Evaluation of a One-Day Meditech Magic Training Program for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses in a long term care program

Background: An evaluation was completed on the One-Day Meditech Magic Training Program for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) developed for the Long Term Care (LTC) Program. Methods: Both a literature review and consultation with stakeholders were completed to determine possible evaluation methods, expected outcomes, and ways to measure the effectiveness of the education program. A pretest/posttest design and questionnaire were chosen as the evaluation tools for this project. Results: No significant difference was found between the pretest and posttest total scores indicating that learners retained information from the orientation session (Z = -1.820, p = 0.069). Additional Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank tests were performed on the individual sections of the tests and revealed a significant decrease in the posttest scores for entering a Diagnostic Imaging requisition (Z = -1.975, p = 0.048). No other significant findings were present. Questionnaires were also analyzed revealing that most participants were pleased with the Meditech documentation education they received and did not indicate barriers that would affect electronic documentation. Conclusions: Further testing is required to ensure reliability and validity of the evaluation tools. Finally, caution is needed due to a small sample size. However, problematic documentation tasks were identified during the evaluation, and as a result both the training session and support materials will be improved as a result of this project.

Development of an education resource for families and clients navigating through end-of-life care with at-home palliation

Background: Community health nurses (CHNs) play a pivotal role in providing end-of-life care to clients diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Providing quality end-of-life care is an ethical obligation. Eastern Health’s palliative end-of-life care program (PEOLC) offers nursing care, equipment, services, and support. However, the caregiver’s need for practical information about end-of-life issues is not addressed. Purpose: To develop an educational resource to assist clients and families during end-of-life and to provide a framework for new CHNs in home palliation. Methods: An informal Needs Assessment, a literature review, an environmental scan, and consultations with four CHNs involved with home palliation. Results: An educational resource was developed to address the practical end-of-life issues identified in the literature review and consultations. Conclusion: An improved delivery of care for at-home palliation in the community for clients and families, and a framework for new CHNs.