The heterogeneous wound microbiome varies with wound care pain, dressing type, and inflammatory gene expression.

Wound dressing changes are essential procedures for wound management. However, ~50% of patients experience severe pain during these procedures despite the availability of analgesic medications, indicating a need for novel therapeutics that address underlying causes of pain. Along with other clinical factors, wound pathogens and inflammatory immune responses have previously been implicated in wound pain. To test whether these factors could contribute to severe pain during wound dressing changes, we conducted an exploratory, cross-sectional analysis of patient-reported pain, inflammatory immune responses, and wound microbiome composition in 445 wounds at the time of a study dressing change. We profiled the bacterial composition of 406 wounds using 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing and quantified gene expression of 13 inflammatory markers in wound fluid using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Neither inflammatory gene expression nor clinically observed inflammation were associated with severe pain, but Corynebacterium and Streptococcus were of lower relative abundance in wounds of patients reporting severe pain than those reporting little or no pain. Wound microbiome composition differed by wound location, and correlated with six of the inflammatory markers, including complement receptor C5AR1, pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)1ß, chemokine IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase MMP2, and the antimicrobial peptide encoding cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. Interestingly, we found a relationship between the wound microbiome and vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC). These findings identify preliminary, associative relationships between wound microbiota and host factors which motivate future investigation into the directional relationships between wound care pain, wound closure technologies, and the wound microbiome.

Development and Testing of the Relational and Structural Components of Innovativeness Across Academia and Practice for Healthcare Progress Scale.

OBJECTIVE: Using data from 5 academic-practice sites across the United States, researchers developed and validated a scale to measure conditions that enable healthcare innovations. BACKGROUND: Academic-practice partnerships are a catalyst for innovation and healthcare development. However, limited theoretically grounded evidence exists to provide strategic direction for healthcare innovation across practice and academia. METHODS: Phase 1 of the analytical strategy involved scale development using 16 subject matter experts. Phase 2 involved pilot testing the scale. RESULTS: The final Innovativeness Across Academia and Practice for Healthcare Progress Scale (IA-APHPS) consisted of 7 domains: 3 relational domains, 2 structural domains, and 2 impact domains. The confirmatory factor analysis model fits well with a comparative fit index of 0.92 and a root-mean-square error of approximation of 0.06 (n = 477). CONCLUSION: As the 1st validated scale of healthcare innovation, the IA-APHPS allows nurses to use a diagnostic tool to facilitate innovative processes and outputs across academic-practice partnerships.

Circadian timing, melatonin and hippocampal volume in later-life adults.

Hippocampal atrophy is a prominent neurodegenerative feature of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Alterations in circadian rhythms can exacerbate cognitive aging and neurodegeneration. This study aimed to examine how dim light melatonin onset and melatonin levels are associated with hippocampal volume in cognitively healthy individuals. We studied data from 52 later-life adults (mean age ± SD = 70.0 ± 6.3 years). T1-weighted anatomical images from 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging data were collected and processed using the BRAINSTools toolbox. Dim light melatonin onset was used to assess circadian timing. The area under the curve was calculated to quantify melatonin concentration levels 6 hr before bedtime, and 14-day wrist actigraphy data were used to assess habitual bedtime. Multiple linear regression modelling with hippocampal volume as the dependent variable was used to analyse the data adjusting for age and sex. The average dim light melatonin onset was 19:45 hours (SD = 84 min), and area under the curve of melatonin levels 6 hr before habitual bedtime was 38.4 pg ml-1 × hr (SD = 29.3). We found that later dim light melatonin onset time (b = 0.16, p = 0.005) and greater area under the curve of melatonin levels 6 hr before habitual bedtime (b = 0.05, p = 0.046) were associated with greater adjusted hippocampal volume. The time between dim light melatonin onset and the midpoint of sleep timing was not associated with hippocampal volume. The findings suggest that earlier circadian timing (dim light melatonin onset) and reduced melatonin may be associated with reduced hippocampal volume in older adults. Future research will help researchers utilize circadian rhythm information to delay brain aging.

