I have recently been involved in an exciting project developing a digital resource for nurses supporting patients in self-care activities at home, such as insulin administration, catheter care or PEG feeding. The hope is to establish a framework of the useful principles and concepts underpinning self-care interventions, i.e. accountability, governance, technology, sustainability, MDT working, leadership and patient monitoring.
Empowering patients in self-care gives more independence and freedom in their day-to-day lives and in turn releases time and resources for both hospital and community nurses to care for more vulnerable patients.
My involvement came as a member of the Community and District Nursing Forum steering group. Hopefully the tool will be launched at Congress next year.
The project’s creative process has been eye opening. After several meetings, much research and copious revisions, my little section is still not finalised - but it’s great to be part of the RCN’s empowerment of nurses. Until recently I had mainly been in direct clinical care. I had no idea there was so much work and complexity in producing digital resources for nurses that are workable, reliable and valuable. Had I been left behind in the data revolution?
It has been fascinating to be become aware of the IT constraints on building web content but energising to see modern capabilities enhance traditional nursing. I’ve not just learnt about IT though. Refreshing my own approach to promoting patient independence has been important. Observing the project process and working in a team of talented, powerful nurses who each bring strengths and weaknesses has also been enriching. The project journey has a way to go but nonetheless, I’m hopeful a modern and useful resource will emerge.
Empowering patients in self-care gives more independence and freedom in their day-to-day lives and in turn releases time and resources for both hospital and community nurses to care for more vulnerable patients.
My involvement came as a member of the Community and District Nursing Forum steering group. Hopefully the tool will be launched at Congress next year.
The project’s creative process has been eye opening. After several meetings, much research and copious revisions, my little section is still not finalised - but it’s great to be part of the RCN’s empowerment of nurses. Until recently I had mainly been in direct clinical care. I had no idea there was so much work and complexity in producing digital resources for nurses that are workable, reliable and valuable. Had I been left behind in the data revolution?
It has been fascinating to be become aware of the IT constraints on building web content but energising to see modern capabilities enhance traditional nursing. I’ve not just learnt about IT though. Refreshing my own approach to promoting patient independence has been important. Observing the project process and working in a team of talented, powerful nurses who each bring strengths and weaknesses has also been enriching. The project journey has a way to go but nonetheless, I’m hopeful a modern and useful resource will emerge.
