You Can’t Touch…or Can You? Dietitians’ Perceptions of Expressive Touch in Client Encounters

2020 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-119
Author(s):  
Cara Green ◽  
Virginia Vandall-Walker ◽  
Lee Rysdale ◽  
Michelle Stevens ◽  
Heather Feldmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Personal Safety ◽  
Registered Dietitians ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
Client Communication

Purpose: We explored Registered Dietitians’ (RDs’) perceptions about expressive touch (ET) as a means to provide client-centred care, a practice unreported to date. For this study, ET is defined as relatively spontaneous, responsive, and affective contact by dietitians. Methods: This exploratory study used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach. RDs in Northern Ontario were surveyed (54% response, n = 135) and these results were further explored in interviews with a subset of participants (n = 17). Analysis included descriptive and association statistics and qualitative description. Results: Most RDs considered ET a useful tool for effective client communication (66%–77%), yet they were hesitant to enact the practice (81%). Analysis of interviews revealed ET to be “situationally beneficial” with uptake influenced by an interplay of factors, described as: perceived client openness to touch, the environment, and RD comfort with touch. Greater uptake was reported among RDs working with distressed clients and clients in ambulatory clinics and long-term care. ET practice was limited by personal safety concerns, unknown client customs, and client misinterpretation. Conclusion: ET was valued by many RDs as an enhancement to client-centred care. Selective use of ET is influenced by the context of dietetic practice and by perceived client and RD comfort with the use of ET.

scholarly journals Understanding contributors to quality of care in long-term care and changes under COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 960-960
Author(s):  
Sara Luck ◽  
Katie Aubrecht
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Nursing home facilities are responsible for providing care for some of the most vulnerable groups in society, including the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. In times of crisis, such as COVID-19 or other pandemics, the delivery of ‘regular’ care can be significantly impacted. In relation to COVID-19, there is an insufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to care for residents, as PPE not only protects care staff but also residents. Nursing homes across the United States and Canada have also taken protective measures to maximize the safety of residents by banning visitors, stopping all group activities, and increasing infection control measures. This presentation shares a research protocol and early findings from a study investigating the impact of COVID-19 on quality of care in residential long-term care (LTC) in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. This study used a qualitative description design to explore what contributes to quality of care for residents living in long-term care, and how this could change in times of crisis from the perspective of long-term care staff. Interviews were conducted with a broad range of staff at one LTC home. A semi-structured interview guide and approach to thematic analysis was framed by a social ecological perspective, making it possible to include the individual and proximal social influences as well as community, organizations, and policy influencers. Insights gained will improve the understanding of quality of care, as well as potential barriers and facilitators to care during times of crisis.

The Impact of Peer Mentoring on Loneliness, Depression, and Social Engagement in Long-Term Care

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482091093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine A. Theurer ◽  
Robyn I. Stone ◽  
Melinda J. Suto ◽  
Virpi Timonen ◽  
Susan G. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Engagement ◽  
Peer Mentoring ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
The Impact

Loneliness, depression, and social isolation are common among people living in long-term care homes, despite the activities provided. We examined the impact of a new peer mentoring program called Java Mentorship on mentees’ loneliness, depression, and social engagement, and described their perceptions of the visits. We conducted a mixed-methods approach in 10 homes in Ontario, Canada, and enrolled residents as mentees ( n = 74). We used quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to understand their experience. After 6 months, mentees ( n = 43) showed a 30% reduction in depression ( p = .02, d = .76), a 12% reduction in loneliness ( p = .02, d = .76), and a 60% increase in the number of monthly programs attended ( p = .01, d = .37), with small-to-medium effect sizes. The analysis of mentee’s interviews revealed positive perceptions. This program offers an innovative, nonpharmacological alternative to the treatment of loneliness and depression.

Dementia in rural settings: examining the experiences of former partners in care

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 340-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
RACHEL V. HERRON ◽  
MARK W. ROSENBERG
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Home Support ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Rural Settings ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
Person With Dementia

ABSTRACTInformal carers, also referred to as partners in care, provide the bulk of care to people living with dementia across a range of community settings; however, the changing experiences and contexts of providing informal care for people with dementia in rural settings are under-studied. Drawing on 27 semi-structured interviews with former partners in care in Southwestern and Northern Ontario, Canada, we examine experiences of providing and accessing care over the course of the condition and across various settings. Our findings illustrate the challenges associated with navigating the system of care, finding people who understand dementia in the surrounding community, negotiating hours of home support, facing resistance to respite from the person with dementia, and feeling pressured into long-term care. We argue that partners' time, bodies and choices are spatially constrained within rural and small-town settings and the current systems of home, community and long-term care.

