NICHE Program
Unlike ACE and HELP, the NICHE program is not a specific set of rules or interventions that must be applied to patients but rather acts as a guide for nursing practice for participating hospitals.31 The NICHE program is a nursing resource program developed in 1992 by the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University.31 and 32 The goal of NICHE is to “achieve systematic nursing change that will benefit hospitalized older patients”32 through the implementation of “principles and tools to stimulate a change in the culture of healthcare facilities to achieve patient-centered care for older adults.”27 By educating nurses and changing practices, NICHE developers aim to improve patient outcomes.
NICHE provides a wide variety of resources that hospitals may use to educate nursing staff on the care of geriatric patients. Resources provided to the nursing staff include models of nursing care, research-based clinical practice protocols, action plan worksheets to guide improved care,31 and 32 and review guides to assist nurses in preparation for gerontological nursing certification.31, 32 and 33 NICHE also provides resources to assess nursing knowledge of geriatric care. These assessment tools include the Geriatric Institutional Assessment Profile (GIAP) to survey nursing staff and to test nursing knowledge.31, 32 and 33 In addition, there are resources to keep nurses up-to-date with current evidence-based care for geriatric patients, such as a national listserv, a members-only Web site, and research-based clinical practice protocols.31, 32 and 33
NICHE relies on use of 1 of 2 nursing care models to support integration of knowledge. One model is the Geriatric Resource Nurse (GRN) model. Nurses receive specialized training in geriatric nurses.31, 32 and 33 The specially trained nurses serve as a resource for all nurses on the floor. When questions arise in care of an elderly patient, the GRN can provide guidance to support care. The other model is the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit.31, 32 and 33 The ACE model can be applied as part of the NICHE program. Both the GRN model and ACE model can be implemented together or separately, depending on the preferences of the hospital. However, a hospital is not required to use the NICHE program if an ACE unit is in place. ACE is reviewed separately here because many hospitals implement ACE programs without following other NICHE recommendations. Only 2 NICHE research reports were identified for review.
Boltz and colleagues31 used the GIAP in a pre- and post-test cross-sectional survey of registered nurses in 8 acute-care hospitals in urban areas. The geriatric nursing practice environment, including institutional values regarding older adults and resource availability, was significantly improved after NICHE implementation. Institutional values regarding respect for the rights of older adults, inclusion of older adults in decision-making regarding care was significantly improved. The actual quality of geriatric care according to nurses in the survey was also significantly improved (see Appendix A). Quality of care was defined as “geriatric-specific, evidence-specific, individualized care that promotes informed decision making and is continuous across settings.”31 Boltz and colleagues found that geriatric care, nursing environment, and values regarding geriatric care were improved.
Mezey and colleagues33 also conducted a survey of hospitals that implemented NICHE to determine what aspects of the NICHE program were adopted. One-hundred thirty-seven hospitals implementing NICHE in 2002 were surveyed, and 103 hospitals responded. The majority of hospitals reported using the GRN model, best practice protocols, the NICHE listserv, and hospital benchmarking protocols. Hospitals were likely to use more than one NICHE tool. The most popular programs were the GIAP survey and GRN model. NICHE was most commonly used to reduce and monitor falls, restrains, and pressure ulcers.
Discussion
ACE Program
The ACE program is well defined, and all studies have reported identical implementation of the program. These reports on the ACE program show positive outcomes in multiple areas. ACE care results in a positive trend in ADL performance improvement.20 and 21 Patients on ACE units have a shorter length of stay than those on other units.19, 20 and 24 Patients spend less time in nursing homes or long-term care facilities in the 3-12 months following discharge from an ACE unit.20, 24 and 26 Additionally, patients on ACE units spend less time in physical or physical restraints,26 and depression is recognized and treated more often than on other units.26 These findings suggest that the ACE program is an effective model of care for elderly patients with improved outcomes compared with caring for geriatric patients on other units.
Although positive trends in patient care on ACE units have been shown, there are some limitations to the research. The current evidence is greatly limited by the use of 1 data set for multiple reports. All 4 of the RCTs took place in Ohio, where ACE was first developed.19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 Three of the 4 reports relied on the same data set collected at the University Hospitals of Cleveland from November 1990 through March 1992.19, 20 and 24 This limits the generalizability of the studies to examine the effectiveness of ACE outside of this geographic area and this time period. The available literature is less diverse when different analyses of the same data are used, instead of replicating the ACE unit in different time periods or environments. Also, the limitations of the data collection are carried into all 3 studies. For example, the ACE unit had dedicated nursing and housekeeping staff, but the attending and resident physicians cared for by the ACE unit intervention group as well as the usual care control group; this creates the potential for contamination of the control group. Currently, the available data on ACE units is limited by the use of the same data for multiple reports.
More diversity in studies is needed to improve the generalizability of research on the ACE program. Issues concerning external validity and contamination of intervention groups also limit the current data. To increase diversity in ACE research, studies need to be conducted outside of Ohio and on different populations of patients. Rigorous studies should be conducted, especially prospective case-control studies with large sample sizes. This will increase the generalizability of ACE studies and create a stronger case for their effectiveness and implementation.
