ARIIA

Embracing Innovation and Change in Aged Care

OliviaB — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:22:18 +0000

Embracing Innovation and Change in Aged Care OliviaB

Searching for aged care information online – organisation sources

Eric.Yang — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 01:52:43 +0000

Searching for aged care information online – organisation sources

Paul Ross

Librarian & Information Specialist, ARIIA

Searching online draws us into a diverse web of possible access points to research and information. As stated in previous blogs, this can include using search engines which connect you to organisations, academic and government data. Yet just relying on a search engine alone, can mean you get lost in the haze of “information overload”. Breaking your searching down into different approaches, can enable you to manage the information you are looking for into certain groupings, while helping to prevent feelings of being overwhelmed. The term ‘grey literature’ is generally used to describe information that has not been subject to a formal publication process i.e. a publisher hasn’t undertaken peer-review upon it and published it. Anything outside of this commercially published domain is known as a ‘grey’ area and is classed as ‘grey literature’. This collection of content can include and array of information, from videos to policy documents and toolkits to blogs, to name but a few.

Searching for grey literature should be conducted using a triangulated, three-point approach.

First, compile a search using a search engine, to develop a clear idea what you are looking for and how your subject is described in the literature. Then you can conduct a more focused search into organisations, that focus on your speciality. This can be done by limiting your search engine results to .ORG (Organisational) results and note the organisation names that come up for further searching.
Secondly, you could use lists of organisations in your area of interest, such as those provided by ARIIA (Organisations / Resources), PalliAged and the Australian Government.
Finally, the organisations contained within these lists and found in your own searches, can be searched by looking for either a resources or publication section/s. You could use their own site search box, if they have one, but not all search functions are equal, as some may not find what you are looking for.

Pro-tip: If you want to double-check an organisation's site, then use Google Advanced in the “site or domain” section, just pop in the organisation's web address and the term/s you’re looking for, Google will then search the whole of the organisation's site to find the information, that their own internal search, may have missed.

By using a triangulated approach to searching for grey literature from organisational sites, you can gain greater confidence that you have covered a broad selection of sources, beyond just an online search, using a search engine. It is also recommended to add any organisations you found into a bookmark folder, to save you time in the future and to build your own collection of knowledge, in your specialist field of interest. As grey literature exists all around us and is constantly in production, visit your library or academic specialist centres especially if it has a special collection in your field of interest.

Pro-tip: connect with professionals in your field or enquiry and ask them what sources of information they use.

In our final blog we will complete the overall picture of searching online, by looking into searching for information, using online databases. To visit our previous blogs on the subject of searching online, visit our introduction and search sources blogs.

*The views and opinions expressed in Knowledge Blogs are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ARIIA, Flinders University and/or the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

Eric.Yang

Themed Innovator Training Program

Eric.Yang — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 06:58:30 +0000

Themed Innovator Training Program Eric.Yang

Themed Innovator Training Program

Information and resources are supporting ARIIA’s Themed Innovator Training Program (ITP). ARIIA’s collaborative training and partnership and networking programs connect people and organisations to good ideas and support them to put them into practice in their organisations. Themed ITPs enable individual Innovators to work independently but collectively on a common topic of interest in aged care.

Exploring out Themed ITPs

Evidence based information and resources suitable for use in Australian aged care services have been brought together to provide a base for learning together, planning changes and helping identify critical activities in bringing about change. These resources will support the learning materials provided by the ITP which cover more general processes around change management. They can also be used by individuals and services who want to learn more about workforce issues or who are thinking about quality improvement in their organisation.

Themed ITP: Reablement

Each older person accessing an aged care service brings a diverse range of needs and challenges. Reablement uses a goal-directed, person-centred approach to care that helps older people regain, maintain and/or improve their independence.

Themed ITP: Nutrition

In all aged care settings, older adults have the right to enjoy their dining experiences, make informed choices about food preferences and when to eat, and receive nutritious and appealing food services which are tailored to their dietary requirements. Dining experiences and food have been shown to have a large impact on both mental and physical health of older adults particularly in aged care settings.

Themed ITP: Workforce Retention

Workforce issues have emerged as critical in aged care given increasing demand for care and services, a tightening of the labour market, and the changing shape of employment in Australia. Finding staff is only part of the solution. Workforce retention focuses on what services and teams can do to build a culture and an environment that helps staff to continue to grow within the organisation.

Read more the Themed ITP: Workforce Retention

Potential benefits of Age-Tech monitoring technologies in aged care

Eric.Yang — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 05:32:38 +0000

Potential benefits of Age-Tech monitoring technologies in aged care

Nadège Messier

Grand-App AI Oceania

Nowadays, new technologies are being integrated into the aged care sector. These systems are becoming part of the 'Age-Tech' and offer numerous benefits for older people, caregivers and families in their day-to-day lives.

New technologies provide real-time monitoring of vital signs, activity levels, and behavioural or environmental conditions, allowing caregivers and family members to respond promptly to emergencies such as falls, health crises, or accidents. These same remote care systems are now considered critical in improving an older person's safety whilst reassuring their caregivers and families.

