Name Badges – Change Day 2016
By Nurse Manager, Kaupapa Ward, AnaMaria Watene.
Two years ago one of our Kuia voiced her concerns with Dr Kate
Grimwade, that when staff entered her room she was never able
to clearly identify who they were, and what role they played in her
health care. She said the lanyards staff wore, failed to identify
them clearly as they dangled and sometimes close to her face.
This observation prompted a patient and staff survey, to explore
the issue further. The results revealed that patients did indeed
have difficulties reading staff I.D badges depending on where
and how staff wore their badges.
As a result, on Change Day 2015 a pledge was actioned that
clinical staff would wear name badges that clearly identified
their name and designation. This initiative was piloted on the
Kaupapa Ward and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Kaupapa Staff badges have the staff members surname
displayed as that’s how our Kaupapa patients identify and a
connection is made through whanaungatanga. The sharing of
identity strengthens interpersonal rapport between staff and
Māori patients which studies have demonstrated improves Māori
health outcomes.
All staff working on the Level 2 medical floor received their name
badges in time for Change Day this year. Patient feedback
about the initiative has been positive.
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