Case study:

11 May 2010

Implementing a support and training programme in care homes in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire NHS South West

Key points

A six-month training and mentoring pilot project in care homes in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire has helped improve the care of those who are dying as well as combating the sense of isolation many care home staff feel.

The project involved staff at 12 care homes who received five education sessions and six mentorship sessions.

The aim was to increase staff awareness and knowledge about the needs of dying people, identify and make sustained changes and encourage a consistency of approach.

The results have been encouraging.Staff say they have a greater understanding of the needs of dying people.

Some say they feel more confident in dealing with colleagues in primary and secondary care – something that has often posed a problem in the past.

The project has also helped improve their own self-esteem.

This, the authors of the evaluation report believe, is largely the result of the mentoring, which allowed people to express their doubts and recognise their worth in a safe environment.

Although it is early days, it seems the training programme has led to improved care, with a number of procedures and policies being revised to reflect the new learning.

The authors say the secret of the programme’s success is the combination of education and mentorship.

They also recommend that future educational activities adopt an experiential rather than theoretical approach and that managers’ leadership training needs are identified.