Sleep and the sleep environment of older adults in acute care settings
2008
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 6
Volume 34
Pages 15-21
Author(s): Missildine, K.
Not every patient has difficulty sleeping in an acute care setting, but it is common. Environmental factors, such as light and noise, can interfere with sleep, further compromising an existing sleep problem. Environmental light, considered a primary cue for setting the internal clock and maintaining normal day/night rhythms, is often different in acute care settings compared to home and may affect sleep.
Added January 2014
Falls, Technology, and Stunt Actors: New Approaches to Fall Detection and Fall Risk Assessment
2008
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 23
Pages 195-201
Author(s): Rantz, M. J., Aud, M. A., Alexander, G., Wakefield, B. J., Skubic, M., Luke, R. H., Anderson, D., Keller, J. M.
One in every 3 people aged 65 or older falls each year, making falls the most common cause of trauma-related injuries and hospitalizations in older adults and the leading cause of death due to injury. In addition, falls are often the prelude to rapid functional decline, costly hospitalization and rehabilitation services, loss of independence and physical function, and even death. Despite healthcare providers’ efforts at prevention, falls among older adults continue to be a critical and costly problem. Clearly, new methods are needed to address this issue.
Added January 2014
Environmental Noise Sources and Interventions to Minimize Them: A Tale of Two Hospitals
2008
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 23
Pages 216-224
Author(s): Dube, J. A. O., Barth, M. M., Cmiel, C. A. , Cutshall, S. M. , Olson, S. M., Sulla, S. J., Nesbitt, J. C. , Sobczak, S. C., Holland, D. E.
Delivering patient care in a hospital is noisy. Yet research shows that noise interferes with the healing process and can disrupt the patient’s experience. Higher noise levels are linked to stress reaction; sleep disturbance; and increased heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, creating an overarching issue that touches multiple disciplines and departments in the hospital.
Added January 2014