Have you ever experienced pain, gone to the doctor’s office and received pain medications? Well, we all know that we are experiencing an opioid crisis today and mainly due to the over-use of pain medications. True story, a family member had some minor, outpatient procedure performed and was discharged with a prescription for pain medications. Yep, an opioid! Fortunately, it …
Engaged families and residents are happier families and residents, and now we may have more insight as to “why” that is! A study recently released by Patient Safety Network (psnet.ahrq.gov) identifies that when families and patients are engaged and involved with the overall care of their loved one, safety improves! Barriers to effective engagement include limited patient/family knowledge, poor communication …
A study funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) will help determine if statin use can prevent dementia and disability in those patients 75 years or older. It has long been said that the side effects of statins often outweigh the benefits (muscle pain, weakness, etc.). Maybe now we can contribute something positive to this important medication and weigh …
A new study suggests that typical fall prevention advice for seniors is mostly ineffective. Almost three times as many adults aged 75 years and older died from falls in 2016 than in 2000 (25,189 people in 2016 compared to 8613 in 2000) (Journal of the American Medical Association). Experts suggest a more personalized approach to fall prevention as well as …
A lot has been said about “burn-out” over the years and many studies have been inconclusive regarding how burn-out may impact resident care and safety. In a recent study[1] several interesting outcomes were observed. The study describes burnout in part as a disorder that is directly related to workplace conditions due to the occupational stress health and education workers are …
Recent studies have shown that people with hypertension in midlife have a higher risk of developing dementia. This study, although limited, may be important to you and the caregivers in your communities. Unfortunately, many of our residents are past midlife and this information may not be relevant to them. That said, it may be helpful for your staff, family members …
Identifying at least 20% of hospitalized patients who carry Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) – drug resistant bacteria that can lead to a dangerous healthcare-associated infection, could help prevent the spread of the organism, according to an AHRQ funded study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Researchers developed a computer model to understand the impact of detecting an increasing number …
In a recent article published in JAMDA, the “RAFT Model of SNF Care” is discussed with interesting observations and outcomes. What is RAFT? It is a process to assist centers in Reducing Avoidable Facility Transfers. Did that get your attention?! There are 4 distinct components to the RAFT process including: Small team of providers who manage care and after-hour calls …
The Joint Commission recently published a “Sentinel Event Alert” on managing the risks of direct oral anticoagulants. Remember the day when these new medications were introduced and everyone thought it was life changing? No PT/INR levels to worry about, short half life so the medications aren’t lingering in the system, etc.? Well, after years of use and some research, it …
Although many feel the electronic MAR is a solution to medication errors, a recent study performed by Australian Health Review 43(3) 276-283 and shared by the AHRQ may change your opinion! Yes, the electronic MAR may “notify” you when a medication is missed, late, unavailable, etc. however it isn’t without shortcomings! For example, this study found that incorrect medication dose or …
