Galway Hospice recently celebrated a significant step forward in its research journey with its first-ever Research Symposium. From the initial idea through to the final programme, the event was organised by our own doctors — a reflection of the growing research culture taking root across the organisation. Research is now a shared conversation that is helping to shape the future of palliative care, supported and facilitated by our Research Manager, Niall Manktelow.
Four members of our medical team presented their research: Claire Kelly, Ronan McLernon, Sarah Nestor and Jasleen Tarrant. Their research projects covered a diverse range of topics, each addressing practical challenges in palliative care and exploring ways to improve patient care and communication.
Dr. Claire Kelly presented research using a national expert consensus process to establish best practice for anticipatory prescribing of “crisis packs” for patients at risk of terminal haemorrhage. The study provides practical guidance on when these medications should be prescribed and how they should be administered, helping to reduce variation in clinical practice while supporting patients, families and healthcare professionals during these rare but distressing events.
Dr. Ronan McLernon shared research exploring the experiences of native Irish speakers receiving specialist palliative care in the west of Ireland. Through interviews conducted in Irish, the study highlighted the importance of language, identity and cultural belonging during serious illness, while identifying opportunities to improve access to Irish-language support within healthcare services. It is a study that asks us to look honestly at where care may be falling short for Irish-speaking patients, and to consider what more can be done to meet them fully in their own language and culture.
Dr. Sarah Nestor presented a case series examining the use of High-Flow Nasal Oxygen (AIRVO™) for patients with advanced respiratory disease receiving palliative care at home. The findings demonstrated that this therapy can significantly improve breathlessness, support patients to remain at home for longer and provide comfort at the end of life, while also highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary planning and community support. It is a valuable example of innovation in home-based symptom management, grounded in real patient stories
Dr. Jasleen Tarrant presented research investigating how the Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Scale (AKPS) can help clinicians estimate prognosis more accurately. By analysing the time patients spent at the lowest AKPS score before death, the study provides valuable evidence to support clinical judgement, improve communication with families and guide end-of-life planning.
Taken together, these four projects reflect something bigger than any single study: a hospice where curiosity, rigour and a desire to improve care are becoming part of everyday practice.
The symposium highlighted not only the quality of research taking place across Galway Hospice, but also the enthusiasm of our clinical teams to question, learn and continuously improve the care we provide.
By sharing knowledge and encouraging collaboration, initiatives like this help ensure that research translates into better experiences and outcomes for the patients and families we support every day.
Photo caption: (L–R) Niall Manktelow, Dr Claire Kelly, Dr Ronan McLernon, Dr Jasleen Tarrant and Dr Sarah Nestor at Galway Hospice’s first Research Symposium.
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