Care providers are committed to a shift in perspective in the care of elderly individuals and women in the perinatal stage

Elderly people and pregnant women or women who have recently had a baby have in common the need to be cared for with a different, empathetic and accessible approach which understands their needs over and above medical aspects. This is one of the conclusions of the 4th Hospital SJD Sant Boi Healthcare Conference, held today at the Parc Sanitari Joan de Deú, which in particular addressed care for the elderly and perinatal care where humanisation is a prerequisite for achieving excellence.

A new approach to caring for elderly patients in an acute hospital

The progressive ageing of the population is prompting healthcare providers to rethink the way they care for the elderly, who make up the largest group of patients attended at Hospital SJD Sant Boi.

"The instruments for caring for these people ethically are words, gestures and presence," argued Dr Montserrat Esquerda, a specialist in bioethics and end-of-life care, in her talk on looking after the elderly in an acute hospital. The shift in the approach to this patient profile, which is often complex, is crucial when it comes to delivering ethical care. The Implicit Association Test shows that 60% of people are prejudiced against the elderly.

Besides the human aspect, several studies have shown that such empathy-based care has numerous benefits for people including reducing the pain and stress associated with care procedures and faster recovery. “It's not about doing more but rather how you do it,” pointed out Dr Esquerda, adding that “the greater the vulnerability, the greater the respect needed.”

New resources for tackling perinatal mental health

Figures presented at the conference show that 75% of women in the perinatal stage will never be diagnosed or treated for any mental health-related problem. However, 1 in 4 pregnant women or women who have recently had a baby have an emotional disorder and 7 out of 10 hide or minimise mental health symptoms. To turn this situation around, the Hospital is running healthcare and research projects to help prevent mental health disorders.

This is the case of the Breastfeeding Workshop, which in spite of its long history at the Hospital now has a new focus on prevention in maternal mental health. "The contact and suckling of the newborn when we breastfeed secretes oxytocin and helps prevention," says Rebeca Heras, the nurse in charge of the Breastfeeding Workshop. "However, in the workshop we also support all types of breastfeeding, building networks, furnishing a venue for venting feelings and answering questions to cope with the challenge of being a new mother."

On the technological side, the Parc Sanitari SJD's Innovation and Research Unit has presented LaiaHealth, an app caring for the mental health of women and mothers in the preconception, pregnancy and postpartum stages to prevent emotional disorders such as postpartum depression and help them enhance their wellbeing.

The conference featured three discussion panels led by three expert speakers on the topic of each block. Five-minute presentations additionally showcased projects in geriatric care, maternal and child health and new initiatives rolled out at the Hospital.

"We not only care for people but also for processes, ideas and connections. Humanisation has to be the prerequisite for achieving excellence," said Caridad Torrens, Assistant Director at Hospital SJD Sant Boi.