Studying coronary artery disease in the retirement community.

A study was conducted to identify the prevalence of heart disease and associated health-related behaviors among continuing care retirement community (CCRC) residents; researchers also sought to identify management strategies for heart disease. Study results indicated that self-reported heart disease is prevalent among CCRC residents: 60% reported three or more health risk behaviors. The CCRC environment lends itself to providing various management advantages, including access to on-site clinicians, group education, and exercise and dining facilities to promote adherence to exercise, nutrition, and medical management plans.

Creating a career ladder for nursing assistants in long-term care.

This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a career ladder for certified nursing assistants in long-term care. A career ladder is an effective way to maximize the use of unlicensed workers without changing the skill mix (eg, no loss of licensed nursing positions) and allow the licensed nurse more time to perform higher-level clinical tasks, such as assessments, patient education, and documentation. Implementation of an unlicensed worker career ladder also can improve nursing assistant retention.

Does a liquid supplement improve energy and protein consumption in nursing home residents?

One popular strategy to improve the acceptance and efficacy of oral liquid supplements in long-term care is dispensing them during the medication pass, although few studies support its effectiveness. This study evaluated the impact of a supplement medication pass program on energy and nutrient consumption and weight in nursing home residents. Findings indicate that residents maintained their prestudy weight and had a 29% decrease in supplement energy intake, a 19% increase in food energy intake, and a 17% decrease in net energy intake (supplement plus food). Supplement and food protein intake remained stable. Over longer periods, this reduced energy consumption could lead to weight loss, so routine monitoring and periodic evaluations of resident intake (both food and supplement) are recommended to ensure residents are receiving and consuming adequate amounts of daily energy and nutrients.

Two models of restorative nursing care in the nursing home: designated versus integrated restorative nursing assistants.

A 6-month clinical trial was conducted to evaluate two models of restorative nursing care designed to improve mobility in nursing home residents. The models were compared on number of residents enrolled, documentation of nursing assistant (NA) compliance, and nursing staff satisfaction. The designated model, which relied on one specially trained NA to perform restorative activities on the unit, resulted in higher rates of enrollment, compliance, and staff satisfaction compared with the integrated model, which relied on regular staff NAs who were trained to incorporate restorative activities into their daily routines.

Staff compliance with and ratings of effectiveness of a prompted voiding program in a long-term care facility.

BACKGROUND: Despite findings that prompted voiding is effective in reducing urinary incontinent (UI) episodes, the prevalence of UI in this population has remained unchanged. It is estimated that 50% of all nursing home residents have UI. Staff involvement is considered a critical factor, yet little is known about staff perception of the effectiveness of prompted voiding. METHODS: This descriptive study of staff perceptions of a prompted voiding intervention was conducted at a university-affiliated 255-bed geriatrics center. A 12-week prompted voiding program was conducted with 17 residents with UI. Baseline continence status was compared with continence status at the end of the program, and a survey was conducted to assess staff perceptions of the program. The aims of the study were: (1) to determine effectiveness of a prompted voiding program, (2) to assess staff perception of overall effectiveness of the prompted voiding program, (3) to assess staff compliance with the prompted voiding program, and (4) to compare staff perception of prompted voiding effectiveness with actual continence outcomes. RESULTS: Overall UI status improved in 5 residents (31%), remained the same in 6 residents (38%), and declined in 5 residents (31%). Sixty-four (73%) of 88 staff members who participated in the program responded to a survey. Staff members were asked to rate their overall impressions of the prompted voiding program, and to rate improvement in continence status for specific residents who participated in the program. Ninety-five percent of staff members thought drier residents were happier; 80% thought the prompted voiding program should continue. Only 52% of staff thought residents participating in the prompted voiding program were better, and 43% perceived no change. A majority (58%) of staff thought compliance with prompted voiding was 80% to 90%; however, unobtrusive observations during the study revealed only 70% compliance. There was no correlation between staff ratings of improvement in continence and actual continence outcomes for individual residents (r = 0.02, P = .709). CONCLUSIONS: Staff reports of compliance with a prompted voiding program were inflated, and they were unable to determine which residents had actually improved and which residents had not improved with regard to UI. These findings suggest that nursing home staff, and particularly nursing assistants, need more meaningful definitions of UI and quantifiable evidence that residents benefit from prompted voiding.

