- Email: [email protected]
IOM recommendations on hospital staffing
IOM Recommendations on Hospital Staffing 9 Among the recommendations of an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on hospital staffing was that registered nurses who have advanced training and skills should be used more to provide leadership and cost-effective patient care. The IOM committee recommended that nursing personnel should be involved in decision making with regard to organizational redesign and staffing reconfigurations. The report noted that because of pressures to deliver cost-efficient care, more registered nurses have moved from direct patient care to coordinating and supervisory "case manager" roles. The report concluded that although there are currently enough registered nurses to meet needs nationwide, the mix of their educational training may not be adequate to meet the demands of a rapidly changing health care system. AACN's key messages on the IOM recommendations are available through Fax-on-Demand, (800) AACN-FAX. Request document 9504.
ANA Critical of IOM study 9 The ANA has criticized the report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the adequacy of staffing in hospitals and nursing homes. The report called for a study to determine whether and to what extent there is a need to increase the number of nurses in hospitals and nursing homes to promote highquality patient care and reduce the incidence among nurses of workrelated injuries and stress. David Keepnews, RN, MPH, JD, director of policy for ANA, stated that "ANA has called for public accountability of hospitals and other institutions
GERIATRIC NURSING Volume 17, Number 5
for nurse staffing levels and mix, including public disclosure of staffing and outcome data to consumers, insurers, and federal and state agencies." For more information, contact Cheryl Peterson, (202) 651-7000.
New Developments in Stroke Care 9 Health care providers have the potential to markedly reduce the damaging effects of stroke because of increased understanding of the risk factors for stroke and improved access to better diagnostic tests and treatment. However, the public must also learn to recognize the early warning signs, seek prompt treatment, and take preventive measures for efforts to be successful. "Clot-buster" agents commonly used in treating myocardial infarction are now being tested as treatment options for stroke. A study found that patients who were given tissue plasminogen activator within 3 hours after onset of a stroke were 30% more likely to have more complete recoveries. A maintenance dose of aspirin is often recommended for patients who have transient ischemic attacks or those at risk for clot formation. Also being evaluated are new calcium channel blockers that may limit damage to the metabolism of brain cells after stroke. The use of antioxidants to reduce cellular injury from stroke is also being studied. A new experimental treatment for stroke patients called retrograde transvenous neuroperfusion is undergoing clinical trials at the University of Los Angeles Medical Center. During the neuroperfusion procedure, physicians insert a catheter into an artery near the patient's groin. An external pump draws blood out and carries arterial blood to catheters inserted in veins in the patient's neck. The unblocked
veins deliver the oxygen to the brain cells, allowing them to survive. Treatment must be started within 7 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Grant Awarded to Philadelphia Geriatric Center 9 The national Alzheimer's Association has awarded a grant of nearly $450,000 for the next 3 years to Polisher Research Institute of Philadelphia Geriatric Center. The grant will be used to study ways in which nursing home staff can improve the quality of life for residents with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. The study, to be conducted in the Center's Home for the Jewish Aged, will train certified nursing assistants to carry out specially designed, oneon-one activities with residents who have dementia. The assistants also will learn techniques for better communication with such residents and understanding of their behavior. The study follows up on findings from the Center's 4-year Alzheimer's Special Care Study, part of a larger research project funded by the National Institute on Aging. The staff conducted special one-on-one activities tailored to residents' individual interests and preferences. The extra activities ranged from browsing through family photos and listening to music together, to potting plants or playing catch with a ball.
St. Joseph's College Expands Specialty Tracks 9 St. Joseph's College in Standish, Maine, has made several modifications in the long-term care administration degree and certificate programs. Both the degree and the certificate programs will now include three specialty tracks: nurs-
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ANA Critical of IOM study 9 The ANA has criticized the report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the adequacy of staffing in hospitals and nursing homes. The report called for a study to determine whether and to what extent there is a need to increase the number of nurses in hospitals and nursing homes to promote highquality patient care and reduce the incidence among nurses of workrelated injuries and stress. David Keepnews, RN, MPH, JD, director of policy for ANA, stated that "ANA has called for public accountability of hospitals and other institutions
GERIATRIC NURSING Volume 17, Number 5
for nurse staffing levels and mix, including public disclosure of staffing and outcome data to consumers, insurers, and federal and state agencies." For more information, contact Cheryl Peterson, (202) 651-7000.
New Developments in Stroke Care 9 Health care providers have the potential to markedly reduce the damaging effects of stroke because of increased understanding of the risk factors for stroke and improved access to better diagnostic tests and treatment. However, the public must also learn to recognize the early warning signs, seek prompt treatment, and take preventive measures for efforts to be successful. "Clot-buster" agents commonly used in treating myocardial infarction are now being tested as treatment options for stroke. A study found that patients who were given tissue plasminogen activator within 3 hours after onset of a stroke were 30% more likely to have more complete recoveries. A maintenance dose of aspirin is often recommended for patients who have transient ischemic attacks or those at risk for clot formation. Also being evaluated are new calcium channel blockers that may limit damage to the metabolism of brain cells after stroke. The use of antioxidants to reduce cellular injury from stroke is also being studied. A new experimental treatment for stroke patients called retrograde transvenous neuroperfusion is undergoing clinical trials at the University of Los Angeles Medical Center. During the neuroperfusion procedure, physicians insert a catheter into an artery near the patient's groin. An external pump draws blood out and carries arterial blood to catheters inserted in veins in the patient's neck. The unblocked
veins deliver the oxygen to the brain cells, allowing them to survive. Treatment must be started within 7 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Grant Awarded to Philadelphia Geriatric Center 9 The national Alzheimer's Association has awarded a grant of nearly $450,000 for the next 3 years to Polisher Research Institute of Philadelphia Geriatric Center. The grant will be used to study ways in which nursing home staff can improve the quality of life for residents with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. The study, to be conducted in the Center's Home for the Jewish Aged, will train certified nursing assistants to carry out specially designed, oneon-one activities with residents who have dementia. The assistants also will learn techniques for better communication with such residents and understanding of their behavior. The study follows up on findings from the Center's 4-year Alzheimer's Special Care Study, part of a larger research project funded by the National Institute on Aging. The staff conducted special one-on-one activities tailored to residents' individual interests and preferences. The extra activities ranged from browsing through family photos and listening to music together, to potting plants or playing catch with a ball.
St. Joseph's College Expands Specialty Tracks 9 St. Joseph's College in Standish, Maine, has made several modifications in the long-term care administration degree and certificate programs. Both the degree and the certificate programs will now include three specialty tracks: nurs-
Newsview 201