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University of Iowa News Release
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May 19, 2008 Care centers work with UI researchers to improve elder care Long-term care facilities in eastern and northeast Iowa have teamed with researchers at the University of Iowa College of Nursing to address two common issues of older adults in health care facilities: pain management and incontinence. "Despite the availability of evidence-based practice protocols that could dramatically improve care and outcomes, the use of these protocols in care facilities is sparse," said Janet Specht, Ph.D., a UI gerontological nursing professor. With this project, Specht, and colleagues Paula Mobily, Ph.D., and Ann Bossen, will determine the best educational techniques to help registered nurses and certified nurse aides use the most current knowledge to care for elders with pain and urinary incontinence. Selected staff members at the facilities have been identified and invited to assist in coordinating efforts. Other staff members have been chosen to lead efforts to focus on concerns of maintaining urine control. In a later phase, another team of staff will learn how to lead efforts to improve pain management by looking at non-drug treatment for managing pain and in identifying and treating pain in older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's disease. All staff will be involved in the project, through assisting with surveys and integrating the changes into the care they provide for residents. "This research is significant because of the urgent need in long-term care facilities to improve outcomes for elderly residents with incontinence and pain," Mobily said. NOTE TO EDITORS: Participating care facilities and their locations are listed below: CEDAR FALLS: Western Community, Elizabeth E. Martin Health Care Center CEDAR RAPIDS: Cottage Grove Place, Meth-wick Community Health Center, West Ridge Care Center DECORAH: Oneota Riverview Care Facility, Wellington Place DUBUQUE: Ennoble Care Center, Heritage Manor, Luther Manor, Stonehill Care Center EDGEWOOD: Edgewood Care Center ELMA: Colonial Manor GUTTENBURG: Guttenburg Care Center INDEPENDENCE: West Village, Buchanan County Care Center LANSING: Thornton Manor NEW HAMPTON: New Hampton Care Center OELWEIN: Grandview Care Center STRAWBERRY POINT: Strawberry Point Care Center WAUKON: Northgate Care Center WAVERLY: Bartels Lutheran Woodlands Terrace WEST UNION: Good Samaritan Society STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa College of Nursing, 101 Nursing Building, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 MEDIA CONTACTS: Michele Francis, University of Iowa College of Nursing,
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