OP-7 Enhancing palliative care through digital innovation: a stakeholder-led approach

Introduction The demand for palliative care is increasing due to an ageing population and rising prevalence of life-limiting conditions (Sleeman et al, 2019). To address these challenges, innovative care models are needed to help patients manage symptoms, communicate preferences, and maintain autonomy between clinical interactions. As demand for palliative care grows, digital health tools are increasingly seen as part of the solution to improve access, continuity, and person-centred care. Despite this, few digital interventions are developed with direct input from patients with life-limiting conditions or their relatives (Wang et al, 2021). Aim To co-design a family-facing digital tool that captures patient and carer reported outcomes in palliative care, and to identify what matters most to the patients, relatives and clinicians when developing this tool. Method A purposive sampling strategy identified individuals with direct experience of serious illness, as patients, caregivers, or healthcare professionals. A mixed Methods design combined in-depth interviews with interactive, asynchronous surveys. Recruitment was via online communities, social media, and clinical networks. Participants shared experiences and ideas for a digital solution to support care coordination, symptom recognition, and carer wellbeing. The process involved over 120 participants across 15 countries, including 90 patients and family caregivers, and 30 healthcare professionals. Results Despite variation in healthcare systems and cultural contexts, several universal themes emerged. Participants prioritised features such as: Symptom tracking with clinical alerts Conversation support for advance care planning Carer-guided input and monitoring Centralised preferences and documentation Access to reliable information Peer support and lived experience content Conclusion Participants emphasised that digital tools should not replace human care but serve as a bridge between visits, improving communication, and empowering informed decision-making. Impact The co-design process showed meaningful innovation in palliative care must centre those most affected. The result is a flexible, scalable prototype shaped by its intended users. References Allsop MJ, et al. BMC Palliative Care 2024;23:10. Finucane AM, et al. Palliative Medicine 2021;35(1):76–83. Head B, et al. J Med Internet Res 2020;22(5):e16218. Munday D, et al. BMC Palliative Care 2022;21(1):118. Nwosu A, et al. JMIR 2020;22(1):e50217. Sleeman KE, et al. Lancet Glob Health 2019;7(5):e626–e637. Wang T, et al. npj Digital Medicine 2021;4:99.