Mealtime nonverbal behaviors in nursing home staff and residents with dementia: Behavioral analyses of videotaped observations.

This study characterized mealtime nonverbal behaviors of nursing home staff and residents with dementia and examined the relationships between individual characteristics and nonverbal behaviors. Videotaped observations (N=110) involving 25 residents and 29 staff (42 unique staff-resident dyads) in 9 nursing homes were coded using the refined Cue Utilization and Engagement in Dementia Mealtime Video-Coding Scheme. Wilcoxon rank-sum test or Kruskal-Wallis test were used for continuous characteristics, and Fisher's exact test for categorical characteristics. Residents primarily exhibited challenging behaviors including resistive behaviors (35.7%), chewing/swallowing difficulties (33.5%), and functional impairments (9.9%), followed by positive/neutral behaviors (20.9%). Staff primarily used person-centered behavioral strategies, including modifications of: 1) resident abilities (41.9%), 2) care approaches (35.1%), and 3) dining environment (13.6%), followed by task-centered behaviors (9.3%). Residents challenging behaviors were correlated with staff person-centered behavioral strategies. Dyadic nonverbal behaviors were correlated with multiple individual characteristics. Understanding dyadic nonverbal interactions facilitates use of person-centered, multilevel, behavioral strategies to optimize mealtime outcomes.

Emergency Medication Access and Administration in Schools: A Focus on Epinephrine, Albuterol Inhalers, and Glucagon.

Access to emergency medications is a growing concern, particularly regarding the availability, safety, and use of these medications in schools. The purpose of this article is to report results not previously published from a national survey, specifically regarding the emergency use of epinephrine, albuterol inhalers, and glucagon. A nonexperimental, cross-sectional design was utilized for this descriptive study. An online survey was distributed to school nurses in 2015, and data from 6,298 school nurse respondents are presented in the analysis. Findings related to stock and student-specific emergency medication use and storage, epinephrine usage data, and delegation of emergency medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel are presented in this article. Further development of policies and procedures regarding emergency medication administration in schools is needed. School nurses are a valuable resource for obtaining knowledge in this area and keeping students safe at school.

Mealtime verbal interactions among nursing home staff and residents with dementia: A secondary behavioural analysis of videotaped observations.

AIMS: To characterize dyadic mealtime verbal interactions and examine the associations with staff and resident characteristics. DESIGN: A secondary analysis of 110 videotaped mealtime observations collected from a dementia communication trial during 2011-2014. METHODS: Videos involved 25 residents with dementia and 29 staff in nine nursing homes. Verbal behaviours (utterances) were coded during 2018-2019 using the Cue Utilization and Engagement in Dementia mealtime video-coding scheme, addressing eight positive behaviours and four negative behaviours. Bivariate analyses and multivariate regression models were used. RESULTS: Staff spoke three times more frequently (76.5%) than residents (23.5%). Nearly all staff utterances were positive (99.2%); 85.1% of residents' utterances were positive and 14.9% negative. Staff positive utterances were correlated with their negative utterances and resident positive and negative utterances. Staff negative utterances were correlated with resident negative utterances. Resident positive and negative utterances were correlated. Resident positive utterances were significantly associated with staff care-giving length in the current nursing home (OR = 1.430, 95% CI = 1.008, 2.027). Resident negative utterances were significantly associated with resident gender (female versus male, OR = 11.892, 95% CI = 1.237, 114.289) and staff years worked as a caregiver (OR = 0.838, 95% CI = 0.710, 0.989). Staff positive and negative utterances were not associated significantly with any participant characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Staff engage residents using primarily positive verbal strategies. Staff-resident mealtime verbal interactions were dynamic, interactive, and complex and related to multiple individual characteristics. IMPACT: Positive dyadic mealtime interactions are critical to engage residents in eating. Little work has characterized dyadic mealtime interactions, limiting the development of effective interventions. Findings showed staff-resident mealtime verbal interactions were primarily positive, inter-related, and associated with multiple individual characteristics. Findings inform directions to improve mealtime care practice and develop person-centred mealtime interventions targeting modifiable factors, including staff care-giving experiences.