Improving nursing assistant turnover and stability rates in a long-term care facility.

In this study, we developed formulas to calculate nursing assistant turnover and stability rates, identified reasons for termination and facility-specific strategies to reduce turnover, and evaluated the effectiveness of implemented strategies. Although turnover remained relatively unchanged (23% in year 1, 28% in year 2), the stability rate remained high (76% in year 1, 75% in year 2). Tracking turnover rates without tracking stability yields an incomplete picture of a facility's efforts to attract and retain qualified employees. Achieving high stability rates in addition to low turnover rates are important goals, and we have included some recommendations.

Pressure-relieving strategies for preventing and treating pressure sores.

Pressure-relieving strategies remain the foundation for the prevention and treatment of pressure sores. Although the published literature is inadequate, rational treatment decisions can be made if they are based on an understanding of the mechanisms by which pressure relief results with a particular device or strategy. This article reviews the theoretic and practical approaches to managing tissue loads so that rational choices of the most cost-effective strategies for preventing and treating pressure sores can be made when caring for patients.

Hepatitis B virus vaccination for older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To compare in adults more than 50 years old the tolerability and immunogenicity of vaccination with recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs) compared with vaccination with recombinant hepatitis B protein PreS2 + S, and to investigate the safety and immunogenicity of a fourth vaccine dose in poor and non-responders. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind prospective study. SETTING: General clinical research center for outpatient evaluation and vaccination. SUBJECTS: Adults older than age 50 who were in general good health and with no known risk factors for acquiring or serologic evidence of hepatitis B virus infection. INTERVENTION: Subjects were randomized to receive 10 mcg HBs (Recombivax, Merck, Sharp and Dohme), 12 mcg PreS2 + S, or 24 mcg PreS2 + S vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months. Poor and non-responders (anti-Hbs < 10 mIU/mL at month 9 and/or 12) were encouraged to receive a fourth vaccine injection. MEASUREMENTS: Diary records of temperature and local and systemic reactions following each vaccination were maintained by all subjects. Anti-HBs levels were measured by radioimmunoassay before the first injection, at 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 12 months after for all subjects, and 1 month after the fourth injection for the group of poor and non-responders. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty men and nine women (mean age +/- SD, 66 +/- 8.0 years) were enrolled. Ten subjects received HBs vaccine, nine received 12 mcg PreS2 + S vaccine, and 10 received 24 mcg PreS2 + S vaccine. One subject in the HBs group dropped out, and data were analyzed for the remaining 28 subjects. There were no differences in rates of side effects reported by each of the three groups. Overall, minor local adverse reactions occurred in 12 (40%) after at least one of the first three vaccinations. Systemic side effects occurred in five (17%) after the first vaccination, in one after the second, but in none after the third. The 24-mcg PreS2 + S vaccine was not more immunogenic than the HBs vaccine, and the 12-mcg PreS2 + S vaccine was judged inadequate. Nineteen of 22 (86%) poor and non-responders received a fourth vaccination. Minor local adverse reactions were reported by six (32%), and none reported a systemic side effect. For the 12 subjects receiving a fourth injection of HBs or 24 mcg PreS2 + S vaccine, the proportion of responders 1 month following the fourth injection was greater than for 1 month following the third injection (11 of 12 [92%] versus 12 of 19 [63%], respectively, P < .05). CONCLUSION: For adults more than 50 years of age who have low anti-HBs levels after three vaccine injections, a fourth injection is well tolerated and results in improved immunogenic response.

