There is a paucity of existing, fit-for-purpose, guidance to effectively support the aged care workforce to deliver evidence-based practice. Decision Support Tools (DST) can improve the accessibility and usefulness of research evidence by incorporating easy-to-follow diagrams that depict a comprehensive workflow. The key aim of DSTs is to optimise clinical outcomes and thereby reduce clinical incidents/complaints by building aged care workforce capacity. Therefore, this project aims to design, implement and evaluate a DST to assist aged care staff to utilise an evidence-based and person-centred approach to care. Collaborating with frontline staff and other stakeholders, the project team will carry out the following activities:
- Phase 1: Co-designing a decision support tool, testing it, learning, and adapting;
- Phase 2: Preparing for implementation with the co-design of an implementation playbook;
- Phase 3: DST implementation and evaluation.
Over 12-months, this project will generate 1) a co-designed and ready-to implement DST addressing a prioritised problem in the context of the residential and/or community care setting, 2) co-designed implementation strategies to support the adoption and penetration of DSTs, 3) a Aged Care Collaborative Application Form | 9 DST that is usable, acceptable and have impact in the aged care context, and 4) ultimately, a playbook to plan and execute the implementation of forthcoming DSTs.
"This grant will assist Bolton Clarke in the co-design and implementation of a decision support tool intended to promote best practices in aged and community care settings. The project aims to provide a resource that supports high standards of care for older Australians, regardless of their location."
Stuart Donohoe, Acting head of Clinical &Service Governance at Bolton Clarke