Safeguarding vulnerable adults: learning from the reflective assignments of pre-registration students in the adult field of nursing practice
| Published date | 09 February 2015 |
| Pages | 31-40 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-03-2014-0013 |
| Date | 09 February 2015 |
| Author | Emma L. Stevens,Katie Cook |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Adult protection |
Safeguarding vulnerable adults: learning
from the reflective assignments of
pre-registration students in the adult field
of nursing practice
Emma L. Stevens and Katie Cook
Emma L. Stevens is the
Safeguarding Adults
Practitioner, based at Adult
Services Department, City
Health Care Partnership CIC,
Hull, UK.
Katie Cook is a Practice
Learning Facilitator, based at
Education and Training
Department, Hull and East
Yorkshire Hospitals Trust,
Hull, UK.
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to identify safeguarding concerns for vulnerable adults, including
exploring the implementation of safeguarding policy and procedures into practice. This was achieved by
reviewing the content of reflective assignments written by pre-registration student nurses, identifying areas
of concerns and proposing action plans.
Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach was initially utilised to scrutinise a random
10 per cent sample of work, which was thematically analysed. From this, an audit tool was devised and
then applied to evaluate a 35 per cent sample of work from the following cohort of students. Approval
and consent was gained.
Findings – From the initial 10 per cent sample, themes emerged around: practice issues; areas for
student’s development and marking or assessment issues. The standardised audit tool was devised and
applied to a 35 per cent random sample of work. This determined that students identified local safeguarding
policies and procedures were being followed in the majority of placement areas, although application
of the Mental Capacity Act remained inconsistent.
Research limitations/implications – The assessor feedback from the reflective assignments was not
available to the reviewers, limiting the reviewers ability to identify if assessors had recognised and corrected
any policy or practice issues that the student raised. Only assignments from the adult field of nursing
were considered within the scope of this study. The authors recommend further empirical investigation
into this area.
Practical implications – This paper offers knowledge that can be applied in practice within both academic
and health care provider services that deliver and facilitate nursing education. It has generated an audit
tool that can be utilised to evaluate the knowledge of pre-registration students and has resulted in the
implementation of safeguarding adults policies within an academic institution.
Originality/value – Safeguarding adults concerns may be identified through studying pre-registration
student assignments and promptly acting upon any concerns raised. Aspects of good practice can be
acknowledged within health care provider services.
Keywords Safeguarding, Reflective practice, Mentor, Nurse, Patient safety,Vulnerable adults
Paper type Viewpoint
Background
Pre-registration nursing students undertaking clinical placements can provide additional
scrutiny into care delivered by health services. They may act as impartial observers into staff
culture, behaviours and attitudes that are often not noticed by insiders nor given the opportunity
for “outsiders” to observe. In order to effectively safeguard vulnerable adults, organisational
culture should involve strong leadership and appropriately trained and empowered staff who are
The authors would like to thank
Jackie Wright for facilitating the
audits and action plans. Also
thanks to Lorna Auty and Joanne
Deighton for assisting with the
audits. Additionally, the authors
would like to thank Carol
Mackintosh-Franklin for her
invaluable advice and support
with the work.
DOI 10.1108/JAP-03-2014-0013 VOL. 17 NO. 1 2015, pp. 31-40, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1466-8203
j
THE JOURNAL OF ADULT PROTECTION
j
PAGE 31
To continue reading
Request your trial