Cindy Jones1, Wendy Moyle2. 1. Menzies Health Institute, Queensland - Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia. c.jones@griffith.edu.au. 2. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
AIM: To explore aged care staff perceptions and experience of their relationships with co-workers, older people and families via pragmatic exploratory interviews. METHODS: Thirty-nine direct care staff from seven residential age care facilities and 12 community organisations were interviewed. RESULTS: Staff felt that their capacity to develop therapeutic relationships with older people and families was impeded by care tasks and concerns regarding professional boundaries. Positive relationships between staff-family and staff-staff are hindered by staff perceptions of undue care demands, high family expectations, and staff-staff conflict within a hierarchical context and between work shifts. CONCLUSION: A relationship-centred approach to care as well as staff training and education should be encouraged to assist the development of therapeutic relationships and the management of professional boundaries.
AIM: To explore aged care staff perceptions and experience of their relationships with co-workers, older people and families via pragmatic exploratory interviews. METHODS: Thirty-nine direct care staff from seven residential age care facilities and 12 community organisations were interviewed. RESULTS: Staff felt that their capacity to develop therapeutic relationships with older people and families was impeded by care tasks and concerns regarding professional boundaries. Positive relationships between staff-family and staff-staff are hindered by staff perceptions of undue care demands, high family expectations, and staff-staff conflict within a hierarchical context and between work shifts. CONCLUSION: A relationship-centred approach to care as well as staff training and education should be encouraged to assist the development of therapeutic relationships and the management of professional boundaries.