Client Centred Care
1. Introduction
Client-centred care is at the core of Care Home OT's mission to provide high-quality Occupational Therapy services to care home residents through virtual consultations. This policy outlines our commitment to delivering client-centred care that respects the autonomy, preferences, and goals of each resident while adhering to relevant UK laws and regulations.
2. Definition
Client-centred care is an approach to healthcare that prioritises the individual needs, values, and preferences of clients, empowering them to actively participate in decision-making and self-management of their health and well-being. It involves collaborating with clients to develop personalised care plans that address their unique goals and aspirations.
3. Principles of Client-Centred Care
- Respect for Autonomy: Care home residents have the right to make informed decisions about their care and treatment preferences. Occupational Therapists will respect and support the autonomy of residents by involving them in decision-making processes and honouring their choices.
- Individualised Care: Each care home resident is unique, with their own set of strengths, challenges, and goals. Occupational Therapists will conduct comprehensive assessments and collaborate with residents to develop personalised care plans that address their specific needs and aspirations.
- Empowerment: Client-centred care empowers care home residents to take an active role in managing their health and well-being. Occupational Therapists will provide residents with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to make informed decisions and achieve their goals.
- Collaboration: Effective client-centred care requires collaboration and partnership between care home residents, Occupational Therapists, care home staff, and other healthcare professionals. Occupational Therapists will foster open communication and teamwork to ensure coordinated and integrated care delivery.
4. Implementation of Client-Centred Care in Virtual Consultations
- Assessment of Client Needs: Occupational Therapists will conduct thorough assessments of care home residents' physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs during virtual consultations. This may involve using standardised assessment tools, conducting interviews, and collaborating with care home staff to gather relevant information.
- Goal Setting: Occupational Therapists will work collaboratively with care home residents to establish meaningful and achievable goals that align with their interests, priorities, and values. Residents will be encouraged to actively participate in setting their own goals and determining the desired outcomes of therapy.
- Personalised Intervention: Based on the assessment findings and identified goals, Occupational Therapists will develop individualised intervention plans tailored to the unique needs and preferences of care home residents. ??Interventions may include therapeutic activities, adaptive equipment recommendations, environmental modifications, and caregiver education.??
- Shared Decision-Making: Occupational Therapists will engage care home residents in shared decision-making processes, presenting them with options, discussing potential benefits and risks, and soliciting their input and preferences. Residents will be encouraged to ask questions, express concerns, and make informed choices about their care.
5. Communication and Engagement
- Clear Communication: Occupational Therapists will communicate with care home residents in clear, understandable language, avoiding jargon or technical terminology. They will ensure that residents have sufficient information to make informed decisions and actively participate in their care.
- Active Engagement: Occupational Therapists will actively engage care home residents in virtual consultations, promoting their participation and involvement in therapy assessment and intervention. They will use motivational interviewing techniques, active listening skills, and empathy to establish rapport and build trust with residents.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Occupational Therapists will demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values of care home residents. They will respect cultural differences and adapt their approach to meet the unique needs and preferences of each resident.
6. Continuous Evaluation and Feedback
- Outcome Monitoring: Occupational Therapists will regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of care home residents towards their goals during virtual consultations. They will adjust intervention plans as needed based on resident feedback, changes in functional status, or evolving care needs.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Care home residents will be encouraged to provide feedback on their virtual consultation experiences, including their satisfaction with the services received, perceived benefits, and areas for improvement. Occupational Therapists will use this feedback to inform continuous quality improvement efforts.
7. Review and Revision
This Client-Centred Care Policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure its alignment with best practices, regulatory requirements, and the evolving needs of care home residents receiving virtual Occupational Therapy services.
8. Compliance and Enforcement
Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contractual relationship with Care Home OT.
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