Évaluation de la condition physique et mentale de l’aîné : développement et mise à l’essai d’une intervention de pratique réflexive
Seniors in residential and long-term care, due to their often precarious state of health, require clinical follow-up, which includes assessing their physical and mental condition. Yet, several studies show that nurses do not adequately assess the health-status of their dependents. Among the strategies identified in the literature to strengthen the assessment of physical and mental condition, reflective practice (RP) stood out. It promotes the development and enhancement of the professional competency of nurses who work with elders (Dubé et Ducharme, 2014a). Based on a combination of Johns' Structured Reflection Model (Johns, 2006) and Goudreau et al. (2013) Reflection Method, a RP intervention was developed and tested with a group of nurses in long term care. Five nurses each shared a difficult or problematic clinical situation experienced in connection with physical and mental assessment. Subsequently, best practices’ interventions in relation to the topic presented were discussed. In addition, each participant benefited from clinical support on her care unit, with her choice of subject of physical or mental evaluation. The nurses appreciated being able to discuss real cases and felt they were better equipped to deal with complex care situations. Moreover, they would recommend meetings of RPs to their colleagues, thus suggesting the maintenance of these meetings in their institution.
Reflective practice Physical and mental health assessment Senior Old people Long term care