Speaking Up for Fundamental Care: the ILC Aalborg Statement

Area of Science:

• Healthcare delivery
• Patient care
• Nursing leadership

Background:

• Fundamental care, essential for all patients, is frequently overlooked in global healthcare systems.
• Despite a decade of efforts by the International Learning Collaborative (ILC), fundamental care needs remain unmet, and nurses fear reporting failures.
• Current recognition of fundamental care's importance is insufficient for generating practical, sustainable solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a radical transformation of fundamental care delivery.
• To outline strategies for integrating fundamental care into all aspects of healthcare.
• To emphasize the need for systematic investigation and evidence generation for fundamental care.

Main Methods:

• Presenting five propositions for transforming fundamental care: Value, Talk, Do, Own, and Research.
• Advocating for a comprehensive approach involving all healthcare team members, educators, policymakers, and patients.
• Highlighting the necessity of systematic, high-quality investigations into fundamental care.

Main Results:

• The five propositions (Value, Talk, Do, Own, Research) offer a framework for transforming fundamental care.
• Engaging all healthcare stakeholders is crucial for successful implementation.
• Systematic research is required to inform evidence-based practices and health system changes.

Conclusions:

• Fundamental care requires a paradigm shift, moving beyond mere recognition to active integration and ownership by all.
• A coordinated, collaborative effort across the entire healthcare team is imperative for achieving meaningful change.
• Rethinking fundamental care's role is vital for improving patient outcomes, staff well-being, safety, quality, and economic viability.