scholarly journals Interprofessional learning in residential aged care: providing optimal care for residents

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karla L. Seaman ◽  
Caroline E. Bulsara ◽  
Rosemary D. Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities

Since 2010, a residential aged care provider has been in collaboration with universities in Western Australia to deliver an interprofessional education (IPE) program in residential aged care facilities. The program takes place within a residential aged care setting where university student placements from seven disciplines are integrated into a dynamic interdisciplinary team approach for care delivery. This approach provides the opportunity for two or more professionals to learn together to provide optimal care for residents. In 2012, an extensive research evaluation was performed to demonstrate, among other outcomes, the benefits to the residents and staff involved in the program. Residents, family members and staff from a residential aged care facility were invited to participate in the mixed methods evaluation. The qualitative aspects were digitally recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used to analyse the quantitative data. All were exceptionally satisfied with the IPE program.

scholarly journals Perceptions of multidisciplinary case conferencing in residential aged care facilities

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth J Halcomb ◽  
Rhonda Griffiths ◽  
Bernadette M Sheperd
Keyword(s):  
General Practitioners ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Collaborative Culture ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities

Objective: To explore the understanding about and perceptions of, multidisciplinary case conferencing in residential aged care from the perspective of residential facility staff, residents, carers and general practitioners. Methods: Focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with nurses, residents, carers, allied health workers and general practitioners from two residential aged care facilities during February?March 2008. Conversations were analysed using thematic analysis techniques. Results: Thematic analyses highlighted four key themes. Most notably, respondents identified a degree of confusion regarding the purpose of case conferencing and its role in resident health care. The ad hoc development of the conferencing model led to unclear role descriptions for participants that contributed to role confusion and the lack of a collaborative culture. Underpinning much of the discussion was the need for a framework to support the organisation of the conference process. Conclusions: While the process of multidisciplinary case conferencing in residential aged care has significant potential to improve resident care and health outcomes, the development of an explicit framework is required to support the effective conduct of these meetings. Key stakeholders need to be engaged to develop a team approach to conducting case conferences that facilitates the active participation of providers, residents and their carers.

scholarly journals Integrating pharmacists into aged care facilities to improve the quality use of medicine (PiRACF Study): Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
sam kosari ◽  
Jane Koerner ◽  
Mark Naunton ◽  
Gregory M Peterson ◽  
Ibrahim Haider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Aged Care Facility ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities

Abstract BackgroundMedication management in residential aged care facilities is an ongoing concern. Numerous studies have reported high rates of inappropriate prescribing and medication use in aged care facilities, which contribute to residents’ adverse health outcomes. There is a need for new models of care that enhance inter-disciplinary collaboration between residential aged care facility staff and healthcare professionals, to improve medication management. Pilot research has demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of integrating a pharmacist into the aged care facility team to improve the quality use of medicines. This protocol describes the design and methods for a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the outcomes and conduct economic evaluation of a service model where on-site pharmacists are integrated into residential aged care facility healthcare teams to improve medication management.MethodsIntervention aged care facilities will employ on-site pharmacists to work as part of their healthcare teams. Pharmacists will assume responsibility for medication management, and collaborate with facility nurses, prescribers, community pharmacists, residents and families to improve the quality use of medicines. The intervention will last for 12 months. Aged care facilities in the control group will continue usual care. The target sample size is 1,188 residents from a minimum of 13 aged care facilities. The primary outcome is the appropriateness of prescribing, measured by the proportion of residents who are prescribed at least one potentially inappropriate medicine according to the 2019 Beers Criteria. Secondary outcomes include hospital and Emergency Department presentations, fall rates, prevalence and dose of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Score, staff influenza vaccination rate, time spent on medication rounds, appropriateness of dose form modification and completeness of resident’s allergy and adverse drug reaction documentation. A cost-consequence and cost-effectiveness analysis will be embedded in the trial.DiscussionThe results of this study will provide information on clinical and economic outcomes of a model that integrates on-site pharmacists into Australian residential aged care facilities. The results will provide policymakers with recommendations relevant to further implementation of this model.Trial registrationACTRN: ACTRN12620000430932, retrospectively registered with ANZCTR on 1 April 2020. Available from https://www.anzctr.org.au/TrialSearch.aspx#&&conditionCode=&dateOfRegistrationFrom=&interventionDescription=&interventionCodeOperator=OR&primarySponsorType=&gender=&distance=&postcode=&pageSize=20&ageGroup=&recruitmentCountryOperator=OR&recruitmentRegion=&ethicsReview=&countryOfRecruitment=&registry=&searchTxt=ACTRN12620000430932&studyType=&allocationToIntervention=&dateOfRegistrationTo=&recruitmentStatus=&interventionCode=&healthCondition=&healthyVolunteers=&page=1&conditionCategory=&fundingSource=&trialStartDateTo=&trialStartDateFrom=&phase=

