The effect of an intervention programme on interactions on a continuing care ward for older people

This study describes a project designed to enhance the quality of life of older people on a continuing care ward. The aim of the interventions used was to increase staff/resident interaction levels. The programme interventions focused on staff education and extra ward activities. Interaction levels were measured using a previously published observation schedule which was adapted for use with this client group. Inter-rater reliability measures indicated that the adapted measure was still reliable. The patients on the ward were also assessed to establish their level of dependency. The findings indicated that, for the majority of observational categories, there were no significant differences, but those that were found were in the opposite direction to that predicted and indicated a reduction in interaction levels. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed.