Person centred care in neurorehabilitation - Current research and how it can be developed

  • Catriona McIntosh

Student thesis: Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Abstract

This thesis aimed to critique the research on person centred care (PCC) in neurorehabilitation, and consider how PCC in this setting can be further developed. Paper One reviews the extant literature on PCC in neurorehabilitation. The literature search returned 27 papers, which were critiqued for quality, how they conceptualised PCC, how they practiced PCC and the feasibility of PCC. Conceptualisations of PCC used varied from narrow conceptualisations of PCC as participation in goal setting, to broader ones which also incorporated issues such as shared decision making, outcomes, respect and emotional support. Similarly, methods of practicing PCC primarily used goal setting, with a minority of papers addressing outcomes and communication aspects of PCC. The review found that PCC is feasible for neurorehabilitation, with important benefits for clients and professionals. Providing PCC in neurological rehabilitation can be challenging and the literature review discusses ways to overcome barriers to PCC. The literature review highlights the need for methods to assess and develop PCC which are suitable for people with and without cognitive impairments. Paper Two addresses this need, by presenting research investigating the feasibility of using Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) on a neurorehabilitation ward. DCM is an observational method aims to document the quality of care from the perspective of the patient. DCM was found to be feasible for use on a neurorehabilitation ward, as shown by the suitability of the coding system. Q-methodology was used to assess staff perceptions of DCM. This further supported DCM feasibility, with staff reporting that DCM provided useful information for staff that they could use to improve the care they provided. DCM required some minor amendments in order to be used in a hospital rehabilitation environment and further amendments could improve its suitability for use in neurorehabilitation settings. Paper Three is a critical appraisal of both the literature review and research paper. The strengths and weaknesses of the use of both DCM and Q-methodology are critiqued, and consideration given to the limitations of the research.
Date of Award1 Aug 2012
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • The University of Manchester
SupervisorDougal Hare (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Neurorehabilitation
  • Person Centred Care

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