Researchers
Assoc. Prof. Michal Boyd, Associate Professor and Nurse Practitioners, School of Nursing, University of Auckland
Dr Rosemary Frey, Senior Research Fellow, School of Nursing, University of Auckland
Dr Deborah Balmer, Research Fellow, School of Nursing, University of Auckland
Current research
Assoc. Prof. Michal Boyd and her team have been conducting a research project investigating end-of-life neurodegenerative care. They have compared symptoms before death for those with cancer, dementia or chronic illness (including MND) who have been living in long term care (LTC) facilities. Their methodology included surveying staff after a resident’s death using the following questionnaires: – Symptom Management (SM-EOLD) – Comfort Assessment in Dying at End of life with Dementia (CAD-EOLD).
They did not detect differences in symptoms in the last week and month of life by diagnosis. However, those with dementia and chronic illness, such as MND, experienced more physical distress during that time than those with cancer. They found that New Zealand ranked highly in quality of LTC end of life care. They suggest that LTC end of life care requires an integrated gerontology/palliative care approach.
Relationship to MND
The quality of end of life care in residential aged care is of concern for people with MND because, due to disability, many people with MND will require palliative and end of life care in long term care facilities.
Future Research
Dr Michal Boyd and her team are currently working on adapting an Early Warning System to the residential aged care setting to help staff identify resident deterioration as soon as possible.
Collaborations
Dr Michal Boyd and her team are working with the Health Quality and Safety Commission as National Clinical lead and also collaborate with the Te Arai Palliative Care Research group through University of Auckland.
The Team
Dr Michal Boyd works with Dr Deborah Balmer who is a specialist in Health Literacy and Dr Rosemary Frey whose research specialty is palliative care, particularly in residential aged care.
Contact
Dr Michal Boyd
Assoc. Professor & Nurse Practitioner
Address: School of Nursing, University of Auckland Bldg 505, level 2 85 Park Road Grafton, Auckland Phone: 09 923 3722 Mobile: 021 784 050 Email: michal.boyd@auckland.ac.nz
