Enhancing partnerships with relatives in care settings

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Management
• Patient and Family Engagement

Background:

• Older adults often require significant care, necessitating effective collaboration between healthcare providers and family caregivers.
• Involving family carers in decision-making processes is crucial for improving the quality of care and patient outcomes.
• Previous research identified key markers for satisfactory carer involvement in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement guidelines aimed at increasing the involvement of family carers in the care decisions of older adults.
• To foster professional development among healthcare staff through work-based learning focused on carer engagement.

Main Methods:

• Data collection and analysis were used to assess current carer involvement practices on hospital wards.
• Feedback sessions with healthcare staff identified priority areas for improving carer engagement.
• Implemented strategies were aligned with established markers of satisfactory carer involvement.

Main Results:

• Strategies such as life story work, communication books, and newsletters were introduced to boost carer participation.
• Initial feedback indicated positive outcomes for both healthcare staff and family members.
• Benefits included enhanced confidence in care negotiations and strengthened relationships between relatives and staff.

Conclusions:

• Supporting and encouraging healthcare staff is essential for building meaningful relationships with family carers.
• Valuing the expert opinions of family carers is critical for successful implementation of collaborative care models.
• Meaningful carer involvement requires ongoing support and development for healthcare professionals.