Evaluation of a Nurse Practitioner-Led Virtual Behavioral Medicine Program
Author Information
Author(s): Vellani Shirin, Haslam Lynn, Luke Miles, Singh Amaya, Iaboni Andrea
Primary Institution: Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network
Hypothesis
The virtual Behavioral Medicine model can effectively manage severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in long-term care settings to prevent hospitalization.
Conclusion
The nurse practitioner-led virtual program significantly improved neuropsychiatric symptoms and reduced the need for hospital admissions among patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Average Neuropsychiatric Inventory score improved from 31 to 9.4 at discharge.
- Number of medications decreased from 16 to 9.
- 47% of patients improved with VBM alone, avoiding hospital admission.
- Over 90% of LTC teams noted improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- 81% of LTC teams responded to the survey.
Takeaway
This study shows that a special virtual program can help people with dementia feel better without going to the hospital.
Methodology
Program evaluation of a nurse practitioner-led virtual behavioral medicine model over one year.
Limitations
Some teams reported challenges with the virtual technology.
Participant Demographics
Patients with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in long-term care.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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