Educating Nurses for Person-Centered Care

Abstract

Background and Objectives: A person-centered model for long-term institutional care of elder persons is supportive of Arab societal values and Islamic beliefs. Four workshops were conducted for nurse leaders from long term care facilities in Qatar with the overall objective of initiating a practice culture change which would result in evidence of more person-centered care practices. Methods: Workshops were held weekly for 4 weeks. Participants were 23 nurse managers and supervisors from 3 long term residential facilities in Doha, Qatar. Evaluation forms were completed by participants after each workshop and a focus group was conducted with the participants from one facility 12 weeks after the workshops. Results: Participants reported increased person-centered care practices on their units. These practices began with staff coming together around shared values and philosophy and included: more attention to residents’ personal preferences; inclusion of residents and family in decision-making and social activities; individualized care plans; therapeutic relationships. Discussion: More research into the implementation of care models that support Arab religious and family values is essential to meet the growing need for high quality long term residential care in the Arab Gulf region.