Developing the OSCaRS – Research and Evidence
The Initial Study – OSCaRS: “Online Supportive Conversations and Reflective Sessions”
This study looked at the feasibility and effectiveness of ‘Online Supportive Conversations and Reflection Sessions’ (OSCaRS) during the 1st wave of the COVId-19 pandemic.
The work was carried out by a team of researchers affiliated to Lothian’s Care Home Innovation Partnership (CHiP). Dr Julie Watson & Dr Jo Hockley (University of Edinburgh) undertook the OSCaRS and the project was evaluated by Lucy Johnston (Edinburgh Napier University).
34 staff attended 11 OSCaRS; not only were they found to be feasible but were really appreciated by the staff who attended them. Follow the link below to read the report.
Online Supportive Conversations and Reflection Sessions (OSCaRS) – A Feasibility Study with care home staff during the pandemic
Further Study, Evaluation and Implementation
January 2021 – January 2022
Team:
- Led by Dr Susan Shenkin (Reader and Honorary Consultant Geriatrician, University of Edinburgh/NHS Lothian)
- Dr Jo Hockley (Edinburgh University)
- Dr Julie Watson (Edinburgh University)
- Lucy Johnston (Edinburgh University)
- Jacqueline Murray (NHS Lothian)
The team secured funding from Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation (ELHF) to develop a team of practitioners to roll-out OSCaRS up to 50 Care Homes across the Lothians.
Evaluation – January 2022
The evaluation was presented in January 2022. It confirmed the positive impact of OSCaRS as a proactive vehicle for the provision of palliative and end of life care practice-based learning and emotional support for Care Home staff. Feedback received from the participating care homes was overwhelmingly positive.
The roll out demonstrated that OSCaRS is an effective and flexible model for providing support and context specific practice-based learning either as a planned regular monthly activity or in response to unexpected and sudden deaths.
The OSCaRS was moved to sit within NHS Lothian Care Home Programme Team and renamed ‘Ongoing Supportive Conversations and Reflective Sessions’. Follow link below to read the Report:
From Online to Ongoing: The Roll Out of Supportive Conversations and Reflection Sessions (OSCaRS) with Care Home Staff in Lothian
What are OSCaRS
OSCaRS are reflective debriefing sessions. The aim is to facilitate practice-based learning and support staff around palliative and end of life care, in relation to a recent death of a resident within the care home.
OSCaRS facilitate a process of new learning which helps staff identify what needs to change and affirms what is working well – this is of great value to staff to have the good work they are doing recognised and affirmed.
OSCaRS also provide an opportunity for staff to value each other’s experiences through a caring educational conversation.
We value opinions and feedback.
All Care Homes involved in the OSCaRS will be allocated a Facilitator, to provide continuity in the delivery of an OSCaRS. All Facilitators come with a great wealth of knowledge, training and experience, from within Palliative Care, Clinical Education, Care Homes and Community Nursing. Facilitators use the OSCaRS model for the provision of palliative and end-of-life care practice-based learning and emotional support for Care Home staff.
The OSCaRS Session
The duration of an OSCaR session is approximately 45 minutes and 1- 6 people are welcome to attend each session. Sessions are open to everyone who works in the Care Home e.g., domestic staff, carers, porters and nursing staff.
Where
The sessions are held within the Care Home, providing a safe space to discuss and share staff experiences openly and confidentially. This is hugely beneficial for staff as each session is interactive and provides education, reassurance and feedback whilst maintaining confidentiality.
Who leads the OSCaRS
All Care Homes are allocated an OSCaRS Facilitator who will use the OSCaRS model to facilitate discussion in sessions with staff.
What happens in a session
The OSCaRS Facilitator will help Care Home staff to reflect on the recent death of a resident or a situation that involves palliative care. The session will focus on and explore:
- The events leading up to the resident’s death or incident
- Reflecting on what staff felt went well
- Reflecting on what staff felt didn’t go well
- What might have been done differently
After the session – Communication and Record Keeping
At the end of each session the Facilitator will forward an email to the Care Home manager. The email will highlight the learning outcomes from the session, including a list of staff who attended the session. The Care Home manager may wish to keep these documents as evidence of staff participation in education, including evidence of good practice for the Care Inspectorate.
Contact and more information
If you’d like further information or a chat about the OSCaRS and how you and your Care Home can become involved please contact: loth.oscars@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
