PPT32 Improving response rates to a bereavement survey –feedback from organisations to the national audit for care at the end of life (NACEL)

<h3>Background</h3> Feedback from the bereaved can help improve the care of people who are dying and those important to them. Each organisation participating in NACEL is provided with a unique QR code and electronic link which is used to complete the NACEL Bereavement Survey. Hospitals distribute this to families or friends of those who die in hospital. Paper based surveys are available in English and 10 additional languages but require organisations to upload the results. In 2024, the NACEL Bereavement Survey captured feedback from the bereaved relatives or friends of 4% of people who died in hospitals in England and Wales. The NACEL team wished to share learning to improve response rates. <h3>Methods</h3> An email survey was sent to organisations who achieved a higher number of responses in the NACEL Bereavement Survey. Organisations shared their ‘tips and tricks.’ <h3>Results</h3> Feedback was received from 27 organisations. Responses were collated. 4 themes emerged as factors relevant to improved Bereavement Survey responses: Attention to acquiring and collating next of kin details Promoting the Quality Survey to ensure awareness and opportunities to participate Disseminating the Quality Survey –multiple methods, including paper versions, sending out messages via text and post Support completing the survey –multidisciplinary team collaboration and opportunities to complete the survey e.g. via phone with a person A summary sheet was collated and shared with all NACEL participating organisations. The summary sheet and a ‘tips and tricks’ infographic are available on the NACEL website. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Activities conducted by high performing organisations to achieve a higher response to the NACEL bereavement survey fall into 4 themes. The NACEL team has made this information available in a variety of formats. Using this information could help improve response rates to the NACEL (or other) bereavement surveys.