Development and acceptability of the person‐centred observation and reflection tool for supporting staff and practice development in dementia care services

Abstract

BackgroundObservational tools can support the understanding of the complex needs of older people with dementia and aid delivery of person‐centred care. However, existing tools are complex and resource intensive to use.ObjectivesTo develop and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a low‐resource, observational tool to support staff reflection and practice development.MethodsIntervention development of the Person‐Centred Observation and Reflection Tool (PORT) and acceptability and feasibility study, using surveys and focus groups in the UK, Norway and Spain.ResultsPORT was reported as easy, accessible and acceptable to use. The observation was identified as powerful for individual staff development and provided an evidence‐based source for underpinning individualised care planning. Potential time challenges associated with implementation were identified.ConclusionInitial evaluation indicates PORT is an acceptable and feasible tool for use in health and social care settings for older people. Further research is needed on implementation models and the impacts of PORT use.Implications for PracticePORT may be a useful tool to support individual staff development in care settings and person‐centred care planning for people with dementia.