The Focus eNewsletter

In this issue, the spotlight is on Osteoporosis in Older Adults. This issue focuses on Agnes, who is receiving care within Nova Scotia Health. While hospitalized for pneumonia, tests showed that Agnes has a cracked rib and a compression fracture. Information and statistics around diagnosing and treating osteoporosis are highlighted.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Preventing Dehydration in Hospitalized Older Adults. This issue focuses on Agnes, who is receiving care within Nova Scotia Health. Following several days of flu symptoms, Agnes showed signs of confusion. She was taken to the Emergency Department where she was successfully treated for dehydration. Information and statistics around the increased risk of dehydration in older adults are highlighted.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Medication Prescribing Practices for Older Adults. This issue focuses on Betty, who is receiving care within Nova Scotia Health. Following her surgery for bowel obstruction, Betty's health care team has noted she has exhibited increased confusion, disorientation and unsteadiness on her feet. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs), prescribing cascade and the ARMOR Tool are highlighted.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Peri-operative Care for Older Adults. Agnes, our fictional older patient, has returned home after her last hospital stay and is mobilizing better. This issue focuses on Agnes' older sister, Betty, who is now receiving care within Nova Scotia Health. Betty has been admitted to hospital for surgery to repair a bowel obstruction. Peri-operative nursing considerations are highlighted.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Functional Decline. Agnes, our fictional older patient receiving care within Nova Scotia Health, remains in hospital following knee surgery. Her recovery has been slow. Risk factors for functional decline and the importance of mobility are highlighted.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Pressure Injuries. Agnes, our fictional older patient receiving care within Nova Scotia Health, has been admitted to hospital for knee surgery. As per Nova Scotia Health policy, her risk for pressure injury (PI) is assessed. Pressure injuries, use of the Braden Scale and PI prevention are highlighted.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Delirium in Older Adults. Agnes, our fictional older patient receiving care within Nova Scotia Health, is exhibiting confusion and has fallen. As a result, she is taken to the Emergency Department. Factors in diagnosis of delirium and causes of delirium are highlighted.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Sleep in Older Adults. Agnes, our fictional older patient receiving care within Nova Scotia Health, has been admitted to hospital due to a COVID-19 diagnosis and has had a difficult time sleeping at night. Factors in sleep problems and sleep assessments are highlighted.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Supports Available to Patients Post Hospital Discharge. Agnes, our fictional older patient receiving care within Nova Scotia Health, has been discharged from the hospital. Risk factors that health care providers should assess in follow up with patients who have transitioned from hospital to home are highlighted.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Discharge Planning for Patients. Agnes, our fictional older patient receiving care within Nova Scotia Health, is being discharged from the hospital. Key points to ensure a successful discharge home are covered in this issue as her health care team plan for her discharge.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Falls in Hospitalized Patients. Agnes, our fictional older patient receiving care within Nova Scotia Health, is afraid to mobilize because of her previous fall and hip fracture. Her health care team identifies fall risk factors and works to develop a mobility plan.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Responsive Behaviours in Hospital-based Dementia Care. Agnes, our fictional older patient receiving care within Nova Scotia Health, is admitted to hospital with pneumonia and suspected delirium. Tools and tips for caring for patients with responsive behaviours are topics in this issue.

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In this issue, the spotlight is on Nutrition in Hospitalized Patients. Agnes, our fictional older patient receiving care within Nova Scotia Health, has been hospitalized after falling at home and breaking her right hip 3 weeks ago. Weight loss, malnutrition and use of the INPAC Tool are topics of this issue.

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Welcome to the first edition! The purpose of the Focus Newsletter is to share information with managers and staff providing care on all acute inpatient unit(s) across the province. The particular focus will be on topics of clinical interest related to caring for older hospitalized adults. 

We will follow the path of Agnes, a fictional older patient receiving care within Nova Scotia Health in each issue. This newsletter will be produced every two months through the Educating Health Professionals on Caring for Hospitalized Older Adults Committee, Interprofessional Practice & Learning.

In this first edition, the spotlight is on Continence and Catheter Use in Hospitalized Patients. Agnes was admitted to hospital after falling at home and breaking her right hip. Catheter use, continence, UTIs and nursing interventions are topics in this issue.

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