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Dignity in Practice: An exploration of the care of older adults in acute NHS Trusts
Year of publication: 2011Authors: Tadd, Win; Hillman, Alex; Calnan, Sian; Calnan, Michael; Bayer, Tony; Read, Simon
Publishers: Cardiff University / University of Kent
Summary: This study sought to explore the experiences of service users and their carers plus interviews and observation of the behaviours and practices of providers, from which explicit recommendations and guidance on the provision of dignified care can be developed.
One of the key findings was that an enabler of dignified care was the use of volunteers to assist staff and that this could be used to great effect to reduce the social isolation of many older people on acute wards. The use of volunteers, whilst in no way compensating for experienced staff can help to improve patient dignity, by ensuring people’s calls for assistance do not go unanswered, ensuring patients are served promptly, running errands and providing companionship and social engagement.
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