scholarly journals Palliative care delivery in residential aged care: Bereaved family member experiences of the Supportive Hospice Aged Residential Exchange (SHARE) intervention

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Ann Frey ◽  
Sophia Barham ◽  
Deborah Balmer ◽  
Jackie Robinson ◽  
Michal Boyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Palliative Care Education ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Bereaved Family

Abstract Background : The supportive hospice aged residential exchange (SHARE) is a new model of palliative care education that has been designed for residential aged care. The goal of SHARE is to help clinical staff improve palliative care within residential aged care facilities and to improve specialist palliative care nurses' knowledge and skill to care for frail older people. Method : The experiences of 18 bereaved families concerning the palliative care journey (both at the start and finish of a one-year implementation of SHARE) were explored using semi-structured interviews. Results: Three themes were important to bereaved families’ experience: communication with staff, systems of care, and hospice involvement. Sub-themes indicating changes in these three components of care between the start and finish of SHARE was identified. A fourth theme highlighted challenges (relationship with GP, staff shortages and turnover) that continued across SHARE. Conclusion : Findings indicated that SHARE benefited families (improved communication and support) through the end of life journey of their relatives, but challenges remained.

scholarly journals Residential aged care facility clinical placements for undergraduate paramedic students: An evaluation of the Australian experience

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigit Stratton ◽  
Emma Lea ◽  
Marguerite Bramble ◽  
Claire Eccleston ◽  
Mike McCall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Care Facility ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Clinical Placement ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Clinical Placements ◽  
Palliative Approach ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities

IntroductionThis paper presents an evaluation of the pilot aged care clinical placement undertaken by undergraduate paramedic students in the university-based Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre’s Teaching Aged Care Facilities Program. The objective is to examine the learning experiences of students taking part in the first paramedic student clinical placement in Tasmania to be situated in the residential aged care environment. The students’ interactions with residents with dementia and with older people requiring a palliative approach to care are discussed, as key strategies to enhance paramedic student learning.MethodTwenty-one final year undergraduate paramedic students completed a 5-day (40 hour) clinical placement in September/October 2011, in two participating residential aged care facilities in Tasmania, Australia. Qualitative data were obtained from weekly feedback meetings with students, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, and subjected to content analysis. Quantitative data from pre and post-placement questionnaires were collected and descriptive analyses performed.ResultsThe data showed that students enjoyed interaction with residents and that this built their communication skills, particularly with residents with dementia. Students also learnt about the importance of a palliative approach to care and improved their knowledge of dementia.ConclusionA supported placement program for paramedic students in residential aged care facilitates student learning in a number of areas, particularly around working with people with dementia, which is likely to enhance student readiness for the graduate paramedic role. 

