24NEW PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT - IMPROVING EDUCATION AMONGST THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM

Abstract

Background: Adequate education and training for staff in clinical areas focusing on care and compassion for frail older people is needed (NHS England, February 2014). Geriatricians should be seen as educators and awareness-raisers (Oliver D, Burns E: Future Hospital Journal 2016:3(1)49-54). The importance of involving our colleagues who assist in the care of our patients on the ward should not be under-valued. Innovation: The project was commenced on a 36 bedded geriatric ward in an acute hospital trust. At the time of initiation, morale was low due to staffing shortages and work load. Hosting “Sharing Knowledge Sessions” was thought to offer an opportunity to enhance staff value and development whilst having a beneficial effect on patient care. Staff were asked to list topics they would like to learn more about. Ten to fifteen minute sessions were held with 3-4 attendees at a time; and repeated as many times as necessary to allow all members of the team on shift to participate. All members of the team took responsibility for presenting a topic if it was relevant to their expertise e.g. therapy lead the patient positioning session. Topics included constipation, resuscitation, delirium and dementia. Evaluation: Qualitative data was collected which showed overwhelmingly that the sessions were considered a success. There was an improvement in patient care through the greater understanding of the reasons behind practice and management e.g. stool charts were completed more accurately after the constipation session. Conclusions: In order to provide good care for our elderly population we need to recognise the importance of the multidisciplinary team in that process. The creation of an environment which enhanced personal development allowed for staff to feel valued and appreciated in their duty thus positively impacting on the continuing care of our patients. The sessions are on-going and we are hoping to demonstrate sustained change.