Frontline nurses innovate - L'Infirmière Magazine n° 291 du 15/12/2011 | Espace Infirmier
 

L'infirmière Magazine n° 291 du 15/12/2011

 

ANGLAIS

« Nurses have the knowledge and experience to see where changes can improve the quality of care and save money. Even a small change, which saves pennies on a hospital ward, saves millions of pounds when implemented nationwide », claims the British Royal College of Nursing in a video on its website. On 25th January 2011, the RCN showcased its members’ initiatives through its « Frontline Innovation Award ».(1)

Winner Marina Lupari developed a project called Chronic Illness Case Management service (CICM). 16 full-time district nurses delivered specialist care for elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions, such as serious respiratory problems, heart failure and diabetic conditions, in their own homes. The cost of staff investment was outweighed by the reduction in the number of hospital bed days : 59 % in the trials.

The runner-up was a district nurse, Carol Gill, who developed an early warning system to help care home staff recognise the early signs of pressure ulcers and to know when to seek medical help. 4 % of the NHS budget is spent on treating pressure ulcers. The tool she developed identified Health Care Assistants’ responsibilities in recognizing and escalating concerns, and empowered them to act. Implementation in one city alone saved £ 90 000.

The RCN warns in the video that reducing nursing staffing levels reduces the chances of such innovations being developed and rolled out across the UK.

1– Le site web du RCN présente en détail les innovations primées. Adresse abrégée : http://bit.ly/rcnawards2011

MOTS ET EXPRESSIONS

To showcase (v) lit. mettre en vitrine ; promouvoir

To outweigh (v) l’emporter sur quelque chose

Runner-up (n) dauphin ; celui qui arrive en deuxième place

Pressure ulcers/sores (n) les escarres

To escalate (v) remonter ; ici, signaler à un supérieur

To roll out (v) littéralement, étaler, étendre ; lancer, mettre en service

QUESTIONS

1. How did Carol Gill’s tool empower HCAs ?

It gave them the means to recognise early symptoms, to report concerns and to act.

2. Do you agree that these two examples have « an impact on patient care, an impact on cost and the potential for wider implementation » ?

Explain why or why not.

3. What could endanger such future innovations, according to the RCN ?

A reduction in the number of nurses.

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