More action needed: Psychotropic prescribing in Australian residential aged care

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 136-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juanita Westbury ◽  
Peter Gee ◽  
Tristan Ling ◽  
Alex Kitsos ◽  
Gregory Peterson
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Aged Care Facility ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facility ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities

Objective: For at least two decades, concerns have been raised about inappropriate psychotropic prescribing in Australian residential aged care facilities, due to their modest therapeutic benefit and increased risk of falls and mortality. To date, the majority of prevalence data has been collected in Sydney exclusively and it is not known if recent initiatives to promote appropriate psychotropic prescribing have impacted utilisation. Thus, we aimed to comprehensively analyse psychotropic use in a large national sample of residential aged care facility residents. Method: A cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study of residents from 150 residential aged care facilities distributed nationally during April 2014–October 2015. Antipsychotic, anxiolytic/hypnotic and antidepressant utilisation was assessed, along with anticonvulsant and anti-dementia drug use. Negative binomial regression analysis was used to examine variation in psychotropic use. Results: Full psychotropic prescribing data was available from 11,368 residents. Nearly two-thirds (61%) were taking psychotropic agents regularly, with over 41% prescribed antidepressants, 22% antipsychotics and 22% of residents taking benzodiazepines. Over 30% and 11% were charted for ‘prn’ (as required) benzodiazepines and antipsychotics, respectively. More than 16% of the residents were taking sedating antidepressants, predominantly mirtazapine. South Australian residents were more likely to be taking benzodiazepines ( p < 0.05) and residents from New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory less likely to be taking them ( p < 0.01), after adjustment for rurality and size of residential aged care facility. Residents located in New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory were also significantly less likely to take antidepressants ( p < 0.01), as were residents from outer regional residential aged care facilities ( p < 0.01). Antipsychotic use was not associated with State, rurality or residential aged care facility size. Conclusion: Regular antipsychotic use appears to have decreased in residential aged care facilities but benzodiazepine prevalence is higher, particularly in South Australian residential aged care facilities. Sedating antidepressant and ‘prn’ psychotropic prescribing is widespread. Effective interventions to reduce the continued reliance on psychotropic management, in conjunction with active promotion of non-pharmacological strategies, are urgently required.

Rehabilitation in Residential Aged Care Facilities: Barriers and Facilitators in a Dementia Context

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leander K. Mitchell ◽  
Nancy A. Pachana
Keyword(s):  
Care Facility ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Communication Process ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Aged Care Facility ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities

This review of the literature sought to highlight key barriers to the implementation of rehabilitation-based interventions in an aged care facility context. It then identifies how such barriers might be actively countered with a view to facilitating rehabilitation-based strategies within such contexts. Key barriers identified included staffing issues, heterogeneity of residents, and the potential complexity behind establishing appropriate forms of rehabilitation for the residents. The most successful facilitators identified included training, the provision of appropriate support, and an open communication process. Having an awareness and an appreciation of potential barriers to the use of rehabilitation interventions in aged care facilities provides the opportunity to actively plan around them, thereby increasing and improving their use.

scholarly journals Optimising specialist geriatric medicine services by telehealth

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 674-679
Author(s):  
Helen M Haydon ◽  
Liam J Caffery ◽  
Centaine L Snoswell ◽  
Emma E Thomas ◽  
Monica Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geriatric Medicine ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Specialist Care ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Service Activity ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities

Telehealth can effectively increase access to specialist care and reduce the need for travel. The Geri-Connect service was established in 2017 to support people living in residential aged care facilities in regional Victoria, Australia. Using the Model for the Assessment of Telemedicine, an evaluation of the Geri-Connect service identified service activity patterns and factors associated with uptake. Service activity from 2017 to 2020 and 10 semi-structured, key stakeholder interviews were captured and analysed. Between 2017 and 2020, video consultations were provided to 53 residential aged care facilities. Sustained growth (over 178%) and strong stakeholder acceptance highlight the effectiveness of this telegeriatric service. Four recommendations provide opportunities to further enhance service delivery including: implementation of an integrated health information system; systematic evaluation of service impact on stakeholders and residents, auditing and subsequent provision of targeted training; and regular auditing of software and hardware. Additionally, the need to augment fixed room hardware with mobile telehealth systems would increase access for residents with mobility problems. Dedicated personnel of the centralised team are best suited to implementing the recommendations. Whilst the provision of routine telehealth services into residential aged care facilities is challenging, the Geri-Connect service demonstrates that telehealth can be effectively provided to residential aged care facility residents needing specialist geriatric care.

