3.5.1 Determining best practice for the management of the confused older person in acute care (169)
Lesley Wilkes, Professor of Nursing & Dean of Research Studies, School of Nursing, Family & Community Health, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, Australia Co authors: Debra Jackson & Shantalan Mohan mohans@wahs.nsw.gov.au
Abstract:
Background:
As a result of the ageing Australian population, increasing numbers of confused older patients will need to be cared for in the acute care system. Currently in the acute care system, models of care, workload formula, staff knowledge and environment are not conducive to providing quality care for these people.
Aim:
This two phased study aimed to identify gaps in current care practices for older people with confusion in the acute care setting and develop a framework for best practice model/s of care for confusional care.
Method:
A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data for this study. The first phase involved retrospective examination and evaluation of 51 special’s observation charts used for older patients with confusion. In the second phase, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 10 health professionals to explore the viability and success of current care practices to manage confusion in older patients in the acute hospital environment. Data from Phase1-were analysed using SPSS software. The transcribed interviews from phase two were entered into NVivo software and analysed for common themes.
Results:
Analysis of the special’s observation chart and interviews with health professionals confirmed the inadequacy of the specialling forms. A number of themes emerged from analysis of interview data and includes: barriers to the care of older confused people in the acute care setting, role of specials in the care of confused older people and the need to change care practices for older confused people.
Discussion & conclusion:
This study has provided insights into the existing care practices for older people with confusion, in acute care. Results from this study not only provide guidelines to develop a best practice model for confusional care in acute care but also inform confusional care practices across other health care settings both nationally and internationally.
Source of Funding: Other
Level of funding: 1,000 - 10,000
Biography:
Professor Lesley Wilkes is currently Professor of Nursing at the Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Sydney West Area Health Service/University of Western Sydney and Dean of Research Studies at University of Western Sydney. Professor Wilkes is a prolific researcher with expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. She has contributed significantly to the growth and enhancement of nursing research in Australia. Professor Wilkes has to her credit a number of successful research grants (including NHMRC & ARC grants) with grant monies totalling over a million dollars. Research into ‘Cancer and Palliative Care’, ‘Chronic and Complex Care’ ‘Pastoral Care’, ‘Spiritual Needs of Families’, ‘Family Support in Health and Illness’, Dementia Care, ‘Adolescent Health, and ’ Professional Nursing forms the main focus of her nursing research program, in addition to other areas in nursing such as acute care, women and child’s health, and models of care delivery. Professor Wilkes has also published extensively in national and international peer reviewed journals and has presented at various conferences in Australia and worldwide. She has supervised a number of Masters and Doctoral students to completion.