Growth Measurement Practices from a National Survey of Neonatal Nurses.

PURPOSE: To describe neonatal nurses' growth measurement practices, attitudes, knowledge, bases of practice knowledge, and barriers and facilitators for changing practice; and to identify differences in practices and knowledge by nursing organization, unit type, education, and experience. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey of U.S. neonatal nurses was distributed through two neonatal nursing organizations. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 301 nurses. Some evidence-based practices (EBPs) were infrequently reported including recording frontal-occipital head circumference (FOC) and length using 0.1 cm increments (17.9% and 17.6%, respectively); measuring FOC, weight, and length more than once before recording (61.9%, 27.2%, and 39.6%, respectively); and for length, using a length board instead of tape measure (19.4%), with a second person assisting (25.1%), with Frankfort plane head positioning (3.3%), and measuring from crown to heels of both feet (19.1%). Most nurses perceived their measurements as accurate or highly accurate (96.7% for FOC, 99.3% for weight, and 87.1% for length). The mean percentage correct on knowledge items was 68.1%. NICU nurses scored slightly better than well-newborn nurses (mean 69.3% correct vs. 65.1% correct, p = .04). Most based measurement practices on clinical practice guidelines (86.6%) and unit policies and procedures (85.9%). Team culture (33.3%) and insufficient resources (32.6%) were the most common barriers to EBP. The support of nurse managers (70.0%) and unit educators (68.5%) were common facilitators. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Knowledge gaps and practice improvement areas were identified. Results can inform interventions to improve the accuracy and reliability of neonatal growth measurement practices.

Effects of a Video-based Intervention on Caregiver Confidence for Managing Dementia Care Challenges: Findings from the FamTechCare Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The Supporting Family Caregivers with Technology trial tested the FamTechCare video support intervention against telephone support. Dementia caregivers' video-recorded challenging care encounters and an interdisciplinary team provided tailored feedback. This paper reports on the effects of the intervention on caregiver confidence in managing priority challenges, a secondary outcome of this non-blinded parallel randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Caregiver/person living with dementia dyads were randomized to the experimental FamTechCare video support (n = 43) or attention control telephone support (n = 41) groups. Caregivers providing in-home care to a person living with mild or more severe dementia were eligible. Caregivers identified three priority challenges using the Caregiver Target Problems Questionnaire and rated the frequency and severity of each challenge and their confidence managing the challenge at baseline and 3-months. Challenges were classified using the FamTechCare Technology-supported Dementia Care Typology. Effects on confidence were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and within groups using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Caregiver priority challenges included managing dementia behaviors, understanding disease expectations, and performing activity of daily living care. Improvements were observed across the three categories in both groups; however, not all changes were statistically significant. No significant differences were identified between groups. CONCLUSION: Caregivers in the FamTechCare group reported benefit across all priority challenges including managing dementia behaviors, understanding disease expectations, and performing activity of daily living care. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Innovative technology provides new opportunities to support family caregivers in dementia home care. Video-recording can be used to enhance support for family caregivers facing care challenges.

Medication Management in Schools: 2015 Survey Results.

The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions in children, for both common and rare conditions, over the past 30 years, and the increase in the number and range of medications used to manage these conditions, has contributed to the need to address medication management in schools. The purpose of this article is to present the key findings from a national survey on medication administration in schools. A nonexperimental cross-sectional design was used in this descriptive study. An online survey was sent to school nurses across the country. Responses from a total of 6,298 school nurses were used in the analysis. Results of the survey related to prescription and nonprescription medications, medication storage, student's carrying their medications, delegation of medication administration, documentation, and medication errors are discussed. The article concludes that many different medications are administered during the school day. School nurses must advocate for proper policies and procedures to guard the safety of students.

Nursing Home Staff Intentions for Learned Communication Skills: Knowledge to Practice.

