International journal of older people nursing
-
Int J Older People Nurs · Mar 2011
CommentPrescribing for older people in nursing homes: challenges for the future.
As the population continues to age, long-term care for older people will be required, although the setting and method of delivery may differ depending on people's needs. We anticipate that nursing homes will continue to be part of the overall long-term care delivery model, but will face a number of challenges if they are to be considered as much sought-after places. This paper highlights three issues in relation to prescribing that have been largely ignored to date, but which need to be considered by practitioners, policy makers and researchers alike: culture; resident-centred decision-making and care at the end of life. ⋯ Culture is important in how it contributes to resident-centred care and this leads to a consideration on how residents may be involved in decision-making, specifically in the area of medicines. Finally, care at the end of life in nursing homes, particularly in those with dementia, has been shown to be poor in quality, and this also encompasses the medicines that are prescribed. Palliative services need to be developed to meet the requirements of some of the most vulnerable residents in this care setting.
-
Int J Older People Nurs · Mar 2011
Clinical TrialFocus on communication: increasing the opportunity for successful staff-patient interactions.
This study reports on a pilot study examining the feasibility of a Patient-Centred Communication Intervention. Aims of this study include: assessing the implementation of the communication care plans; identifying staff perceptions of the intervention; exploring changes in patients' perceptions of care and psychosocial functioning; and exploring changes in nurses' knowledge of and attitude towards communication with patients. ⋯ Providing tailored approaches to communication-enhancement education may be necessary for changes in practice to occur.