Iowa care centers work with College of Nursing researchers to improve elder care - The University of Iowa College of Nursing

Iowa care centers work with College of Nursing researchers to improve elder care

Long-term care facilities in north central Iowa have teamed with nurse researchers at the University of Iowa College of Nursing to address two common issues for older adults in health care facilities: pain management and incontinence.

"Despite the availability of evidence-based practice protocols that could dramatically improve care and outcomes, the use of these protocols in care facilities is sparse," says Janet Specht, Ph.D., a UI gerontological nursing professor.

With this project, Specht and colleagues Paula Mobily, Ph.D., and Ann Bossen will determine the best educational techniques to help registered nurses and certified nurse aides use the most current knowledge to care for elders with pain and urinary incontinence.

Selected staff at the facilities are assisting in coordinating efforts. Other staff were chosen to lead efforts focusing on concerns of maintaining urine control.

A third team of staff also learned how to lead efforts to improve pain management by looking at non-drug treatment for managing pain and identifying and treating pain in older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's disease. All staff will be involved in the project, through assisting with surveys and integrating the changes into the care they provide for residents.

"This research is significant because of the urgent need in long-term care facilities to improve outcomes for elderly residents with incontinence and pain," Mobily said.

July 8, 2009