New frontiers in integrated care

A combination of extended life expectancy and the graying of America is resulting in a rapidly growing industry known as assisted living. Based on a Scandinavian model for senior housing, assisted living first emerged in America during the mid 1980s. The concept is still so new that states that license these facilities do not agree on a precise definition. It is generally considered a residential alternative between independent retirement living and total institutionalized skilled care.

Educational programs for supplemental staff

This article identifies a potential source of income for an educational department, as well as a system that allows the healthcare agency to know that mandatory education and selected skill competencies have been met. This system also creates paper documentation of the supplemental staff compliance with the specified education.

A pharmacology review for private duty nurses using computers and self learning concepts

Computers, rather than instructors, patiently tutored the nurses, providing them with as much practice as necessary to master calculation skills. Instruction was consistent and readily available. Traditional printed material also was used because of its portability and accessibility. It was reassuring for the nurses to have something tangible to review. Program evaluations were positive. Comments such as the following were not uncommon: "The computer is a patient tutor; it never criticizes or tires"; "It was better than attending a workshop or lecture. I really learned the material because I was responsible for my learning." Currently, this group of nurses is using computer-assisted instructional programs for professional development. With the help and guidance of the PENZANCE staff, they overcame their fear of the technology and are now requesting that more programs be made available. It was a good experience for all.

Family transition through the termination of private duty home care nursing

Health care professionals prepare families for discharge and for home care, but termination of home care nursing has been approached less methodically. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the experience of transition occurring with termination of private duty home nursing care for the families of technology-dependent children. The research question guiding this proposal was: How do families experience the transition from continuous home nursing care through termination of that care? This article will discuss the adjustments and preparations required by termination, families' coping response, their experience of the transition, and suggested interventions.

Nurses in private nursing homes: a study of their knowledge and attitudes to pain management in palliative care

Nurses working in private nursing homes may not have the same degree of access to support and education in palliative care as nurses in NHS 'care of the elderly' wards. A study was conducted comparing two groups of nurses working in these two environments in one health district. Twenty-four nurses underwent semistructured interviews focusing on pain management. Both groups showed equal enthusiasm for their work with elderly patients. However, those from the care of the elderly wards were able to offer many more treatment strategies to relieve pain than their colleagues from the private nursing homes. The study uncovered a sense of isolation and a lack of postbasic education opportunities for nurses outside the NHS. If this small local study reflects a national trend, then there are major implications for the educational activities of palliative care teams.