85USING A BUS STOP ON ELDERLY WARD TO REDUCE AGITATION AND WANDERING IN PATIENTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT. ACCEPTABLE OR NOT? A SURVEY

Abstract

Topic: Feedback in the 'Friends and Family Test' suggested more could be done on our ward to improve care for those with delirium and dementia. Intervention: We placed a bench with a bus stop sign above it to create a calm space for patients to sit down and be reassured on the ward. Improvements: Quality metrics (reduced falls, pressure damage, length of stay) on the ward have improved since the introduction of the bus stop 6 months ago. However, some staff members were uncomfortable as they felt this concept was unethical. We surveyed patients, relatives and staff (medical, nursing and allied health professionals) around the acceptability of the bus stop. There have been no complaints as to its use. Due to other interventions started at the same time on the ward the reduction in falls cannot be attributed to the use of the bus stop. However, 80% of staff thought the number of confused people trying to leave the ward had reduced and 66% thought wandering had reduced. Discussion: Replica bus stops have been introduced into some UK and European care homes either outside the care home or within an outdoors reminiscence area to provide a calm and safe space for residents. This is quite different to using it within a ward area on the ninth floor of a hospital. However, our survey suggests patients and relatives find its use broadly acceptable, and more so within a dedicated reminiscence area. Other ward environments seeking to become more dementia friendly may wish to consider something similar (Table presented).