Wheatfields Inc.
Our Journey to Evidence
Based Practice
Our Organisation

44 Bed NFP Rural Aged Care Facility in
Freeling

Managed by a voluntary Board of
Directors

Staff of 80 with average age of 51

2 visiting doctors
Identified Areas of Concern
Time to Document
 Differing opinions of what is ‘Best Care’
 Access to information
 Computer illiterate cohort
 Resistance to change
 Increased demands to be on top of our
game
 Meeting Accreditation standards
 Communication

Strategic Plan

Absolute confidence in our care

Planned approach, not adhoc.

Affordable

Positive outcomes for residents

Positive outcomes for staff
Assessed Resident Needs

Activities for residents

Resident access to internet and computers

Engage residents with challenging behaviours

Improved access to resident representatives
Assessed Staff Needs

Assessment and care planning program

Cloud based medication program

Suitable medical program

Education program

Access to site computers

General access to internet
Plan of Action
Identify computer illiterate staff
 Provide computer education
 Create a learning culture
 Identify mentors and champions
 Introduce computer tasks
 Timely introduction of programs
 Gifts and rewards for achievement
 Celebrated milestones
 Troubleshoot with staff

Programs for Residents

Internet Kiosk

Wii with numerous games

Two desks and stations

Toshiba tablet and Wi-Fi

4 Digital photo frames for resident use

USB for each resident

Digital photo frame for resident photo displays

Digital photo frame for visitors
Staff Programs

Upgrade to the entire network

Remote Access for BM and DON

Skype Access for Telehealth

Best Practice

Telemedcare

Aged Care Quality Association Access

Lee Care

Aged Care Channel

Virtual cloud backup
Staff Equipment

8 Computer Stations

4 Samsung Galaxy Pads

2 C5 Motion Sensors

Wi-Fi Access at the bedside

Digital Camera

Digital Video
Resident Outcomes

Decreased challenging behaviours

Increased communication with families

Buddying up of residents

Improved reminiscence therapy

eBooks for residents

Individualised music therapy

Ability to Skype
Staff Outcomes

Computer literate for work and personal use

Improved communication across the worksite

Elimination of inconsistencies

Minimisation of duplication

Access to information at the bedside
Outcomes for Wheatfields

Increased time for resident care

Improvement in staff morale

Consistent information

Improved communication

Improved evaluation of care

Timely care & assessment planning
Outcomes for Wheatfields

Completing the loop of continuous
improvement

No late ACFI submissions

50% reduction in time taken for audits

Met the desired outcomes of our strategic
plan

Two National ITAC Awards for
Implementation and Infrastructure
Future Direction

Promote Evidenced Based Practice

Every care plan backed with Evidenced Based
Practice

Access to Joanna Briggs Institute internet site

Endorsement with JBI
Our Challenge
Recognise and Promote Evidenced Based
Practice in conjunction with Better
Practice