Prevention of risks within the home setting can now be calculated using a range of sensors and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm. Families who live away from their older relatives or older people who prefer to age in place rather than moving to assisted living facilities or move closer to their family which would take them away from their preferred environment, especially benefit from remote sensor technologies.

Many monitoring technologies include features to support communication between older persons, carers, healthcare providers and even families. These functions can facilitate collaboration, coordination of care, and timely communication of important information.

By using monitoring technologies, seniors can maintain a greater level of independence and be healthy for longer while still receiving support and assistance as needed and according to the changes in their fitness levels.

As children, nieces, nephews, and siblings, we all want our loved ones, our older people, to age well and be happy. We can acknowledge that changes in health conditions are a natural part of aging. Continuous monitoring enables the early detection of health issues or behavioural changes, allows timely intervention and treatment and can improve general health outcomes and support wellbeing.

Additionally, these systems collect valuable data, which can be used to create customised care plans tailored to each older person's needs. An individualised plan ensures that each person receives the right care and support, optimising their overall health and quality of life. The data collected by these monitoring technologies can provide valuable insights into the seniors' health trends and patterns over time. This information can also guide data-driven decision-making regarding their care, lifestyle modifications, and treatment plans.

Financially automated monitoring systems can streamline caregiving tasks, saving the effort of carers, seniors and families, increasing efficiencies and saving time for everyone involved. More than anything, it allows carers to focus on providing quality care and spending meaningful time with their older clients and residents. In addition, by helping prevent emergencies and hospitalisations, monitoring technologies can reduce healthcare costs for individuals and their families. Although it can appear expensive to set up initially, these can still potentially represent long-term savings for the older person and the health system.

Overall, new monitoring technologies empower seniors to age in place safely and comfortably while providing invaluable support to caregivers and peace of mind to families.

Eric.Yang

Jane Rymell

AntoniaZ — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 04:09:05 +0000

Jane Rymell AntoniaZ

Administration Officer

As the Administration Officer in Workforce Capability and Capacity, Jane brings over 10 years’ experience in administration within an Aged Care Home supported by experience in Home & Community Care and a Diploma of Community Services. Jane supports the Workforce Capability and Capacity team to deliver projects including the Innovator Training Program.

An aged care workforce for the future: Recruiting and maintaining diversity

RobynG — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 02:41:04 +0000

An aged care workforce for the future: Recruiting and maintaining diversity RobynG

Governing for Reform: Workforce Flip Guide

RobynG — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 02:38:47 +0000

Governing for Reform: Workforce Flip Guide RobynG

Aged care workforce planning and support programs

RobynG — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 02:36:22 +0000

Aged care workforce planning and support programs RobynG

Homepage 2024

admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 06:41:15 +0000

Homepage 2024 admin

Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia

About Ariia

How can we help?

ARIIA is leading the positive transformation of aged care across Australia. We address critical sector needs, support government and professional commitments, and foster collaboration and innovation to empower aged care professionals and support positive change. Our initiatives include incubators, grants, programs, and events, and our website provides trustworthy information for aged care workers, service providers, older Australians, and their families.

At ARIIA, our mission is to equip the aged care sector with knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based practices and new technologies. Guided by principles of co-design, inclusion, connection, and innovation, we ensure every voice is heard, and every individual's needs are met with respect and dignity. Join us in shaping the future of aged care.

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Find upcoming training & education sessions for you and your team.

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Find resources and learn about topics identified by aged care as a priority.

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Learn more about how ARIIA is supporting partners to solve problems in service.

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The CareSearchgp app: Supporting general practitioners to provide palliative care

Eric.Yang — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:42:10 +0000

The CareSearchgp app: Supporting general practitioners to provide palliative care

Dr Raechel Damarell

Senior Research Fellow, CareSearch Project, Flinders University

General practitioners (GPs) play a vital role in providing care for most people with life-limiting illnesses in the years, months, and days leading up to their death. [1] This is especially true for GPs in rural and remote areas with limited access to specialist palliative care services. [2] In these settings, rural GPs are often responsible for the continuous care of older patients as they transition between home, residential aged care, and rural hospitals. [1] For individuals who wish to die at home, whether in their own residence or within an aged care facility, a GP can facilitate this by ensuring effective symptom control and educating carers on how to keep the person comfortable as the end-of-life approaches.

A significant proportion of people die an expected death each year due to chronic conditions such as heart disease, dementia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [3] – conditions that frequently do not meet the criteria for specialist palliative care services. The proportion is expected to rise as the population ages, with increasing numbers of Australians living with one or more life-limiting illnesses requiring long-term symptom management from their GP. [4]

However, GPs face challenges in providing and coordinating palliative care. These include the daily time pressures of general practice, lack of confidence in the evidence base, and the fragmented nature of our health and social care systems, often complicating cross-sector and interprofessional communication. [5] Under the current model of general practice, providing palliative care requires proactive planning and assessments to identify changing needs, initiate advance care planning discussions, and support families and informal carers. [6]

To assist GPs in their clinical decision-making and proactive care planning, CareSearch recently released its CareSearchgp app. Developed with GPs, this freely accessible, evidence-based resource supports key clinical processes across the end-of-life care trajectory, including advance care planning, case conferencing, and developing a terminal care management plan. The app provides clear guidance on symptom management, terminal prescribing, and post-death support for the bereaved. Interactive features allow GPs to curate their own library of links to useful resources or send individual information from within the app to specific patients or carers. For GPs supporting people to die at home, there is a Home Death Checklist—a tool for identifying potential issues that should be addressed ahead of time.

