Occupational Therapy Utilization in Veterans With Dementia: A Retrospective Review of Root Cause Analyses of Falls Leading to Adverse Events.

Introduction: Falls in persons with dementia are associated with increased mortality. Occupational therapy (OT) is a rehabilitation discipline, which has, among its goals, the promotion of safety and fall prevention in older adults and those with dementia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate root cause analysis (RCA) data to identify causes of falls with adverse events in patients with dementia who were referred to or receiving OT services within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Description and Impact of a Comprehensive Multispecialty Multidisciplinary Intervention to Decrease Opioid Prescribing in Surgery.

Introduction: Diversion of excess prescription opioids contributes to the opioid epidemic. We sought to describe and study the impact of a comprehensive departmental initiative to decrease opioid prescribing in surgery.

Methods: A multispecialty multidisciplinary initiative was designed to change the culture of postoperative opioid prescribing, including: consensus-built opioid guidelines for 42 procedures from 11 specialties, provider-focused posters displayed in all surgical units, patient opioid/pain brochures setting expectations, and educational seminars to residents, advanced practice providers, residents and nurses.