The Implementation of a Model of Person-Centred Practice In Older ...

The implementation of a model of person-centred practice in older person settings
Participants discussed action plans they wished to progress on their own wards.
They worked with the action plan template and involved others at ward level. The
key to implementing action plans is more engagement and involvement of other staff,
residents and where possible, relatives, and friends. Participants made posters of
their action plans which were displayed on their wards. Some action plans included:
• installing a fireplace
• hanging new pictures
• changing seating arrangements and appearance of the church altar
• organising for residents to attend Mass on Sundays
• encouraging friends to become more involved in visiting residents
• maintenance of grass and garden areas
• obtaining a CD player and relaxation CDs for the residents
• decorating a hallway and upgrading an entrance and patio area
• solving storage problems and addressing issues with an adjoining smoking
shelter
• installing blinds
• developing a leaflet on end of life care for families.
A residents’ forum was formed and regular meetings held. An information booklet for
residents was developed and the social aspect of mealtimes improved. These action
plans were worked upon throughout the program. Several achievements were
reported by the implementation of the action plans. Participants’ communication
skills improved including interaction with other staff, residents and families. Vision
statements, linked to the person-centred framework and person-centred practice,
were prepared for each site. Participants’ confidence grew in challenging non
person-centred practices, such as use of language and encouraging a culture
change towards delivering more person-centred care. Choice for residents
increased. Mealtimes became more sociable and interactive. Participants began to
undertake reflection on their own practice or practice observed.
Phase 2 data collection findings (November 2008)
From the initial pilot sites, it was reported that participants be forewarned that
changes do not occur overnight and not to expect significant improvement in the
short term. This was borne out by the findings from the data collected in phase two.
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