1
|
Koivisto T, Paavolainen M, Olin N, Korkiakangas E, Laitinen J. Strategies to mitigate moral distress as reported by eldercare professionals. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2315635. [PMID: 38373153 PMCID: PMC10878340 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2315635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Eldercare workers experience higher levels of moral distress than other health and social care service workers. Moral distress is a psychological response to a morally challenging event. Very little is known about moral distress in the context of eldercare and about the mechanisms of preventing or mitigating moral distress. This qualitative study was conducted as part of the "Ensuring the availability of staff and the attractiveness of the sector in eldercareservices" project in Finland in 2021. The data were from 39 semi-structured interviews. This qualitative interview data were examined using two-stage content analysis. The key finding of this study, as reported by eldercare professionals, is that strategies to mitigate moral distress can be found at all organizational levels : organizational, workplace and individual. The tools that emerged from the interviews fell into four main categories:) organizational support and education 2) peer support 3) improving self-care and competence and 4) defending patients. The main identified categories confirmed the earlier findings but the qualitative, rich research interview data provided new insights into a little-studied topic: mitigating moral distress in eldercare. The main conclusion is that, in order to mitigate moral distress, ethical competence needs to be strengthened at all organizational levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Koivisto
- CONTACT Tiina Koivisto Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, Helsinki00032, Finland
| | | | - Nina Olin
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Jaana Laitinen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Arieli D, Halevi Hochwald I. Family Caregivers as Employers of Migrant Live-In Care Workers: Experiences and Policy Implications. J Aging Soc Policy 2024; 36:639-657. [PMID: 37526146 DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2023.2238535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
As policymakers globally recognize aging in place as the preferred option for most adults, there is a growing need to supplement family or informal caregiving for frail older adults with formal homecare services, particularly for those who require 24/7 care due to significant physical and/or cognitive impairment. The core objective of this qualitative study was to explore family members' experiences in employing live-in care workers, particularly the nature of their engagement and the quality of their relationships with these care workers. Our analysis of semi-structured interviews with 35 family caregivers revealed four themes: 1) challenges in acquiring support and developing dependency; 2) negotiation of roles, responsibilities, and moral dilemmas; 3) shifting emotions between trust and suspicion; and 4) role confusion, expectations, and disappointments. The study suggests that families might benefit from formal guidance regarding fostering and maintaining positive relationships in the homecare environment. This paper provides nuanced knowledge that may inform the development of such interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Arieli
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Max Stern Academic College of Emek Yezreel, Jezreel Valley, Israel
- School of Nursing, Max Stern Academic College of Emek Yezreel, Jezreel Valley, Israel
| | - Inbal Halevi Hochwald
- School of Nursing, Max Stern Academic College of Emek Yezreel, Jezreel Valley, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sanusi TD, Momin S, Sachdev B, Leung A. Super-elderly, spinal surgery, evaluating the risks and benefits: a retrospective single-centre cohort study. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2024; 166:248. [PMID: 38833175 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-024-06135-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An increasingly ageing population presents emerging healthcare challenges. Adequate clinical evaluation and understanding of outcome-predicting factors are integral to delivering safe spinal surgery to super-elderly patients. AIM To evaluate spine surgery outcomes in patients aged 80 or above. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated patients 80 years and above who underwent elective or emergency spinal surgery between 2017 and 2022. The Eurospine Surgery Classification (ESC) was used to classify operations into Large, Medium, and Small. We calculated and compared Clinical Frailty Scores (CFS) pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS Two hundred forty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Most were male (n = 145). The age range was 80 to 99 (mean 83.3). Most operations were elective (n = 151, 62%). In our cohort, 211, 22, 10,2 and 1 patients had degenerative, trauma, tumour, infective and vascular pathologies, respectively. According to the Eurospine classification, 201 (82.0%) had Minor spine surgery (63 emergently and 138 electively), 38 had Medium surgery (15.5% - 30 emergently and 8 electively), and 6 had Large surgery (2.4% - 1 emergently and 5 electively). 163 (66.5%) were discharged or under follow-up. There were 11 in-patient mortalities (4.5%). Outpatient mortality was 51 (20.8%), with the median time from surgery to death being 504.5 days, all the outpatient mortalities were neither non-spinal pathology nor spinal surgical related. CFS improved across the cohort, from 5 pre-operatively to 4 post-operatively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Spine surgery in those over the 80s can be performed safely and improve their quality of life, as demonstrated by improvements in the CFS. Good patient selection and adequate pre-operative workup is essential, although it may not be possible in emergencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheikh Momin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Inflammation & Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Bobby Sachdev
