Research update
Yunjia Tian, M2

Exploring Nurses' Role in
Decision-Making Supportfor Elderly Residents
Research on the Impact of Workplace Learning on Nurse Competency inLong-Term Care Facilities

Introductionu

Rapidly increasing aging population, making comprehensive care for theelderly a critical challengeuAdvance Care Planning (ACP) plays a crucial role in ensuring quality end-oflife care, respecting the dignity and values of elderly residents and theirfamilies.

uAims to explore the impact of workplace learning experiences on nurses'
competency in supporting elderly residents' decision-making in long-term carefacilities.

Research Objectivesu1. Assess nurses' understanding of their role in elderly residents’ Advance Care
Planning (ACP) process.

u

2. Identify challenges and barriers faced by nurses in participating in end-oflife care decision-making.

u

3. Explore the effectiveness of workplace learning on nurses' professional
growth and competency in ACP.

MethodologyuQualitative research design using semi-structured interviews.

uParticipants: Registered nurses and managers in aged care facilities.

uData Collection: Interviews were conducted to gather insights on workplacelearning and its impact on ACP competency.

uData Analysis: Thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes in theinterview data.

Qualitative
Research
Design:Semistructuredinterviews.

Participants:
Registerednurses andmanagers inaged carefacilities.

Data
Collection:
Conduct
interviews togather insights
on workplacelearning and its
impact on ACP
competency.

Data Analysis:
Performthematic
analysis toidentify
patterns andthemes in theinterview data.

Nurses’ Role in Aged Care FacilitiesuNurses are pivotal in providing comprehensive care, including physical,emotional, and psychosocial support to elderly residents.

u

They facilitate communication between residents, families, and thehealthcare team, ensuring residents' preferences are respected.

uNurses also play a crucial role in monitoring residents' health, managing
chronic conditions, and providing palliative care when necessary.

uInterview Guides Overview: The study will utilize semi-structured interviews
with registered nurses and managers in aged care facilities to explore theirroles in supporting elderly residents with decision-making, particularly in thecontext of Advance Care Planning (ACP).

uInterview Focus Areas:u

Nurses: Understanding their educational background, roles, workplace learning
experiences, and perceived competencies in ACP.

u

Managers: Understanding their perspective on nurses’ roles in ACP, challenges facedby nurses, and the effectiveness of workplace learning on nurses’ individual growth.

Interview Guides Key Focusu

Key Focus Areas of Interview Guidesuu

Nurses:uRole in decision-making support for elderly residents.

u

Experiences with workplace learning and ACP practice.

u

Challenges in balancing professional intervention with respecting residents’ autonomy.

Managers:u

Perspective on nurses’ roles and responsibilities in ACP.

u

Challenges observed in ACP discussions, including conflicts with other healthcare providers.

uStrategies for enhancing nurses’ competencies through workplace learning.

Cultural Sensitivity in ACP Discussionsu

In many Asian cultures, discussing death is often seen as taboo, which canhinder open communication about end-of-life care.

uStrategies to make ACP discussions more culturally sensitive include:uUsing culturally appropriate language and metaphors when discussing death anddying.

uProviding education to both healthcare providers and families about the benefitsof ACP.

u

Building trust with residents and families to encourage open dialogue about endof-life preferences.

Strategies to Improve ACP Discussionsu

To facilitate more effective ACP discussions, consider the following strategies:uIntegrate cultural competence training into nursing education and ongoingprofessional development.

u

Develop standardized guidelines and tools to help nurses initiate and conduct
ACP conversations.

u

Encourage a multidisciplinary approach, involving physicians, social workers
and other professionals to support holistic care.

uInsights from Interview Guides:u

Suggest enhancing cultural competence training.

u

Recommend involving multidisciplinary teams for holistic care support.

Integrate culturalcompetence
training• Include it in nursing educationand ongoing professional
development

Develop
standardized
guidelines andtools• Help nurses initiate and conduct
ACP conversations.

Encourage amultidisciplinary
approach• Involve physicians, socialworkers, and other professionals
to support holistic care.

Enhancing Communication SkillsuEffective communication is key to successful ACP discussions.

uTrainings focused on enhancing nurses' communication skills can help:u

Improve their ability to discuss sensitive topics like death and dying.

u

Foster a more empathetic and understanding approach when addressing residents'concerns.

uBuild confidence in handling difficult conversations with both residents and theirfamilies.

u

Advocate for residents and their families of their needs and wishes.

ConclusionuSummary of Research Objectives:uu

Methodology Overview:uu

The study will use semi-structured interviews with both nurses and managers to gather
insights into their roles, challenges, and strategies in ACP discussions.

Anticipated Outcomes:uu

To explore the roles of nurses in supporting decision-making for elderly residents in agedcare facilities, particularly concerning Advance Care Planning (ACP).

This research aims to identify key factors that influence effective ACP discussions and topropose strategies that can improve these discussions in aged care settings.

Future Implications:uThe findings will contribute to developing better training programs and policies that
support nurses in facilitating ACP, thereby enhancing the quality of care for elderly
residents.