notes

Introduction to the Fundamentals of Care Framework

• The Fundamentals of Care Framework defines the essentials for delivering safe, effective, high-quality care in healthcare settings for all recipients.

• Emphasizes the necessity of developing trusting therapeutic relationships between healthcare providers and care recipients, including families and carers.

• Stresses the integration of care recipient’s physical (nutrition, mobility) and psychosocial needs (communication, privacy, dignity).

• Relational actions of nurses, such as active listening and empathy, are crucial in mediating both types of needs.

• The context in which care occurs should facilitate the development of relationships and the integration of fundamental care needs.

Development and Purpose of the Framework

• Created by the International Learning Collaborative (ILC) based on expertise and experiences of its members.

• The Framework serves as the ILC’s position paper, guiding research and educational activities worldwide.

• Continually refined to meet the needs of clinicians, consumers, educators, and researchers globally.

• Key publication: Reclaiming and Redefining the Fundamentals of Care

  • Authors: Alison Kitson, Tiffany Conroy, Kerry Kuluski, Louise Locock, Renee Lyons.

  • Published by The University of Adelaide.

Key Aspects to Consider When Using the Framework

• Permission from ILC is required for use of the Framework image in non-commercial academic or research purposes (e.g., journals, reports).

• Commercial use requires contacting the ILC and may involve a fee.

• Proper citation is mandatory when using the Framework image.

• Translations of the Framework exist in multiple languages: English, Italian, French, Danish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Dutch, Finnish, Spanish, and Swedish.

Core Dimensions of the Framework

1. Trusting Therapeutic Relationships

   • Essential for effective care and mutual understanding.

2. Integration of Needs

   • Ensures comprehensive care addressing physical, psychosocial, and relational aspects.

3. Supportive Care Context

   • Environments must enable relationship development and integrated care.

Dimensions of Care

Dimension 1: The Relationship

• Key practices include:

  • Developing and Maintaining Trust.

  • Anticipating Care Recipient’s Needs.

  • Getting to Know the Care Recipient for personalized care.

  • Evaluating the relationship's quality and outcomes.

Dimension 2: Integration of Care

• Physical Fundamentals

  • Personal cleansing and hygiene.

  • Toileting needs, nutrition (eating/drinking), and mobility.

  • Comfort management (pain control, temperature).

  • Safety assessments & infection prevention.

  • Medication management.

• Psychosocial Fundamentals

  • Importance of communication (both verbal and non-verbal).

  • Maintenance of privacy, dignity, and respect.

  • Ensuring emotional well-being and education.

• Relational Fundamentals

  • Actions like active listening, being present, and showing compassion.

  • Involvement of families and carers in the care process.

  • Assisting patients with goal setting and emotional stability.

Dimension 3: The Context of Care

• Impact of policy and systemic factors on providers' ability to deliver integrated care.

• Crucial in establishing a conducive environment for relationship building and holistic care.