Towards Person Centered Care in Nursing Homes: Gerontological and Organizational Supervision Project in the Southern Moravia Region
Abstract
Objectives: Improving care for persons living with dementia is an issue of increasing importance in the Czech Republic. The objective is to describe the impact of the Gerontological and Organizational Supervision Project focusing on improving person centred care in nursing homes in the South Moravian Region.
Methods: Introductory workshop with managers of 16 nursing homes was followed by structured interviews. Individual care planning process and other care related documentation was reviewed.
Structured site visits of 16 nursing homes were performed. Complex, facility tailored intervention based on Czech Alzheimer Society Strategy was implemented.
Training and consultancy support activities were delivered. Self-assessment tool combining organizational development and Vážka(R) was developed and used.
The Vážka(R) criteria of quality of care developed by the Czech Alzheimer Society were used for baseline assessment, process mapping and final audit. Results: Care of persons with dementia was identified as a major challenge.
Three priorities were identified: person centred care planning, dementia specific environment; personnel support and organizational development. 7 nursing homes were certified as Vážka(R) additional 3 have been preparing for it. 6 homes implemented partial changes. 21 trainers and 25 mentors in video guidance intervention were trained. Discussion: Along the knowledge and skills in care there is a need to develop management skills in quality improvement processes and working relationships.
Strengthening inter-professional cooperation may lead to an improvement of care. Quality of care depends on mutual support of various actors in the network of care.
Strengthening involvement of family members remains to be a challenge.