ENHANCING THE HEALING ENVIRONMENT.

Dementia Environmental ProjectBy Tracey Mattravers

Deputy Sister Orthopaedic/Trauma Unit

Dorset County Hospital.

Ward Environment Purbeck Ward 27 Bedded Trauma Orthopaedic Unit Patients admitted as an emergency

Either with pre-existing cognitive impairment Or a diagnosis resulting in cognitive impairment.

Cognitive function anecdotally exacerbated in hospital setting ↑ distress ↑ disorientation

To improve the environment to minimise distress to these patients.

Jug Lids.

Bedside Handovers For small group of

patients Safety Brief & Printed

handover For entire ward

Different colour lid system Visual reminder to staff

Nb. This system was to highlight patients that may need more assistance to meet their nutritional needs, therefore patients admitted following upper limb injuries would also have a red jug lid to highlight their need if required, it is not unique to those suffering from altered levels of cognition .

Wristbands.

New Wristband format ↑ information Unable to add ward details

Open Department Problems if patients leave ward

against advice ↑risk for patients

Yellow wristbands trialled Visual reminder for staff Ward identifier

NB. Consent was gained from the patient allowing name band information to be photographed.

Toilet Signs.  Patients can become easily disorientated

Unknown environment

Toilet & wash areas identified with pictorial signs

↑ orientation in and around ward area Allowing patients independence in meeting their care needs

               

Corridors.  Ward area is impersonal and

unappealing. To meet the broad spectrum of

patients needs ↓ engagement for those with altered

cognition Infection control/Health & Safety

Important to maintain cleanliness Corridors clutter free

Aim to improve the ward environment To improve engagement Photographs local points of interest ↓Frustration, anxiety & agitation

  

Orientation Boards. Orientation boards in

cubicles for disorientated patients. Likelihood is those

with altered state of cognition in main bay.

Useful orientating information Transferrable into main bay Small A4 laminated sheet

Includes Location Date Some personal information.

Activities.

As a patient hospitals are boring!! Even more so if you don’t understand the

reason for hospitalisation. ↑ restlessness ↑ agitated ↑disruptiveness

Introduced activity pack. To act as prompt to patients Laminated postcards of local areas To ↑ interaction & occupation.

Thanks for listeningAny Questions?