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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to identify the special needs of the increasing number of geriatric patients in acute care, ED, and LTAC facilities.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to describe how Geriatric classes positively impact fall, CAUTI, pressure ulcer, sepsis, readmission rates, and length of stay.
Objective: Our Hospital is increasing knowledge of Geriatric care. The first year (FY 2010) has focused on providing the 2-day geriatric training to inpatient staff (RN, LPN, PCT, CP). The second year expands the education to include 1-day training for Emergency Department and Outpatient staff at all facilities. In the third year geriatric education will be offered to the staff of long-term care facilities identified by each entity.
The four main goals of the grant are to expand NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) training at main facility beyond Acute Care nurses to include ED nurses; introduce NICHE training at outlying facilities for Acute Care and ED nurses; introduce NICHE training for nursing staff at our LTAC facility partners; and disseminate progress locally, regionally, and nationally.
Sample: Inpatient and outpatient staff at urban and rural hospitals in a healthcare system. Sample consists of MDs, PharmDs, RNs, LPNs, PCT/CPs, RTs, therapists, RDs, ranging in ages from early 20’s through 60’s who care for geriatric patients.
Method: Provide informal (bedside) and formal (scheduled classes) education to staff using both didactic and performance teaching methods based on Adult Learning principles and Change Theory. Frequency of classes has been determined by facility size and is currently in progress. Topics covered in class include assessment of delirium, dementia, depression, incontinence, falls/functional assessment, atypical disease presentation, polypharmacy, nutrition/dehydration, and safe discharge.
Results – in progress
Implication for nursing practice: Staff will be better prepared to care for the special needs of the increasing number of Geriatric patients in acute care, long term care facilities, and emergency and outpatient departments. Knowledge gained in the informal and formal education will positively impact fall rates, CAUTI rates, pressure ulcer rates, sepsis rates, length of stay, readmission rates, with a potential cost savings to the healthcare system.