Additional Care Resources

Support model of care change and enhance capability of Unit Managers and Associate Unit Managers through implementation of the Additional Care Resources procedure and supporting material.

Additional Care Resources may be required for patients who require increased levels of observation and/or nursing intervention (that are additional to regulated nursing/midwifery staffing resources). This may include patients requiring 1:1 nursing care or 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 nursing care or supportive care provided by a HCW/PCA, Security Guard or additional resource to support clinical care across an entire clinical area.

Additional Care Resources may be required in the provision of optimal care for patients who present a risk to themselves, other patients or to the staff caring for them due to changes in behaviour, cognition, health status and/or a deterioration in mental health status (not exhaustive list of possible contributing factors).

The use of Additional Care Resources (formerly known as specialling) is an intervention that is sometimes necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff and visitors.

Clinical assessment and decision making is required to inform the use of Additional Care Resources in order to support patients to remain independent, maximise their well-being and improve outcomes, while reducing the risk and incidence of deterioration or harm to themselves and others.

Aim

Utilisation of Additional Care Resources optimised through enhanced critical thinking and decision making, and outcomes enhanced through skill alignment and handover processes.