Hospital Staff Satisfaction with UAB Virtual ACE

Objective: To disseminate the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) model of care to non-ACE units, UAB developed a care delivery redesign intervention termed Virtual ACE (V-ACE). We report staff satisfaction with the... [ view full abstract ]

Objective: To disseminate the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) model of care to non-ACE units, UAB developed a care delivery redesign intervention termed Virtual ACE (V-ACE). We report staff satisfaction with the implementation.

Methods: V-ACE training followed by 3-6 months of coaching to standardize use of geriatric screens and care protocols targeting pain,mobility, and delirium was delivered to interprofessional providers on 4 non-ACE units (2 trauma surgery, 1 GI surgery, 1 GI medicine). Staff then completed an anonymous survey that utilized a 5-point Likert scale for agreement to statements assessing impact of V-ACE care processes on workflow and quality of geriatric care delivered. We report only valid percentages.

Results: Trauma (n = 39) and GI (n = 39) unit staff completed the surveys. The majority were nurses (69%) and patient care technicians (PCTs) (17%); 78% of respondents attended 75-100% of training sessions; 78% found the training time appropriate. Staff agreed or strongly agreed that the delirium protocol (73%) and delirium toolkits (77%) improved patient care. Increasing patient mobility was rated the most challenging; 58% agreed or strongly agreed the mobility protocol aided their care. Only 22% agreed or strongly agreed that the V-ACE processes added workflow burden. When asked to compare the utilization of geriatric care processes pre- and post-V-ACE on their unit, nurses and PCTs reported improved consistent use of geriatric care processes.

Conclusion: The V-ACE implementation process was overall viewed as efficient and beneficial. Opportunities exist to further improve workflow, especially regarding mobility.