THE ROLE OF THE KEYWORKER
WORKING WITH STROKE PATIENTS
LINDA LAWDEN
BRYNHEULOG WARD NEWTOWN
INTRODUCTION 5 STROKE CARE BEDS
REHABILITATION
ALL WALES STROKE PATHWAY
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE KEYWORKER
DEFINITION OF A KEYWORKER THE KEY WORKER IS A “person who, with the patients’ consent
and agreement, takes a key role in co-ordinating the patients care and promotes continuity, ensuring the patient knows who to access for information and advice”
(NICE, 2004)
WHAT IS A KEY WORKER
Key worker
Support and plan discharge
advocate
Answer questions
Attend goal planning meetings
Assist with patient journals
Keep patient up to date
with progress
Provide support
WHO IS THE KEYWORKER
The key worker can be any qualified member of the MDT
It is likely that the key worker will be a nurse, unless other problems are identified
Will be allocated based on referral information and off duty on day of transfer
Will be supported by a lead therapist
HOW TO TAKE THIS FORWARD Met to discuss my project with Michelle
Price(Consultant Therapist) Discussed Teaching other Staff Nurses Devised a teaching pack Weekly goal planning meetings Arranged a visit to the Stroke ward at
Shrewsbury
SOME OF THE PROBLEMS FACED Part time staff Staff absences Poor continuity
SBAR
SITUATION Need a reliable person No clear roles and responsibilities Need to involve patients and their
families Need to improve discharge information
BACKGROUND
Clinical team at Newtown have been working towards the stroke care bundles for 2 years
Initially Sister was key worker to all stroke patients
Project looked at involving other trained nurses taking on the key worker role
ASSESSMENT No clear goals Key worker role is pivotal Nurses work shifts Introduction of therapists as key workers
RECOMMENDATIONS Each patient is now given a therapist as
key worker Each patient should have a specified
stroke support nurse The patient experience is vital in
rehabilitation Learning curve for all staff at Newtown
THE END I would like to thank you all for listening
Linda Lawden Brynheulog ward Newtown Tel- 01686 617214 [email protected]