Effectiveness of monthly health promotion nursing clinics for community-dwelling older adults

This study investigated the effectiveness of monthly health promotion nursing clinics provided to low-income older adults living in senior high-rise apartments in a large metropolitan area. Identification of the most frequently provided nursing interventions and determination of presence of nursing-sensitive outcomes was completed. A program evaluation research design was utilized based on the W.K. Kellogg Foundation model of program evaluation. Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods used included a retrospective chart audit (N=60) interviews of clients (N=30), interviews of agency staff and volunteers (N=13) a survey of staff and volunteer nurses using the Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) Use Survey instrument, observation of clinics, and review of agency internal reports. Study results demonstrated that the most frequently provided nursing interventions at the clinics were several categories of client education, monitoring of vital signs, listening, counseling, screening, referrals, and assistance with negotiating the health care system. Nursing-sensitive outcomes were found that related to client satisfaction and functional status along with components of self-care for instrumental activities of daily living, treatment behavior for illness and injury, and areas of knowledge related to health behavior. The implications for this study is that monthly nursing clinics held in senior living sites are effective in monitoring client health status and assisting clients in obtaining needed health and social service resources. While gaps in the availability of community health programs for older adults exist, public health nurses can serve as effective health care providers that promote the health of older persons living in the community.