Improved consumer journey boards are now in use in QEII’s Ward 4A as part of ongoing research into person-centred compassionate care co-led by Director of Occupational Therapy Dr Ruth Cox and Senior Research Fellow (Nursing) Dr Jayne Hewitt.
A key change is the introduction of a simple, patient-led prompt on the board - “Today, I would feel better if…” that is designed to support more meaningful, in-the-moment bedside conversations about patient needs and priorities.
Ruth said the person-centred design responds to multidisciplinary staff and consumer feedback recommending the change to improve how QEII clinicians partner with patients.
“The focus is on keeping it practical and relevant,” Ruth said. “We want something that helps patients communicate what matters most to them on the day, in a way that’s easy for staff to use.”
Registered Nurse Courtney Richardson and Research Assistant & Senior Physiotherapist Emma Molesworth have been leading the rollout in 4A, with plans to incorporate the prompt into clinical handover to support continuity of care.
Feedback to date indicates patients appreciate being asked the new question, and there have also been noticeable improvements in day-to-day care, including allowing patients to rest uninterrupted, providing reassurance about upcoming treatments, and ensuring patient concerns are communicated to the appropriate member of the multidisciplinary team.
The approach will continue to be refined over the coming weeks, with a formal evaluation planned later this year. A second ward, 2B, will begin a similar process in May.