Sunflowers and smiles lit up the Staff Dining Room on 25 September with QEII’s Spring Fair for Comprehensive Care #EndPJParalysis project launch.
Hosted by the Comprehensive Care Committee, the launch went off in a sunflower haze, complete with interactive stalls, educational activities and games, treats, celebratory cake, and prizes up for grabs.
To start the day, Executive Sponsor and Chair Neil Pratt (centre), Co-Chair Sally Courtice (far right) and Organisational Lead Lauren Beavan (far left) shared small gifts with staff, in recognition of the value of interprofessional teamwork.
Donning their brightest pink outfits and sunflower badges in support of Standard 5, staff from all over campus gathered to celebrate the launch and get involved in some fun and education on the key elements of Standard 5.
“Sharing this education in a fun and engaging environment has allowed us to connect with staff on key components like how to reduce the risk of delirium, how to effectively monitor antipsychotic medications, and importantly, to help them understand the interconnectedness of these key components,” Lauren said.
“It was great to see staff engaging in meaningful conversations with our stallholders, learning some new care strategies, and celebrating our shared commitment to enhancing care for frail older patients.”
Opening the afternoon session, Neil shared some inspired words with attendees before staff tested their knowledge on Standard 5 components with a game of Comprehensive Care Bingo and enjoyed an educational video on the symbolism of the sunflower.
“We wear the sunflower badges to show our support for our older patient cohort. All patients over 18 need a bedside delirium screening test – or a 4AT – on admission, though patients aged 65+ are at higher risk of delirium and need encouragement to mobilise. This improves appetite and reduces the risk of hospital-acquired complications,” Lauren explained.
“It was a great opportunity to launch the 4AT Race, which was complemented by a special message from UK-based Prof Brian Dolan OBE who announced the official launch of the #EndPJParalysis campaign.
“The final surprise was the launch of the Shared Decision-Making Framework, which underscores the Standard 5 commitment to staff and patient wellbeing, which was well-received by all.”
Lauren says the event couldn’t have come at a better time, after QEII achieved the lowest reported readmission rate for delirium patients statewide.
“QEII’s frail and older patient demographic is also growing, which highlights the central role that the Comprehensive Care Standard plays in ensuring all aspects of our patients’ health and wellbeing needs are supported throughout their health journey, from the community to hospital, and back home to their loved ones,” Lauren explained.
“We want to continue to foster a collaborative interprofessional team culture that puts patient-centred care at the heart of everything we do, and to show our appreciation for all the great work staff already do to achieve the goals of Standard 5.”