Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Collegian

Volume

32

Issue

2

First Page

142

Last Page

148

Publisher

Elsevier

School

Centre for Research in Aged Care / School of Nursing and Midwifery

RAS ID

78849

Comments

Saunders, R., Crookes, K., Leach, T., Ang, S. G. M., Bulsara, C., Ewens, B., ... & Gallagher, O. (2025). Observing nursing assistant companions supporting older adults in hospital: A cross-sectional study. Collegian, 32(3), 142-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2025.03.003

Abstract

Background: Hospital environments may cause or exacerbate behavioural and psychological symptoms of older adults with cognitive impairment. Many hospitals in Australia employ staff as companions to provide constant observation and additional support for those with cognitive impairment and/or at risk of falls; however, little is known about the activities of this role. Aim: To examine the activities of assistant in nursing companions allocated to older patients in hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study design using an observation tool was conducted at an acute metropolitan hospital in Western Australia. A nonparticipant nurse conducted the observations. Descriptive statistical analysis explored the data and frequencies reported. Findings: Ninety-three observations were completed over a one-month period. Assistants in nursing companions were observed providing direct support to patients in less than half of the observations (49%), while 27% of observations recorded assistants in nursing in other activities, and 24% of observations recorded no active support. During direct support, 40% were undertaking diversionary activities. Environmental safety measures were met for most observations. Most patient surveillance forms were completed (95%); cognitive support plans were not completed for 68% of patients. Discussion: Assistant in nursing companions under the direction of registered nurses can increase patient safety and provide therapeutic engagement; however, they may not be utilised to their full potential. Conclusion: This role is part of contemporary patient care. It is essential that training is provided to both assistants in nursing and nurses who prepare and supervise them to ensure an effective contribution to patient safety and care quality.

DOI

10.1016/j.colegn.2025.03.003

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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