515 - Developing an observational instrument for people with somatic care needs to review Person-Centred Care in Nursing Homes

Abstract

Healthcare professionals working with people with dementia (PwD) increasingly apply a person-centred care (PCC) model instead of task-oriented models of healthcare. Several studies have shown positive results of PCC on the quality of life of PwD. The PCC-model has not only shown positive results in the quality of life of PwD, but also for people with somatic needs.

Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) is a dementia-specific observational tool that is used worldwide in long- term care facilities (LTCFs) for developing PCC-practice, but also to review staff development- and training needs. LTCFs providing care for people with somatic needs also have the need of a instrument

like DCM, but nothing specific is available. In this project we develop, together with a Dutch nursing home and DCM-Netherlands, a method that suits this target group with the same aims as DCM.

An iterative design has been applied. Based on a literature search and experience of the project group, a method has been developed. This method consists of three main components: (1)group observation with components of DCM, (2)structured interviews with residents and (3)feedback sessions with professionals and individual feedback for residents. To determine if the method meets the needs of practice, several expert groups (residents, informal caregivers and nursing staff) where asked about the content and feasibility using interviews/focus group. Furthermore in a pilot, the method will be tested by experienced DCM-mappers in practice, based on the outcomes of this pilot adjustments will be made.

We are currently in the pilot phase and expecting to finalise the method with instruction manual coming summer. First feedback of the project- and expert groups are very positive. The nursing staff endorse the need of this instrument, and also feel it contributes to a better PCC-attitude. On the other hand, they emphasize that implementation can be challenging, because of time constraints in daily care.