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Enhancing the Healing Environment. Dementia Environmental Project By Tracey Mattravers Deputy Sister Orthopaedic/Trauma Unit Dorset County Hospital . Ward Environment. Purbeck Ward 27 Bedded Trauma Orthopaedic Unit Patients admitted as an emergency
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Enhancing the Healing Environment. Dementia Environmental Project By 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.