Constant Observation Practices for Hospitalized Persons With Dementia: A Survey Study. Issue 4 (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sinvani, Liron; Strunk, Andrew; Patel, Vidhi; Shah, Shalin; Mulvany, Colm; Kozikowski, Andrzej; Boltz, Marie; Pekmezaris, Renee; Wolf-Klein, Gisele
• Is Part Of: American journal of Alzheimer's disease & other dementias. Volume 34:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 223
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: constant observation -- sitters -- Alzheimer's disease and related dementia -- behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Alzheimer's disease -- Patients -- Care -- United States -- Periodicals; 616.83
• DOI: 10.1177/1533317519826272
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-3175

Abstract

Despite substantial staffing and cost implications, the use of constant observation (CO) has been poorly described in the acute care setting. The purpose of this cross-sectional, multicenter, survey study was to assess hospital provider practices regarding the use of CO. Of the 543 surveys distributed, 231 were completed across 5 sites. Most respondents worked on medical units (67.5%), as nurses (49.1%); 44.8% were white; and 75.6% were female. The majority (84.2%) reported at least 1 patient/wk requiring CO. Most frequent indication for CO was dementia with agitation (60.7%), in patients older than 70 (62.3%) and predominantly by nurse assistants (93.9%). Almost half (47.3%) stated they felt pressured to discontinue CO, despite a strong perceived benefit (76%). Enhanced observation (92.6%) was most frequently used to decrease CO. Finally, 77.9% perceived that those performing CO lacked training. Our study highlights the widespread use of CO for hospitalized older adults with dementia.