Best Practices

Advancing Excellence
Advancing Excellence is a national campaign that encourages, assists, and empowers nursing homes to improve the quality of care and life for residents.
What Do You Get for Joining?
         Recognition - Be acknowledged through marketing pieces, press releases,
         decals, and recognition at local conferences
         Quarterly Comparative Data - Use the quarterly data report to analyze
         where your home ranks regionally and within the state
         Satisfaction Surveys - Receive staff and resident satisfaction survey results
         by Primaris, through MoLANE, between June 2010 and March 2011
         Special Learning Opportunities - Take part in networking and training
         opportunities, sharing best practices and experiences
         Research-based Tools - Access to an online portal of practical and
         evidence-based quality improvement tools that target your goals
Joining the campaign is FREE and EASY!  Visit the Advancing Excellence web site and click on "REGISTER TODAY!"

Continuity of Care Transfer Project
The Continuity of Care Transfer Project is a process to communicate timely, accurate and complete information when transferring patients and residents to and from hospital emergency departments, nursing units and long-term care communities. This guide presents an overview of the recommended process and summary of the benefits health care facilities can receive by implementing the process.

Coordinated Task Plan of Care Booklet
The Coordinated Task Plan of Care is a plan that promotes optimal hospice care to residents in long term care by increasing the communication between providers. The intent is to assist in establishing and agreeing upon a coordinated plan of care/service plan which meets the resident’s individual needs, preferences and living situation.

Device Decision Guide: Restraint, Enabler, and Safety Hazard:
There are many factors to consider when making a decision to restrain a patient. One of the most essential considerations is whether it will enable or be a safety hazard to the patient. While devices can be therapeutic and beneficial, they can also impact the patient negatively and be a safety hazard. This tool can assist in making determinations whether a restraint device should be used.

Diet Liberalization in Nursing Home Residents
This document is the Best Practices position on Diet Liberalization.  The nutritional status of a resident in a long term care facility is directly dependent upon the types and amount of foods provided to him or her.  The liberalization of diet will enhance nutritional status and the quality of life.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Nursing Home Residents
A very high proportion of nursing home residents are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency contributes to osteoporosis, weakness, falls, and fractures. This document includes recommendations developed by leaders in endocrinology at University of Missouri, Saint Louis University, Washington University, and the Long Term Care Best Practices Coalition on Vitamin D deficiency in nursing home residents.