Table 1 Characteristics of the two wards from which the licensed practical nurses were selected
Geriatric rehabilitation ward | Orthopedic ward | |
|---|---|---|
Ward layout | - Single and double rooms. | - Single, double and triple rooms. |
- 24-bed ward, extra beds when needed. | - 24-bed ward, extra beds when needed. | |
Patients | - 65 years or older, many with multiple diseases, the majority with osteoporotic fractures such as hip fractures. Admitted acutely or referred from another clinic. | - Mixed ages, patients with different diagnoses. Any type of fractures, including osteoporotic and high energy fractures, patients with tumors and arthritis. Admitted acutely or planned admissions. |
Mean inpatient stay | - 24 days | - 6 days |
Teamwork and individual care planning | - Reports at the start and end of shifts with nurses and licensed practical nurses. | - Reports at the start and end of shifts with nurses and licensed practical nurses. |
- Systematic assessment of the patient by all team members (registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietician and geriatricians) as soon as possible after admittance. | - No team conferences or individual care planning on a routine basis. | |
- Team conferences twice a week to monitor patient rehabilitation process and goals. | - Geriatric consults. | |
- Orthopedic consults | ||
Prevention and treatment of complications | - Actions to prevent falls and fractures implemented including global ratings and screening tools. | - No systematic routines to prevent falls. |
- Systematic prevention, detection and treatment of postoperative complications. | - No systematic check-ups for postoperative complications. |