An Innovative Nurse Practitioner Curricular Design Using an Adaptive Learning Platform, Adaptive Case Studies, and Telehealth Simulations: A Feasibility Study.

Introduction: This project explored the feasibility of implementing an innovative cross-curricular framework using an adaptive learning (AL) platform and telehealth simulations.

Objective: To determine the feasibility of implementing an innovative cross-curricular framework using an AL platform and telehealth simulations.

Methods: A mixed-method pilot study was conducted using novel AL modules, adaptive case studies, and telehealth simulation.

Exploring the Health Needs of Aging LGBT Adults in the Cape Fear Region of North Carolina.

This study explored issues of culturally sensitive healthcare practice and needs among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender aging adults in coastal North Carolina. Survey data results indicated the largest problem was a history of verbally harassment and need for culturally sensitive healthcare. In conclusion, culturally sensitive interventions are needed to address the health disparities and unique needs of LGBT aging adults.

Resilience in attaining and sustaining sobriety among older lesbians with alcoholism.

This phenomenological study illuminates coping among older lesbians with alcoholism. Twenty study participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling; each completed 3 interviews structured to gain a deeper understanding of participants' lived experiences. This article focuses on the key situations and people that helped study participants obtain sobriety and stay sober.

Supporting home care aides: what employers can do to assist their workers.

The demand for personal care workers in home-based care is expected to double with the aging of the baby boomer population at the same time that home care agencies struggle with high rates of turnover. This article examines the job experience of 171 home care aides who remained on the job over 18 months of data collection in the longitudinal home care worker retention study. The three groups of themes that emerged from the analysis of telephone interviews with study participants-challenges of the job, compensating strategies, and potential employer interventions-provide insight on how to offer support to these valuable workers.

Optimizing geriatric social work education: program and individual characteristics that promote competencies.

Since 1998, the Hartford Partnership Program in Aging Education (HPPAE) has been implemented in over 70 graduate social work programs. This study examined whether program and individual student characteristics are associated with students' knowledge, skills, and values in aging. We conducted a secondary analysis of national program evaluation data.

Aging well and gay in rural America: a case study.

Using person-environment-fit theory as a theoretical framework, this qualitative case study examined, through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the lived experience of an older gay man who has lived solely in rural communities. An overarching theme of life satisfaction clearly emerged, along with themes regarding supportive social networks and disclosure management of his sexual orientation. The findings suggest that although it is important to understand the challenges faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in rural environments, it is equally important to shed light on the ways in which older adults age well within these communities.

Knowledge outcomes within rotational models of social work field education.

This study assessed knowledge outcomes among concurrent, concurrent/sequential, and sequential rotation models of field instruction. Posttest knowledge scores of students ( n = 231) in aging-related field education were higher for students who participated in the concurrent rotation model, and for those who completed field education at a long-term care facility. Scores were also higher for students in programs that infused a higher number of geriatric competencies in their curriculum.

Social work knowledge of community-based services for older adults: an educational model for social work students.

Social workers are often the key link between older adults, their families and community-based services. Thus, knowledge about older adults and community-based care is imperative for social work practice. Evaluation data are provided on a national multisite effort (N = 353) from 35 schools to assure graduate social work student's competency related to community services for older adults.

Innovative interdisciplinary training in and delivery of evidence-based geriatric services: creating a bridge with social work and physical therapy.

With focus on interdisciplinary education models, social work and physical therapy faculty from two proximate universities partnered to create an evidence-based geriatric assessment and brief intervention research, training, and service project for community-dwelling older adults. Assessment tools and interventions were selected from the literature to develop the service protocols. These selected protocol skills were taught to interdisciplinary teams of students and professionals in social work and physical therapy, and learning outcomes were evaluated.

Impact of geriatric assessment and self-management support on community-dwelling older adults with chronic illnesses.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of interdisciplinary geriatric home-based assessment and self-management support services to community-dwelling older adults.

Design: A quasi-experimental, pre-post test design tested two types of service delivery models. The first protocol included geriatric assessment services, with a brief self-management care plan intervention.