Assessment and monitoring of physical health in nursing homes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of admissions assessment in monitoring physical health and in recognising and responding to acute deterioration in the physical health of nursing home residents.
IRAS ID
218446
Contact name
Jennifer Adams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bradford
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study will identify how admissions assessment in a nursing home informs ongoing monitoring of residents’ health and the recognition and response to acute deterioration in the physical health of a resident. The potential benefits will be improved health outcomes for individual residents and better use of resources in both the nursing home and NHS.
Objectives:
1. Identify and critically review the impact of existing guidelines in the assessment of physical health as part of the admissions process in nursing homes
2. Investigate how nurses and care staff monitor and document the physical health of residents in the context of a nursing home setting.
3. Identify how nurses, care assistants and visiting relatives recognise acute physical deterioration in a nursing home resident.
4. Evaluate how nurses, care assistants and visiting relatives report and escalate concerns over changes in the physical health of residents.
5. Use the above information to develop evidence-based guidance for nurses, care staff and close relatives in the assessment and monitoring of physical health and recognising and responding to acute physical deterioration in nursing home residents.
Methodology:
This is an exploratory, qualitative study with a multiple case study design. It is planned to visit three nursing homes, each forming a case study. Within each case study multiple data collection methods will be employed. The methods will include:
1. observation of the admissions assessment process
2. ‘go-along’ interviews with staff
3. analysis of assessment documentation and care plans
4. interviews with residents and relatives.
These methods will offer different perspectives on the role of the admissions assessment and how staff and relatives monitor , recognise changes and respond to physical deterioration in the health of residents.
Data will be analysed using thematic analysis. The findings from each case study will be compared and contrasted using a constant comparative method to meet the objectives of the study.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/YH/0240
Date of REC Opinion
31 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion