Improving Immunization Rates in Long-Term Care: Where the Forest Stops and the Trees Begin

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 617-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
D NACE
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Immunization Rates

scholarly journals Impact of the 2004-2005 Influenza Vaccine Shortage on Immunization Practices in Long-Term Care Facilities

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lona Mody ◽  
Kenneth M. Langa ◽  
Preeti N. Malani
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Immunization Rates ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Vaccine Shortage

Objective.To assess the response of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) to the 2004-2005 influenza vaccine shortage and the impact on resident and healthcare worker (HCW) immunization rates.Methods.A 12-item questionnaire was sent to 824 randomly selected LTCFs in December 2004. The following 2 open-ended questions were also asked: “How did you cope with the vaccine shortage?” and “Who helped you get your supply?” Immunization rates reported by LTCF administrators for 2003-2003 and 2003-2004 were compared with those for 2004-2005. Immunization rates were defined as the proportion of all eligible residents and HCWs who received influenza vaccine.Results.Responses were received from 380 LTCFs (46.3%), which had a total of 38,447 beds. Resident mean influenza immunization rates (±SD) decreased from 85% ± 15.3% in 2002-2003 and 85.1% ± 15.3% in 2003-2004 to 81.9% ± 19.4% in the 2004-2005 influenza season (P = .025). The immunization rates among HCWs also decreased from 51% in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 to 38.4% in 2004-2005 (P<.001). In response to one of the open-ended questions, 96 facilities (25.3%) reported that they obtained vaccine from 2 or more sources. Eight percent commented on specific intensified infection control efforts, and only 2.3% commented on emergency preparedness.Conclusions.The influenza vaccine shortage in 2004-2005 impacted immunization practices of LTCFs across the United States, leading to decreases in both resident and HCW vaccination rates. The significant decrease in vaccination rates in LTCFs is of concern and has broad implications for policy makers working on emergency preparedness for a possible pandemic of influenza.

Working With Resistance and Encouraging Buy-In to New Programs

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21
Author(s):  
Sara Joffe
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Optimal Outcomes ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist

In order to best meet the needs of older residents in long-term care settings, clinicians often develop programs designed to streamline and improve care. However, many individuals are reluctant to embrace change. This article will discuss strategies that the speech-language pathologist (SLP) can use to assess and address the source of resistance to new programs and thereby facilitate optimal outcomes.

Feeding Dependency Issues in the Long-Term Care Environment

2001 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
Carol Winchester ◽  
Cathy Pelletier ◽  
Pete Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Environment

Communication Disordered: Program Implementation in Long-Term Care

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (15) ◽  
pp. 64-67
Author(s):  
George Barnes ◽  
Joseph Salemi
Keyword(s):  
Program Implementation ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Family Satisfaction ◽  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Change Policy

The organizational structure of long-term care (LTC) facilities often removes the rehab department from the interdisciplinary work culture, inhibiting the speech-language pathologist's (SLP's) communication with the facility administration and limiting the SLP's influence when implementing clinical programs. The SLP then is unable to change policy or monitor the actions of the care staff. When the SLP asks staff members to follow protocols not yet accepted by facility policy, staff may be unable to respond due to confusing or conflicting protocol. The SLP needs to involve members of the facility administration in the policy-making process in order to create successful clinical programs. The SLP must overcome communication barriers by understanding the needs of the administration to explain how staff compliance with clinical goals improves quality of care, regulatory compliance, and patient-family satisfaction, and has the potential to enhance revenue for the facility. By taking this approach, the SLP has a greater opportunity to increase safety, independence, and quality of life for patients who otherwise may not receive access to the appropriate services.

Informal Caregivers As Long-Term Care Providers: Differential Experiences By Gender

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Navaie-Waliser ◽  
Aubrey L. Spriggs ◽  
Penny H. Feldman
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Term Care
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