The Work Packages
Overview
The project aims to explore, share and collate current knowledge and practice in each of the key themes identified within the 5 primary work packages and 2 ‘executive’ work packages -
- WP1: Signs and symptoms of approaching death
- WP2: End of life decisions
- WP3: Complementary comfort care
- WP4: Psychological and psychosocial support for patients, relatives and caretakers
- WP5: Voluntary service
- WP6: Management of the project
- WP7: Evaluation and development of the LCP
It aims to reach consensus (based on current practice and available research evidence) on the optimum care to be delivered in the last days of life and gaps in the knowledge base. In addition, it aims to develop innovative ways of addressing gaps in knowledge with the specific aim of improving care for cancer patients in the last days of life. Clearly, such improvements would also impact positively on their informal carers and health professionals delivering the care. Importantly, it aims to do this systematically and collaboratively across Europe and beyond to integrate knowledge from a range of healthcare environments and cultures and to avoid duplication of resource and effort.
Work Packages are led by a nominated individual who is one of the Project partners. They are responsible for progressing the work package deliverables and are supported by various personnel within and outwith their own organisations. However, the work package is also supported by a number of people across the globe - each participating country within Opcare9 allocates members of its own organisation to work together with the leading Partner country - thus making the Project truly collaborative!
In addition to WP Leads, Opcare9 benefits from having a number of Country Leads who support the overall project, as well as specific work packages. These leads also act as Dissemination Lead within their own countries and play an important role in furthering local, regional and national understanding of the delivery of care in the last days of life from a truly international perspective.
Country Leads:
Italy - Dr Massimo Costantini 
Slovenia - Dr Urska Lunder
Arg
entina - Professor Gustavo de Simone
New Zealand - Dr Jean Clark 
Dr Simon Allan