Grant Application

Stephanie Brackbill, RN, UPMC Northwest

Proposed Innovation

As a person nears the end of life, it can be a difficult time for patients and their families. Families deserve quiet, uninterrupted time with their loved one, as well as comfort and support from others.

The goal of the Purple Butterfly Initiative is to enhance comfort care for patients and provide emotional and spiritual support for them and their families. When a decision is made to focus on comfort measures only, a purple butterfly is placed outside the room to signal hospital staff that the patient needs quiet time with minimal interruptions.

Improvements in Action

Through this project, two comfort carts will be purchased to improve care for patients who are approaching end of life. The carts will be stocked with tranquil music, essential oils, lotions, spiritual and grief support, end-of-life educational materials, a comfort blanket, and other items that family members can use to comfort their loved one. Snacks and personal hygiene items also will be provided to family members.

Intended Outcomes

The Purple Butterfly Initiative offers essential comfort and support for families during an end-of-life experience. It also enables families to spend more uninterrupted quality time with their loved one.