UltaCare Medical

Interesting study from JAMDA (https://lnkd.in/gqSCm4Rt) demonstrates the significant positive impact of having full-time nurse practitioners (NPs) in long-term care nursing homes. The research found that embedding a full-time NP within each nursing home led to a 30% reduction in all-cause hospitalizations. This approach not only benefits patients by providing better, more consistent care but also results in significant cost savings for the healthcare system. Despite these proven benefits, many facilities still do not have embedded full-time NPs. It's time to re-evaluate and prioritize the integration of full-time NPs in nursing homes to enhance patient care and reduce healthcare costs. UltaCare Medical has been working with nursing homes since 2006 and is driven to elevate healthcare in nursing homes.

In light of the HHS Office of Inspector General's findings on psychotropic medication use in nursing homes (https://lnkd.in/e-CEMtud), it's evident that this issue is more pressing than ever. The report, revealing that around 80% of long-stay nursing home residents were prescribed a psychotropic drug from 2011 through 2019, raises significant concerns, particularly about the quality of care and staffing levels in these facilities. At UltaCare Medical, we've always believed in the power of targeted, compassionate care, especially for our vulnerable senior population in nursing homes. The correlation between high rates of psychotropic medication and lower registered nurse coverage underscores a critical gap in the healthcare system – one that we aim to bridge. Our approach involves deploying specialized Nurse Practitioners and Geri Psych NPs who are dedicated to each facility, ensuring that residents receive consistent and personalized care. This model not only addresses immediate health concerns but also focuses on the proactive management of chronic conditions and mental health needs. The overuse of psychotropic medications, at times as a substitute for inadequate staffing and appropriate care, highlights the need for more comprehensive and person-centered approaches. UltaCare Medical's model is designed to meet this need by providing full-time, onsite healthcare professionals who understand the nuances of geriatric care, including the judicious use of medications. It becomes increasingly clear that a shift in the nursing home care paradigm is necessary. More than just medical treatment, our seniors deserve dignity, respect, and a healthcare approach that prioritizes their overall well-being. This report is a call to action for all of us in the healthcare industry to reevaluate our practices and strive towards a standard of care that truly serves the best interests of nursing home residents. At UltaCare Medical, we're committed to being part of this positive change. #Healthcare #NursingHomes #PatientCare #UltaCareMedical

Interesting passage in a clinic daily news update out of McKnights Long-Term Care News: "Even before the pandemic, the role nurse practitioners played in collaboratively working with physicians was crucial. They take a holistic care approach rooted in nursing training, and their role supports residents, families, staff and managers, according to the article. There has been a growth in full-time NPs from 14% in 2008 to 36% in 2018, representing 60% of full-time primary care providers in the long-term care sector, the article said. LTC facilities with NPs have lower rates of depression and urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers, and residents with aggressive behaviors. By being on-site, NPs can identify changes in residents’ status, treat acute medical problems early and prevent adverse outcomes." There a few items to highlight: 1) There remains an important distinction in full-time and part-time onsite NP's. If a facility doesn't have full-time, patient care will still be less than optimal. 2) While there is growth in full-time onsite NP's, there are still thousands of facilities that don't have a full-time onsite NP. Why not? When patient care is the priority, which it should always be, every facility should do everything possible to make this happen. We have been providing full-time med/surg NP's as well as mental health providers to SNF's and LTC's for over 17 years. Whether it's us or somebody else, the evidence is clear that it is the right thing for patients. Here is the link to the actual reference: https://lnkd.in/gfEdXNc5