47 Five Things About Me

Abstract Background It has long been recognised that when care is centred around the person dignity and personhood are preserved and outcomes are improved. However, the dehumanising effect hospital systems and practices can have on older people persists and there are still frequent reports of harm caused by failures to prioritise what matters to the person. Local problem The “what matters to you?” campaign (Dewar & Nolan, 2013) has been championed locally to good effect but a key component of the model; “who you are,” is missing, there is limited evidence of the older person’s voice or identity in their hospital notes or care plans and many report not feeling involved in decisions about their care. Methods Engagement with older people, their loved ones and ward staff alongside a review of the published literature enabled effective analysis of the problem and the design of a suitable intervention. The COM-B model was used to identify and support the behavioural changes needed to ensure the intervention was implemented effectively and PDSA cycles of Improvement ensured it was rigorously tested. The Person-Centred Practice Inventory (PCPI) was used to structure the measurement of improvements in person centred care on the ward. Results Engagement with older people, their loved ones and ward staff alongside a review of the published literature enabled effective analysis of the problem and the design of a suitable intervention. The COM-B model was used to identify and support the behavioural changes needed to ensure the intervention was implemented effectively and PDSA cycles of Improvement ensured it was rigorously tested. The Person-Centred Practice Inventory (PCPI) was used to structure the measurement of improvements in person centred care on the ward. Conclusions This was a rewarding project which achieved its aim of improving person-centred care and the experiences of older people, staff got to know the people they were caring for better which was an enriching experience. The key factor which contributed to its success was the enthusiasm and hard work of the ward staff who participated and their passion to ensure the care they give is person-centred.