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andraay Leung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arjama AL. Ethical issues in long-term care settings: Care workers' lived experiences. Nurs Ethics 2024; 31:213-226. [PMID: 37541651 PMCID: PMC11181730 DOI: 10.1177/09697330231191277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional care workers face ethical issues in long-term care settings (LTCS) for older adults. They need to be independent and responsible, despite limited resources, a shortage of skilled professionals, global and societal changes, and the negative reputation of LTCS work. RESEARCH AIM Our aim was to describe the care workers' lived experiences of ethical issues. The findings can be used to gain new perspectives and to guide decision-making to improve the quality of care, occupational well-being and nursing education. RESEARCH DESIGN Focus group interviews were analyzed using a hermeneutic-phenomenological method. The analysis comprised three steps: naïve reading, structural analysis, and comprehensive understanding. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT We randomly sampled LTCS service providers in Finland and 53 care workers with different educational backgrounds from seven organizations participated in focus group interviews in 2021. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS This was a sensitive study, which was connected to the participants' individual views of the world, professional ethics and social and health care legislation. The participants' provided informed consent and their anonymity was guaranteed. FINDINGS Care workers spoke about their lived experiences of ethical issues in an emotional way, using practical examples. They talked about how they were experts at caring and advocating for residents, balanced the responsibilities of their different roles, and defended their work to the wider society. The care workers said that ethical aspects of their work were too difficult to solve on their own. There were elements of their working environment and practices that caused unnecessary strain and they needed the commitment of managers, organizations, and society to solve ethical issues in LTCS. CONCLUSIONS Ethical issues were related to the well-being of both residents and care workers and reflected both internal and external pressures. Some issues could not be resolved by individuals and needed input from managers, organizations, and society.
Collapse
|
5
|
Pakkanen P, Häggman-Laitila A, Pasanen M, Kangasniemi M. Health and social care workers' professional values: A cross-sectional study. Nurs Ethics 2023:9697330231200569. [PMID: 37776299 DOI: 10.1177/09697330231200569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional values create a basis for successful collaboration and person-centred care in integrated care and services. Little is known about how different health and social care workers assess their professional values. RESEARCH AIM To describe and compare professional value orientation among different health and social care workers in Finland. RESEARCH DESIGN A quantitative cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT We carried out an online survey of health and social care workers from 8 March to 31 May 2022, using the Finnish version of the Nurses' Professional Values Scale-3. The data were analysed using descriptive and advanced statistics. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Permission was received from all participating organizations and those who completed the survey provided informed consent. RESULTS A total of 1823 health and social care workers, representing seven professional groups and students, took part. The overall level of professional values among the participants was relatively high. Commitment to providing patients and clients with equal care was more important than engaging with society and professional responsibilities in the work environment. Professional values were strongest among professionals with higher educational degrees and training in professional ethics. The same was true for workers who received organizational support for ethical practice, were satisfied with their work and had shorter work experience. DISCUSSION Our results showed shared professional values among different health and social care workers and students. These results are meaningful for integrated care and services. At the same time, a clear need for strengthening engagement with society and professional responsibilities for developing work environments were identified. CONCLUSIONS Health and social care workers and students need training in professional ethics and organizational support for ethical practice and work satisfaction to maintain their professional values at different stages of their career.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zendehtalab H, Vanaki Z, Memarian R. Ethical challenges in caring for healthy older adults: Qualitative perspectives. Nurs Ethics 2023; 30:542-555. [PMID: 36841931 DOI: 10.1177/09697330221081953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthy aging is one of the essential aspects of a health promotion program in the elderly. AIM Exploring ethical challenges in healthy elderly care from the perspective of nurses, older adults, and families in the Iranian context. RESEARCH DESIGN This qualitative study was conducted using a content analysis approach in 4 health centers in northeastern Iran from 2017 to 2019. Semi-structured interviews, observation, review of elderly files, and focus groups were used to collect data. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The ethics committee of the university approved this study in Iran. This study adhered to the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. Ethical principles autonomy, confidentiality, and anonymity were considered for the participants. Participants were informed about the purpose of the study and submitted written informed consent regarding their participation. FINDINGS The central theme was: An unfair approach to caring for healthy older adults. The three categories were as follows: Forgotten human care, disrespect, and lack of a meaningful and trustworthy relationship. The 14 subcategories highlighted the ethical challenges of healthy aging care in health centers. DISCUSSION The findings showed that due to nurses' unfamiliarity with the concept of healthy aging, older adults are discriminated against in care centers. Creating a standard care program for healthy older adults ensures that ethical principles are followed for these clients. CONCLUSION Various individual and organizational factors lead to an unfair approach to caring for healthy elderly in health centers. The following factors can help improve the care of healthy aging and reduce ethical challenges in this area: Introducing nurses to the concept of healthy old age and its dimensions, creating a community-based approach in health centers, prioritizing health issues over health issues, Involvement of families and older adults in needs assessment-goal setting-implementation and evaluation of health services, and design of home visit programs to provide services to healthy elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Zendehtalab
