International Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognise the vital role nurses play not only at the bedside, but also in research and innovation that improves patient care for future generations.

We are proud to feature the work of SVCRF Grant Recipients Dr Nicola Straiton and Professor Sandy Middleton, whose research is helping improve compassionate, evidence-based end-of-life care for people with heart disease.

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming over 42,000 lives in Australia each year. For patients with advanced heart disease, the final stage of life often occurs in hospital, yet the quality of care during this critical time can vary significantly. This research project, led by Dr Nicola Straiton and Professor Sandy Middleton, set out to examine end-of-life care practices in cardiology wards across three major hospitals in New South Wales and to assess how well these practices align with Australian National Standards.

Using a nationally recognised audit tool developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, the team conducted a comprehensive review of medical records for 150 patients who died in cardiology wards. This multi-site approach provided a unique opportunity to capture real-world practices in dynamic, high-pressure hospital environments. The project involved strong collaboration across hospitals, clinicians, researchers, and consumer representatives, ensuring that patient and family perspectives were considered throughout.

The insights gained from this research will inform hospital policies and procedures, guiding improvements in communication, care planning, and resource use. These changes have the potential to enhance patient experiences and outcomes not only in cardiology wards but across broader healthcare settings. The project also lays the foundation for future interventions aimed at improving end-of-life care for people with heart disease, ensuring care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and aligned with national standards.

“Our study highlights the need for earlier recognition of dying and better communication with patients and families to deliver end-of-life care for people with heart disease in cardiology wards that is evidence-based, compassionate and aligned with national standards”
Dr Nicola Straiton