Sameera Jahagirdar

Specialty Doctor, Critical Care Medicine, West Middlesex University Hospital, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Trust

Biography: Dr. Sameera Jahagirdar is a Specialty Doctor in Critical Care Medicine at West Middlesex University Hospital, with over 15 years of experience in intensive care. She holds an MBBS, Diploma in Anaesthesiology, DNB in Anaesthesiology, Indian Diploma in Critical Care Medicine, and European Diploma in Intensive Care. Dr. Jahagirdar’s expertise spans critical care, anaesthesiology, and palliative care in ICU settings. She has been instrumental in developing end-of-life care protocols and improving communication during care transitions. As a transgender doctor, she advocates for LGBTIQ+ inclusion in healthcare, having established gender-affirming care protocols and workplace policies. Dr. Jahagirdar is passionate about enhancing patient experiences during end-of-life transitions in ICU. Her Horizon Fellowship project aims to develop a standardized toolkit for transitioning patients in their last hours and days of life from ICU to general wards, focusing on improved communication, documentation, and adherence to end-of-life care guidelines.

Horizon Fellowship project summary: Dr. Jahagirdar’s project aims to improve the transition of patients in their last hours and days of life (PILHDL) from ICU to general wards at West Middlesex University Hospital. The project will develop a standardized toolkit to address inconsistencies in communication and documentation during end of life care in the ICU. Key components include: 1.Clear communication protocols between ICU staff, families, and ward teams, 2.Standardized documentation checklists for handovers, 3.Guidelines for symptom management aligned with Trust end-of-life care protocols.
The toolkit will be developed through stakeholder engagement, including surveys and focus groups with ICU staff. Implementation will involve staff education and training. The project aims to enhance patient and family experiences while ensuring adherence to end-of-life care guidelines.

Estimated number of patients / staff impacted by the project: 60-80 staff and patients

Goal(s) for time on the Horizon Fellowship programme: My goals for the Horizon Fellowship are to:
1. Develop leadership skills to effectively implement the PILHDL transition toolkit and end of life care in the ICU.
2. Gain relevant project management expertise to ensure successful execution and evaluation of the project.
3. Learn strategies for stakeholder engagement and change management in healthcare settings
4. Explore innovative digital solutions to enhance toolkit accessibility and effectiveness.