Contemporary practice focuses on patient care fundaments to support provision of safe, quality care for patients. The following are key components and when completed reliably will assist in preventing /reducing preventable harm to patients such as falls, pressure injuries, delirium, urinary tract infections and pneumonia.
The key components include:
- Regularly assessing and managing a patient's pain
- Supporting patients with showering and personal hygiene. Check skin regularly and apply moisturiser and/or barrier creams to improve skin integrity and identify any issues early i.e. pressure injuries / Incontinence Associated Dermatitis (IAD)
- Supporting patients with oral hygiene, cleaning teeth, ensuring dentures are cleaned and available
- For patients that are immobile reposition regularly
- Pre-empting patient's toileting needs – start a toileting plan, assist to the toilet and supervise when needed, determine patient's usual night-time toileting habit, proactive toileting for patients that are confused
- Monitoring, care and timely removal of urinary catheter and venous access devices
- Confirm that sensory support devices are available, in working order and in reach e.g. glasses, hearing aids
- The environment is clutter free and mobility aides/equipment is in place and the buzzer is available and accessible
- Ensuring the night-time environment is conducive to sleep - minimise noise and bright lights. e.g. use night lights.
Intentional rounding will support the delivery of the patient care fundamentals.