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Nova Scotia's First Nurse Practitioner To Begin At Northwood Care |
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Written by NS Government
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Tuesday, 21 March 2006 |
Residents of long-term care facilities in Nova Scotia can expect improved care as a result of nurse practitioner services, starting at Northwood nursing home in Halifax.
Northwoodcare, in partnership with the Department of Health and the Dalhousie University School of Nursing, will conduct a three-year demonstration project to evaluate the impact of nurse practitioner services in a long-term care setting.
"The lessons we learn from this project will help inform us about how best to integrate nurse practitioners in other long-term care settings in the future," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont. "This is a prime example of how this government is fulfilling its commitment to improving continuing care through strategic investments in evidence-based initiatives."
The introduction of nurse practitioner services within a long-term care setting is a first for the province of Nova Scotia. The nurse will work in a collaborative practice model with three of Northwood's physicians, who oversee the care for about 200 residents. The nurse will also have the opportunity to work with geriatric specialists at Capital Health.
Northwood initiated the proposal to acquire a nurse practitioner and has led the project planning since its inception. "This is an exciting initiative that could address the need for additional support within the sector and improve the overall model of care within long-term care facilities," says Rick Kelly, Northwood president and CEO.
The Department of Health is funding this three-year demonstration project, at a cost of $664,000. This funding arrangement covers the salary and benefits for the nurse practitioner position; the research study, and compensation for the physicians who will be involved in the collaborative practice.
The Dalhousie University School of Nursing will lead the research component of this demonstration project. The research study will look at how this model of care impacts things like frequency and appropriateness of emergency transfers to hospital, medication use, satisfaction of residents, families and healthcare team, as well as cost.
It is expected that the information gained from the research component of this project will provide broad benefits for the entire sector. |
