Summary
Attempts to ensure high quality and dignified care for vulnerable groups of service users, such as frail older people and those with dementia, have been an enduring challenge for nearly 50 years in the NHS. Indeed, a range of recent reports from various bodies (the CQC, Age UK, the Patients’ Association and Which?) highlighting poor standards of nursing care indicate that there may sometimes be persistent and endemic problems in the culture of care.
This research report is about the factors which facilitate or inhibit culture change for the carers and staff involved in acute hospital care for older people. The aim has been to develop a potential “toolkit” for change, such as might be used in different contexts and settings. This research was commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The importance of leadership, and a positive / supportive local cultural climate for nursing staff is recognised.
Disclaimers: The views and opinions of authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the NHS, the NIHR, the NIHR SDO programme or the Department of Health. The views and opinions of the interviewees, in turn, do not necessarily reflect those of the authors.
Reference
Patterson, M. Nolan, M. [and] Musson, G. (2011). From metrics to meaning: culture change and quality of acute hospital care for older people. Leeds: University of Sheffield. Institute of Work Psychology [and] Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing, 2011. 252p. Series: SDO Project 08/1501/93. NIHR Service Delivery and Organisation Programme.
