Abstract
Introduction:
The General Surgery directorate at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board secured funding for the appointment of a Memory Link Worker (MLW) for a 12-month pilot in the emergency stream. The aim of the MLW is to improve patient experience for those living with dementia/ cognitive impairment, or those who experience delirium whilst in hospital. In addition, the MLW role should increase awareness and completion rates of “Read About Me” (RAM).
Method:
The pilot scheme started in February 2022. Eligible patients were identified by ward staff or the Perioperative care of Older People undergoing Surgery (POPS) team and referred in person or via bleep. The MLW reviewed patients, offered activities, contact families / carers and completed the RAM. MLW input continued for the duration of the admission. Objective assessment of the impact of the MLW interventions on patient wellbeing was completed through Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) – an observational tool to improve person-centred care for people living with dementia.
Results:
The MLW has reviewed 52 patients to date, spending an average of 5 hours 51 minutes with each patient during their admission. Three quarters of patients engage in activities offered by the MLW. DCM demonstrated a positive impact on patient well-being, mood and engagement. Very few patients were able to self-entertain in the absence of the MLW and those that did were using tools supplied by the MLW.
Conclusion:
The MLW role has had a positive impact on patient experience as demonstrated by the DCM process. Further analysis of the impact of the role is underway, including feedback questionnaires from staff members and service-users, as well as re-audit of RAM completion rates. We hope this will support a business case to ensure the MLW is a substantive role in general surgery in the future.