­ YEAR 3 EPISODE OF CARE EXAMPLE ADULT ‘COMPLEX

Student Reflection on the Episode of Care

Briefly outline how you have delivered high quality, complex care and give the rationale for the decisions you made.

ITU episode of care. I took responsibility for a complex patient. He was ventilated via tracheostomy. Summary of my care that took place was an ABCDE assessment, pressure ulcer prevention, trachy care, medicine administration through NG tube, liaising with MDT and, after speaking with the family, a slow respiratory wean. Decisions made during my episode included when to suction via the trachy to help him cough- When he looked like he was struggling to breathe and his resp rate increased- this was appropriate. I used patient centred care to help him be involved in his care. I got to know what he was communicating and therefore was able to monitor and assess him for improvement throughout shift.

Reflect on how you have worked in partnership with health and social care professionals, service users, carer and families ensuring that decision-making about care is shared.

I liaised with MDT about specialised care.

I constantly kept the family up to date with progress, answering questions. I represented the patient in ward round and aided physio with care.

What did you do well?

I organised time well and prioritised despite having a lot to remember about this patient. Communicated with patient well using non-verbal techniques.

Reflect on how you used leadership skills to supervise and manage others.

I showed leadership by knowing when and asking for other team members to help with care, for example when turning to remain safe. I also used leadership when informing the team of my patient’s progress throughout the day

What would you have done differently?

I think once I have more experience I will feel more confident in doing some of the care for the trachy.

What learning from this episode of care could be transferred to other areas of practice?

Time management, prioritising care. Assessment and how to act on vital changes. Communicating with MDT and being an advocate