With their broad scope of practice, rural GPs and nurse practitioners may find the app of particular interest and value. Early career GPs can also trust in the reliability of its evidence-based content as they build their clinical skills and confidence in end-of-life care. The CareSearch website has more information about the app and links to download from the Apple or Google Play Store. Additionally, GPs can find more guidance on MBS remuneration when delivering a planned palliative care pathway in the community and residential aged care settings by visiting CareSearch's Primary Health Care Hub.

References

Royal Australian College of General Practice. RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) [Internet]. RACGP; 2022. Part A: Palliative and end-of-life care. [cited 2024 May 25]. Available from: https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/silver-book/part-a/palliative-care#ref-num-1
Ridge A, Seidel B. Using the Tasmanian Palliative and End of Life Care Policy Framework (2022) to assess service delivery in a rural general practice. Aust J Rural Health. 2024 Apr 16.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Deaths in Australia [Internet]. Canberra: AIHW; 2023 [cited 2024 May 29]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/life-expectancy-deaths/deaths-in-australia/contents/leading-causes-of-death
Mitchell GK, Senior HE, Johnson CE, Fallon-Ferguson J, Williams B, Monterosso L, Rhee JJ, McVey P, Grant MP, Aubin M, Nwachukwu HT, Yates PM. Systematic review of general practice end-of-life symptom control. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2018 Dec;8(4):411-420.
Herrmann A, Carey ML, Zucca AC, Boyd LAP, Roberts BJ. Australian GPs' perceptions of barriers and enablers to best practice palliative care: A qualitative study. BMC Palliat Care. 2019 Oct 31;18(1):90.
Rhee JJ, Grant M, Senior H, Monterosso L, McVey P, Johnson C, Aubin M, Nwachukwu H, Bailey C, Fallon-Ferguson J, Yates P, Williams B, Mitchell G. Facilitators and barriers to general practitioner and general practice nurse participation in end-of-life care: Systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2020 Jun 19:bmjspcare-2019-002109.

Eric.Yang

ARIIA

Embracing Innovation and Change in Aged Care

Searching for aged care information online – organisation sources

Paul Ross

Themed Innovator Training Program

Themed Innovator Training Program

Exploring out Themed ITPs

Themed ITP: Reablement

Themed ITP: Nutrition

Themed ITP: Workforce Retention

Potential benefits of Age-Tech monitoring technologies in aged care

Nadège Messier

Jane Rymell

An aged care workforce for the future: Recruiting and maintaining diversity

Governing for Reform: Workforce Flip Guide

Aged care workforce planning and support programs

Homepage 2024

Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia

How can we help?

Training & Education

Grants & Funding

Aged Care Evidence

Aged Care Topics

Resources

Aged Care Support

Innovator Network

ARIIA 2024 Conference

Latest News

Embracing Innovation and Change in Aged Care

Two new Directors appointed to ARIIA Board

Share your experience of working in aged care - 2024 Aged Care Worker Survey

Latest Blog

Searching for aged care information online – organisation sources

Potential benefits of Age-Tech monitoring technologies in aged care

Quick Links

The CareSearchgp app: Supporting general practitioners to provide palliative care

Dr Raechel Damarell

References

ARIIA

Embracing Innovation and Change in Aged Care

​​​Searching for aged care information online – organisation sources​​

​Paul Ross

Themed Innovator Training Program

Themed Innovator Training Program

Exploring out Themed ITPs

Themed ITP: Reablement

Themed ITP: Nutrition

Themed ITP: Workforce Retention

Potential benefits of Age-Tech monitoring technologies in aged care

​​Nadège Messier​

Jane Rymell

An aged care workforce for the future: Recruiting and maintaining diversity

Governing for Reform: Workforce Flip Guide

Aged care workforce planning and support programs

Homepage 2024

Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia

How can we help?

Training & Education

Grants & Funding

Aged Care Evidence

Aged Care Topics

Resources

Aged Care Support

Innovator Network

ARIIA 2024 Conference

Latest News

Embracing Innovation and Change in Aged Care

Two new Directors appointed to ARIIA Board

Share your experience of working in aged care - 2024 Aged Care Worker Survey

Latest Blog

​​​Searching for aged care information online – organisation sources​​

Potential benefits of Age-Tech monitoring technologies in aged care

Quick Links

​​The CareSearchgp app: Supporting general practitioners to provide palliative care

​​Dr Raechel Damarell​

References

Searching for aged care information online – organisation sources

Paul Ross

Nadège Messier

Searching for aged care information online – organisation sources

The CareSearchgp app: Supporting general practitioners to provide palliative care

Dr Raechel Damarell