Martin R Farlow1, Soo Borson2, Stephen R Connor3, George T Grossberg4, Mary S Mittelman5. 1. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA mfarlow@iupui.edu. 2. University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA. 3. Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance, Washington, DC, USA. 4. St Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA. 5. New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE: This report describes a quality improvement continuing medical education activity designed to enhance the recognition and treatment of residents with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or other dementias in skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs). METHODS: Charts were compared in 6 areas prior to and following (stages A and C) a live, faculty-led workshop (stage B). Four SNFs completed stages A (n = 67 residents) and B, and 3 SNFs completed stage C (n = 52 residents). All charts came from residents with AD or a diagnosis of dementia or dementia-like symptoms. RESULTS/ CONCLUSION: The SNFs had >95% baseline performance in both the frequency of cognitive assessments and documented medication reviews. The percentage of residents who received a quality-of-life assessment and those who had a mental health care plan in place represent areas for improvement. As part of this activity, a toolkit was developed to help guide facilities and clinicians in instituting care improvements for residents with AD/dementia.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE: This report describes a quality improvement continuing medical education activity designed to enhance the recognition and treatment of residents with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or other dementias in skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs). METHODS: Charts were compared in 6 areas prior to and following (stages A and C) a live, faculty-led workshop (stage B). Four SNFs completed stages A (n = 67 residents) and B, and 3 SNFs completed stage C (n = 52 residents). All charts came from residents with AD or a diagnosis of dementia or dementia-like symptoms. RESULTS/ CONCLUSION: The SNFs had >95% baseline performance in both the frequency of cognitive assessments and documented medication reviews. The percentage of residents who received a quality-of-life assessment and those who had a mental health care plan in place represent areas for improvement. As part of this activity, a toolkit was developed to help guide facilities and clinicians in instituting care improvements for residents with AD/dementia.