Greetings!

Welcome to the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing's April 2010 eNewsletter featuring articles, reference materials, useful links, calendar of events and other best practice information on the care of older adults.

This eNewsletter is sponsored by ConsultGeriRN.org.

ConsultGeriRN.org is the authoritative geriatric clinical nursing website of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, New York University College of Nursing and the NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) program, www.NICHEProgram.org. ConsultGeriRN.org contains evidence-based protocols and topics for nurses and other healthcare professionals on the care of older adults. Content is updated regularly.

We would like to hear from you!

If you'd like to keep up to date with the latest geriatric related news, resources, as well as other happenings at the Hartford Institute, we are now represented on both Twitter and Facebook. Follow the links below for more information.

'Physical Restraints' refer to any manual method, physical or mechanical device, or equipment that immobilizes or reduces the ability of the person to move his or her arms, legs, body or head freely. Use of restraints is associated with several morbidity and mortality risks, so use of restraints should be considered only after exhausting all reasonable alternatives!
When using restraints:

• Choose the least restrictive device (e.g., hand mitts rather than wrist restraints)
• Ensure proper sizing and fit of restraint
• Reassess the patient's response at least every 2 hours
• Release the restraint at a minimum every two hours
• Renew orders every calendar day after evaluation by licensed independent practitioner

Learn more about "Physical Restraints" including references and assessment tools by visiting ConsultGeriRN.org.

You may have noticed we've been regularly updating the Try This:® page for some time now; and not just with new content, but also with changes to make it easier to view and navigate the series. The series is now organized into three categories and each is contained in its own distinct, expandable content block. New icons have been added to easily distinguish off-site links, pdf resources, and video resources.

Our most recent change is the inclusion of a new 'search' icon, that when clicked, will bring up a relevant search of other topics, resources and pages hosted on the Hartford Institute's web sites (HartfordIGN.org, ConsultGeriRN.org, and NICHEProgram.org). We encourage all of you to try this new tool the next time you visit us!
View the Try This:® page on ConsultGeriRN.org

Patients with multiple conditions rely on health care professionals from a variety of disciplines. This is often the case with elderly patients. Studies show that complex patients manage better when their doctors, nurses, gerontologists, pharmacists--every health professional involved in their care (including the patient!)--work together as a team to develop a smart plan of care. The goal of the GITT Program is to help promote the development of effective patient management across multiple disciplines.

Until recently, these videos were only available when ordered as part of the GITT Kit; but they have recently been made availabe to stream live on ConsultGeriRN.org! The complete GITT Kit (with manuals and videos) is still available to be ordered for $75!
View the GITT Videos on ConsultGeriRN.org
View the GITT Program Website

Announcing New REASN Project Products

June Enrollment Open! NICHE Leadership Training Program

New Website Launches

New Knowledge Center Opens

Organizes Online Resources for Easier, Faster Access

NICHE Hosts New "Online Connect" Webinar

"An Interdisciplinary Model for Delirium Management"

The Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes Campaign's Consumer Tip Sheet, together with a more comprehensive Consumer Guide, provides nursing home residents and family members basic information and 10 questions they should be asking to better understand resident care planning, staffing, important care issues and the significance of measuring resident and family satisfaction. In a typical year, 3.2 million Americans will spend some time in a nursing home. Although there are many guides for choosing a nursing home already available, the Campaign is trying to help residents and their families ensure the best care and quality of life while in a nursing home.

The Advancing Excellence campaign began in 2006 as a national drive to improve nursing home quality, and since then it has worked steadily to achieve measurable improvements in nursing home care. Nursing homes that have participated in this initiative have made faster progress at improving key quality goals such as reducing rates of pressure ulcers, improving management of pain, and significantly reducing use of physical restraints.

Nearly half of the nation's nursing homes have joined Advancing Excellence but the goal is to get most nursing homes to sign up and set measurable quality goals. In addition, more than 2,000 consumers have joined the Campaign.
View Consumer Tip Sheet (Pdf)
Visit Advancing Excellence Website