Implications for practice
It is necessary for organisations to fully understand
the concept of patient-centred care in order to
embed this into working practice and achieve
sustainable change.
Sheard (2011) sets out 36 outcomes for achieving
person-centred care with an accompanying audit tool,
which addresses approaches to, and contexts of care
with suggestions for change. Some changes described in
this paper are simple to introduce, e.g. considering signage
and unnecessary visual and auditory clutter,
engaging with the person with dementia and viewing
situations from their perspective, and taking time to
prepare someone for the next activity to reduce anxiety.
Changes to the physical environment can be costly;
changing how it is used requires thought, planning
and commitment that is underpinned by evidence.
Introducing doll therapy requires discussion
with staff to gauge attitudes and ensure they are
prepared to engage in the approach, to achieve the
best possible outcomes.