Evaluation of an Online Dementia Training Program to Reduce Antipsychotic Medication Use in a Nursing Home.

Using the Kirkpatrick Model as a framework, the current program evaluation was performed to examine the effect of an online dementia training program on the rate of antipsychotic medication use in a nursing home. Antipsychotic medication use before program implementation was compared to use post-implementation. Run charts and a Wilcoxon analysis were used to look for trends or variances in antipsychotic medication use before and after implementation of the program. A nonrandom reduction was noted, and a statistically significant difference was noted in the percentage of residents receiving antipsychotic medications in the 6-month data prior to the training compared to the 6-month data after initial training (p = 0.026). Staff were satisfied with the training program and learning was noted, as evidenced by staff being able to list behaviors using the CARES® approach. Fully embedding the training into facility culture will need to be examined by facility administration. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(7), 5-8.].

The Usability of Physical Activity and Cognitive Training Applications in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment.

The aim of the current study is to identify key issues with utility, effectiveness, and appeal of specific electronic applications (apps) for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to guide the design and development of a mobile app, which integrates physical activity and cognitive activities. Sixteen participants age ≥65 were recruited from three assisted living facilities in Alabama. Participants were observed playing a physical activity app and cognitive training app via a tablet on two separate occasions. Most participants agreed that Sworkit®, Elevate®, and 7-Minute Workout® were easy to use and fun, less frustrating, and they would recommend them to a friend. Most participants had questions regarding clarification about how to play the games. All (100%) participants smiled and appeared happy when playing the physical activity games, whereas only 35% smiled during the cognitive training games. The current study was instrumental in revealing that people with MCI can use technology and provide feedback regarding use of that technology. Individuals with impaired cognition should be recruited for participation in research for the knowledge they can provide researchers. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(2), 64-72.].

Artificial Nutrition and Hydration in People With Late-Stage Dementia.

The progressive nature of dementia marks this disease as a terminal illness in the advanced stage, and palliative care rather than curative treatment is indicated. The use of feeding tubes to deliver artificial nutrition and hydration at end of life is often part of the plan of care for people with dementia. Current evidence, however, suggests that tube feeding in advanced dementia is not beneficial and the burdens of the procedure and the feedings themselves outweigh any benefits. Evidence also reveals that healthcare providers may lack evidence-based knowledge about artificial nutrition and hydration to adequately inform families and surrogate decision makers. This article examines the evidence regarding use of artificial nutrition and hydration for patients with end-stage dementia and offers implications for home care clinicians.

Perceptions of Home Health Nurses Regarding Suffering, Artificial Nutrition, and Hydration in Late-Stage Dementia.

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of home healthcare nurses related to suffering, artificial nutrition and hydration in people with late-stage dementia, and if these perceptions influence care to people with dementia and their families. Part of a mixed-methods study, the qualitative portion examined perceptions of home healthcare nurses in a rural area in the southern United States. Seventeen home healthcare nurses participated in this study. Semistructured focus group interview questions were used. Constant comparative analysis was the method used for coding transcripts. Three themes emerged from the analysis: patient/family comfort, futility, and symbols of suffering. Although many of the nurses reported that artificial nutrition and hydration was of comfort to the patient and family because of the potential for "starving," they also felt it prolonged the patient's suffering due to the invasive procedure, need for restraints, and possibility of fluid overload. Several nurses felt that artificial nutrition and hydration gave a sense of false hope to the family that the patient would live longer. The perceptions of these home healthcare nurses influence their care to people with dementia and their families related to artificial nutrition and hydration, possibly based on experience. Their perceptions could influence family decisions regarding treatment options. Further research and education with home healthcare nurses is vital to ensure nurses are appropriately caring for patients with dementia and their families.

Instrument validation and measurement of home healthcare nurses' knowledge of artificial nutrition and hydration at end of life.

The purpose of this exploratory pilot study was two-fold: (a) to determine the reliability of the instrument to measure nurses' knowledge of artificial nutrition and hydration, and (b) to assess home healthcare nurses' knowledge of artificial nutrition and hydration. A cross-sectional design was used to administer the questionnaire to 91 home healthcare nurses in North Carolina; 33 questionnaires were returned. Results revealed an accurate answer rate of 73% and Cronbach's alpha was 0.71, indicating adequate internal consistency reliability.

Barriers and strategies for sustained participation of African-American men in cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer incidence is about 70% higher among African Americans compared to Whites. Factors associated with this differential remain unclear, although several studies suggest that genetic factors may play a role. Before epidemiologic research can adequately identify factors associated with this differential, we need studies to determine the feasibility of recruiting and retaining African-American men in cohort studies, especially those that collect biological and questionnaire data. METHODS: We conducted 4 focus group discussions among African-American men aged 40 to 64 years in North Carolina, and an additional group comprised of their partners, using a semi-structured interview protocol (total N=55 subjects). Data were analyzed with QRS NU*DIST to identify themes. RESULTS: Participants' willingness to participate in cohort studies seemed to be motivated by a perceived risk of prostate cancer. Barriers to participation included mistrust of the research community, poor knowledge of cancer-site specific heterogeneity, anticipated time commitment, and the invasive nature of disease detection procedures. To foster trust and increase disease knowledge, recommended strategies included: partnering with known civic organizations that provide education on risk factors; discussing early signs and symptoms at the point of recruitment; recruiting participants from community clusters; and providing periodic feedback on biologic samples (if collected) to reassure participants of their proper usage. CONCLUSION: Observational cohort studies focused on African-American men are feasible if certain barriers to participation are addressed.