“Effect of a multifaceted intervention on a number of antimicrobial prescriptions for suspected urinary tract infections on residents of nursing homes: cluster randomized controlled trial”. British Medical Journal.
Loeb M, Brazil K, Lohfeld L, McGeer A, Simor A, Stevenson K, et al.
The objective was to assess whether a comprehensive intervention could reduce the number of prescriptions for suspected urinary tract infections in residents of nursing homes. A total of 24 long-term care homes in Ontario participated and were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the usual care group. The intervention involved education workshops and meetings on diagnosis and treatment for staff as well as one on one interviews with physicians. Nursing homes in the intervention group had fewer numbers of prescriptions for suspected urinary tract infections in comparison to nursing homes who were in the usual care group.
“Quality of care for residents dying in Ontario long-term care facilities: findings from a survey of directors of care”. Journal of Palliative Care.
Brazil K, Krueger P, Bedard M, Kelley L, McAiney C, Justice C, et al.
The purpose was to collect information on the practice of end-of-life care in long-term care homes in the province of Ontario. A survey completed by the director of care at various long-term care homes revealed the following areas that required improvement: 1) communication between service providers and families; 2) staffing levels to provide care for dying residents; 3) skill training in end-of-life care for staff. In addition, directors of care identified a number of strategies that could improve the quality of care of dying residents. The findings contribute to discussion on polices for meeting the care needs of residents in long-term care homes until life’s end.
“Effect of a clinical pathway to reduce hospitalization in nursing home residents with pneumonia: a randomized controlled trial”. Journal of the American Medical Association.
Loeb M, Carusone SC, Goeree R, Walter SD, Brazil K, Krueger P, et al.
The rationale was to assess whether using a clinical pathway for on-site treatment of pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections in nursing homes could reduce hospital admissions, related complications, and costs. Implementation took place in 22 long-term care homes in the Hamilton area. Using such a pathway resulted in reducing hospital admissions and health care costs.
