Nursing auxiliaries: developing services for elderly people

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Care
• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Nursing auxiliaries play a vital role in elderly care.
• Existing roles and practices require evaluation and development.
• Staff express dissatisfaction with current auxiliary functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a project supporting and developing the role of nursing auxiliaries in elderly care.
• To identify baseline data regarding auxiliary performance and staff perceptions.
• To implement targeted improvements in clinical practice and role definition.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a mixed-methods approach including interviews and non-participant observation.
• Conducted clinical practice assessments on 206 nursing auxiliaries.
• Employed individual ward development and management of change strategies.

Main Results:

• Interviews revealed general staff dissatisfaction with nursing auxiliary roles.
• Assessments identified deficiencies in communication, lifting, and infection control techniques.
• Baseline data informed the development of tailored ward improvement plans.

Conclusions:

• The project successfully identified key areas for nursing auxiliary development.
• Targeted interventions are necessary to enhance skills and role satisfaction.
• Effective management of change is crucial for improving elderly care delivery.