Impact of the applied simulated and integrated learning approach on nursing assistants' knowledge and confidence caring for frail seniors in nursing homes

TitleImpact of the applied simulated and integrated learning approach on nursing assistants' knowledge and confidence caring for frail seniors in nursing homes
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsBoscart V.M, Heckman G., Davey M., Heyer M., Hirdes J.P
JournalPilot Feasibility Stud
Volume4
Pagination77
ISBN Number2055-5784 (Print)<br/>2055-5784
Accession Number29785281
Keywords(UW-ORE 20512) and Conestoga College Research Ethics Board (CC-135). The, Comprehensive geriatric assessment, interests.Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in, InterRAI, Long-Term Care, NHs were obtained.The authors declare that they have no competing, Nursing assistants, Nursing Homes, principal investigator approached the NH directors to obtain approval for their, published maps and institutional affiliations., staff to participate. Individual written consents for all study participants and, Standardized assessment tools
Abstract

Background: Increasing importance is being placed on optimizing the role of Nursing Aides (NAs) in improving quality of care for nursing home (NH) residents. One approach to do so is to have NAs participate in assessments embedded within the Minimum Data Set (MDS). This pilot study aimed to design and evaluate the Applied Simulated and Integrated Learning Approach (ASILA) program, a novel innovative training program for NAs employed in NHs to enhance their ability to assess residents within an inter-professional framework. Methods: A mixed quantitative and qualitative repeated measures design was used to assess changes in NAs' knowledge and perception of assessments and resident clinical outcomes. Additionally, focus groups were conducted with NAs upon completion of the ASILA program. A total of 23 NAs and nurses in NHs in two Canadian provinces participated. The ASILA pilot program consisted of three selected modules; each module including an evidence-informed case-scenario, assessments, the use of appropriate MDS tools and documentation, care planing and reporting systems. ASILA was delivered over the course of two days per home. The primary outcome measure focused on the impact of ASILA on NA knowledge and confidence in assessing residents and understanding the relevance and use of elements if the MDS tools. Secondary outcomes included NAs' satisfaction with ASILA and the impact of ASILA on resident clinical outcomes. Data were collected one week prior, immediately after, and three months after the ASILA program. Results: Following ASILA, NAs reported increased knowledge test scores and confidence in assessing residents by using MDS tools, although this did not reach significance after multiple testing (p = 0.0256 and p = 0.1541 respectively). NAs reported more confidence in providing care to residents (77.8%) and felt that the care provided was more resident-centered (83.3%) than before the ASILA program. There were no significant trends in improved resident outcomes following ASILA. Conclusion: Pilot findings indicate that the ASILA program could be a successful approach to support NAs to enhance their ability to assess residents in an inter-professional framework.

DOI10.1186/s40814-018-0272-x
PMCID

PMC5950201

Short TitlePilot and feasibility studies
Alternate JournalPilot and feasibility studies