No studies assess the implementation of the ACE model in diverse hospital settings. Currently, ACE units are most prevalent in urban or university 18 and 25 and in hospitals with greater revenue.18 There are no data to suggest why ACE units are most prevalent in these areas. Examination of the implementation process and interim outcomes outside of urban, university hospitals is important to support the utility of the model throughout the United States.
Perhaps the largest drawback of the ACE program is the necessity of a devoted unit with specialized features to care for patients. Given the skyrocketing prevalence of older adults in inpatient units, there may not be sufficient capital to create ACE units to treat all older adult patients. It may be necessary to pick and choose which patients and conditions warrant admission to the ACE unit. Unfortunately, the principles of ACE require environmental changes to the unit, which limits the ability of the ACE principles to be applied in non-ACE units.
HELP Program
Available evidence on the HELP program suggests that the program improves some clinical outcomes for older patients. Data show that patients in the HELP program have decreased incidence of delirium, cognitive impairment, sleep deprivation and use of sedatives, immobility, and dehydration.26 and 30 Beyond clinical effectiveness, there is apparent satisfaction with the model reported by patients, family members, and nurses.28 and 29 However, this does not include the satisfaction of those who refused to complete surveys. Overall, these findings suggest that HELP may be an effective program that is well received by laypersons as well as clinical staff.
The available research on the HELP program is generally high quality. There are multiple rigorous studies with large sample sizes, which reflect an ability to detect differences in outcomes. Studies examine not only clinical outcomes but also satisfaction and implementation of the HELP program. Although there is a good base of evidence to support the HELP program, the evidence should be expanded.
Blinding data collectors can enhance construct validity. External validity can also be increased through the implementation of more RCTs. Topics should be expanded to include long-term patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, staffing, funding, and adherence to the HELP model. Cost-effectiveness and funding particularly require future examination. It has not been shown that hospitals can all afford a HELP coordinator fully implement the HELP protocol. The expansion of research to include these topics can increase the strength of the clinical outcomes of HELP. It also can assist hospitals to understand the necessary staffing and funding to implement HELP. Future research can strengthen HELP's evidence and assist in the implementation of HELP.
NICHE Program
Current evidence for the NICHE program is limited to 2 studies. Other reviews have been published on the NICHE program, but they do not meet the requirements of a scientific research paper; instead, they are reviews of how individual hospitals felt about implementing NICHE.
This research suggests that the NICHE program is effective at improving geriatric nursing knowledge, institutional values of geriatric care, and the use of evidence-based practice in geriatric care.33 The reports available support
NICHE ProgramUnlike ACE and HELP, the NICHE program is not a specific set of rules or interventions that must be applied to patients but rather acts as a guide for nursing practice for participating hospitals.31 The NICHE program is a nursing resource program developed in 1992 by the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University.31 and 32 The goal of NICHE is to “achieve systematic nursing change that will benefit hospitalized older patients”32 through the implementation of “principles and tools to stimulate a change in the culture of healthcare facilities to achieve patient-centered care for older adults.”27 By educating nurses and changing practices, NICHE developers aim to improve patient outcomes.NICHE provides a wide variety of resources that hospitals may use to educate nursing staff on the care of geriatric patients. Resources provided to the nursing staff include models of nursing care, research-based clinical practice protocols, action plan worksheets to guide improved care,31 and 32 and review guides to assist nurses in preparation for gerontological nursing certification.31, 32 and 33 NICHE also provides resources to assess nursing knowledge of geriatric care. These assessment tools include the Geriatric Institutional Assessment Profile (GIAP) to survey nursing staff and to test nursing knowledge.31, 32 and 33 In addition, there are resources to keep nurses up-to-date with current evidence-based care for geriatric patients, such as a national listserv, a members-only Web site, and research-based clinical practice protocols.31, 32 and 33NICHE relies on use of 1 of 2 nursing care models to support integration of knowledge. One model is the Geriatric Resource Nurse (GRN) model. Nurses receive specialized training in geriatric nurses.31, 32 and 33 The specially trained nurses serve as a resource for all nurses on the floor. When questions arise in care of an elderly patient, the GRN can provide guidance to support care. The other model is the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit.31, 32 and 33 The ACE model can be applied as part of the NICHE program. Both the GRN model and ACE model can be implemented together or separately, depending on the preferences of the hospital. However, a hospital is not required to use the NICHE program if an ACE unit is in place. ACE is reviewed separately here because many hospitals implement ACE programs without following other NICHE recommendations. Only 2 NICHE research reports were identified for review.Boltz and colleagues31 used the GIAP in a pre- and post-test cross-sectional survey of registered nurses in 8 acute-care hospitals in urban areas. The geriatric nursing practice environment, including institutional values regarding older adults and resource availability, was significantly improved after NICHE implementation. Institutional values regarding respect for the rights of older adults, inclusion of older adults in decision-making regarding care was significantly improved. The actual quality of geriatric care according to nurses in the survey was also significantly improved (see Appendix A). Quality of care was defined as “geriatric-specific, evidence-specific, individualized care that promotes informed decision making and is continuous across settings.”31 Boltz and colleagues found that geriatric care, nursing