The growing number of older adults with multiple healthcare needs underscores the importance of teaching gerontological content to students in healthcare fields. To effectively accomplish this educational goal, it is essential to consider students' attitudes and learning needs related to caring for elderly persons. The purpose of this study was to identify prelicensure undergraduate nursing students' (N=200) perceived learning needs and attitudes toward older adults. Current knowledge of gerontology and attitudes were correlated with multiple variables including comfort and confidence in caring for older persons. Students identified their desire for more information on selected topics such as supportive resources for elders and their caregivers. Students who intended to learn more about gerontological nursing chose more topics; the two most commonly chosen topics were end-of-life issues and specific disorders. The data from this study can be used to design courses and curricula related to the care of elderly persons. Similar approaches to obtain student input can be adopted in designing other gerontology curricula.
Relocation, a major life transition that can affect health positively and negatively, is moving from one permanent home to another. Many older adults will relocate at some time during their life. Relocation is also a complex process that requires careful consideration and planning before the move (i.e., pre-location) and adjustment to the new home after the move (i.e., post-relocation). The current article is a summary of content based on a comprehensive evidence-based practice guideline focused on management of relocation in cognitively intact older adults. The guideline was designed to be used across diverse settings by nurses and other providers. Pre-relocation guidelines include assessment for the need for relocation, interventions prior to moving, and outcomes for evaluation of the pre-relocation process. For post-relocation, content focuses on assessment of risks for not adjusting after the move as well as intervention guidelines to promote adjustment and outcomes for evaluation. Implications include advocacy for older adults by using the guideline, disseminating it, and conducting future research. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(11), 14-23.].
This study identified a significant link between Magnet hospitals and higher HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) scores across 110 Illinois hospitals. Compared with registered nurse nursing hours per patient-day and registered nurse turnover rate, Magnet status was a stronger contributor to the HCAHPS scores. A moderate to strong, reverse relationship between hospital's percentage of African American patients and HCAHPS scores suggests a need for strengthening culturally sensitive nurse-patient communications.
Failed patient appointments in ambulatory care may result in decreased revenues. The purpose of this study was to determine if patient reminders would affect the "no-show" rate of a medical ambulatory care setting. Patients of 10 physicians participated in a 6-week study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 2 weeks of appointment reminder postcards, 2 weeks of appointment reminder phone calls, and 2 weeks of no intervention. Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences between the control group and the two groups receiving interventions. Patient reminders may be a mechanism to decrease the no-show rate in ambulatory care.
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