AHRQ Policy Innovations featuring Long-Term Care

This month’s issue on policy innovations from AHRQ features initiatives and quality tools meant for long-term care facilities and staff.  Overall, the issue includes 2 policy innovations and 3 quality tools, but those of significant interest are:

Long-Term Care Facilities Cede Control of Immunization Policies to Regional Pharmacy, Significantly Increasing Influenza Vaccination Rates Among Workers: This policy innovation, part of the RISE (Raising Immunizations Safely and Effectively) program saw 14 LTC facilities give over control of their immunization policy to a local pharmacy.  The facilities collaborated with the pharmacy to enforce standardized policies to boost the immunization rate.  The program improved immunization rates significantly, with an estimated Health People 2020 goal of 90% of LTC staff.

Improving Quality Outcomes for an Aging Population: Alzheimer’s Treatment in Long-Term Care: This quality tool aims to improve quality of life for residents with Alzheimer’s Disease in Long-Term Care.  The tool includes a variety of instruments that look at updating guidelines, improving diagnosis and updating best practice treatment.  Information on managing Alzheimer’s Disease includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. 

On-Time Quality Improvement Manual for Long-Term Care Facilities: The purpose of this quality tool is to ease efficiency and improve workflow of CNA’s in Long-Term Care facilities, which improve overall quality of life for the residents.  The tool provides an introduction to quality improvement strategies, (such as integration of documentation and reporting), and assists in the implementation process.  It is a practical approach to Quality Improvement, aimed at LTC stakeholders, nursing home leaders and nursing home personnel responsible for quality improvement.

For more information on this month’s issue on policy innovations in long-term care, please visit http://1.usa.gov/1in4eLW