Usefulness of a clinical scoring system to anticipate difficulty of Norplant removal.

OBJECTIVES: Removal of contraceptive implants (e.g. Norplant) is an issue affecting its worldwide acceptability. Reports of difficult, painful removals have resulted in lawsuits and reduced demand. To improve quality of care, we developed a scoring system to anticipate difficult removals. We report on the usefulness of such a system and present client perspectives about the removal experience. METHODS: A 9-point scoring system based on the visibility, arrangement, and position (VAP) of Norplant capsules was used to assess the anticipated difficulty of removal in 53 consecutive patients. The VAP score was then correlated with removal time and related parameters. RESULTS: Mean removal time was 14.74 min (range 4.75-47). In 20% of patients, the VAP score indicated a potentially difficult removal and the VAP score correlated significantly with removal time (r = 0.3, p = 0.05). Patients expected removal to be moderately difficult (mean visual analog score 4.7 out of a possible 10), but after removal they rated the actual removal experience as relatively easy (mean score 2.6/10). Before the removal, only 48% of patients said they would recommend Norplant to a friend but after removal, 70% said they would do so. CONCLUSIONS: A scoring system such as the VAP score can help identify potentially difficult removals so that an experienced remover can be present at the time of removal or an appropriate referral made. However, the VAP score cannot predict variables such as the density of the subcutaneous fibrous tissue "envelope". Although patient anxiety concerning removal may be high, the presence of a competent remover and an easy removal experience reduces this anxiety and encourages patients to be more positive about this method. The value of having properly trained, competent personnel available to perform removals cannot be over-emphasized.

Contraceptive outcomes among post-partum and post-abortal adolescents.

Between January 1992 and January 1993, there were 280 teens (ages 13-18) who either delivered a baby or terminated a pregnancy at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Of these, 92 chose to contracept with Norplant implants, and 188 chose another method including "no" method. In July 1993, telephone interviews were conducted with 37 of those who chose Norplant implants and 41 of the non-Norplant implants users. After 1 year, 47% of oral contraceptive (COC) users had discontinued the method compared to only 16% of Norplant implants users (P < 0.03). Reasons for discontinuation centered on side effects for both groups but with some COC and condom users, discontinuing use due to "forgetfulness" or failure (pregnancy). Among the COC group (which was the most common choice after Norplant implant), 25% of the adolescents had experienced a subsequent unplanned pregnancy compared to 0% of the Norplant implant group (P < 0.01). Norplant implants were clearly an acceptable and effective contraceptive for these post-partum and post-abortal teens, who articulated a high motivation to avoid a subsequent unplanned pregnancy. However, it is clearly not the only method teens will choose to use, and more attention must be paid to adequate counseling of those choosing another method.

A time and cost analysis of the management of incomplete abortion with manual vacuum aspiration.

OBJECTIVES: Traditionally, management of incomplete abortion involves use of D&C or suction curettage in the operating room. Such management is costly and time-consuming. In order to potentially save time and money, we studied the use of manual vacuum aspiration curettage (MVAC) for the management of this problem. METHODS: Data on hospital charges and times (e.g. waiting time, procedure time) were obtained for all cases of incomplete abortion presenting to hospital between January 1990 and July 1992. Between January 1990 and July 1991, all cases were managed traditionally. After July 1991, all cases were managed using MVAC in either the emergency room or the labor ward. RESULTS: Compared to the use of electrical suction equipment in the operating theatre, MVAC procedures resulted in significant savings in terms of both waiting times and costs. Waiting time was reduced by 52% and procedure time was reduced from a mean of 33 min to 19 min (P < 0.01). Total hospital costs were reduced by 41% (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Use of manual vacuum aspiration curettage in the management of incomplete abortion can reduce hospital costs and save time for both patients and clinicians.

