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mccormack B. (2004) International Journal of Older People Nursing in association with Journal of Clinical Nursing 13, 3a, 31–38 Person-centredness in gerontological nursing: an overview of the literature Person-centred practice is a recurring theme in gerontological nursing literature. While there are many descriptive accounts of attempts at developing person-centred practice, in reality, there are few studies that identify the benefits of this way of working. Thus far, systematic research into person-centred nursing practice is poorly developed. This paper aims to explore the concept of person-centredness and person-centred practice in order to add clarity to discussions about the term in the context of gerontological nursing. This literature-based exploration discusses the meaning of the word ‘person’ and the way this word is translated into person-centred practice. It is argued that there are four concepts underpinning person-centred nursing: (i) being in relation; (ii) being in a social world; (iii) being in place and (iv) being with self. The articulation of these concepts through existing models of person-centred practice in nursing raises the recurring themes of knowing the person, the centrality of values, biography, relationships, seeing beyond the immediate needs and authenticity. There is a need for further research and development work in gerontological nursing to distinguish between person-centred practice and good quality care for older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper presents an overview of the work of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in developing an assessment tool to determine the need for registered nursing by older people in continuing care. • In the past, healthcare has been provided free and social care ‘means-tested’. • The erosion of the NHS’s responsibility for continuing care provision through the development of eligibility criteria has resulted in the majority of older people having their care services means-tested, including their nursing care. • The RCN has argued that older people have inter-related health and social care needs, that nursing care is an integral component of healthcare provision and that therefore older people should not have to pay for nursing care. • This paper describes the work undertaken by the RCN to develop a tool for use in assessing older people’s need for registered nursing – ‘The RCN Nursing Older People Assessment Tool’. • The underpinning theoretical framework is outlined and the process of constructing the tool is described. • In addition, the stages of assessment using the tool are outlined. • A pilot study in seven nursing homes managed by three different companies was undertaken to test the reliability and acceptability of the tool. 178 paired assessments were completed (89% of the intended sample). • The results of the pilot study demonstrated that the tool has a high degree of reliability and acceptability. • Further testing of the tool is recommended using a larger sample of nursing home residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The notion of clinical leadership is significant in current nursing practice, particularly since recommendations made by the Department of Health in 'The Strategy for Nursing'. However, while it is a concept that many nurses aspire to implement, in reality the operationalizing of such a concept is fraught with difficulty. • This paper aims to explore the issue of clinical leadership through a collegiate model developed in a particular practice area. • The development of this collegiate relationship is articulated through the mediums of reflective practice and clinical supervision. • A model of collegiality is offered as an approach to the integration of the spheres of clinical leadership. • If reflective practice is to be a reality then it is essential that both clinical leaders and practitioners engage in such processes within a supportive culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the second of two articles which addresses the subject of intuition and its relevance in practice and to curriculum development. • Ways by which nurse educators can learn to value the concept of intuition and integrate it into the curriculum are discussed. • Following examination of the concept of intuition, some solutions are offered. • Research concerning the measurement of intuition in nursing practice is analyzed. • Concepts of intuition and the role of intuitive thinking in nursing practice are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first of two articles which address the subject of intuition and its relevance in practice and to curriculum development. • Few words used by philosophers and educators arouse as much confusion as the term `intuition', yet it is recognized that few terms embrace such promising concepts. The nature of what is meant by intuition is discussed in this paper. • The relevance of intuition to nursing is discussed and its importance in decision making addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the practice development, which is comprised of social and cultural conditions. He suggests that practice development is a sytematic approach to work with clinicians and service users by developing person-centredness. It is mentioned that staff development and health education should be reformed to improve development practice.

Comments on the articles on the importance of place in older people nursing, published in the September 2, 2005 issue of the "International Journal of Older People Nursing." Contextual information provided by geographical gerontology; Potential of geographical gerontology to provide critical and direct evidence for practice; Role of place in the concepts of gerontological nursing practice.

Comments on the implication of the involvement of service users in care, services and policy on nursing development; Enhancement of the contribution of older people to nursing; Value base of person-centered care; Keypoints about person-centered nursing care.

Introduces articles in the second issue 2004 of the periodical "International Journal of Older People Nursing,". Theme of empowerment in papers in the section one of the publication; Papers analyzing barriers to medical care.

Comments on the incorporation of respect for older people in care settings to the government policy in Great Britain. Problems associated with a lack of respect to older people; Consideration of repeated exposure to situations that challenge the value systems can result in a lack of respect for broader societal values; Consequences of non-person-centered environments.

Comments on issues relevant to nursing care for the aged. Emphasis on patient choice for nurses to fully perform their duties; Challenges to the removal of barriers to effective care; Strategies for patient empowerment.

Focuses on key issues in gerontological nursing that have a direct impact on practice. Definition of practice development; Overview of the philosophy of personhood; Discussion of the concept of person-centered practice in the context of gerontological nursing.