scholarly journals SCOPEOUT: sustainability and spread of quality improvement activities in long-term care- a mixed methods approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A. Cranley ◽  
Matthias Hoben ◽  
Jasper Yeung ◽  
Carole A. Estabrooks ◽  
Peter G. Norton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach

scholarly journals Long-Term Care Registered Dietitians’ Initial Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 952-952
Author(s):  
Julie Beitel ◽  
Allison Cammer
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Registered Dietitians ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Media Reports ◽  
The Many

Abstract At the outset of the global pandemic, long-term care (LTC) homes in Canada were captured in media reports as the centre of Canada’s COVID-19 epidemic. An estimated 80% of all COVID-19 deaths in Canada were associated with LTC outbreaks as of May 25, 2020. Infection control measures have swiftly changed the environment in many LTC homes for residents, workers, loved ones, and other supports. Registered Dietitians (RDs) are among the many care professionals working in LTC affected by these changes. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the roles of RDs in supporting LTC residents during the initial phases of the pandemic. RDs faced remote practice, redeployment to address pandemic priorities, or cohorting to a sole practice site, yet were responsible for resident nutritional health. In-depth, web-based, semi-structured interviews with thirteen RDs working in LTC in a prairie province of Canada were used to explore the changes to work, challenges faced, impact on residents, and innovations in practice. The findings from this study capture nutrition and wellness-related implications of the COVID-19 pandemic within LTC homes. Examining the initial response of LTC RDs to the COVID-19 pandemic can help in planning for opportunities to support or enhance delivery of nutrition care in LTC homes, both in the context of the ongoing pandemic as well as future practice.

scholarly journals Transitioning to Long-Term Care: Family Caregiver Experiences of Dementia, Communities, and Counseling

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 133-146
Author(s):  
Rachel Zmora ◽  
Tamara L. Statz ◽  
Robyn W. Birkeland ◽  
Hayley R. McCarron ◽  
Jessica M. Finlay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Counseling Intervention ◽  
Care Family ◽  
Caregiver Experiences ◽  
Residential Long Term Care ◽  
Analyze Data

Objectives: Previous analyses of interventions targeting relationships between family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and residential long-term care (RLTC) staff showed modest associations with caregiver outcomes. This analysis aimed to better understand interpersonal and contextual factors that influence caregiver–staff relationships and identify targets for future interventions to improve these relationships. Methods: Using a parallel convergent mixed methods approach to analyze data from an ongoing counseling intervention trial, descriptive statistics characterized the sample of 85 caregivers and thematic analyses explored their experiences over 4 months. Results: The findings illustrated that communication, perceptions of care, and relationships with staff are valued by family caregivers following the transition of a relative with dementia to RLTC. Discussion: The findings deepen understanding of potential intervention targets and mechanisms. These results can inform future psychosocial and psychoeducational approaches that assist, validate, and empower family caregivers during the transition to RLTC.

scholarly journals Launching ‘Namaste Care’ in Canada: findings from training sessions and initial perceptions of an end-of-life programme for people with advanced dementia

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 403-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Kaasalainen ◽  
Paulette V Hunter ◽  
Courtney Hill ◽  
Rachel Moss ◽  
Joy Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Advanced Dementia ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Public Lecture

Background Multisensory approaches and programmes have been developed to improve the quality of both life and dying for people with advanced dementia. However, little is known about the experiences of staff, family and others involved in the use of these programmes, and in the relevant education provided to improve the quality of life of residents living with advanced dementia in long-term care homes. Aim The aim of this study was to explore early experiences associated with the implementation of a new programme called ‘Namaste Care’ in two Canadian long-term care homes. Methods A multiple methods design was used. This included a survey to evaluate a 2-day education programme and qualitative description of interview data that explored experiences during the first 3 months of implementation. Results Survey respondents included 44 long-term care staff and 44 others (primarily family) who had attended a 2-day training session or public lecture. Interviews were undertaken with 18 staff, 5 family members and 2 volunteers to generate qualitative descriptions about the last 3 months of implementation of the 2-day education programme. The majority of those who attended training rated this as excellent and affirmed that they now understood the purpose of ‘Namaste Care’. Most endorsed that they had learned some essentials of ‘Namaste Care’ delivery. The majority of those who attended the public lecture were very satisfied with the education, and better understood how this novel programme could be implemented in long-term care. Qualitative description of interview data revealed that participants were positive about ‘Namaste Care’ in long-term care, and identified both barriers and facilitators to implementation as well as recommendations to help with future implementation. Conclusions These study findings support the use of a facility-wide educational programme to help launch a new innovation in long-term care.

Working With Resistance and Encouraging Buy-In to New Programs

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21
Author(s):  
Sara Joffe
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Optimal Outcomes ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist

In order to best meet the needs of older residents in long-term care settings, clinicians often develop programs designed to streamline and improve care. However, many individuals are reluctant to embrace change. This article will discuss strategies that the speech-language pathologist (SLP) can use to assess and address the source of resistance to new programs and thereby facilitate optimal outcomes.

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