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Recommended Citation
Mayer M, Brooks L, Seaford T. Comfort Care and Compassionate Spaces. Nurse-driven Innovations in Care Redesign and Delivery poster presentation at Elevating Nursing Excellence: Purpose, Profession, Passion; Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2024; November 13, 2024; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Nurse-driven Innovations in Care Redesign and Delivery poster presentation at Elevating Nursing Excellence: Purpose, Profession, Passion; Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2024; November 13, 2024; virtual.
Abstract
Introduction and Context
Bereavement programs and processes are common practice in pediatric end-of-life, however, programs for adult inpatient populations are scarce. Recognizing the need to provide a compassionate environment for staff, patients, and visitors, High Point Medical Center (HPMC) piloted an initiative to improve staff and patient experience during end-of-life. We aimed to create a consistent, and recognizable way to indicate an adult patient was receiving comfort care and/or was at end-of-life.
Implementation Strategy
Each unit received a Phase I toolkit that included magnet symbols for the patient room door, visitor/staff signs, candles, and resources for teammates and families. Each unit displayed the components in a way that served their unit best. Staff feedback was gathered at 60-, 120-, and 180-days post launch via a Forms survey for departments across the hospital; nursing, ancillary clinical, environmental services, food and nutrition, and medical staff.
Outcomes and Impact
Clinical and non-clinical staff were surveyed and 83% of respondents said the initiative had an impact on their behaviors in and around the patient room. 85% said the symbol was beneficial to patients and families while 91% said the initiative promotes quality at end-of-life. Anecdotally, family members appreciated the initiative and believed it showed respect for them and their loved ones.
Insights
Providing compassionate spaces during end of life transitions impacts the hospital staff, patients, families, and surrounding communities. This simple low-cost initiative utilizes symbolism to communicate the patient’s transition while maintaining dignity.
Implications
-
Phase 2: equip staff in supporting bereaved families. Provide standardized resources to families regarding body release, local grief resources, and available hospital support.
-
Phase 3: memory-making kits and meaningful suggestions for honoring the patient at time of death.
-
Expand the project to other Wake Forest Market campuses
References
Erikson, A., & McAdam, A. (2020). Bereavement care in the adult intensive care unit: directions for practice. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America. 32(2), 281-294. Doi: 10.1016/j.cnc.2020.02.009
Johnson, E., & Wijdicks, E. (2018). Dying in the Intensive Care Unit: A candle vigil using illustrations. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes. 2(4), 378-381. Doi: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2018.09.002
Riegel, M., Randall, S., & Buckley, T. (2019). Memory making in end-of-life care in the adult intensive care unit: A scoping review of the research literature. Australian Critical Care, 32(5), 442-447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2018.12.002
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-13-2024
Comfort Care and Compassionate Spaces
Introduction and Context
Bereavement programs and processes are common practice in pediatric end-of-life, however, programs for adult inpatient populations are scarce. Recognizing the need to provide a compassionate environment for staff, patients, and visitors, High Point Medical Center (HPMC) piloted an initiative to improve staff and patient experience during end-of-life. We aimed to create a consistent, and recognizable way to indicate an adult patient was receiving comfort care and/or was at end-of-life.
Implementation Strategy
Each unit received a Phase I toolkit that included magnet symbols for the patient room door, visitor/staff signs, candles, and resources for teammates and families. Each unit displayed the components in a way that served their unit best. Staff feedback was gathered at 60-, 120-, and 180-days post launch via a Forms survey for departments across the hospital; nursing, ancillary clinical, environmental services, food and nutrition, and medical staff.
Outcomes and Impact
Clinical and non-clinical staff were surveyed and 83% of respondents said the initiative had an impact on their behaviors in and around the patient room. 85% said the symbol was beneficial to patients and families while 91% said the initiative promotes quality at end-of-life. Anecdotally, family members appreciated the initiative and believed it showed respect for them and their loved ones.
Insights
Providing compassionate spaces during end of life transitions impacts the hospital staff, patients, families, and surrounding communities. This simple low-cost initiative utilizes symbolism to communicate the patient’s transition while maintaining dignity.
Implications
-
Phase 2: equip staff in supporting bereaved families. Provide standardized resources to families regarding body release, local grief resources, and available hospital support.
-
Phase 3: memory-making kits and meaningful suggestions for honoring the patient at time of death.
-
Expand the project to other Wake Forest Market campuses
References
Erikson, A., & McAdam, A. (2020). Bereavement care in the adult intensive care unit: directions for practice. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America. 32(2), 281-294. Doi: 10.1016/j.cnc.2020.02.009
Johnson, E., & Wijdicks, E. (2018). Dying in the Intensive Care Unit: A candle vigil using illustrations. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes. 2(4), 378-381. Doi: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2018.09.002
Riegel, M., Randall, S., & Buckley, T. (2019). Memory making in end-of-life care in the adult intensive care unit: A scoping review of the research literature. Australian Critical Care, 32(5), 442-447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2018.12.002
Affiliations
High Point Medical Center