Person-centred Practice in a Health and Social Care setting in Northern Ireland

Context and Background The promotion of person-centred cultures has the capacity to make a significant difference in the care experiences of patients and staff (Pope, 2102). Contextual factors pose the greatest challenge to... [ view full abstract ]

Context and Background
The promotion of person-centred cultures has the capacity to make a significant difference in the care experiences of patients and staff (Pope, 2102). Contextual factors pose the greatest challenge to person-centredness and the development of cultures that can sustain person-centred care.


Aim of the study
The assessment of person-centred practice in a Health and Social Care setting in Northern Ireland.


Research Methodology
A cross sectional survey design was used to achieve the study objectives. A randomly selected sample of 10% (n=600) of nurses working in a Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland were distributed the Person-centred Practice Inventory. The sample was drawn from across a broad range of clinical settings. The Person-centred Practice Inventory is a standardised instrument comprising of 59 items measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The factor structure of the instrument has been proven and found to be acceptable. Demographic details were also collected. Data were analysed using inferential statistics. Full ethical approval was obtained.


Key Findings
A sample of 312 nurses completed the questionnaire representing a response rate of 52% representing a good spread across clinical settings, banding and clinical experience. Overall, a high level of person-centred practice was provided across the Health and Social Care Trust. The lowest scored constructs were ‘supportive organisational systems’ and ‘clarity of beliefs and values’. Issues relating to the care environment offer the greatest area for further development, particularly in the area of ‘Power sharing’, Potential for innovation and risk-taking’ and ‘Supportive Organisational Systems’. Staff experience and Banding had a significant impact on the provision of person-centred practice, with higher banding and experience being associated with higher levels of person-centred practice.


Conclusion
The findings indicate a high level of person-centred care is currently provided but also indicates areas for potential improvement.