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

The implementation of a model of person-centred practice in older person settings
Programme Group - Growth
The means to achieving a person-centred philosophy is not only concerned with the
residents and day visitors to both community hospitals but also includes how the
whole team works together. Communication and teamwork were identified by the PD
participants as being critical to implementing change and providing an effective
working environment. The identification of improving communication and valuing
different roles were identified through work based activities, such as group process
review, discussing with other colleagues and getting to know each other’s role better.
There was a resident volunteer on the PD group in St Patrick’s; this was found to be
positive for the group. The development of team meetings involving all of the
healthcare team was introduced in Falcarragh, this was considered positive and this
work continues.
The participants themselves were introduced to many different skills over the two
years, including, reflective practice, high challenge/high support and giving and
receiving feedback. It was acknowledged that these processes are difficult and are
not short term learning but require sustained effort to achieve a person-centred
culture. Though a group review at the end of the programme, individuals in the
programme group identified that they were ‘open to new ideas’, its little things that
matter’ ‘teamwork is important’ and ‘residents are at the centre’. Education and
training were identified as important to personal and professional development for the
participants in the groups. Overall the groups felt they had moved closer to their
vision (see for example Figure 2.4)
Image 2.3: Person-centred Practice Image
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