Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Christine Malmgreen, MA RN-BC CHES¹, Rebecca Berger, MPH, MBA², Lillie Shortridge-Baggett, BSN, MEd, EdD³, Mary Courtney, MHP, PhD⁴, and Ann Walsh⁴. (1) Hudson Valley Hospital Center, 1980 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567, 914 734-3296, mw@highlands.com, (2) Pace University, 6124 N. St. Louis, Chicago, IL 60659, (3) Lienhard School of Nursing, Pace University, 861 Bedford Road, Room 309, Plesantville, NY 10570, (4) Centre for Health Research - Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd., Kelvin Grove 4059, Brisbane, Australia

Background: The total number of Americans over age 65 will double to over 70 million within this generation. Older adults use more health care services than any other age group and have unique health challenges. There is often a gap between healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes that is essential for high quality care for the elderly.

Methodology: This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Australian Older Patients in Acute Care Survey (OPACS) for its validity with a US population. The tool was secured from researchers at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. It was reviewed by focus groups of practicing nurses and then re-evaluated by a panel of experts in geriatric practice in the US. The reliability for the internal consistency was assessed after administering the survey to nurses (N=45) working in an acute care setting with elderly (65 or older) patients.

Findings: Summary statistics along each dimension will be presented. The reliability of using the Australian tool with an American population was assessed. Statistical analysis revealed a Cronbach's alpha for two scales: Practice Experience was 0.888 and General Opinion/Knowledge 0.904. Further psychometric testing of this tool with a larger sample is planned.

Learning Objectives:

• Individuals attending this presentation will gain a better understanding of the emerging need for targeted educational programs for health care providers of the elderly. This survey can serve to assess the effectiveness of training programs and determine the need to augment geriatric competency for nurses and other healthcare workers who provide direct care to the elderly population.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No