This project originated from within Healthcare Chaplaincy
and Clinical Education. The primary focus of the
development of Patient Well-Being Champions (PWBC) is
to ensure that all patients and carers feel safe, secure and
valued in line with the Dignity Challenge, when receiving
direct care. The project utilised a training programme to
equip a team of nominated professionals to develop the
knowledge and skills necessary to support their existing
clinical roles in line with their Knowledge and Skills
Framework (KSF) post-outlines.
The project focuses on the “softer side” of care, whilst
balanced against measurable clinical outcomes, giving
attention to the concepts of: Dignity; Spirituality;
Communication; Equality and Diversity; Customer Care;
Bereavement Care and Patient and Public Involvement. It is
thoroughly multi-professional with complete organisational
sign-up and has become a framework for all professional
groups, interwoven into the fabric of the organisation.
Existing KSF profiles were analysed, matching up with
Continuing Professional Development commitments to
develop equitable partnerships with service users in
planning and delivery of their care. The initiative has its
own unique reporting mechanism, supported and ratified
by the Chief Executive, who has now set the challenge that
every employee will receive training.
The greatest achievement for the project is that healthcare
professionals are actively listening, engaging and acting on
realistic patient requests that demonstrate a commitment
to best practice and dignity in care. The PWBCs themselves
continually strive to improve all aspect of dignity in care
and have an initial 5-day programme to introduce and
prepare them for the role. Further Dignity Projects are
being undertaken, and a “5-senses” Survey and Evaluation
Tool is in draft format which will involve working in
partnership with PWBCs and patient representatives.
Feedback will lead to action plans to effect change in a
positive way within the clinical area.
For more information on this project, contact:
tim.couchman@uhlh.nhs.uk
