Current Foci of Care for Older Adults

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key frameworks, initiatives, and concepts related to the contemporary healthcare needs and management of older adults.

Crossing the Quality Chasm (2001)

A National Research Council report from the Institute of Medicine that led national, governmental, and professional organizations to initiate major health care initiatives.

Major Initiatives in Gerontological Care

A group of initiatives including person-centered care, respect for patient preferences, shared decision making, safety, quality, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration.

4Ms of Age-Friendly Health Systems

A framework developed by the IHI and John A. Hartford Foundation consisting of four core elements: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility.

Functional Consequences Theory

A theory used for promoting wellness within age-friendly health systems.

QSEN

Quality and Safety in Nursing; an initiative supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation involving six competencies to improve care and safety.

2010 Affordable Care Act

A national initiative designed to improve care and decrease the cost of care, specifically focusing on older adults.

Preventable Hospital-Acquired Conditions

Conditions for which Medicare can deny payment, including catheter-associated urinary tract infections, fall-related injuries, and pressure injury stages 3 and 4.

Transitional Care

The process of moving patients across settings or departments; safety concerns during this time include poor communication, incomplete information, and lack of a point person to coordinate care.

Transitional Care Model (TCM)

A model that utilizes Hospital Discharge Screening Criteria for High-Risk Older Adults to facilitate safer transitions between care environments.

Interprofessional Collaboration

Also known as interprofessional teamwork; health workers from different professional backgrounds working with patients, families, and communities to deliver high-quality care.

Telehealth and mHealth

Electronic devices and communication technologies used to increase access to care, improve safety, and enhance functioning and quality of life for older adults.

Caregiver

Unpaid family or friends, such as a spouse, partner, or adult children, who provide assistance with routine care and chronic conditions for a person.

Caregiver burden

The negative functional consequences experienced by family members when caring for dependent older adults.