Patient Care Packs save time and money
Written by Patient Care Packs
We’ve known that nurses and patients alike really value the small bag of toiletries that we supply, because the feedback is always wonderful. However the feedback, although really great to hear and read, is qualitative at best and doesn’t really enable nurses to release budget to procure the Patient Care Packs (PCP’s) for their patients and wards.
So, in collaboration with the HIN (Health Innovation Network) and the University of Leicester, a trial of PCP’s took place over winter 2016-17 to do some quantitative research to really pin down the numerical impacts that PCP’s provide for busy, under resourced, nursing staff.
The HIN’s South London members King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and a mental health service for homeless people run by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, all took part in the trial.
Nursing staff gave the packs to patients. Each pack contained a feedback card and nursing staff also completed a short survey. 262 patients and 68 nursing staff completed surveys. Additionally, University of Leicester colleagues used observational techniques to understand the impact the packs had on patient and staff experience.
The evidence tells us that nurses spend more than 25 minutes per day obtaining essential items, or people survive without, having a negative impact on their well being, and impeding nursing ability.
The research really showed just how valuable the packs are, with 84% of nursing staff saying that it saved them more than 25 mins a day, which enabled more effective nursing and saved the cash strapped NHS £1066 for every band 4 nurse.
“It’s a brilliant idea that saves us time and allows us to provide care and support to patients…” Matron, Lewisham & Greenwich Trust.
98% of nursing staff reported that they would like to continue to provide the packs to their patients. This additionally impacted job satisfaction, with 9 out of 10 nurses reporting an increase, as it also promoted greater interaction with patients (93% of nurses reported this was the case).
“Patients Care Packs served as an ice breaker between myself and the patients to develop a good rapport,” Senior Nurse, Epsom and St. Helier.
Patients also welcomed the packs, with 94% reporting that Patient Care Packs made them feel more comfortable during their stay.
If you would like to read the full report, you can download it here
If you would to discuss your specific needs and start realising the benefits of PCP’s, contact us by phoning 0116 251 3941 or email us on info@personalcarepacks.com