Close observation by 'specials' to promote the safety of the older person with behavioural disturbances in the acute care setting
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Author(s)
Wilkes, Lesley
Jackson, Debra
Mohan, Shantala
Wallis, Marianne
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2010
Metadata
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This paper reports a two-phased pilot study that explored the concept of 'specialling' older patients with challenging behaviours in acute ward situations. Previous research suggests that the nursing workforce is not equipped with the skills and resources required to provide quality care for these patients. The hospital in which this study was conducted, instigated a model where these patients were closely observed by 'specials'. Phase 1 of the study involved a retrospective analysis of de-identifi ed 'Specials' Observation Charts' and 'Request for Patient Special' forms of patients aged 65 years and above, over 12 ...
View more >This paper reports a two-phased pilot study that explored the concept of 'specialling' older patients with challenging behaviours in acute ward situations. Previous research suggests that the nursing workforce is not equipped with the skills and resources required to provide quality care for these patients. The hospital in which this study was conducted, instigated a model where these patients were closely observed by 'specials'. Phase 1 of the study involved a retrospective analysis of de-identifi ed 'Specials' Observation Charts' and 'Request for Patient Special' forms of patients aged 65 years and above, over 12 months in 2006. Phase 2 involved in-depth interviews with the nurses caring for these patients. Findings revealed inadequacy of the forms, gaps in service provision for this vulnerable group of patients and the need for education of specials and ward staff, with suggestions to improve care for this patient group. Findings suggest the necessity to design and structure the observation forms more effi ciently. It is important to formulate clear assessment criteria for these patients and incorporate in-service education programmes for 'specials' and ward staff and adequately prepare and support them to meet the challenges of caring for older persons with behavioural disturbances in ward situations.
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View more >This paper reports a two-phased pilot study that explored the concept of 'specialling' older patients with challenging behaviours in acute ward situations. Previous research suggests that the nursing workforce is not equipped with the skills and resources required to provide quality care for these patients. The hospital in which this study was conducted, instigated a model where these patients were closely observed by 'specials'. Phase 1 of the study involved a retrospective analysis of de-identifi ed 'Specials' Observation Charts' and 'Request for Patient Special' forms of patients aged 65 years and above, over 12 months in 2006. Phase 2 involved in-depth interviews with the nurses caring for these patients. Findings revealed inadequacy of the forms, gaps in service provision for this vulnerable group of patients and the need for education of specials and ward staff, with suggestions to improve care for this patient group. Findings suggest the necessity to design and structure the observation forms more effi ciently. It is important to formulate clear assessment criteria for these patients and incorporate in-service education programmes for 'specials' and ward staff and adequately prepare and support them to meet the challenges of caring for older persons with behavioural disturbances in ward situations.
View less >
Journal Title
Contemporary Nurse
Volume
36
Issue
1-2
Copyright Statement
© 2010 e-Content Management Pty Ltd. This is the author-manuscript version of this paper. Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal website for access to the definitive, published version.
Subject
Nursing
Aged care nursing
Acute care