Evidence Based Geriatric Nursing Protocols

Discuss about the Evidence Based Geriatric Nursing Protocols.

Evidence based practice is one of the best way to improve the quality of care services provided to the service users. In most of the residential aged care homes, the evidence-based interventions are being practiced regularly. It has been revealed that evidence-based interventions can improve the quality of life of the aged people living in residential care home. In our residential care home, we have attempted to implement evidence-based practice for improving the care services provided to the residents. In our residential care home, we have implemented evidence-based practice for improving the quality of life of the dementia patients. The initial intervention was behavioral therapy intervention, because older people, who are experiencing dementia, are reported to face mood disturbance and lowered cognitive impairment.  According to Boltz (2012), behavioral therapy has successfully reduced the behavioral disturbances of dementia patients. For this purpose, the caregivers received a one-week session for developing specialized skills related to this program. Through a nine-week program, the caregivers identified and increased pleasant events through meaningful activities. The results showed decreased mood disturbance and depression symptoms in approximately 60% dementia patients (Levin and Feldman 2012). We maintained the intervention activities through 6 months period for more improvement in patient’s outcomes.

In the next part of the evidence based intervention practice, the goal was to improve the ADL functioning of elder dementia patients. It has been seen that dementia patients have reduced ability of performing their ADLs alone. From the previous evidences, it was found that the environmental skill-building program has improved ADL functioning of dementia patients (Polit and Beck 2012). In this program, the dementia patients received individual consultation with an occupational therapist, where they were assessed and assisted for increasing their self-dependence. On the other hand, the caregivers were provided with written documents about how they would modify the environment for encouraging patients to perform their ADLs in better way. The caregivers were also provided with training sessions, where they learned about the new approaches of care. In the case of outdoor patients, we recommended educational sessions for patient’s family members. In this way, family members could become aware about the approaches and strategies related to environmental skill building program (Wold 2012). The outcomes after six months included improved ADL functioning and enhanced self-confidence of dementia patients. The counseling of patients also showed positive impact upon patient’s cognitive behavior. It also shown to reduce caregiver’s burden related to the management of dementia patients.

The final intervention for improving the quality of life of the dementia patients in our residential care was to improve their mobility and physical activity. A number of previous research provided strong evidences regarding the improvement of older dementia patient’s quality of life through routine exercise program (Wold 2012). Based on those evidences, the older dementia patients were subjected to a 12-week exercise program named Disability Reduction program. A physiotherapist was appointed for planning the exercise program based on the age and health status of the patients. The caregivers were trained for assisting patients in exercise program. Finally, overall achievement from these three interventions included improved quality of life of the dementia patients in residential care home.

Reference List

Boltz, M., 2012. Evidence-based geriatric nursing protocols for best practice. New York: Springer Pub. Co.

Levin, R. and Feldman, H., 2012. Teaching Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing. New York: Springer Pub. Co.

Polit, D. and Beck, C., 2012. Nursing research. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Wold, G., 2012. Basic geriatric nursing. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier/Mosby.