- Department of Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abri D, Boll T. Expert's View on Central Components of the Actional Model of Older People's Coping with Health-Related Declines: A Pilot Study with Professional Caregivers. Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2023:10.1007/s12124-023-09761-4. [PMID: 37058218 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-023-09761-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Abri & Boll (2022) proposed the "Actional Model of Older People´s Coping with Health-Related Declines" to explain the use of various action alternatives of older persons for dealing with diseases, functional declines, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. It draws on a broad knowledge base: an action-theoretical model of intentional self-development, models of the use of assistive technologies (ATs) and medical services, qualitative studies on reasons for using or not-using ATs, and quantitative studies on older people's health-related goals. The present study aims to gather evidence to further refine this model by additionally relying on expert knowledge from professional caregivers serving older people. Six experienced geriatric nurses working in mobile care services or residential care facilities were interviewed about key components of the above model in relation to 17 older people aged 70 to 95 with stroke, arthrosis, or mild dementia. The results revealed additional goals of reducing or preventing health-related discrepancies beyond those already included in the model (e.g., moving without pain, doing things alone, driving a car again, social return). Moreover, new motivating or demotivating goals for using certain action possibilities were found (e.g., to be at home, to be alone, to rest, to motivate other older people). Finally, some new factors were identified from the biological-functional (e.g., illness, fatigue), technological (e.g., pain inducing ATs, maladaptive devices), and social contexts (e.g., lack of staff time) that are likely to promote or hinder the use of certain action possibilities. Implications for refining the model and future research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Abri
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Lifespan Development, Family, and Culture, University of Luxembourg, 11, Porte des Sciences, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg.
| | - Thomas Boll
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Lifespan Development, Family, and Culture, University of Luxembourg, 11, Porte des Sciences, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Podgorica N, Rungg C, Bertini B, Perkhofer S, Zenzmaier C. End of life care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study on the perspectives of nurses and nurse assistants. Nurs Open 2023; 10:3881-3891. [PMID: 36890617 PMCID: PMC10170946 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore nurses' and nurse assistants' experiences of providing end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria, Germany and Northern Italy. DESIGN A qualitative explorative interview study. METHOD Data were collected between August and December 2020 and analysed using content analysis. Healthcare professionals (nurses (n = 30), nurse coordinators (n = 6) and nurse assistants (n = 5)) from hospitals (n = 32) and long-term care facilities (n = 9) in Austria, Germany and Northern Italy were interviewed for this study. RESULTS Five main categories were identified as follows: (i) end-of-life care involves love and duty, (ii) last wishes and dignity of the patient, (iii) communication with the family, (iv) organizational and religious aspects and (v) personal emotions. Results indicate that more training and guidelines are needed to prepare nurses and nurse assistants for end-of-life care during pandemics. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This research can help prepare nurses and nurse assistants for end-of-life care in pandemics and will be of value for improving the institutional and government health policies. Furthermore, it can be of value in preparing training for healthcare professionals patient-relatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nertila Podgorica
- Department of Nursing, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christine Rungg
- Department of Nursing, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Susanne Perkhofer
- Research and Innovation Unit, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Zenzmaier
- Department of Nursing, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Elderly Care Practitioners' Perceptions of Moral Distress in the Work Development Discussions. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11030291. [PMID: 36766866 PMCID: PMC9914093 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Elderly care practitioners are at specific risk of experiencing prolonged moral distress, which is associated with occupational health-related problems, low job satisfaction, and staff turnover. So far, little attention has been paid to the moral concerns specific to elderly care, a field whose importance is constantly growing as the populations in Western countries age. By drawing on seven workshop conversations as data and interaction-oriented focus group research, conversation analysis and discursive psychology as methods, we aim to study the ways in which elderly care practitioners discuss moral distress in their work. We found that the moral distress experienced was related to three topics that arose when client work and teamwork contexts were discussed: the power to influence, equal treatment of people, and collaboration. The interaction in client work and teamwork contexts differed systematically. The discussion on client work was characterised by negotiations on the rights and wrongs of care work, whereas the teamwork discussion engendered emotional outbursts, a potential manifestation of work-related burnout. Hence, attempts to improve the work-related health of elderly care practitioners require time and space for sharing the emotional load, followed by reflection on what could be improved in the work and what institutional solutions could help in morally distressing situations.
