People work together to plan how they could work towards achieving aspirations set out in the envision phase. It is important that all those involved work together to plan the way forward. This includes residents, staff, families and other stakeholders, for example the care inspectorate. In order to work together to co-create we need to focus again on using caring conversations, where we are curious to consider other perspectives, we collaborate compromise and celebrate.
Focusing on each of the positive care practices developed during the envision phase discussions should be facilitated with all involved.
After sharing the image and associated positive care practice with those involved ask the following questions:
- How do you feel about the positive caring practice statement?
- Does this practice happen most of the time?
- What helps it to happen?
- Would we like this to happen more of the time and what would help us to do this?
The two short videos show discussions using caring conversations to explore possible ways in which practice could be developed.
In the first video the staff had received feedback from a relative that the laundry system had worked well in another care home. Staff discussed this feedback and the facilitator used caring conversations to help them to explore their reaction to this feedback.
In the second video the appreciative inquirer shared with a member of staff how she felt about the language in a poster that was presented on the wall about protective mealtimes. They discussed, using caring conversations, how they might develop the poster to reflect a more dignified and compassionate message.
Notice how the appreciative inquirer shares how she feels about the word ‘refrain’ rather than saying that this was not appropriate language. Sharing how you feel is a powerful way of engaging as feelings cannot be disputed. Notice also that the staff nurse values knowledge from the person who has had the experience by asking her what she would suggest would make this better. The staff nurse recognises that she is not necessarily the expert and strives to consider other people’s perspectives by exploring this further with relatives.
Particular questions that help to value what has worked well with the new developments can include:
- How did we go about things? Did we do them well?
- Who did we reach – and how did they react?
- Who did we not engage with, and why?
- What actions did we take and what did we achieve?
- What were the direct, lasting impacts for managers?
- What were the wider influences on behaviours, practices and relationships within the home?
- What contribution was made to quality of life for all?
- What will help developments continue in the future?
- What issues remain and what broader issues need to be addressed?
Read the next section:
Embed