environment, and values regarding geriatric care were improved.Mezey and colleagues33 also conducted a survey of hospitals that implemented NICHE to determine what aspects of the NICHE program were adopted. One-hundred thirty-seven hospitals implementing NICHE in 2002 were surveyed, and 103 hospitals responded. The majority of hospitals reported using the GRN model, best practice protocols, the NICHE listserv, and hospital benchmarking protocols. Hospitals were likely to use more than one NICHE tool. The most popular programs were the GIAP survey and GRN model. NICHE was most commonly used to reduce and monitor falls, restrains, and pressure ulcers.DiscussionACE ProgramThe ACE program is well defined, and all studies have reported identical implementation of the program. These reports on the ACE program show positive outcomes in multiple areas. ACE care results in a positive trend in ADL performance improvement.20 and 21 Patients on ACE units have a shorter length of stay than those on other units.19, 20 and 24 Patients spend less time in nursing homes or long-term care facilities in the 3-12 months following discharge from an ACE unit.20, 24 and 26 Additionally, patients on ACE units spend less time in physical or physical restraints,26 and depression is recognized and treated more often than on other units.26 These findings suggest that the ACE program is an effective model of care for elderly patients with improved outcomes compared with caring for geriatric patients on other units.Although positive trends in patient care on ACE units have been shown, there are some limitations to the research. The current evidence is greatly limited by the use of 1 data set for multiple reports. All 4 of the RCTs took place in Ohio, where ACE was first developed.19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 Three of the 4 reports relied on the same data set collected at the University Hospitals of Cleveland from November 1990 through March 1992.19, 20 and 24 This limits the generalizability of the studies to examine the effectiveness of ACE outside of this geographic area and this time period. The available literature is less diverse when different analyses of the same data are used, instead of replicating the ACE unit in different time periods or environments. Also, the limitations of the data collection are carried into all 3 studies. For example, the ACE unit had dedicated nursing and housekeeping staff, but the attending and resident physicians cared for by the ACE unit intervention group as well as the usual care control group; this creates the potential for contamination of the control group. Currently, the available data on ACE units is limited by the use of the same data for multiple reports.
More diversity in studies is needed to improve the generalizability of research on the ACE program. Issues concerning external validity and contamination of intervention groups also limit the current data. To increase diversity in ACE research, studies need to be conducted outside of Ohio and on different populations of patients. Rigorous studies should be conducted, especially prospective case-control studies with large sample sizes. This will increase the generalizability of ACE studies and create a stronger case for their effectiveness and implementation.
No studies assess the implementation of the ACE model in diverse hospital settings. Currently, ACE units are most prevalent in urban or university 18 and 25 and in hospitals with greater revenue.18 There are no data to suggest why ACE units are most prevalent in these areas. Examination of the implementation process and interim outcomes outside of urban, university hospitals is important to support the utility of the model throughout the United States.
Perhaps the largest drawback of the ACE program is the necessity of a devoted unit with specialized features to care for patients. Given the skyrocketing prevalence of older adults in inpatient units, there may not be sufficient capital to create ACE units to treat all older adult patients. It may be necessary to pick and choose which patients and conditions warrant admission to the ACE unit. Unfortunately, the principles of ACE require environmental changes to the unit, which limits the ability of the ACE principles to be applied in non-ACE units.
HELP Program
Available evidence on the HELP program suggests that the program improves some clinical outcomes for older patients. Data show that patients in the HELP program have decreased incidence of delirium, cognitive impairment, sleep deprivation and use of sedatives, immobility, and dehydration.26 and 30 Beyond clinical effectiveness, there is apparent satisfaction with the model reported by patients, family members, and nurses.28 and 29 However, this does not include the satisfaction of those who refused to complete surveys. Overall, these findings suggest that HELP may be an effective program that is well received by laypersons as well as clinical staff.
The available research on the HELP program is generally high quality. There are multiple rigorous studies with large sample sizes, which reflect an ability to detect differences in outcomes. Studies examine not only clinical outcomes but also satisfaction and implementation of the HELP program. Although there is a good base of evidence to support the HELP program, the evidence should be expanded.
Blinding data collectors can enhance construct validity. External validity can also be increased through the implementation of more RCTs. Topics should be expanded to include long-term patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, staffing, funding, and adherence to the HELP model. Cost-effectiveness and funding particularly require future examination. It has not been shown that hospitals can all afford a HELP coordinator fully implement the HELP protocol. The expansion of research to include these topics can increase the strength of the clinical outcomes of HELP. It also can assist hospitals to understand the necessary staffing and funding to implement HELP. Future research can strengthen HELP's evidence and assist in the implementation of HELP.
NICHE Program
Current evidence for the NICHE program is limited to 2 studies. Other reviews have been published on the NICHE program, but they do not meet the requirements of a scientific research paper; instead, they are reviews of how individual hospitals felt about implementing NICHE.
This research suggests that the NICHE program is effective at improving geriatric nursing knowledge, institutional values of geriatric care, and the use of evidence-based practice in geriatric care.33 The reports available support
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