Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders
Encyclopedia
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Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) is a program of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University College of Nursing
, that works to achieve systematic nursing change to benefit hospitalized older patients. Founded in 1992, NICHE has evolved into a national geriatric nursing
program comprising nearly 300 hospitals in more than 40 states as well as parts of Canada.
Unlike similar programs, NICHE does not prescribe how institutions should modify geriatric care; rather, it provides the materials and services necessary to stimulate a change in the culture of healthcare facilities to achieve patient-centered care for older adults.
to develop a business plan to expand its organizational capacity, improve dramatically the program’s “toolkit”—particularly its measurement and reporting capacity—and initiate outreach to accelerate adoption of this program by additional hospitals.(1)
NICHE provides hospitals with:
Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) is a program of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University College of Nursing
New York University College of Nursing
The New York University College of Nursing is one of 14 schools and divisions at New York University. The current dean is Dr. Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN.- History :...
, that works to achieve systematic nursing change to benefit hospitalized older patients. Founded in 1992, NICHE has evolved into a national geriatric nursing
Geriatric nursing
Geriatric nursing is the specialty that concerns itself with the provision of nursing services to geriatric or aged individuals.-Geriatric nursing:...
program comprising nearly 300 hospitals in more than 40 states as well as parts of Canada.
Unlike similar programs, NICHE does not prescribe how institutions should modify geriatric care; rather, it provides the materials and services necessary to stimulate a change in the culture of healthcare facilities to achieve patient-centered care for older adults.
History
NICHE is based on 1981 Geriatric Resource Nurse (GRN) model, in which unit-based GRN nurses provided consultation to other staff nurses leading improved care of older adults by creating standard protocols for common geriatric problems and enhancing the expertise of staff nurses. Initially a part of the Hartford Foundation’s Hospital Outcomes Program for the Elderly (HOPE) multi-site initiative, after a series of funds for the project, the NICHE program was officially created in 1992. Through a rigorous screening-process using the Geriatric Institutional Assessment Profile (GIAP), an instrument designed to help hospitals analyze the needs of their elderly patients and determine gaps in geriatric care provision, the NICHE Program has become an integral part of the Hartford Institute since 1996. In 2006, Hartford Institute received funding from Atlantic PhilanthropiesAtlantic Philanthropies
The Atlantic Philanthropies is a private foundation created in 1982 by US businessman Charles F. "Chuck" Feeney. The Atlantic Philanthropies grant-making supports health and social projects in Australia, Bermuda, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United States and Viet Nam...
to develop a business plan to expand its organizational capacity, improve dramatically the program’s “toolkit”—particularly its measurement and reporting capacity—and initiate outreach to accelerate adoption of this program by additional hospitals.(1)
The NICHE Program
The NICHE Program provides the principles, resources and tools to stimulate a change in the culture of health care facilities and achieve patient-centered care for older adult patients. It is affordable and comprehensive, and benefits hospitals in a number of ways:- Improved clinical outcomes
- Positive fiscal results
- Enhanced nursing competencies
- Community recognition
- Greater patient, family, and staff satisfaction
NICHE provides hospitals with:
- State-of-the-art training, tools and resources including an interactive 24/7 E-learning center
- Project management support/mentoring for NICHE-based hospital initiatives
- Evidence-based clinical protocols that address “never events,” Joint Commission compliance and other regulatory imperatives
- Geriatric Institutional Assessment Profile (GIAP) tool
- Shared information, knowledge, and expertise