ABSTRACT
Researchers have demonstrated the utility of various nonpharmacologic interventions in decreasing or preventing agitation in elderly nursing home residents with dementia. Auditory intervention strategies are one behavioral approach. We tested a modified version of simulated presence therapy called audio presence intervention (API). In 28 episodes of agitation among seven residents, API produced a significant decline in agitation level as measured by four items from the Haycox Rating Scale. However, in six episodes (four residents), agitation stayed the same or worsened. The results of this study pose more questions than answers and should stimulate nurse researchers to further investigate auditory intervention for control of agitation elders with dementia.
Subject(s)
Dementia/therapy , Family , Psychomotor Agitation/therapy , Psychotherapy/methods , Tape Recording , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Imagination , MaleABSTRACT
This article describes the development of a quality improvement program for a clinical nurse specialist department reflecting the 10-step process described by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The philosophy of continuous improvement has allowed the department to promote concurrent improvements as well as to measure and monitor selected direct and indirect patient care indicators. The department developed process indicators to verify the processes in place. The department anticipates development of outcome indicators for subsequent programs. Identified opportunities for improvement, and the changes which occurred to address those opportunities, are also described. Information regarding data collection related to resource consumption and increased collaboration with other departments, is also described.
Subject(s)
Nurse Clinicians/standards , Nursing Service, Hospital/standards , Total Quality Management/organization & administration , Humans , Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations , Multi-Institutional Systems/standards , Ohio , Organizational Objectives , Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care , Philosophy, Nursing , Program DevelopmentABSTRACT
Providing consistency in care and avoiding change whenever possible are important principles to consider when caring for the Alzheimer's disease patient. Hospitalization, a major disruption of care, requires planning and communication on the part of the caregiver.
