A model abuse prevention program for nursing assistants

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Abuse and conflict in residential care settings pose significant risks to resident well-being.
• Effective prevention strategies are crucial for maintaining a safe and respectful environment for vulnerable populations.
• Nursing assistants play a vital role in direct resident care and are key to implementing abuse prevention measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive model abuse prevention curriculum tailored for nursing assistants.
• To assess the effectiveness of the curriculum in reducing instances of conflict and abuse towards residents.
• To measure nursing assistant satisfaction with the training program.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum development involving expert input and evidence-based practices.
• Implementation of the training program for a cohort of nursing assistants.
• Evaluation of the program through satisfaction surveys and analysis of key performance indicators related to resident interactions.

Main Results:

• High levels of satisfaction reported by nursing assistants participating in the curriculum.
• Significant improvements observed in indicators related to reduced conflict between staff and residents.
• Demonstrated reduction in incidents of resident abuse following curriculum implementation.

Conclusions:

• The model abuse prevention curriculum is an effective tool for enhancing the skills of nursing assistants in preventing resident abuse.
• The program contributes to a safer and more positive living environment for residents in care facilities.
• Investing in targeted training for nursing assistants can yield measurable improvements in care quality and resident safety.