Staff education is critical to improving nursing home dementia care practice. However, a lag in translation to practice is a barrier to improving care. As part of a clinical trial testing effects of a communication intervention on behaviors of residents with dementia, participant-reported likelihood of using learned skills in practice was evaluated in relation to organizational and individual factors in 10 nursing homes. The authors hypothesized that organizational and individual factors would influence staff intention to use new skills in practice. Pre-and post-training comparisons confirmed that staff gained knowledge about communication effectiveness. Staff reported high likelihood for using skills in practice based on modified Duke Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) Scale scores. Care organization was correlated with total DOI scores (r = 0.82, p < 0.01). DOI subscales correlations to organizational and individual attitudes are reported. Evaluating quality improvement interventions in relation to translation to practice is essential in today's nursing home environment.

Exploring Factors Affecting Parental Psychological Vulnerability During Their Child's PICU Admission: A Prospective Pilot Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Parental psychological responses during their child's pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission are often overlooked. This study aimed to identify pre-existing and peri-traumatic factors explaining parental stress and anxiety during their child's PICU admission and one-month follow-up. METHOD: A prospective pilot study included 60 PICU parents. Parental Stressors Scale and State-trait Anxiety Inventory measured stress and anxiety during PICU admission, and the State-trait Anxiety Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale at a one-month follow-up. RESULTS: During PICU admission, parental stress correlated with age, race, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), anxiety was linked to income. At one-month follow-up, anxiety related to child's health worries, perceived stress was linked to parental ACEs and education. Parental ACEs predicted perceived stress (b = 0.83, p = .028). Children's diagnoses explained anxiety, particularly respiratory and cardiac diagnoses (b = -13.44, p = .023; -10.03, p = .045). DISCUSSION: Identifying factors helps teams understand parental vulnerability and provide appropriate support.

Compassionate Care: Listening Visits Provided by Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses.

PURPOSE: Although mothers of infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) often experience clinically significant levels of depression symptoms, accessing mental-health treatment may be difficult. NICU mothers need emotional support that is conveniently delivered at the infant's point-of-care by a trusted professional who is knowledgeable about the medical and nursing care in the NICU. Listening Visits are an effective and accessible, nurse-delivered depression intervention, yet little is known about what mothers discuss during these sessions. This analysis of sessions recorded during the randomized controlled trial evaluation of Listening Visits in the NICU provides a glimpse into NICU mothers' concerns and experiences. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a secondary, qualitative case analysis of the recorded Listening Visits sessions of four depressed NICU mothers as indicated by a score of 12 or above on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The mothers, who were all White, varied in their economic resources, educational level, availability of support, and infant illness severity. RESULTS: Mothers discussed similar concerns and experiences, often at analogous temporal points in the six Listening Visit sessions, as well as one common concern they voiced throughout: family and friends do not understand what it is like to have an infant in the NICU. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: For mildly to moderately depressed mothers of infants hospitalized in the NICU, Listening Visits provide a way for bedside nurses to deliver compassionate care by listening to mothers' concerns and experiences.

Person-centred and task-centred care: Impact on mealtime behaviours in nursing home residents with dementia.

INTRODUCTION: Mealtime is a critical daily activity to ensure nutrition, hydration, function and socialisation. Interactions between staff and residents during mealtimes are complex and dynamic processes including verbal and/or nonverbal communication that can be positive/neutral or challenging. This study examined characteristics of and relationships between person-centred and task-centred care and positive/neutral and challenging mealtime behaviours in persons with dementia. METHODS: This study was a secondary behavioural analyses of videotaped mealtime observations (n = 110) involving 42 unique staff-resident dyads (29 staff and 25 residents with dementia) in nine nursing homes. The refined Cue Utilization and Engagement in Dementia mealtime video-coding scheme was used to code videos during 2019-2020. Dependent variables representing resident mealtime behaviours included positive verbal behaviours, positive/neutral nonverbal behaviours, functional impairments (nonverbal) and resistive behaviours (verbal and nonverbal). Independent variables were staff person-centred and task-centred approaches (verbal and nonverbal). Relationships between resident mealtime behaviours and staff approaches were examined using bivariate analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: Staff person-centred verbal approaches were associated with resident positive verbal behaviours (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.09-1.76), functional impairments (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.66-1.00) and resistive behaviours (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.18-2.31). Staff person-centred nonverbal approaches were associated with resident functional impairments (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.02-1.74). Staff task-centred approaches were not associated with resident positive/neutral or challenging mealtime behaviours. CONCLUSION: This study characterised staff approaches and resident behaviours during mealtime care and provided preliminary support on associations between staff person-centred approaches and resident positive and challenging behaviours. Person-centred mealtime care practice is recommended by focusing on support of common, challenging behaviours and reinforcement of positive behaviours with adequate consideration of individual needs and preferences.

