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DEVELOPING AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR STAFF IN ASSISTED LIVING AND PERSONAL CARE HOMES ON RECOGNIZING FALL RISK AND FALLS PREVENTION

Marchetti, Mary T. (2014) DEVELOPING AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR STAFF IN ASSISTED LIVING AND PERSONAL CARE HOMES ON RECOGNIZING FALL RISK AND FALLS PREVENTION. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) and personal care homes (PCHs) are becoming more common along the spectrum of living arrangements for older adults. These bridge the gap for those who can no longer live independently, but who do not require nursing home care. Federal regulations are established for nursing homes, however very few federal regulations govern ALFs/PCHs. These are primarily regulated by each state, and currently, there are few regulations regarding the training of the staff who primarily provide care to the residents. Falls are a common cause of both morbidity and mortality in older adults. The purpose of this study was to develop an educational program to be provided to non-professional staff in ALFs/PCHs to enhance their ability to recognize increased fall risk in residents, as well as develop an awareness of fall prevention techniques. Because there is very little in the literature regarding training staff in this setting, multiple steps were taken in the development of this program. The topics to be covered in the program were determined by a thorough review of the literature related to falls in older adults, the ALF/PCH setting, educational theory, and training of similar staff in the nursing home setting. Observations were completed on all three shifts (day, evening and night-time) at two local PCHs to identify problems that may be specific to this setting. To further refine content, a survey utilizing the Delphi Method was done, with geriatricians, occupational therapists, physical therapists and registered nurses, all of whom had experience in this setting and expertise in older adults. A pre-test and post-test was developed, utilizing cognitive interviewing to refine the test questions. The educational program was then presented at six local ALFs/PCHs. Based on pre-test/post-test scores, a statistically significant gain in knowledge occurred through the program. This statistically significant change from baseline understanding of fall risk/fall prevention was sustained over periods ranging from six weeks to three months, based on repeat testing. Based on feedback provided by participants, they generally found this program to be helpful useful in their day to day interactions with the residents.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Marchetti, Mary T.marchettim@duq.edu
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairWhitney, Susan Lwhitney@pitt.eduWHITNEY
Committee MemberRedfern, Mark Sredfern@pitt.eduREDFERN
Committee MemberCastle, Nicholas Gcastlen@pitt.eduCASTLEN
Committee MemberBrach, Jenniferjbrach@pitt.eduJBRACH
Committee MemberStudenski, Stephanie Astephanie.studenski@nih.gov
Date: 23 May 2014
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 10 April 2014
Approval Date: 23 May 2014
Submission Date: 25 April 2014
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 499
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences > Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Degree: PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
Thesis Type: Doctoral Dissertation
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: assisted living facility, personal care home, staff training, falls in older adults
Date Deposited: 23 May 2014 14:58
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 14:19
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/21446

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