Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Research in area nursing homes
Mary Catherine Ehlman
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A research team from the College of Nursing and Health Professions completed a 14-month study which assessed the benefits of a bladder ultrasound scanner in nursing homes. Results indicated a gap in the knowledge of incontinence among staff in nursing homes which, in some cases, prevents proper management and treatment of urinary incontinence. The rate of urinary incontinence is estimated between 45 percent and 70 percent for residents in long-term care. Ehlman emphasized incontinence is not a normal part of aging, and it can cause physical and psychological distress. She said,"It is important to work with nursing home staff members to emphasize that urinary incontinence is not a normal part of aging. Additionally, we must give residents a voice in how they can reduce episodes of urinary incontinence and improve quality of life." The Bladder Buzz kit, developed by the research team, is being distributed to six area nursing homes including Heritage Hills, Phoenix Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, Pine Haven, River Point, West Park, and Woodbridge. The program offers a 45-minute training session, flyers and information to reinforce the training, and a follow up in-service session. Daisy Caudell, management nurse at West Park Rehabilitation Center, said,"I want our nurses to keep the residents in a better routine of using the bathroom, so they can be more dry and comfortable. Our goal is to see a 25 percent decrease in the number of incontinent episodes for residents." Ehlman plans to conduct the second in-service session and collect results of the research near the end of August. Ehlman has been associated with the USI College of Nursing and Health Professions since 2001. She holds a Missouri Nursing Home Administrator license and has served as an administrator at a senior living center. By: Jennifer Dryer |
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