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Article
Publication date: 17 June 2011

Penny Hibberd

This paper seeks to provide an overview of The Admiral Nurse Academy, which provides a web‐based resource for the clinical and academic development of all admiral nurses. Its role…

255

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an overview of The Admiral Nurse Academy, which provides a web‐based resource for the clinical and academic development of all admiral nurses. Its role is to: facilitate changes to practice development and group supervision; support knowledge development and learning and regulate the Admiral Nurse Induction Programme. The introduction of the Admiral Nurse Competency Framework in 2003 marked its beginning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides background on the development and role of Admiral Nursing and an overview of The Admiral Nurse Academy in providing training.

Findings

The need for Admiral Nurses to develop a transparent framework of regulating their practice and learning is consistent both with developments in nursing more widely and with recent UK policy emphasis on enhancing the quality of the dementia care workforce. In addition to offering a clinical and academic pathway tailored to each Admiral Nurse, the academy offers a route for those practicing at an advanced level to ensure their clinical expertise and leadership skills are commensurate with master's level qualifications. Dementia UK promotes and maintains the business development of admiral nursing. A senior Admiral Nurse group maintains and oversees the academy.

Originality/value

At a time when public sector resources are shrinking whilst demands on care services and calls for improved care quality are increasing, The Admiral Nurse Academy offers a timely reminder of the importance of practice development for specialist nurses working with people with dementia and their family carers wherever they may be in the service system and whatever their level of need.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2018

Christine Carter, Jennifer Bray, Kate Read, Karen Harrison-Dening, Rachel Thompson and Dawn Brooker

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of developing a contemporary competency framework for admiral nurses in dementia care.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of developing a contemporary competency framework for admiral nurses in dementia care.

Design/methodology/approach

Information and evidence was gathered from research and policy literature regarding competencies to deliver advanced practice within dementia care. An online survey completed by 75 admiral nurses with follow-up interviews clarified current practice across the range of service contexts in which they work. A focus group (FG) of people living with dementia and family carers, and a reference group of practitioners helped to develop a competency framework which was refined through FGs with admiral nurses working in different areas.

Findings

The literature review, survey and interviews provided a framework grounded in up-to-date evidence and contemporary practice. There was broad agreement in the literature and the practitioners’ priorities regarding the core competencies of advanced practice, with constructive suggestions for making the framework useable in practice. This resulted in a robust framework articulating the competencies of admiral nurses which could be used for continuous professional development.

Originality/value

Engaging the admiral nurses ensured the competencies were contemporary, succinct and applicable within practice, and also cultivated a sense of ownership. Developing the competency framework with the admiral nurses not for them provides an approach which may have value for professionals undertaking a similar process in their specialist area. It is anticipated the competency framework will provide further evidence of the benefits of specialist nurse support for families affected by dementia.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2013

Angie Williams

The purpose of this paper is to explore the negative stigma associated with dementia, as well as the person‐centred care initiatives introduced by a not‐for‐profit care provider…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the negative stigma associated with dementia, as well as the person‐centred care initiatives introduced by a not‐for‐profit care provider, to prevent the social isolation of residents.

Design/methodology/approach

The author explains how The Orders of St John Care Trust has led the way in promoting the social inclusion of individuals with dementia, by keeping a relationship‐centred approach at the heart of care practices. Set out in a structured analysis format, her article takes the reader through the latest dementia research, as well as exploring the independent techniques introduced by care homes across the trust to ensure social inclusion, while minimising the use of anti‐psychotic drugs.

Findings

The article highlights the benefits of ensuring a person‐centred approach to those affected by dementia. By taking individual requirements into consideration, helping specialist care organisations to improve the quality of life of their residents and increasing active participation in society is achievable.

Practical implications

A standardised and static approach to dementia care is ineffective and can reduce the quality of life for those living with the condition. However, making small changes to care practices and focussing on an individualised approach can avoid social isolation.

Originality/value

This paper sets out a number of initiatives proven to champion dignity, autonomy and inclusion for those affected by dementia. As well as providing the results of successful care initiatives, the article gives advice to enhance the quality of life for residents, their families and their carers, guiding exceptional care practices.

Details

Mental Health and Social Inclusion, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-8308

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2014

Pamela Roach, John David Keady and Penny Bee

Standards of care and care pathways for younger people with dementia vary greatly, making clinical development and service planning challenging. Staff working in dementia services…

Abstract

Purpose

Standards of care and care pathways for younger people with dementia vary greatly, making clinical development and service planning challenging. Staff working in dementia services identify that they use biographical knowledge of families to influence clinical decision making. This information is not collected or implemented in a formal manner; highlighting an important knowledge-practice gap. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of a family-centred assessment for use in dementia care has three core components: first, thematic development from qualitative interviews with younger people with dementia and their families; second, clinical input on a preliminary design of the tool; and third, feedback from an external panel of clinical and methodological experts and families living with young-onset dementia.

Findings

The 12-item Family Assessment in Dementia (Family-AiD) tool was developed and presented for clinical use. These 12 questions are answered with a simple Likert-type scale to determine areas of unmet need and identify where families may need additional clinical support. Also included is a series of open-ended questions and a biographical timeline designed to assist staff with the collection and use of biographical and family functioning information.

