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 What's New> Events > Long-term care teleconferences 

Last modified: June 14, 2006

Long-term care teleconference:
Innovation

Highlights for May 16, 2006

 

In 2005, the College initiated a series of telephone conference calls to explore the realities of long-term care practice settings and provide opportunities for nurse leaders to collectively problem solve.

The title of the second teleconference in the 2006 series was Innovative Approaches to Nursing. It included two presentations on creative projects in long-term care.

Sue Bailey, RN, a Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant, spoke on using the PIECES/U-FIRST program to educate long-term care staff on caring for residents with dementia and other mental disorders. The staff at one facility used the program to problem solve case studies based on actual situations. (Click here to read Sue's presentation.)

Claude Roy, RN, and Deena Fredenburg, RN, spoke on Extendicare Timmins' initiative to create multidisciplinary teams to review the residents' medications. Their goal: to reduce the facility's medication statistics by two medications per resident per day. (Click here to read Claude and Deena's presentation.)

The teleconference participants also discussed the following resources and approaches.

 

Resources available to long-term care staff in Ontario

  • Psychogeriactric Resource Consultants offer problem-solving advice and educational initiatives.
  • Palliative care experts can work with staff, residents and families.
  • Tools in the College's new Outreach Program are available on this website. Or call the Practice Line toll-free in Ontario at 1 800 387-5526, ext. 6397, or 416 928-0900, ext. 6397.

 

Supportive tools

  • PIECES/U-FIRST is a framework that enhances the abilities of long-term care staff to meet the care requirements of residents with complex physical and cognitive health needs and associated behavioural issues.
  • The College's practice standards and guidelines.
  • RNAO best practice guidelines.

 

Educational initiatives

  • One facility offered their staff educational sessions on assessing the residents' mental health. The seven sessions included information on how to assess depression, dementia and anxiety disorders. Approximately 40 staff members attended the series.
  • Another facility formally recognized staff participation in PIECES/U-FIRST educational sessions by awarding each participant a certificate.

 

Continuous quality improvement

  • Extendicare Timmins' improved the administration of medications by creating multidisciplinary medication-review teams.

 

Care approaches

  • One long-term care facility uses what it calls "gentle care." This approach allows residents to direct their own care regarding their diet and daily schedules.
  • Another facility modified the environment to improve resident safety. It used creative painting to prevent residents from wandering out of the facility.
  • Another facility improved the quality of life for residents needing dialysis by partnering with acute care facilities and utilizing existing resources.

 

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