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A program for volunteers accompanying older patients with cognitive dysfunction to improve the quality of emergency
Ulrike A Gisch1, Eike Ahlers2, Denise Lee3
1Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Department of Emergency Medicine, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Admission to an emergency department (ED) is challenging for older patients with cognitive dysfunction (PWCD). Targeted patient-oriented approaches to improve the care for PWCD are needed. The aim of this pilot study was to design and evaluate a program for volunteers to support PWCD in the ED. Volunteers (N = 9) first received a training and during the following six months (N = 90 shifts), they accompanied PWCD (N = 112) during their stay. Results showed that the training increased volunteers' knowledge and expertise, but not shift-related self-efficacy. The most frequent strategies applied were conversations, holding hands and touching, and providing food and drinks. After six months, volunteers reported a great sense of meaningfulness and felt that they were highly appreciated by the patients. ED nurses' sceptical attitudes towards the program decreased. The program is beneficial for PWCD, appears to be meaningful for volunteers and is appreciated by ED nurses.
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