NMC publishes new holistic care resources
The NMC’s latest campaign, ‘Seeing the whole person supports better care’, supports nursing professionals to continue to think holistically when providing care; to see the whole person and reflect on how the standards can support this in everyday practice.
There are many factors that impact a person’s health, wellbeing and recovery, including their mental and physical wellbeing, spiritual beliefs, cognitive health and social and personal circumstances. Thinking holistically is therefore vital to delivering the person-centred care people can expect.
That’s why the NMC has launched, ‘Seeing the whole person supports better care’.
It supports nurses to apply their professional judgement and knowledge to meet people’s needs and encourages them to draw on appropriate expertise from across all fields of practice.
The NMC has produced a series of case studies that share the experiences of nurses, and the positive impact holistic care has on people who use services and their families. It encourages professionals to read these examples and reflect on how seeing the person as a whole can continue to improve their own practice.
Its helpful aid also helps professionals to reflect on the importance of holistic care in delivering the best possible care for people. It can be used to support individual and group reflection, including during revalidation.
Sam Foster, NMC Executive Nurse Director of Professional Practice, said: “There is so much more to a person than the personal health goal, or illness or condition, they’re being treated for.
“Who they are as an individual does so much to determine their health and care journey.
“As nurses, we have a responsibility to involve and understand people and their needs, beliefs and circumstances, and ensure that the continuity of their care is truly person-centred.
“The Code and our standards are here to help nurses reflect on the importance of holistic care, and apply it to their day-to-day practice for the benefit of the public.
“We hope our resources prove a useful guide for professionals as they deliver the safe, effective and kind care people should always expect.”