The series of Best Practice Statements lay out the standard of care expected to be delivered by nursing staff, and include:
- better care of the mouth and teeth for dependent older people
- patients will be encouraged and supported in remaining physically active
- improved communication with older patients who have hearing difficulties
- improved assessment and treatment of bed sores (pressure ulcers)
The guidance was launched at an NHS QIS conference, Achieving Best Practice - Caring for Older people. Speaking at the launch, NHS QIS Director of Performance Assessment and Practice Development, Ms Jan Warner said:
There has been considerable public concern over what are sometimes called dignity issues in the care of older patients. What are perceived as relatively simple issues, such as cleaning patients teeth or supporting them in remaining physically active, can be quite complex when the patient is frail.
The new guidance lays out best practice and is designed to help nurses deliver the care we would all want to receive in our senior years.
At the heart of this guidance is a simple ethos: we must care for the whole patient and not simply treat their clinical conditions.
This approach has been extensively piloted to ensure that the recommendations form a practical, hands-on guide to how best to deliver care. The results have been a real, sustainable improvement in the care older people receive and we are now rolling it out to the rest of the health service.
Editors Note:
1. Three new Best Practice Statements have been launched:
- Working with Dependent Older People towards Promoting Movement and Physical Activity
- Working with Dependent Older People to achieve Good Oral Health
- Maximising Communication with Older People who have Hearing Disability
Click on the links above to access the Best Practice Statements.
2. The Best Practice Statements have been launched at an NHS QIS conference, Achieving Best Practice - Caring for Older People, to an audience of nurses and nurse managers from across Scotland.
3. NHS QIS has been established to lead in improving the quality of care and treatment delivered by NHSScotland. To do this it sets standards and monitors performance, and provides NHSScotland with advice, guidance and support on effective clinical practice and service improvements.
Media Contact: Colin McAllister on 07813 095930