Patient Safety

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12503/32555

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    Burnout in CNAs in Nursing Homes Coming out of COVID
    (2024-03-21) Lemack, Bergen; Murphy, Sara; Davis, Sandra
    BACKGROUND: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in nursing homes often face high levels of stress and burnout, adversely impacting their health and the quality of care they provide. The need for a comprehensive understanding of their specific challenges is vital for developing targeted interventions. METHODS: Participants completed the "Collaborative Implementation Strategy to Increase COVID-19 Education and Training" offered by UNTHSC, which consisted of 8 modules that reinforced the skills and knowledge necessary for delivering high-quality and safe care to residents. One module from the training included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a tool designed to assess three burnout dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Thirty-two CNAs completed the survey, sharing experiences and feedback on various aspects of their work life. De-identified demographic data was collected from each participant before completing the training. Demographic data included age, gender, race, military history, profession, primary work setting (skilled nursing facility, dementia center, assisted living facility, etc.) and self-reported information regarding ethnicity, and presence or absence of disadvantaged background and rural upbringing. RESULTS: Findings reveal moderate levels of emotional exhaustion but low depersonalization levels, indicating empathy towards patients remains intact despite challenges. CNAs demonstrated high personal accomplishment scores, pointing towards resilience and effective coping mechanisms in the face of high-stress environments. CONCLUSIONS: The study underlines the importance of targeted interventions that address the unique stressors CNAs face and emphasize supportive environments, reasonable workloads, and personal accomplishment enhancement strategies. The results, despite the study's limitations, provide crucial insights into burnout experiences among CNAs and affirm the necessity of continual research in this field for improving the healthcare industry's long-term care sector.
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    Evaluating A Matter of Balance Series for Fall Prevention in Rural Texas: Findings and Implications
    (2024-03-21) Lemack, Bergen; Murphy, Sara; Crocker, Andrew; Severance, Jennifer
    Purpose: Nearly one-third of US adults over age 65 fall annually (CDC, 2023) and falling continues to be among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in Texas (Texas DSHS, n.d.), necessitating interventions that address confidence, physical activity, and awareness. In response to these challenges, the A Matter of Balance series has been designed to enhance the well-being of participants in rural Texas by addressing these crucial components. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the A Matter of Balance series in mitigating the impact of falls among older adults in rural communities. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted on 164 surveys collected from A Matter of Balance participants in 2023. All participants were from counties meeting the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) definition of rural, and the project received grant funding from HRSA. A paired t-test was used to compare scores on a pre-post test design. The study focused on measuring improvements in knowledge about ways to reduce falls, protecting yourself if you fall, increasing physical strength, becoming steadier on your feet, and getting up if there is a fall. The analysis aimed to provide insights into the impact of the A Matter of Balance series on the well-being of participants. Results: The findings of the study indicate significant improvements in participants' well-being because of their engagement in the A Matter of Balance series. Statistical analyses demonstrated substantial enhancements in knowledge about ways to reduce falls (p <.001), protect yourself if you fall (p <.001), increase physical strength (p <.001), becoming steadier on your feet (p <.001), and getting up if there is a fall (p <.001). These results collectively underscore the effectiveness of the A Matter of Balance series in addressing key parameters related to fall prevention. Conclusion: In conclusion, the A Matter of Balance series proves to be a successful intervention in enhancing the well-being of participants in rural Texas. By adopting increased confidence, reducing concern, and promoting physical activity, the program addresses the challenges associated with falls among older adults. These positive outcomes support the continued dissemination of the A Matter of Balance series, emphasizing its potential to contribute to the overall health and quality of life of older adults in rural communities.