Files and links (1)
CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Observing nursing assistant companions supporting older adults in hospital: A cross-sectional study
Collegian (Royal College of Nursing, Australia), Vol.32(3), pp.142-148
2025
Abstract
Background
Hospital environments may cause or exacerbate behavioural and psychological symptoms of older adults with cognitive impairment. Many hospitals in Australia employ staff as companions to provide constant observation and additional support for those with cognitive impairment and/or at risk of falls; however, little is known about the activities of this role.
Aim
To examine the activities of assistant in nursing companions allocated to older patients in hospital.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design using an observation tool was conducted at an acute metropolitan hospital in Western Australia. A nonparticipant nurse conducted the observations. Descriptive statistical analysis explored the data and frequencies reported.
Findings
Ninety-three observations were completed over a one-month period. Assistants in nursing companions were observed providing direct support to patients in less than half of the observations (49%), while 27% of observations recorded assistants in nursing in other activities, and 24% of observations recorded no active support. During direct support, 40% were undertaking diversionary activities. Environmental safety measures were met for most observations. Most patient surveillance forms were completed (95%); cognitive support plans were not completed for 68% of patients.
Discussion
Assistant in nursing companions under the direction of registered nurses can increase patient safety and provide therapeutic engagement; however, they may not be utilised to their full potential.
Conclusion
This role is part of contemporary patient care. It is essential that training is provided to both assistants in nursing and nurses who prepare and supervise them to ensure an effective contribution to patient safety and care quality.
Details
- Title
- Observing nursing assistant companions supporting older adults in hospital: A cross-sectional study
- Authors/Creators
- Rosemary Saunders (Author/Creator) - Edith Cowan UniversityKate Crookes (Author/Creator) - School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, AustraliaTania Leach (Author) - Joondalup Health Campus, Perth, WA, AustraliaSeng Giap Marcus Ang (Author) - Edith Cowan UniversityCaroline Bulsara (Author) - The University of Notre Dame AustraliaBev Ewens (Author)Michelle Gay (Author) - Centre for Research in Aged Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, AustraliaKarla Seaman (Author) - Macquarie UniversityPaige Watkins (Author) - Centre for Research in Aged Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, AustraliaChristopher Etherton-Beer (Author) - Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, AustraliaOlivia Gallagher (Author) - School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Publication Details
- Collegian (Royal College of Nursing, Australia), Vol.32(3), pp.142-148
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Nursing Ltd.
- Number of pages
- 7
- Identifiers
- 991005856088407891
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Metrics
1 File views/ downloads
3 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.23 Antibiotics & Antimicrobials
- 1.23.846 Naming Practices
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nursing
- ESI research areas
- Clinical Medicine