Use of a handheld computer observational tool to improve communication for care planning and psychosocial well-being.

Staff development nurses in long-term care are challenged to implement training programs that foster quality unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) care and improve the transfer of their observations to licensed nursing staff for care planning. This study describes the outcomes of a program where UAP recorded behavioral problems of residents to inform care. Findings suggest that staff development nurses who aim to improve UAP reporting without simultaneously targeting licensed nursing staff behaviors may worsen nursing staff relationships.