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The validity of the core element of the Northern Ireland single assessment tool (NISAT) for the health and social care of older people
- Authors:
- MCCORMACK B.G., et al
- Publisher:
- Northern Ireland. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 55p.
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
The Northern Ireland Single Assessment Tool (NISAT) was developed to address the assessment process as highlighted in the NSF for Older People. The NISAT consists of three main parts: the Contact Screening; the Core NISAT; and the Complex NISAT. The Core assessment consists of eight domains covering all areas of the older people's life - mental health; communication and sensory functioning; personal care and daily tasks; mobility and movement; awareness and decision making; accommodation and living arrangements; employment, finance and leisure; and physical health and medication. Each domain is measure using a combination of qualitative and quantitative measures. This study aimed to develop and test a measure of validity that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative measures. Assessors were trained how to use the draft NISAT instrument. The theoretical definition given to each domain was then rated against the assessors own views. All professional groups felt the core NISAT was valid. The findings did highlight the need for tailored and individualized training programmes n the use of the instrument. Appendices include sample instructions and scoring sheets for two domains.
Safeguarding staff’s experience of cases of financial abuse
- Authors:
- PHELAN Amenda, McCARTHY Sandra, McKEE Joyce
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 48(4), 2018, p.924–942.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Financial abuse of older people is an important issue for all safeguarding staff, particularly social workers, who are often tasked with complex case management. Financial abuse can take many forms and can occur remotely to the older person and without their knowledge. However, research in this area is limited. This study was undertaken to understand how safeguarding staff in Northern Ireland manage these cases and the challenges experienced. Fourteen safeguarding staff, including social workers and nurses, participated in two focus groups. Using thematic analysis, four areas of concern were identified. These were capacity issues, relationships, structural context and rural versus urban context. The paper concludes that changes are needed in a number of areas such as social and cultural norms, legislation, policy and practice in order to enable social work practitioners to manage cases of financial abuse of older people in a more comprehensive way. (Edited publisher abstract)
Pain in care home residents with dementia: an exploration of frequency, prescribing and relatives' perspectives
- Authors:
- BARRY Heather E., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 30(1), 2015, pp.55-63.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objectives: This study aims to determine pain frequency amongst care home residents with dementia, to investigate variables associated with pain, to explore analgesic use among residents and to seek residents' relatives' views on provision of care and management of pain by the care home. Methods: Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with residents, nursing staff and relatives from nine dementia care homes in Northern Ireland, between May 2010 and March 2012. Demographic information was collected from participants, neuropsychiatric tests were used to assess residents' cognitive functioning, medication use was determined from care home records and residents' pain was assessed using a verbal descriptor scale. Relatives' views were sought on care provision and management of pain. Results: Forty-two residents, 16 nurses/care assistants and 35 relatives participated; the participation rate of residents was low (27.6%). Most residents were suffering moderate–severe dementia, and some residents (26.2%) were unable to provide a self-report of pain. A significantly higher proportion of relatives (57.1%) deemed residents to be experiencing pain at the time of the interview, compared with residents (23.8%, p = 0.005) and nurses/care assistants (42.9%, p = 0.035). Most residents (88.1%) were prescribed with analgesia; non-opioid analgesics were most commonly prescribed. High proportions of residents were prescribed with psychoactive medications. Antipsychotic drug use was associated with presence of pain (p = 0.046). Conclusions: This study has reinforced the challenge of assessing and managing pain in this resident population and highlighted issues to be addressed by long-term care providers and clinicians. Participation of people with dementia, and their families, in healthcare research needs to be improved. (Publisher abstract)
Evaluation of ‘Dementia Friends’ programme for undergraduate nursing students: innovative practice
- Authors:
- MITCHELL Gary, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 16(8), 2017, pp.1075-1080.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The ‘dementia friends’ programme was launched by the Alzheimer’s Society in the UK two years ago with the purpose of educating members of the public about the things they can do which can enhance the lives of people living with dementia. The aim of this project was to deliver a two-hour ‘Dementia Friendly Community Workshop’ written by the Alzheimer’s Society, to an entire cohort of first-year undergraduate nursing students in one Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland. Following delivery of the programme, students were asked to complete a short questionnaire on their knowledge and confidence in relation to dementia care before and after the Dementia Friendly Community programme. A total of 322 undergraduate first-year nursing students took part in the Dementia Friendly Community programme. Of these, 304 returned questionnaires; 31.25% of students stated their perceived improvement in dementia knowledge was ‘good’ while 49.01% stated their perceived improvement in dementia knowledge was ‘very good’ and 13.49% stated their perceived improvement in dementia knowledge was ‘excellent’. In relation to confidence in engaging with people with dementia, 31.91% stated ‘good’ improvement, 40.79% stated ‘very good’ improvement and 11.84% stated ‘excellent’ improvement. The Dementia Friendly Community programme was positively reviewed by the undergraduate students as it enhanced knowledge and confidence in relation to care of someone living with dementia. (Publisher abstract)