PPT60 Integrating dementia palliative care into community nursing: a proof-of-concept study to support sustainable service transformation

<h3>Background</h3> The number of people living with dementia in the UK is projected to more than double by 2040, driven by increased longevity and population ageing. This presents a significant challenge for palliative care services, which must evolve to meet growing demand. Despite increasing need, there is no defined model for dementia-specific palliative care, existing evidence on its effectiveness is limited and inconclusive. In alignment with Darzi’s (2024) recommendation for a shift from hospital to community-based care, this study explores the integration of the Derbyshire Dementia Palliative Care Service into mainstream community nursing. To inform sustainable models of care, improve care and outcomes of individuals living and dying with dementia. <h3>Methods</h3> This six-month proof-of-concept study uses a mixed-methods design to evaluate the feasibility of integrating a specialist dementia palliative care service within community nursing teams in a selected Primary Care Network. The intervention includes embedding specialist support into routine practice, piloting IPOS-Dem, and co-producing research tools with a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group of people with dementia and family carers. Data collection includes semi-structured interviews, patient/carer questionnaires, and staff confidence and competence assessments. Thematic analysis of qualitative data and descriptive statistics of quantitative data will be integrated to inform a model of service delivery. Quantitative data from nursing caseloads are analysed to assess service inputs and identify integration challenges <h3>Results</h3> This study commenced in July 2025 to develop and implement an integrated dementia palliative care approach through staff co-design, training, and weekly support. The study identifies patients most likely to benefit, with results to be shared in February 2026. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The anticipated outcome is a proposed service delivery model to enhance dementia palliative care provision. The study will explore mechanisms and conditions necessary for effective large-scale implementation and contribute to the development of scalable, sustainable, and equitable care pathways.