MINNEAPOLIS, August 15, 2023 — HealthCare Interactive, Inc. (HCI), a leading innovator in developing technology-driven solutions for dementia care, is proud to announce a significant milestone in advancing dementia care with the release of research published this month in the peer-reviewed Journal of Gerontological Nursing. Research demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the use of antipsychotic medications after the implementation of HCI’s CARES® Dementia Basics and Dementia-Related Behavior Online Training and Certification programs. Research also demonstrated both staff satisfaction and knowledge gain with the CARES® online programs. These findings have a positive association with enhanced quality of care provided to residents living with dementia in nursing homes.
The study, titled Evaluation of an Online Dementia Training Program to Reduce Antipsychotic Medication Use in a Nursing Home, was conducted by Robin Bradford, DNP, RN-BC, LNHA, CDP, CMDCP, RMC, QCP; Lenora Smith, PhD, CRNP, CDP; and and Jana Jennings, PharmD, BCGP at a nursing home in a Southern state in the United States. The study offers compelling insights into the effectiveness of CARES® online training and certification used to instruct staff in HCI’s innovative 5-step method to care called the CARES® Approach, an alternative to medication usage used to respond to behavioral expression, sometimes referred to as difficult or inappropriate behavior.
This study as other important implications for nursing homes nationwide as well as for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Since 2012, CMS has implemented a number of initiatives designed to reduce the off-label use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes. After rates fell for nearly a decade, antipsychotics usage began to increase nationally during the COVID public health emergency. It is common for nursing homes to use antipsychotics to respond to behavioral expression when staff lack the skills to respond in other ways. These findings offer proof that person-centered, standardized online training can offer an actual alternative.
“We are thrilled to unveil these findings of the impact of CARES online training and certification on the use and misuse of antipsychotic medications,” said John V. Hobday, CEO and Founder of HealthCare Interactive. “For nearly 15 years, we as a community of dementia care practitioners and educators have been working with nursing homes to help meet the CMS antipsychotic reduction goals. This study reaffirms our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that empower caregivers and elevate the quality of life for people living with dementia. These positive outcomes underscore the potential of technology, such as CARES, to bridge gaps in dementia care and help nursing homes meet their CMS goals with a program that is well regarded by caregivers and effective with resident care.”
FULL STUDY RESULTS
Bradford, R., Smith, L., & Jennings, J. (2023). Evaluation of an Online Dementia Training Program to Reduce Antipsychotic Medication Use in a Nursing Home. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(7), 5-8. https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20230615-02
ABOUT CARES® ONLINE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
CARES® Dementia Basics and CARES® Dementia-Related Behavior are online staff training and certification programs that offer a standardized, comprehensive solution designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by direct-care workers of individuals living with dementia. Leveraging the power of technology and hours of real-life video vignettes (no actors), the program provides caregivers with invaluable resources, real-time “before and after” approach training, and personalized strategies to manage the complexities of dementia care. Through a user-friendly interface, caregivers can access a wealth of information, educational modules, and interactive tools, all of which contribute to a more informed and confident caregiving experience. For more information about CARES® Dementia Basics and Dementia-Related Behavior Online Training and Certification programs and how they can be used to impact antipsychotic medication usage at your organization, schedule a demo at www.hcinteractive.com.
ABOUT HEALTHCARE INTERACTIVE®
Founded in 1997, HealthCare Interactive is an edtech company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated to providing the highest quality caregiver training for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other brain disorders. The company’s CARES® online, video-based dementia care training, certificate, certification, and credentialing programs are award winning, and widely published in academic literature. HealthCare Interactive remains at the forefront of redefining dementia care through technological innovation. The company’s commitment to research, development, and collaboration with industry experts ensures that caregivers and care recipients receive the support they deserve.
MEDIA CONTACT
Lisa Joly
Vice President of Operations
ljoly@hcinteractive.com
(952) 928-7722
COMPANY CONTACT
John V. Hobday
CEO and Founder
HealthCare Interactive, Inc.
jhobday@hcinteractive.com
(952) 928-7722
