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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 4 of 4 Research Studies DisplayedRosenthal M, Poling J, Wec A
"Medication is just one piece of the whole puzzle": how nursing homes change their use of antipsychotic medications.
This article investigated health professionals’ experiences with decision-making during changes under the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes and its companion coalitions. These programs were introduced in 2012 for the purpose of encouraging reductions in antipsychotic use and increasing use of nonpharmacological treatments for dementia. Interviews were conducted with 40 nursing home physicians and staff in seven states. The authors found that reducing antipsychotics is more time and resource-intensive than relying on medication. However, respondents supported reductions in antipsychotic use. They indicated that with supported staffing, effective communications, and training, they could create or implement individualized treatments.
AHRQ-funded; HS023464.
Citation: Rosenthal M, Poling J, Wec A .
"Medication is just one piece of the whole puzzle": how nursing homes change their use of antipsychotic medications.
J Appl Gerontol 2022 Jan;41(1):62-72. doi: 10.1177/0733464820958919..
Keywords: Elderly, Medication, Nursing Homes, Dementia, Neurological Disorders, Long-Term Care, Decision Making
Hanlon JT, Perera S, Schweon S
Improvements in antibiotic appropriateness for cystitis in older nursing home residents: a quality improvement study with randomized assignment.
This study evaluated the impact of an educational quality improvement initiative on the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing restricted to uncomplicated cystitis in older noncatheterized nursing home residents. This 1-year case-control study used 25 participating nursing homes that were randomized to the intervention or usual care group by strata that included state, urban/rural status, bed size, and geographic separation. A total of 75 cases of cystitis were found in the intervention groups and 92 in the control groups. The intervention group had a nonsignificant 21% reduction in the risk of antibiotic prescribing. There was a favorable comparison in appropriateness of duration. However, the intervention group had more problems with drug-drug interactions than the control group (8% vs 1%). There were also more problems with dosage in the intervention group. Both groups had similar rates of problems with choice or effectiveness (44% vs 45%). The most common antibiotic class that was prescribed inappropriately was quinolones.
AHRQ-funded; R18 HS023779.
Citation: Hanlon JT, Perera S, Schweon S .
Improvements in antibiotic appropriateness for cystitis in older nursing home residents: a quality improvement study with randomized assignment.
J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021 Jan;22(1):173-77. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.07.040..
Keywords: Elderly, Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care, Antibiotics, Medication, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Decision Making
Abrahamson K, Hass Z, Arling G
Shall I stay or shall I go? The choice to remain in the nursing home among residents with high potential for discharge.
This study examines why private-pay nursing home (NH) residents who expressed a desire for discharge and had relatively low-care needs chose to remain in the NH. The Minnesota Return to Community Initiative (RTCI) is a program that assists those residents to return to the community. Those who remained were more likely to beolder, more cognitively impaired, unmarried, had behavior problems, or diagnosed with dementia. At a 90-day assessment, residents who remained in the facility had a small decline in cognitive status, their continence improved, and they become more independent in activities of daily living (ADLs). Seventy-four percent of those remaining reported a perception of health barriers to discharge.
AHRQ-funded; HS020224.
Citation: Abrahamson K, Hass Z, Arling G .
Shall I stay or shall I go? The choice to remain in the nursing home among residents with high potential for discharge.
J Appl Gerontol 2020 Aug;39(8):863-70. doi: 10.1177/0733464818807818..
Keywords: Elderly, Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care, Transitions of Care, Decision Making
Ogarek JA, McCreedy EM, Thomas KS
Minimum data set changes in health, end-stage disease and symptoms and signs scale: a revised measure to predict mortality in nursing home residents.
The purpose of this study was to revise the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Changes in Health, End-stage disease and Symptoms and Signs (CHESS) scale, an MDS 2.0-based measure widely used to predict mortality in institutional settings, in response to the release of MDS 3.0. The MDS-CHESS 3.0 predicts mortality in newly admitted and long-stay nursing home populations. The additional relationship to hospitalizations and successful discharges to community increases the utility of this scale as a potential risk adjustment tool.
AHRQ-funded; HS000011.
Citation: Ogarek JA, McCreedy EM, Thomas KS .
Minimum data set changes in health, end-stage disease and symptoms and signs scale: a revised measure to predict mortality in nursing home residents.
J Am Geriatr Soc 2018 May;66(5):976-81. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15305..
Keywords: Decision Making, Elderly, Health Status, Mortality, Nursing Homes