Lesley Jones, Nicky Cullum, Ruth Watson and John Keady
This study aims to address this need. In the UK, people with dementia admitted to National Health Service mental health in-patient dementia assessment wards [dementia assessment…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address this need. In the UK, people with dementia admitted to National Health Service mental health in-patient dementia assessment wards [dementia assessment wards] present as complex and experience a number of changed behaviours, such as excessive walking, agitation and aggression. The complexity of the presentation of dementia has been identified as underpinning pre-and post-admission to these care environments, but limited study has so far been conducted to explore the boundaries and meaning of complexity and its relationship to dementia assessment ward practice.
Design/methodology/approach
An online electronic survey of UK-based national dementia leaders was conducted in 2018. Nineteen completed questionnaires were returned, and mental health nurses comprised the largest sub-sample. Qualitative data of the free-text responses were analysed using manifest content analysis.
Findings
Four routes to admission to a dementia assessment ward were identified. Multiplicity of needs and interconnectedness were seen as important domains in uncovering the meaning of complexity. The importance of life story and formulation approaches were highlighted. Challenges uncovered included, better understanding changed behaviour and its relationship to complexity, the need for understanding the boundaries of complexity and making visible care practices on these specific wards.
Originality/value
Findings can be used to produce a heightened awareness about the meaning and function of complexity in dementia assessment wards. Policymakers and researchers need to increase the emphasis on this area of mental health and dementia care. Further training for the multidisciplinary team on formulation approaches could help to improve the evidence-base for practice.
Details
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Trevor A Sheldon and Arabella Melville
The NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) was established to help provide clear summaries of research‐based knowledge on the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of…
Abstract
The NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) was established to help provide clear summaries of research‐based knowledge on the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of health care interventions. This paper summarises the ways in which CRD helps produce and disseminate this research intelligence to the NHS and its customers. Systematic reviews on topics prioritised by the NHS are conducted or commissioned. Some are disseminated as Effective Health Care bulletins to a wide range of people in the NHS. Two databases are available on line which provide structured critical abstracts of reviews of research and economic evaluations have been developed. Some of the most important reviews are also disseminated as Effectiveness Matters. CRD also provides research input into a number of projects such as cancer guidance for purchasers, and consumer and professional informed choice leaflets in maternity care, cataracts and glue ear.
Monica Puri Sikka and Samridhi Garg
This paper aims to summarize researches conducted related to functional textiles for prevention of pressure ulcers and critical analysis of the outcomes to pave path for the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to summarize researches conducted related to functional textiles for prevention of pressure ulcers and critical analysis of the outcomes to pave path for the future research in this area for benefit of the patients. Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers, are localized areas of tissue damage that develop due to pressure usually over a bony prominence. A standard hospital mattress has an interface pressure of 100 mmHg which can result in pressure ulcers unless repositioning occurs at regular intervals. Moisture accumulation on the skin is an important physical factor predisposing a patient to the occurrence of pressure ulcers and tissue breakdown. The disability leads to several requirements of functional clothing and textile products. The textiles play a variety of roles in this concern, from simply having good aesthetic appearance to preventing life threatening risks. An ideal support surface prevents pressure ulcers by providing pressure redistribution and maintaining a healthy skin microenvironment. The use of the textiles for the care of elderly disabled and bedridden persons can play an important role, as their quality of life can be improved by making use of functional and good-looking textiles.
Design/methodology/approach
This review paper aims to summarize researches conducted related to functional textiles for prevention of pressure ulcers and critical analysis of the outcomes to pave path for the future research in this area for benefit of the patients.
Findings
In the past years, there have been several functional textiles developed for the prevention of pressure ulcer. They are designed to maintain proper microclimate around patient skin. Sheepskin is one of the oldest used bed overlays which prevent pressure ulcer but its prolonged use leads to uneasy feeling for the patient. A sensor in bed for pressure detection is one of the good alternatives as it provides proper indication on when to change the position of the patient so that the pressure can be shifted and ulcers is prevented. These sensors are costly and complex to setup so for common man they are not easily available. Multilayer textiles on the other hand are complex to make as the properties are dependent upon the fiber content, yarn structure, fabric structure and technique of layering them together. Spacer fabric provides good air and moisture permeability, but there is a scope to study this type of fabric by varying the fibers type and thickness of the spacer fabric. A bedding material which is not much complex and can be easily purchased and used by common man for in-house usage is the need of the hour.
Originality/value
There is no comprehensive review available regarding research in this area with critical analysis of the outcomes for future study.