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Resident condition change: should I call 911?
Justin Montgomery1, Ethel Mitty, Sandi Flores
1College of Nursing, New York University, New York, USA.
Recognizing illness in older adults requires specific assessment tools like SPICES and FANCAPES due to atypical presentations. Early detection through systematic assessment and structured communication improves health outcomes and reduces caregiver anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Nursing Assessment
- Healthcare Communication
Background:
- Older adults often present illnesses atypically, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
- Conventional assumptions about illness presentation may not apply to geriatric populations.
- Subtle changes in older adults can indicate serious health issues, necessitating specialized assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce evidence-based assessment tools for recognizing illness in older adults.
- To provide guidance on systematic assessment and communication for early illness detection.
- To reduce caregiver anxiety and improve health outcomes for residents.
Main Methods:
- Description of assessment instruments: SPICES (Sleep, Eating/Feeding, Incontinence, Confusion, Falls, Skin), FANCAPES (Fluid, Aeration, Nutrition, Cognition/Communication, Activity/Abilities, Pain, Elimination, Skin/Socialization).
- Inclusion of other symptom assessment acronyms: DELIRIUM, PQRST, COLDSPA.
- Presentation of "Should I call?" scenarios with case studies and a communication model (SBAR).
Main Results:
- SPICES and FANCAPES tools are effective for routine assessment and change detection in older adults.
- Systematic assessment, structured communication, and clear protocols enhance early illness recognition.
- Case studies demonstrate the practical application of assessment tools and communication strategies.
Conclusions:
- Systematic assessment and structured communication are crucial for early identification of illness in older adults.
- Utilizing tools like SPICES and FANCAPES can prevent complications and improve resident care.
- Effective communication protocols, such as SBAR, are essential for timely and appropriate emergency assistance.
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