Temporal Relationships Between Nursing Home Staff Care Approaches and Behaviors of Residents With Dementia During Mealtimes: A Sequential Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Optimal dyadic interactions are critical to quality mealtime care and outcomes. Prior work supports associative relationships between staff approaches and individual mealtime behaviors, yet evidence on temporal relationships is limited. This study examined temporal associations between staff approaches and resident behaviors during mealtimes. Research Design and Methods: Videotaped mealtime observations (N = 160) involving 36 staff and 27 residents (53 staff-resident dyads) in 9 nursing homes were analyzed. Sequential analyses using 5-, 10-, and 15-second time windows were conducted for resident positive, neutral, and challenging behaviors as antecedents as well as consequences of staff person-centered and task-centered approaches. Results: Residents exhibited positive verbal (35.0%) and positive/neutral nonverbal (12.6%) behaviors, as well as challenging behaviors including functional impairments (27.7%) and resistive behaviors (24.7%). Staff primarily used person-centered approaches (54.1% verbal, 40.3% nonverbal); task-centered approaches were less frequent (5.6%). Immediately (within 5 seconds) after staff person-centered approaches, resident positive/neutral and resistive behaviors were more likely, and functional impairments less likely. After staff task-centered approaches, resident positive verbal and resistive behaviors were less likely. After resident positive/neutral behaviors, staff person-centered approaches were more likely. After resident functional impairments, staff person-centered verbal approaches were less likely, and task-centered approaches more likely. After resident resistive behaviors, all staff approaches were more likely. The strength of temporal relationships diminished in 10-second and 15-second time windows. Discussion and Implications: Staff-resident positive interactions were associated with more subsequent positive interactions. Person-centered care was associated with fewer subsequent resident functional impairments and more subsequent resistive behaviors. Resident resistive behaviors were associated with more subsequent person-centered and task-centered care. Findings confirm the importance of facilitating positive staff-resident interactions and managing functional impairments using person-centered care. Resistive behaviors require additional awareness and attention beyond commonly used person-centered care approaches. Further investigation of temporal relationships is needed using larger diverse samples.

Promoting Elderspeak Awareness: Adapting Changing Talk Online Communication Education for Adult Day Services Staff.

Communication is fundamental for dementia care across long-term services and support (LTSS) settings. Education increasing nursing home (NH) staff awareness of person-centered communication has reduced staff elderspeak communication and reduced resistiveness to care of residents with dementia. The current study tested the Changing Talk Online (CHATO) education with adult day services (ADS) staff to identify strategies for adaptation for other LTSS settings. Three dementia-specific ADS sites participated in the CHATO education program. Participants completed knowledge assessment, communication ratings, and confidence ratings on providing care pre- and post-CHATO; a program evaluation; and rated their intention to use skills in practice. Findings were compared to an earlier study of CHATO in NHs. Focus groups evaluated feasibility, applicability, and directions for tailoring. Mean scores on the Changing Talk Scale knowledge test increased by 15 percentage points (p < 0.001). Confidence in providing dementia care scores also increased (p = 0.037). The mean Modified Diffusion of Innovation scale score was 2.2, similar to that in NHs, indicating intent to use skills; and program evaluation was positive. Focus group participants reported CHATO was valuable and recommended incorporating scenarios specific to ADS care. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(2), 85-94.].

