services Eligibility for services |
Compliance with medications | Administration of own medications Forms of medications—tablets, intravenous Ability to adhere to a medication regimen |
Family history | Family medical history Personal experiences with past family illness |
Psychosocial | |
Relationships | Current significant relationships Identification of positive and possibly harmful relationships Current or previous domestic violence |
Responsibilities | Parent and carer responsibilities Wider family responsibilities Pets |
Community connections | Usual social activities and likely impact of HPN on ability to continue these |
Faith and beliefs | Religion and/or faith, and related practices Belief systems impacting engagement with healthcare Health literacy |
Support networks | Social supports Use of social media |
Sexuality | Sexual orientation Sexual relationships Family planning, fertility and genetic counselling |
Substance abuse | Current or previous illicit and prescription drug use Intravenous drug use. |
Coping strategies | Locus of control Harmful behaviours to self and others |
Financial and legal | |
Occupation | Employment to date Education Significance of occupation/employment in individual’s identity and life Enjoyment and fulfilment related to occupation/employment |
Incomes and finances | Financial income Key financial costs Private healthcare |
Accommodation | Location, type, cost and other occupants at accommodation Suitability for HPN requirements (stairs, flooring, fridge, cleanliness, hygienic space to connect/disconnect HPN) |
Legal | Preparation of advanced care planning and will Power of attorney, formal guardianship and/or financial manager provisions Withdrawal of treatment and voluntary-assisted dying |
Quality of life | |
Future goals | Short, medium and long-term life goals |
Expectations of HPN | Understanding of role of HPN in illness management, what it can and cannot do. |
Concerns regarding HPN | Understanding complications of HPN Addressing challenges of HPN (e.g. ability to travel) |
Healthcare engagement | |
Current healthcare involvement | Current and previous healthcare involvement Private healthcare |
Relationship with healthcare | Relationship with current and previous healthcare system/provider Previous conflict Perceived trust and communication |
Coordination of care | Multidisciplinary referrals and coordinated care Transition of care across services |
