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The right stuff? Hospital readmission penalties approaching for nursing home patients

The new federal legislation aims to reduce rehospitalization rates by penalizing both hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for rehospitalizations within 30 days. However, clinicians warn of potential problems with the mandate, including inadequate communication between healthcare providers, SNF staff, and patients/caregivers.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 31, 2016

Intimate partner violence simulation training at MU is first in nation

A new training program at the University of Missouri's Sinclair School of Nursing uses simulation to equip nurses with confidence in screening patients for intimate partner violence. The program shows significant positive impact on nursing students' perceived confidence and knowledge. It may also be effective in training healthcare pro...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClinical Simulation in Nursing·DateMar 16, 2016

Child care providers need more education, training on benefits of breastfeeding, human milk

A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that 60% of child care centers do not have staff trained on the benefits of breastfeeding and human milk. The researchers recommend widespread education for child care providers and staff to ensure adherence to breastfeeding support guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing·DateMar 9, 2016

Nurse staffing levels key to keeping rehospitalizations down for hip/knee surgery patients

A cross-sectional study of 112,000 Medicare patients found that inadequate nurse staffing and poor work environments increase risk of postoperative readmissions. Patients undergoing elective hip and knee surgery in hospitals with supportive nursing environments are 12% less likely to be readmitted.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalInternational Journal for Quality in Health Care·DateMar 2, 2016

Is there a digital hood?

A novel study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing reveals a dynamic interplay between physical and digital neighborhoods, where negative interactions are reproduced and amplified. The study found that social media can make tensions worse, but also limit positive opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNew Media & Society·DateFeb 18, 2016

'Housing Policy Debate' publishes Penn Nursing & Cornell study on affordable housing

A recent study published in Housing Policy Debate found that the location of subsidized housing has a significant impact on residents' educational attainment. Residents in poorer neighborhoods with higher crime rates and lower levels of education earned fewer college credits per year compared to those in more advantaged areas.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalHousing Policy Debate·DateFeb 11, 2016

Novel study shows lower surgical mortality in hospitals with best nursing care

A novel study found that Magnet hospitals with excellent nursing care have significantly lower death rates after surgery, especially for sicker patients. The research also revealed that better nurse staffing can be achieved at the same or lower costs by reducing hospital admissions to intensive care units and shortening length of stay.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awards Stevens Institute and Penn Nursing grant for joint project

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded a grant to Stevens Institute and Penn Nursing to use policy flight simulators to determine the usability and effectiveness of the Transitional Care Model. The goal is to accelerate decisions to implement the TCM, which addresses negative effects associated with common breakdowns in care.

Novel study: Lower patient satisfaction in hospitals that employ more nurses trained abroad

A study of over 12,000 patients found that hospitals employing more nurses trained abroad are associated with lower patient satisfaction rates. Patients in these hospitals were less likely to rate their care as excellent or very good, and reported being treated with disrespect and having poor communication with their caregivers.

High-volume facilities better for nursing hip fractures

A recent study suggests that experienced skilled nursing facilities are more likely to successfully discharge patients back to the community within 30 days of breaking a hip. Facilities with over 24 cases in the prior year had a discharge rate of 43.7%, compared to 18.8% for those with fewer cases.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 30, 2015

Primary healthcare providers urged to screen teens for depression and suicide risk

A new study by UT Arlington researchers recommends that primary care providers screen teenagers for depression and suicide risk during well visits. The paper highlights the importance of screening tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A), to detect mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalThe Nurse Practitioner·DateSep 29, 2015