Person-Centered and Task-Centered Care and Mealtime Behaviors in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: Impact on Food Intake.

Background and Objectives: Nursing home (NH) staff mealtime care approaches are associated with behaviors of residents with dementia, but their impact on food intake remains unexplored. This study examined the role of staff person-centered and task-centered approaches and resident positive, neutral, and challenging behaviors on food intake. Research Design and Methods: Videotaped mealtime observations (N = 160) involving 36 staff and 27 residents (53 unique staff-resident dyads) in 9 NHs were coded using the refined Cue Utilization and Engagement in Dementia mealtime video-coding scheme. The dependent variable was resident food intake. The independent variables were staff person-centered approaches that support resident abilities, staff-resident (dyadic) interactions, and dining environments, staff task-centered approaches, and resident positive, neutral, and challenging behaviors. Resident challenging behaviors included mealtime functional impairments and resistive behaviors. Linear mixed modeling was used. Moderating effects of staff approaches, food type, and length of dyadic mealtime interactions (ie, video duration) were examined. Results: The relationship between food intake and resident mealtime functional impairments was moderated by food type (p < .001). The relationship between food intake and resident resistive behaviors was moderated by food type (p = .002) and staff person-centered verbal approaches (p = .001). The relationships between food intake and staff person-centered nonverbal approaches (p = .003) and resident positive/neutral nonverbal behaviors (p = .004) were moderated by the length of dyadic mealtime interactions. Discussion and Implications: Food intake was associated with staff person-centered approaches and resident positive/neutral and challenging behaviors. Findings emphasize the importance of facilitating positive dyadic interactions using individualized, context-based, multifaceted, person-centered care. Future research on temporal and causal relationships is warranted in larger diverse samples.

Developing and Testing Remote Implementation for the Changing Talk Online (CHATO) Communication Intervention for Nursing Home Staff: A Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and Objectives: The Changing Talk (CHAT) communication training effectively reduces elderspeak and subsequent behavioral challenges in residents with dementia in nursing homes (NHs). As part of the pilot pragmatic clinical trial testing Changing Talk: Online Training (CHATO), a new online version, a remote implementation design, and process evaluation were developed to capture contextual factors, ensure fidelity, and determine effective implementation strategies. Research Design and Methods: The Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change compilation informed this 2-phase approach to develop and test remote implementation. An Advisory Board guided the developmental phase while pilot testing used a cluster-randomized design. Data were analyzed to evaluate NH characteristics; implementation strategies used; CHATO participation, completion, and passing rates; and leadership evaluation. Results: Five out of 7 NHs were nonprofit with above average quality ratings (M = 4.3 of 5). Staff participants (N = 237) were mostly female (90%), non-Hispanic White (91%), and nursing assistants (46%). Implementation time ranged from 54 to 86 days (M = 70.3, standard deviation [SD] = 9.3), with planning phase ranging from 11 to 29 days (M = 20.1, SD = 6.7), and training phase ranging from 35 to 58 days (M = 50.0, SD = 7.6). A range from 3 to 11 implementation strategies were used by each NH. Assigning champions, including the social worker on the implementation team, utilizing multiple mediums for reminders, giving rewards or public recognition, supporting onsite discussions, and other tailoring strategies were associated with improved outcomes. Participation ranged from 20% to 76%. Over 63% of participants completed training (N = 150) and 87% passed the posttest (N = 130). Leadership evaluations noted staff used CHATO concepts in practice and improved communication culture. Discussion and Implications: Leadership who took an active role, engaged multiple team members, and varied strategies had better outcomes. Effectiveness of the strategies will be evaluated in a national pragmatic clinical trial testing CHATO's effects on reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia care.

A clinical tool to predict severe pain during wound dressing changes.