Collapse
|
10
|
Understanding Moral Distress among Eldercare Workers: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159303. [PMID: 35954662 PMCID: PMC9368675 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The aging of the population in Western countries will increase the use of social and health services in the future. Employees in eldercare are at risk for experiencing moral distress, which is associated with poor work ability. The causes and consequences of moral distress among eldercare workers remain undiscovered. This scoping review investigates the existing studies of causes and consequences of moral distress among eldercare workers. Additionally, it seeks evidence of interventions designed to mitigate moral distress in eldercare workers. Fourteen studies were included in the final review. Most of the included studies were qualitative, aiming to increase understanding of morally challenging situations in eldercare. We also found quantitative studies with cross-sectional designs and small sample sizes. Thus, no reliable evidence of causal effects between moral distress and worker wellbeing in eldercare was found. We found no interventions undertaken to resolve moral distress among eldercare workers, either. More research is needed on the causes and consequences of moral distress and on interventions to mitigate moral distress among eldercare workers. This is of utmost importance to increase the attractiveness of eldercare as a workplace and to improve eldercare workers’ ability to work and sustain long working careers.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mussie KM, Setchell J, Elger BS, Kaba M, Memirie ST, Wangmo T. Care of Older Persons in Eastern Africa: A Scoping Review of Ethical Issues. Front Public Health 2022; 10:923097. [PMID: 35874990 PMCID: PMC9298985 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.923097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aging population is rapidly increasing globally, with 80% of the older population living in low- and middle-income countries. In Eastern African countries, there exists an incongruence between readiness-economically, structurally, politically, and culturally-to create a conducive environment for healthy aging, which implies public health as well as ethical concerns. The aim of this scoping review was to explore existing evidence addressing the various ethical issues in connection with elder care in the region of Eastern Africa. Methods We searched six databases (Africa-Wide Information, AgeLine, CINHAL, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, and SocINDEX) to identify peer-reviewed journal articles that could meet some eligibility criteria such as being a peer-reviewed journal article written in English, having been published in any year until July 2020, and focusing on ethical issues in the care of older people aged 60 years and older from Eastern Africa. We also searched for additional evidence in the references of included papers and web-based platforms. We included 24 journal articles and analyzed them using the inductive content analysis approach. Results The included articles represent seven (38.9%) of the 18 countries in the Eastern African region. The articles covered six ethical concerns: lack of government attention to older persons (n = 14, 58.3%), inaccessibility of health care services (n = 13, 54.2%), loneliness and isolation (n = 11, 45.8%), gender inequalities in old age (n = 9, 37.5%), mistreatment and victimization (n = 8, 33.3%), and medical errors (n = 2, 8.3%). Conclusion This scoping review summarized ethical issues arising in relation to providing care for older persons in the Eastern African context. In light of the rapid increase in the number of older persons in this region, it is critical for governments and responsible bodies to implement and accelerate efforts promptly to generate more evidence to inform programs and policies that improve the health and wellbeing of older persons. Further research is needed to inform global health efforts that aim at improving the lives of older persons, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Clinical Trial Registration https://osf.io/sb8gw, identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/SB8GW.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny Setchell
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bernice Simone Elger
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Center for Legal Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mirgissa Kaba
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Tessema Memirie
