Quality Improvement in Skilled Nursing Facilities for Residents With Alzheimer's Disease. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farlow, Martin R.; Borson, Soo; Connor, Stephen R.; Grossberg, George T.; Mittelman, Mary S.
• Is Part Of: American journal of Alzheimer's disease & other dementias. Volume 31:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 162
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: quality improvement CME -- Alzheimer's disease -- dementia -- nursing homes; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Alzheimer's disease -- Patients -- Care -- United States -- Periodicals; 616.83
• DOI: 10.1177/1533317515603501
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-3175

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.