Psychology student's wellbeing tool could improve dementia patients' hospital experience


A Psychology student at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is working to improve dementia patients' experience in hospital.

Jasmin Gill has received positive feedback for her project - a tool that gives a snapshot of a patient's wellbeing.

Jasmin main

The 21-year-old has developed the idea as part of her role with the Patient Experience team at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, after being asked her to think of different ways of getting feedback

The tool allows you to quickly spot if something is wrong, so take action to remedy the situation.

Jasmin said: "Seeing where patients are in terms of wellbeing plays a massive part in their hospital experience. But it is difficult to get feedback because dementia is a cognitive disorder.

"Many other places do something along the same principle, mainly based on observation. I looked at how to get verbal and non-verbal responses.

"The wellbeing interaction tool can be used in five minutes to get a snapshot of the patient and pick up on things that need changing quickly.

"We know all these things, but I have put it on paper to quantify it."

With the help of UHL's dementia sister, Jasmin has also devised a wellbeing pyramid.

Jasmin said: "The wellbeing tool and pyramid is still being developed. I have pitched to the Patient Experience team, but it would have to be trialled first.

"It would be nice to see it in use."

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Now in her final year, Jasmin originally chose to study at DMU because of the emphasis on employability, plus encouragement from her mum, a former student.

She said: "I have enjoyed all of it - the lectures, the layout of campus and the content of the course. It keeps you wanting more."

Jasmin has had some tough times during her studies, including family illness and bereavement, but says being at university has helped.

She said: "DMU gives you skills to cope with whatever happens, so can make things better for you and your family."

Jasmin's career aspiration is to be a clinical psychologist, and while it's unusual for someone so young to be accepted on the relevant PhD, her activities will help.

Psychology lecturer Dr Jess Hall said: "At DMU we focus on employment, but it is the students who take advantage of the opportunities available to them who are most likely to succeed.

"Jasmin is an exceptional student. All of this will give her a head start and count towards her employability module credits."

Posted on Wednesday 19 October 2016

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