3.3.3 Research to practice - A Northern Ireland project (325)
Linsey sheerin, Emergency Department, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Co authors: Margaret Sowney
Abstract:
Aim:
To highlight the findings from an audit of an educational project aimed at reducing challenges encountered by nurses caring for people with learning disabilities in emergency care.
Background:
People with learning disabilities suffer a range of health problems that increase the likelihood of accessing emergency care services. A study conducted in Northern Ireland in 2005 explored the experiences of emergency department (E.D) nurses in assessment and provision of care to adults with a learning disability.
Methods:
Five focus groups, consisting of 26 E.D nurses was used to collect data. Six major themes emerged from the data, ‘good practice, respect for individuals, lack of knowledge, dependence on carers and issues of consent’.
Results:
The findings suggest that although E.D nurses are viewed as being professionals who are able to cope with ever changing demands, they do however experience significant challenges in assessment and provision of care to adults with learning disabilities. As a direct response to these research findings one hospital in N.I implemented a project aimed at increasing the knowledge, skills and competence of staff working within the E.D. The project involved providing teaching to nurses on the nature of learning disabilities, consent and legislation. An audit was conducted pre and post teaching sessions. It highlighted that nurses felt their understanding of the nature of learning disabilities had increased. Pre training 40% of nursing staff felt their understanding was poor, 60% moderate, post training 75% of nurses felt their understanding was now good and 25% felt they had a moderate understanding. Similar findings were also noted on issues of consent, capacity and confidence in communicating with patients with a learning disability.
Conclusion:
One could argue that the biggest challenge of nursing research is application of its findings.
Source of Funding: UK - NHS Charitable Funds
Level of funding: 1,000 - 10,000
Biography:
I am currently working as a Sister in the Mater hospital, Belfast, Emergency department. Since qualifying as an RGN in 2002 I have remained at university and successful completed a BSc (honours) in nursing, Short course in Emergency care and am currently undertaking a Post Grad Diploma in Specialist Nursing Practice in Emergency care. Following attending an RCN Emergency Care Association conference 2 years ago I listened to one of the presenters talking about her research into Emergency nurses experiences in caring for people with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland. As a result of this an opportunity arose to become involved in a project to increase ED nurses knowledge, skills and confidence in assessing and caring for patients with a learning disability. The project was recognised by the RCN this year and I reached the finals of Northern Irelands Nurse of the year 2007.