There are various different observational tools with the most recognised being ‘Dementia Care Mapping’ and ‘SOFI’ (Short Observational Framework for Inspection). Also a new Person, Interaction, Environment (PIE) observational method is being piloted for use in general hospital wards. The South West Regional workforce network are developing an accepted tool for use across the region.
Further learning:
- For information on ‘PIE’ see http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/quality/quality,accreditationaudit/nationalauditofdementia/auditstructure/observationalmodule-pie.aspx
Dementia Care Mapping
Tom Kitwood’s work is epitomised through his approach of identifying ‘well being’ and ‘ill being’ with the use of Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) http://www.brad.ac.uk/health/dementia/DementiaCareMapping/. DCM is an observational tool which provides a format for observing and recording life through the eyes of a person with dementia. It involves watching people with dementia and those people interacting with them over an extended period of time to make a judgement on the person’s mood and engagement alongside how the person is occupied.
Also, as part of the mapping any interactions which are ‘personal enhancers’ and any which are ‘personal detractors’ are recorded and reported back to staff. Personal detractors are communication interactions which lead to ‘ill being’, and Tom Kitwood describes these as examples of ’Malignant Social Psychology’.
The aim of DCM is to provide a focus for feedback to staff and offer recommendations around person-centred practice.
Further learning:
- Sanderson, H. et al (2010) Person centred thinking to implement dementia care mapping. Stockport, Helen Sanderson Associates. http://www.helensandersonassociates.co.uk/media/38803/usingpcttoimpelementdementiacaremapping%20(2).pdf
The approach advocated in this work provides a structured format for feeding back DCM recommendations, from a mapping exercise, to care staff.
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