How do levels of nursing home adjustment differ by length of stay?

The purpose of this study was to explore how residents' adjustment is different depending on the length of stay in nursing homes. A total of 161 cognitively intact residents completed a survey questionnaire of the Nursing Home Adjustment Scale (NHAS) and demographic information. Controlling for activities of daily living function, a generalized linear model demonstrated that the levels of nursing home adjustment are different depending on the length of stay for nursing home residents. Residents who stayed 12 months or more (Groups 4 or 5) showed the highest NHAS scores, followed by the group who stayed under 3 months (Groups 1 or 2), and those who stayed 3 months or more but under 12 months (Group 3) had the lowest NHAS scores. Knowing that residents' life adjustment might vary based on the length of stay, nursing home staff can identify residents' level of adjustment, predict their needs and implement interventions in a timely manner.     

The feasibility of an intervention combining self-efficacy theory and Wii Fit exergames in assisted living residents: A pilot study

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a self-efficacy based intervention using Wii exergames in assisted living residents. The study was a single-group pre- and post-test design. Seven older adults (aged 80–94 years) were instructed to engage in exergames twice a week for 8 weeks. Physical function (balance, mobility, and walking distance), fear of falling, self-efficacy for exercise, and outcome expectations for exercise were evaluated. All participants had enjoyable experiences and no serious adverse events were reported. Participants had significant improvement on balance. Although not significant, there were trends indicating that participants improved mobility, walking endurance, and decreased fear of falling. The use of Wii exergames was an acceptable, safe, and potentially effective approach to promote physical activity in older adults. Findings provide support for the applications of integrating self-efficacy theory into exergames as a mechanism to encourage older adults to engage in exercise.     

Paediatric resuscitation for nurses working in Ghana: an educational intervention

BRENNAN M.M., FITZPATRICK J.J., MCNULTY S.R., CAMPO T., WELBECK J. & BARNES G. (2013) Paediatric resuscitation for nurses working in Ghana: an educational intervention. International Nursing Review 60 , 136–143 Background: Deficiencies in the paediatric emergency systems of developing countries may contribute to avoidable paediatric mortality. Studies suggest that nurses and doctors may not be educationally prepared to provide immediate paediatric resuscitative care to acutely ill children. The purpose of this study was to determine if a 1‐day World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Triage and Assessment Treatment (ETAT) Program in paediatric resuscitation would increase Ghanaian nurses' knowledge and self‐efficacy of paediatric resuscitation. Methods: A pre‐experimental, one‐group, pre‐test, post‐test design was used to assess differences in the nurses' knowledge of paediatric resuscitation, and their perceived self‐efficacy of paediatric resuscitation after completing a 1‐day educational intervention in paediatric resuscitation. Forty‐one nurses from a public teaching hospital in Ghana were recruited and participated in the study. Results: Using a paired samples t‐test, there was a statistically significant increase in the nurses' perceived self‐efficacy of paediatric resuscitation in general (P < 0.000), perceived self‐efficacy of bag and mask ventilation (P < 0.000), and knowledge of paediatric resuscitation (P < 0.000). Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest that a 1‐day WHO ETAT Program may increase self‐efficacy of paediatric resuscitation and knowledge of paediatric resuscitation. Clinical Relevance: Policy makers in Ghana need to consider implementing education programmes in paediatric resuscitation for nurses as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve emergency systems and address preventable and avoidable infant and child mortality.