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. 2019 Sep:38 Suppl 2:90-97.
doi: 10.1111/ajag.12610.

An examination of organisational policies for healthcare and lifestyle decision-making among Australian aged care providers

Craig Sinclair  1 , Sue Field  2 , Meredith Blake  2 , Helen Radoslovich  3
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Free article

An examination of organisational policies for healthcare and lifestyle decision-making among Australian aged care providers

Craig Sinclair et al. Australas J Ageing. 2019 Sep.
Free article

Abstract

Objective: Examine policies of aged care organisations relating to healthcare and lifestyle decision-making.

Methods: Seven aged care organisations submitted policy documents. Policies were analysed using the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) "Decision-Making Principles" as a framework. Senior staff (N = 9) with policy development roles participated in follow-up interviews.

Results: The structure and content of policy documents varied significantly between organisations. Most acknowledged the need to support the rights of care recipients in decision-making; however, the nature of this support was often unclear. Interview themes included factors relating to "organisational contexts" "policy development and implementation" and "ethical challenges." An overarching theme among high-performing organisations was "proactive response aimed at pre-empting decision-making dilemmas". We provide recommendations for policy development, including a self-assessment audit tool.

Conclusion: Aged care provider organisations may need to review policies in the areas of healthcare and lifestyle decision-making to meet current best practice principles.

Keywords: aged care; decision-making; dementia; policy.

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