Overview
It is anticipated that approximately 150 people currently in the long term and elderly wards of South Clyde will be moving on to other agencies and services in the future.
Local Area
Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Care Setting
In-Patient Setting
Evidence Base for Practice
Life Story Books foundations are based and equitable with, the literature based on recovery, the Millan principles, and the 10 Essential Shared Capabilities.
There are numerous articles, particularly from the Dementia Services Development Centre in the University of Stirling, and in the nursing literature on Life Story books and their benefits.
The Scottish Recovery Network’s Recovering Mental Health report 2007 highlights narratives as a means to better understand recovery in contemporary Scotland from a range of different perspectives.
Quality assurance/impact of practice
Individual feedback from both patients and carers has been sought. The outcomes from this initiative have been measured by the value experienced by each individual involved, however there are a number of clear areas where clear impacts have been evident including:
• Reported increase in self esteem, self worth and personal identity
• Reported progress towards Individuals needs and ambitions being achieved
• Greater understanding of social connectedness as a route to recovery
Practice Summary
It is anticipated that approximately 150 people currently in the long term and elderly wards of South Clyde will be moving on to other agencies and services in the future.
To support the move of people from hospital to community settings South Clyde Senior Nurse Linda Hall (NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde) has commissioned SAMH to work alongside patients, carers and staff in Dykebar, Royal Alexandra, Inverclyde Royal and Ravenscraig Hospitals, to construct personal Life Story Books.
The books capture life histories and represent a meaningful and valuable resource both personally, and for any staff providing care in the future
Practice Detail
In consultation with staff, patients and carers in Dykebar and Ravenscraig Hospitals, a SAMH project team has been meeting patients and relatives in the wards to capture people's life stories. Using a template which includes information such as; schools attended, first job, romance, hobbies and favourites a draft book is compiled. Various drafts are then presented to the person and/or their family dependent on capacity.including photographs, historical detail and personal memorabilia.
Styles of book are then determined, so far these have included photo albums, scrap books and photo frames.
Challenges
Challenges have included the SAMH team working within an inpatient environment and slotting the work into the day to day routine of a ward environment.
Success in these areas have been supported with close working relationships and leadership between both agencies.
Carers forums throughout South Clyde were informed and consulted in the proposal to implement Life Story Books. Launch events were held with patients and carers both in individual wards and centrally in Hospitals, facilitating a smooth introduction of the work.
Additional Comments
Successful planning and application of a joint working initiative between NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde staff SAMH has enabled people to define individuality, celebrate life experiences and shape aspirations for the future.
Work has been undertaken at the person’s own pace and communication level, giving them the time and space to make sense of their past and record events in their own style.
Collaborative working between staff, SAMH, patients and carers has at all times been at the centre of the project. All elements of the project have encompassed a strong recovery based approach.