Make the time to talk
The team at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital is getting involved in celebrating international What Matters to You? Day.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde ( NHSGGC) is encouraging as many people as possible to have a ‘what matters to you?’ conversation with friends, family, or children they are supporting or caring for.
This year, the event is encouraging more meaningful conversations between those who provide and receive health and social care.
Almost 600 teams across 21 countries have registered to take part in the day, which highlights international efforts to improve health and social care by understanding the things that are really important in people’s lives.
NHSGGC is at the forefront of this international movement, with staff playing a leading role in developing the protocols that provide a consistent and reliable process to guide ‘ what matters’ conversations.
Dr Margaret McGuire, nurse director at the health board, said: “This internat i o nal day of awareness raising is being celebrated at the RAH.
“It really is a wonderful opportunity for patients and visitors to meet with staff and really understand the huge benefits of person centred care.
“We know from our experience, and growing international evidence, that focusing on what really matters to people can play a large part in the quality and effectiveness of their care.
“This type of approach can help staff and patients in a range of ways.
“It helps to establish a relationship, but it also helps staff to understand the person in the context of their own life and the things that are most important to them.
“As a result, RAH staff are in a much better position to work with the person to find the best way forward for them.
“When you have this type of conversation about the things that really matter to people it helps our staff do their job more effectively and it helps the person to live the sort of life that is meaningful and fulfilling for them.”
Dr McGuire says asking the question is becoming a fundamental part of discussions with patients.
She added: “Shared decision- making is not a one-way process of our staff sharing information about options and risks to their patient.
“It is a two-way relationship of helping people to reflect on, and express, their preferences based on their personal circumstances, expectations, beliefs and values.”
To mark the day, on Tuesday, RAH staff will have an information stand in the main concourse , staff will be giving out stickers and badges promoting the day in all areas of the hospital, and balloons and boards will be spread across the main atrium.