AN EXPLORATION INTO SERVICE USER AND CARER’S EXPERIENCES WITH TWENTY-FOUR-HOUR POSTURAL CARE
Abstract
Background: Inappropriate 24hrPC can cause severe and life-threatening complications as
well as reducing the service user’s ability to participate in activities. This qualitative research
project aims to explore service user and carer’s experiences with 24-hour postural care
(24hrPC) in order to better inform staff working on the Posture Management Steering Group
in Lothian.
Method: This study used a phenomenological approach to account for accurate
representation of the service users’ lived experiences with 24hrPC. This was done through 6
semi-structured interviews using a topic guide, three with service users and three with carers
speaking on behalf of their adult children. These interviews were then transcribed, taking
care to remove any identifiable information and interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA)
was applied to interpret the data.
Results: Overall, six themes from service users were identified and 7 themes with
associated sub-themes were identified from carers. The main findings highlighted the
importance of the relationship developed between staff and service users and how it affects
the delivery of 24hrPC. They also emphasised that equipment is essential for everyday life
but that there are various challenges with provision of appropriate equipment and support
from professionals. Communication was highlighted as being a key factor in 24hrPC but
could be a barrier when not occurring between professionals.
Conclusion: This study highlighted several areas for further research which should focus
on; the benefits of increased 24hrPC training for staff, development of an assessment tool
for referrals, quality evidence evaluating night time positioning equipment and a stronger
focus on service user’s thoughts and experiences with 24hrPC.It would also be beneficial to
confirm the findings of this research in a larger-scale study and to consider interviewing
service users and their unpaid carer together to increase accuracy of data.