Comparison of adolescent and adult experiences with Norplant levonorgestrel contraceptive implants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare acceptability, tolerance of side effects, and continuation rates among adolescent and adult Norplant accepters. METHODS: An 18-month observational study was conducted of 136 adolescents and 542 adults who received Norplant at the Francis Scott Key Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Data were collected from the following: a self-administered history form completed at the preinsertion visit, a self-administered follow-up form completed at routine follow-up visits, problem-visit chart review, and telephone contact for patients noncompliant with follow-up appointments. RESULTS: The adolescents ranged in age from 13-18 years (mean 16.4), and adults ranged in age from 19-46 (mean 24.7). The mean parity among teenagers was 1.4; among adults, 3.2. Thirty-nine percent of teenagers and 64% of adults had had one or more therapeutic abortions. Forty percent of adolescents and 47% of adults reported at least one contraceptive failure in the past. Both adolescent and adult Norplant accepters made few telephone calls or problem visits because of complaints or side effects. Compliance with routine annual follow-up was poor for adolescents (24 of 136, 18%) and adults (72 of 542, 13%). Follow-up of noncompliant patients revealed low rates of implant removal. Fifteen adolescents (11%) and 60 adults (11%) had Norplant removed. The most common reasons for removal included irregular bleeding, weight gain, headaches, and desire for pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Implant acceptability, continuation, and tolerance of side effects were high and comparable among adolescent and adult accepters. Initial implant users were primarily adolescents or adults who had experienced problems with other forms of reversible contraception. Adherence to scheduled follow-up appointments was poor, regardless of age.

Preliminary experience with Norplant in an inner city population.

Norplant, the five-year subdermal contraceptive system, is the first implantable contraceptive method approved for general use in the United States. We describe the preliminary experiences of 246 U.S. women who accepted Norplant between April, 1991 and September, 1991. Norplant was well accepted among this diverse general population. Intensive counselling about side effects, especially menstrual changes, is crucial for patient satisfaction. Although 48% of acceptors experienced menstrual cycle changes and 70% experienced at least one side effect, phone calls and unscheduled visits for problems were infrequent. Adequate counselling about side effects obviates the need for a routine follow-up visit one month after insertion.

PIP: Between April and October 1991 in Baltimore, Maryland, family planning providers tried to follow 246 13-42 year old women at a clinic at the Francis Scott Key (FSK) Medical Center for 3 months who accepted the levonorgestrel-releasing implant Norplant to evaluate its acceptability and effectiveness among a high-risk population. 56% of the women were Black and 41% White. 69% were single. Most were interval gynecologic patients (109), but many were postabortion patients (97). The providers could only follow 108 women. Reasons for unscheduled visits were insertion site tenderness, amenorrhea, and removal. At 1 month, 70 % had at least 1 side effect. 48% had irregular bleeding 1-2 months after insertion. Other side effects included headache (49%), acne (24%), weight gain (22%), increased appetite (19%), and dizziness (18.5%). The 24-hour telephone hotline had only received 38 problem calls, all of which were from FSK Norplant patients. More than 50% of the calls were about menstruation concerns. Reasons for removal included pressure to receive Norplant, increased acne, headaches and prolonged bleeding, and postinsertion site problems. 1 woman became pregnant, but it occurred before insertion. She underwent an abortion and continued to use Norplant. 78% of the women considered Norplant to be excellent and 14% considered it to be good. 95% would recommend it to others. 69% reported convenience to be the best thing about Norplant and 22% said it was pregnancy prevention. Worst things were irregular bleeding (26%) and progestin-related side effects (e.g., headaches and weight gain) (19%). 35% did not consider anything to be bad about Norplant. 64% had at least some apprehension before insertion, the major reasons being fear of needles (48%) and of pain (37%). Prior to insertion, just 37% were worried about potential side effects. The providers thought that the routine follow-up visit at 1 month was not cost-effective and provided no specific clinical benefit. They advocated adequate counseling about side effects to take the place of the follow-up visit.