scholarly journals Reshaping healthcare delivery for elderly patients: the role of community paramedicine; a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia van Vuuren ◽  
Brodie Thomas ◽  
Gina Agarwal ◽  
Sean MacDermott ◽  
Leigh Kinsman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Community Paramedicine ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities

Abstract Background Healthcare systems are overloaded and changing. In response to growing demands on the healthcare systems, new models of healthcare delivery are emerging. Community paramedicine is a novel approach in which paramedics use their knowledge and skills beyond emergency health response to contribute to preventative and rehabilitative health. In our systematic review, we aimed to identify evidence of the community paramedicine role in care delivery for elderly patients, with an additional focus on palliative care, and the possible impact of this role on the wider healthcare system. Methods A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature from MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Sciences was undertaken to identify relevant full-text articles in English published until October 3, 2019. Additional inclusion criteria were studies focussing on extended care paramedics or community paramedics caring for elderly patients. Case studies were excluded. All papers were screened by at least two authors and underwent a quality assessment, using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal checklists for cross sectional, qualitative, cohort, and randomised controlled trial studies to assess the methodological quality of the articles. A process of narrative synthesis was used to summarise the data. Results Ten studies, across 13 articles, provided clear evidence that Community Paramedic programs had a positive impact on the health of patients and on the wider healthcare system. The role of a Community Paramedic was often a combination of four aspects: assessment, referral, education and communication. Limited evidence was available on the involvement of Community Paramedics in palliative and end-of-life care and in care delivery in residential aged care facilities. Observed challenges were a lack of additional training, and the need for proper integration and understanding of their role in the healthcare system. Conclusions The use of community paramedics in care delivery could be beneficial to both patients’ health and the wider healthcare system. They already play a promising role in improving the care of our elderly population. With consistent adherence to the training curriculum and effective integration within the wider healthcare system, community paramedics have the potential to take on specialised roles in residential aged care facilities and palliative and end-of-life care.

scholarly journals Integrating pharmacists into aged care facilities to improve the quality use of medicine (PiRACF Study): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Kosari ◽  
Jane Koerner ◽  
Mark Naunton ◽  
Gregory M. Peterson ◽  
Ibrahim Haider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Aged Care Facility ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities

Abstract Background Medication management in residential aged care facilities is an ongoing concern. Numerous studies have reported high rates of inappropriate prescribing and medication use in aged care facilities, which contribute to residents’ adverse health outcomes. There is a need for new models of care that enhance inter-disciplinary collaboration between residential aged care facility staff and healthcare professionals, to improve medication management. Pilot research has demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of integrating a pharmacist into the aged care facility team to improve the quality use of medicines. This protocol describes the design and methods for a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the outcomes and conduct economic evaluation of a service model where on-site pharmacists are integrated into residential aged care facility healthcare teams to improve medication management. Methods Intervention aged care facilities will employ on-site pharmacists to work as part of their healthcare teams 2 to 2.5 days per week for 12 months. On-site pharmacists, in collaboration with facility nurses, prescribers, community pharmacists, residents and families will conduct medication management activities to improve the quality use of medicines. Aged care facilities in the control group will continue usual care. The target sample size is 1188 residents from a minimum of 13 aged care facilities. The primary outcome is the appropriateness of prescribing, measured by the proportion of residents who are prescribed at least one potentially inappropriate medicine according to the 2019 Beers Criteria. Secondary outcomes include hospital and emergency department presentations, fall rates, prevalence and dose of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Score, staff influenza vaccination rate, time spent on medication rounds, appropriateness of dose form modification and completeness of resident’s allergy and adverse drug reaction documentation. A cost-consequence and cost-effectiveness analysis will be embedded in the trial. Discussion The results of this study will provide information on clinical and economic outcomes of a model that integrates on-site pharmacists into Australian residential aged care facilities. The results will provide policymakers with recommendations relevant to further implementation of this model. Trial registration ACTRN12620000430932. Registered on 1 April 2020 with ANZCTR

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