Objective: One of the major problems facing psychogeriatric nursing is the dissemination of research findings in the real world of practice in long-term care settings.
Design: While administrative personnel may be exposed to research findings, direct care staff have less opportunity. Medications are often administered by licensed practical nurses or certified medication aides who have not been exposed to research and have little opportunity for continuing education integrating current research into practice. Instead staff development addresses topics mandated by regulatory agencies. If LPNs and CMAs are entrusted with the administration of medications, they must be provided with ongoing access to training that translates the latest psychogeriatric research findings into their practice.
Materials and Methods: The training program is intended to provide these nurses with the tools to translate research into their practice. The training program includes a powerpoint presentation and handouts on: 1) an overview of current knowledge in care of the elderly with dementia; 2) new data that provides direction for nursing care of persons being treated with psychotropic medications, 3) case presentations, and 4) effective monitoring processes.
Results: By implementing the training program on an ongoing basis those nursing staff who administer medications can change patterns of care. Staff outcomes include: identify key assessment data for patients with dementia; relate target symptoms to neurobiological changes; compare the nursing interventions for administering and monitoring efficacy and safety of psychotropic medications; enhance interdisciplinary teamwork; and institute effective monitoring processes.
Conclusion: Ongoing staff training can assist those responsible for implementing and overseeing medication administration to translate the latest psychogeriatric research findings into their practice.
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