Originality/value

A dementia-specific clinical family assessment tool, which also collects background biographical data on family units may be a useful way to document information; inform clinical decision making; and address otherwise unmet needs. Family-AiD has potential to improve clinical care provision of people with dementia and their families. Evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of its implementation in practice are now required.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2019

Juliana Thompson, Anne McNall, Sue Tiplady, Phil Hodgson and Carole Proud

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain primary care advanced clinical practitioners’ (ACP) perceptions and experiences of what factors influence the development and identity of…

2125

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain primary care advanced clinical practitioners’ (ACP) perceptions and experiences of what factors influence the development and identity of ACP roles, and how development of ACP roles that align with Health Education England’s capability framework for advanced clinical practice can be facilitated in primary care.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was located in the North of England. A qualitative approach was used in which 22 staff working in primary care who perceived themselves to be working as ACPs were interviewed. Data analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six phase method.

Findings

Five themes emerged from the data – the need for: a standardised role definition and inclusive localised registration; access to/availability of quality accredited educational programmes relevant to primary care and professional development opportunities at the appropriate level; access to/availability of support and supervision for ACPs and trainee ACPs; a supportive organisational infrastructure and culture; and a clear career pathway.

Originality/value

Findings have led to the generation of the Whole System Workforce Framework of INfluencing FACTors (IN FACT), which lays out the issues that need to be addressed if ACP capability is to be maximised in primary care. This paper offers suggestions about how IN FACT can be addressed.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2020

Siobhan Fox, Niamh O'Connor, Johnathan Drennan, Suzanne Guerin, W. George Kernohan, Aileen Murphy and Suzanne Timmons

The Model for Dementia Palliative Care Project will develop a service-delivery model for community-based dementia palliative care. Many countries provide dementia palliative care…

Abstract

Purpose

The Model for Dementia Palliative Care Project will develop a service-delivery model for community-based dementia palliative care. Many countries provide dementia palliative care services, albeit with considerable variability within these. However, little is known about what service providers consider to be the most important components of a dementia palliative care model. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory design using a survey method was used as an initial phase of the wider project. A web-based survey was developed, piloted (n = 5), revised, and distributed within five healthcare jurisdictions: the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. The target population was health and social care professionals, policymakers, and academics interested in dementia and palliative care. Content analysis of open-ended questions identified common themes; descriptive statistics were applied to the closed-ended questions.

Findings

Overall, N = 112 complete surveys were received. Key care principles incorporated the philosophies of palliative care and dementia care; many described “holistic” and “person-centred care” as the core. Important individual service components were the support for carers, advanced care planning, information, education and training, activities for “meaningful living”, comprehensive disease management, coordinated case management, and linking with community health services and social activities. Barriers included poor availability and organisation of healthcare services, stigma, misconceptions around dementia prognosis, insufficiently advanced care planning, and dementia-related challenges to care. Facilitators included education, carer support, and therapeutic relationships.

Originality/value

This study, as part of the larger project, will directly inform the development of a novel service delivery Model of Dementia Palliative Care for Ireland. The results can also inform service planning and design in other countries.

Details

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 17 June 2011

Alisoun Milne and Penny Hibberd

695

Abstract

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2001

Susan Pickard and Caroline Glendinning

Older people with dementia living in the community are most likely to be cared for by other older people, predominantly spouses, who will be at increased risk of stress‐related…

136

Abstract

Older people with dementia living in the community are most likely to be cared for by other older people, predominantly spouses, who will be at increased risk of stress‐related health problems themselves. Appropriate support of such carers is crucial if carer breakdown and consequent care‐receiver admission to residential homes is to be avoided. This paper examines the experience of older carers of frail older people with dementia and examines the kind of support that is provided to such carers. In practice, the sole source of professional support received by older people in this study was from community psychiatric nurses (CPNs). CPNs' role did not comprise hands‐on care‐giving and family carers carried out most personal/physical and healthcare tasks themselves, aided in some cases by care workers. The paper concludes by suggesting that lack of support for carers in these activities requires redress.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 June 2011

Barbara Pointon

This paper aims to offer a family carer's personal account of the importance of relationships between the person with dementia, their carer, family, friends, health and social…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a family carer's personal account of the importance of relationships between the person with dementia, their carer, family, friends, health and social care professionals, and the workforce who offer care, from pre‐diagnosis through 16 years of decline to death.

Design/methodology/approach

A personal account from the point of view of a former carer of a person with dementia.

Findings

The thread throughout the narrative of this paper is the necessity for everyone who comes into contact with the person with dementia to develop a much greater understanding of what it is like to live with the condition and as a result, how more enlightened care and support can be offered. Central to this is access to expert advice concerning dementia care and support in order to achieve the main goal of protecting and maintaining relationships.

Originality/value

The author draws on personal experiences and reflects on the lessons learned during the time as her husband's carer and information she wished she had possessed earlier.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

1 – 10 of 114