109Quality Initiative to Improve the Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Experience for Persons with Dementia by Creating a New Information Leaflet

Abstract

Background: I work as a senior speech and language therapist as part of the medicine for older person's team in St. Vincent's University Hospital. We provide integrated care to clients living at home or in nursing homes by providing follow up care in the community post discharge from the acute hospital. I have a large caseload of persons with dementia (PWD) across multiple sites. PWD can have multifaceted difficulties that can affect their mealtime experience such as swallowing, attentional, environment and communication difficulties. There was an ongoing need for a quick and easy to read information resource to help in education and training of families, carers and staff and prompt referral to our specialist team. Method(s): I used the Plan, Do Study, Act (PDSA) model to design, test and change the information leaflets based on feedback. This model is widely used in healthcare. Step 1. PIan: I conducted a literature review and drafted the leaflets in consultation with the multidisciplinary dementia and delirium steering group in the hospital. Step 2. Do: I piloted the leaflet with nursing staff and family members using questionnaires to gage qualitative and quantitative feedback. Step 3: Study: I analysed the results of the questionnaires and made changes to the leaflet based on feedback. Step 4 Act: I rolled out the leaflet with hospital, outpatient and community clients. Result(s): Results of the staff and family member questionnaires show that 100% of respondents reported that the leaflets improved their awareness of mealtime difficulties the PWD might experience and that the leaflets provided them with new information on how best to assist the PWD at mealtimes. Conclusion(s): The potential contribution of the information leaflets include improving knowledge and awareness among staff and families on mealtime difficulties experienced by PWD contributing to better quality care and improving the mealtime experience for PWD.