Care is more than medical treatments and procedures. Research shows that the involvement of a trusted person can make a substantial difference for patients: it reduces stress and anxiety and can even accelerate the healing process. The restricted visiting policy during the corona pandemic underlined the importance of proximity for good care: it makes the patient feel comfortable, recognises the role of loved ones and has a positive impact on the quality of care.
UZ Leuven started in 2024 with a trial project on 18 wards, giving patients the chance to choose a partner in care.
More than a visitor
A partner in care is an adult, self-reliant person chosen by the patient. This could be an official carer, confidant or other significant close person. During the day, this person can also be present outside normal visiting times and can provide emotional support or practical help. It always involves a voluntary choice by the patient.
Reginald Alaerts, head nurse hospitalisation 31 (respiratory diseases): “The trial project gave is the opportunity to test on a smaller scale whether the new visiting policy was practically feasible and an effectively added value. After the test phase we could only be positive. In the first place, a partner in care offers emotional support, but can also help with daily activities, such as help feeding, washing, escorting to an examination or communication with the care team. We encourage patients and their partners in care to discuss with the care team in advance which tasks they can and want to take on.”
Patients as a sounding board
The new visiting policy came about in close consultation with the patients. A patient panel gave extensive feedback on the first proposal, and with their vision, recommendations and points of attention in mind the plan was further refined. This was followed by an extensive pilot phase In the fall of 2024. After a positive evaluation with visiting policy will now officially be rolled out in all hospitalisation wards for adults. With the new visiting policy, UZ Leuven is taking an important step towards person-centred care.
The new visiting policy applies to all normal hospitalisation and rehabilitation wards for adults at UZ Leuven, both on the Gasthuisberg and Pellenberg campus. On a number of wards there are deviating arrangements for visiting and partners in care, such as on intensive care wards, ER, the maternity and delivery centre and one-night stay. We therefore advise patients to check the specific appointments on the website of the relevant department before their admission.
Want to find out more? https://www.uzleuven.be/en/visits