Evaluation of an Innovative Approach to Person- Centred Care Planning: A Multi- Phase Study

Aim(s): To evaluate how the documentation process was impacted by the implementation of the PACE Framework and its influ
ence on the development of person- centred practice.
Design: A research evaluation was conducted using a two- phase sequential approach, underpinned by the Person- centred
Nursing Framework.
Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. Phase one generated mainly quantitative data using the person- centred nurs
ing KPIs. Phase two generated qualitative data using one- to- one interviews. The study was conducted in a region within the
United Kingdom and involved a range of clinical practice settings within acute care, across five healthcare organisations.
Results: The study findings indicate that PACE provides a vehicle for registered nurses to engage in effective person- centred processes.
The PACE documentation was also viewed as a means of promoting a holistic approach, shifting the attention of registered nurses
from a primary focus on clinical care and associated tasks towards an appreciation of understanding other perspectives of the patient
as a person. Additionally, within the PACE initiative, education sessions, follow- up support and resource materials, delivered by local
facilitators, all contributed towards involving registered nurses in the process and reducing perceived barriers to implementation.
Conclusion: This study's findings confirm that the implementation of PACE has had a positive impact on the development of person-
centred practice and on the experience of care for patients, their significant others and for registered nursing staff. The findings also
reflected the complex blending of the art and science of nursing, placing nurses in an ideal position to deliver person- centred care.
Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: This research evaluation provides evidence that effective person- centred
care planning has an impact on the quality of nursing care provided to patients.
Reporting Method: This study adhered to the GRAMMS guidelines, which are relevant to the reporting of mixed method studies.
Patient or Public Contribution: The Research Team sought valued contributions from a Service User and Carer Group based
in the School of Nursing and Midwifery Queen's University Belfast at various stages