- Addis Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Flatscher-Thöni M, Holzer E, Pallauf M, Kreyer C. [COVID-19 protective measures in nursing homes: Between autonomy and care - Results of an interview study]. Ethik Med 2022; 34:221-238. [PMID: 35287265 PMCID: PMC8908748 DOI: 10.1007/s00481-022-00686-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Definition of the problem This interview study investigated ethical issues in long-term care facilities from the perspective of caregivers during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Due to the explorative as well as descriptive methodological approach, interview data are available and can be assigned to four central topics, which reveal a complex and sometimes conflictual reality of work and life in long-term care during the pandemic. On the one hand, the protective measures taken by the state and the institutions, as well as the resulting restrictions on the personal freedom of the residents are critically reflected and the degree of self-determination of the residents of nursing homes in the pandemic is questioned. On the other hand - given the pandemic-related measures - nursing activities in long-term care facilities as a place of work and life are described as challenging, especially regarding the changed nursing processes and quality of care, as well as due to the changed quality of relationships with the residents. Arguments These four topics can basically be assigned to the ethical principles of autonomy and care and present a relevant concretization of the principle-oriented ethical challenges in long-term care during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the synopsis and interpretation of the results, it becomes apparent that the interviewed caregivers closely link the observance and implementation of the autonomy principle in everyday nursing care with the principle of care and the resulting well-being of the residents. Conclusions Our results clearly show that the paradigm shift in long-term care, which has been developed over the last few decades, was (temporarily massively) weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the reported moral uncertainties and conflicts make it clear that caregivers need support regarding the ethical reflection of their nursing actions and that a sustainable integration of ethics counselling in long-term care facilities may be a possible approach to a solution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Flatscher-Thöni
- Institut für Public Health, Medical Decision Making und HTA, Department für Public Health, Versorgungsforschung und HTA, UMIT Tirol, Private Universität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Medizinische Informatik und Technik, EWZ I, 6060 Hall in Tirol, Österreich
| | - Elisabeth Holzer
- Institut für Pflegewissenschaft, Department für Pflegewissenschaft und Gerontologie, UMIT Tirol, Private Universität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Medizinische Informatik und Technik, Hall in Tirol, Österreich
| | - Martin Pallauf
- Institut für Pflegewissenschaft und -praxis, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Salzburg, Österreich
| | - Christiane Kreyer
- Institut für Pflegewissenschaft, Department für Pflegewissenschaft und Gerontologie, UMIT Tirol, Private Universität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Medizinische Informatik und Technik, Hall in Tirol, Österreich
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li C, Shi C. Adverse Events and Risk Management in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hunan, China. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2022; 15:529-542. [PMID: 35378829 PMCID: PMC8976485 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s351821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Adverse events threaten residents’ safety. Risk management is important to provide proper care and maintain quality in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). However, there is little data on adverse events, risk management, and risk early warning in RACFs in the Chinese mainland. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the prevalence of the aforementioned aspects and related factors in China. Participants and Methods Using a cross-sectional design, a field survey of 272 RACFs in Hunan Province was conducted from January 25 to June 1, 2020. Data were collected using four main tools on prevalence of nursing adverse events, risk management, risk early warning, and general information. Descriptive statistics were described by frequency (percentage) and median (interquartile range). Mann–Whitney U-test and Kruskal–Wallis H-test, and Spearman coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results RACFs experienced an average of five (15) adverse events in 2019, with falls and pressure ulcers being the most common. The total average score of risk management in RACFs was 4.72 (0.98) out of 5, with the environment and personnel management dimensions scoring the highest with 4.75 (1) and the service management dimension scoring the lowest with 4.60 (1). Only 72.79% had trained their staff on ethical and legal knowledge and 84.56% had utilized pre-hospital first aid. Further, 30% to 40% were unprepared for contingency plans of suicide, electric shock, gas poisoning, and drowning. There were significant risk management differences among the following variables: facilities’ locations, accreditation with the Practice Certificate of Social Welfare Facilities, bed-size, nursing hours per resident day, requirement for nursing staff with certificates, and payment for nursing staff (p < 0.05). Conclusion RACFs are facing safety challenges with a high prevalence of nursing adverse events. These facilities need to improve risk early warning and management to ensure residents’ safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Li
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunhong Shi
- School of Nursing, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Chunhong Shi, Tel +86 15907354840, Fax +86 735 2325007, Email
| |
Collapse
|