ABSTRACT: Dressing changes cause severe pain (ie, 8-10 on a 10-point scale) for approximately one-third (36%) of patients with open skin wounds. No tool exists that allows nurses to predict which patients are likely to experience severe pain during dressing changes. The aim of this study was to develop a clinical tool to predict severe pain during dressing changes using clinically accessible wound and pain predictors and to evaluate the diagnostic validity of this model. Using a cross-sectional design, a one-time study dressing change was conducted by the same wound care nurse on 445 subjects while concurrently measuring patient and wound predictors and pain intensity during the dressing change. Three predictors came out of the study as most useful for a clinical prediction tool: type of dressing, resting wound pain, and expected pain. Algorithms based on these predictors are presented, which can be applied in other settings to predict patients likely to experience severe pain during a dressing change. This is the first study to systematically examine a comprehensive set of wound and patient predictors for their individual and collective associations with pain during dressing changes using precisely defined and rigorously measured study variables. The ability to predict which patients are likely to have severe pain during dressing changes is critically needed so that they can be targeted for preventive pain control strategies.

Satisfaction, utilization, and feasibility of a telehealth intervention for in-home dementia care support: A mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Technology can enhance support for families caring for persons living with dementia but must be acceptable to be adopted. The FamTechCare clinical trial engaged caregivers in video recording care encounters that were reviewed by an expert panel who provided tailored feedback. The intervention reduced caregiver depression and improved caregiver competence. This mixed methods study reports on caregiver satisfaction and utilization of the intervention and expert panel evaluation of the intervention. METHODS: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used to evaluate the satisfaction, usability, and feasibility of the FamTechCare intervention. In the multisite randomized controlled trial, caregiver-person living with dementia dyads were randomized to the FamTechCare video support or attention control telephone support groups. Caregivers completed a satisfaction survey at the completion of the 3-month trial. Utilization was evaluated using the number and duration of videos submitted and calls received by caregivers. Relationships between participant characteristics and their satisfaction and utilization were evaluated. Feasibility of the intervention was assessed through content analysis of interviews with the expert panel. RESULTS: The majority of caregivers in both groups reported benefits from participation. More FamTechCare caregivers found the interventionist support to be helpful (p = 0.001) and effective (p = 0.020) compared to attention control caregivers. FamTechCare caregivers of persons with more severe dementia were more likely to report that video recording intruded on their privacy (p = 0.050). Caregiver age, gender, education, dyad relationship, rural status, and type and severity of dementia were not associated with ratings of acceptability, ease of use, or intervention utilization. The expert panel described the FamTechCare intervention as useful and identified adaptations to enhance feasibility. CONCLUSION: Regardless of age, gender, and relationship, caregivers found the intervention acceptable and easy to use and rated the expert feedback as effective in addressing care challenges. Further adaptation may be needed for FamTechCare to be readily implemented.

Moving Online: A Pilot Clinical Trial of the Changing Talk Online Communication Education for Nursing Home Staff.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Staff-resident communication is a critical part of nursing home (NH) care. Reducing elderspeak and increasing person-centered communication has been shown to reduce behavioral symptoms experienced by persons living with dementia. An online version of a successful classroom-based communication-training program that reduced staff elderspeak and resident behavioral symptoms was evaluated. The objective of this study was to establish feasibility and determine the preliminary effects of the online program in preparation for a national pragmatic clinical trial. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Seven NHs were randomized to immediate intervention or wait-list control conditions. The NHs were provided with the web-based training program that staff individually accessed. Primary outcomes were knowledge scores and communication ratings of a video-recorded interaction, using pre- to posttraining comparisons. RESULTS: Knowledge increased from a mean pretest score of 61.9% (SD = 20.0) to a mean posttest score of 84.6% (SD = 13.5) for the combined group. Knowledge significantly improved between Time 1 and Time 2 for the immediate intervention participants (p < .001), but not for the wait-list control participants (p = .091), and this difference was statistically significant (p < .001). Ability to recognize ineffective, inappropriate, nonperson-centered, and elderspeak communication improved after training (p < .001). The magnitude of improvement in communication recognition was comparable to that of the original classroom format. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The adapted communication intervention was feasible and improved knowledge and communication. Online instruction can improve access to quality education and is an effective means to improve dementia care by overcoming barriers to in-person training. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT03849937.