The ICODD care plan should be used when the doctors and nurses are caring for a patient who is dying and the focus of care is now on quality of care and ensuring a patient is comfortortable.

It is the only place we can record important information about the care given at this stage.

Recent audits show that colleagues need support in key areas such as:

• explaining the dying process,
• the role of hydration/nutrition at this time,
• the purpose of a syringe driver (if used)
• why signing tne document is important 

When used fully and correctly, the ICODD gives colleagues the opportunity to give the right care and have the right conversations, which in turn can improve patient and family experience, reduce distress and aid the bereavement process.

The ICODD is a professionally printed document and supplies are available on all wards. It is hoped that a version will be added into EPR by the autumn.

If you have any learning that you would like to share through CHFT weekly, please contact Laura Malik at HRI on ext. 2755 or e-mail laura.malik@cht.nhs.uk