Study: NICHE improves nurses’ care of hospitalized older adults

An analysis of research on the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) found the program improved safety and quality of care by preventing falls, reducing medication errors and helping providers care for patients with dementia. The authors conducted a scoping review of research-related articles published between January 1992 and April 2019. NICHE was also associated with fewer complications and decreased length of hospital stays. The nurse-led program includes a geriatric resource nurse model, which study authors say produced “significant culture changes within organizations and improved nursing knowledge about specific health issues in older adults, including incontinence and sepsis.” Hospitals, long-term care facilities and other NICHE participants gain access to educational opportunities and resources designed to improve nurses’ abilities to care for older adults. The program originated and resides at the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing. (New York University news release, 10/31/19)