Hospice Aides & QAPI
Hospice Aides & QAPI
Overview & Objectives As with all members of the interdisciplinary team, Medicare requires hospice aides to have a role in QAPI processes and projects.   If hospice aides are unfamiliar with Performance Improvement Projects (PIPs), this module provides a basic overview of the components of a PIP.  It covers members of the QAPI committee, key members of the PIP team, how PIPs are chosen, and the common P-D-S-A model used to guide a PIP.  It also describes the roles of PIP team members, sources for PIPs, and the essential elements of a PIP.  Examples of PIPs are included, as well as methods for keeping the organization informed of the progress of a PIP.  This module contains the following learning objectives:
  • Discuss the importance of QAPI programs and projects in hospice
  • List the key members of a QAPI committee and PIP team
  • Describe sources for PIPs and examples of a PIP
  • Describe the P-D-S-A cycling format for a PIP
  • Review the essential elements of a PIP
  Contents
  • Self-study Section
  • Appendix A:  Sample PIP Assignment Sheet
  • Appendix B:  Essential Elements of a PIP
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Preventing Pressure Ulcers
Preventing Pressure Ulcers
Overview & Objectives The key for hospice aides regarding pressure ulcers is to do as much as possible to prevent them from forming and allowing existing pressure ulcers to get worse.  This module discusses the role of hospice aides within their scope of practice.  It includes sections on the skin (integumentary system), the most common causes, and stages of pressure ulcers that hospice aides should be observing for when providing personal care to the hospice patient.  It covers the elements that should be reported to the nurse and education for caregivers, as well as the reasons why hospice patients are at higher risk for pressure ulcers.  This module contains the following learning objectives:
  • Review characteristics and functions of skin (integumentary system)
  • List the most common causes of pressure ulcers in hospice patients
  • List pressure points where pressure ulcers are most likely to occur
  • Discuss the signs and symptoms of early stage pressure ulcers
  • Describe the actions hospice aides can take to prevent pressure ulcers
  • Review examples of devices/products used to prevent and treat pressure ulcers
  Contents
  • Self-study Section
  • Module Extra:  Pressure Ulcer Devices/Products
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Food Safety in Hospice
Food Safety in Hospice
Although it is well known that the food and fluid intake of patients on hospice declines through the dying process, food safety remains an important part of comprehensive care.  Hospice aides are often involved in handling food and feeding patients.  Food safety includes storage, preparation, and knowledge of cross-contamination that can cause foodborne illnesses (also called “food poisoning”).  This module covers how microorganisms cause foodborne illnesses, the importance of time and temperature, proper cooking, thawing, prep, and cleaning, and how personal hygiene that can contribute to foodborne illnesses.  Symptoms of foodborne illnesses and the hospice aide’s responsibilities are also included.  This module contains the following learning objectives:
  • Discuss the causes of foodborne illnesses
  • Define the importance of time and temperature
  • Review thawing, preparing, and cooking foods
  • Discuss cross-contamination in food preparation and storage
  • List symptoms of foodborne illnesses and the hospice aide’s responsibilities
  • Discuss personal hygiene as a contributor to foodborne illnesses
Contents
  • Self-study Section
  • Appendix A:  Microorganisms that Cause Foodborne Illnesses
  • Appendix B:  Minimum Safe Internal Temperatures & Times
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Hospice Aide Bag Technique
Hospice Aide Bag Technique
Overview & Objectives Using proper bag technique is an important part of infection control.  Hospice aides are responsible for preventing the spread of infection by using proper bag technique during home visits.  Not only do hospice patients have weakened immune systems, but hospices aides routinely go from patient to patient throughout the day.  This module covers several aspects of bag technique such as rationale, types of bags used, arrangement of contents, preventing the spread of infections through bag technique, and cleaning and disinfecting equipment and supplies.  It also includes recommended protective barriers, when NOT to bring the nursing bag into a residence, and other considerations.  This module contains the following learning objectives:
  • Discuss bag technique in infection control
  • Describe the characteristics of recommended nursing bags
  • List the steps used in bag technique
  • Review recommended protective barriers
  • List other considerations when following bag technique policies and procedures
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  Chronological Order of Bag Technique Steps
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Death With Dignity Act
Death With Dignity Act
Helping patients die with dignity is a primary function of hospice aides and other hospice workers, but what if the patient wants to die before they reach the stage where they lose bodily functions, autonomy, or mental competence?  In 1997, Oregon was the first state to pass the Death with Dignity Act (DWDA), otherwise known as physician-assisted suicide.  Since then, five other states have passed it and several additional states are trying to make it legal.  This module examines the Death with Dignity Act based on data collected by the state of Oregon between 1998 and 2017.  It includes patients’ reasons for wanting physician-assisted suicide, their eligibility, the process of requesting it, the medications used, and the opposition to it in language that is understandable and informative.  This module contains the following learning objectives:
  • Define “death with dignity”
  • List reasons for wanting physician-assisted suicide
  • Describe the process to request it in states where it is legal
  • Discuss the patient requirements for physician-assisted suicide in states where it is legal
  • Discuss the methods used in physician-assisted suicide
  • Reflect on opposition to physician-assisted suicide
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  What Would You Do?
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Hospice and Veterans
Hospice and Veterans
More than 2.5 million men and women serve our country in the Armed Forces, through active duty and reserve forces, or as civilians.  In 2001, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established an initiative to address the end-of-life needs of veterans through collaboration with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and other hospice organizations and advocates.  Today, the NHPCO’s “We Honor Veterans” program is dedicated to working in partnership with the VA to provide the highest quality of hospice care and services for veterans and their families.  This module reviews the collaboration between hospice and the VA, the special needs of veterans, and the role of hospice aides and staff in caring for veterans and their families. This module contains the following learning objectives:
  • Describe the rationale for collaboration between hospices and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • Explain the benefits of hospices working with veterans and the VA
  • List the special needs of veterans on hospice
  • Describe four types of PTSD symptoms
  • Discuss the needs of families of veterans
  • Review the ways hospice aides and staff can enhance the veteran’s hospice experience
Contents
  •  Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  Special Needs of Veterans
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  •  Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Caring for HIV/AIDS Patients
Caring for HIV/AIDS Patients
Overview & Objectives The first identified case of HIV in a human was in 1959 and since then the number of cases and treatment for HIV/AIDS has gone through dramatic changes worldwide.  This module covers the early history of HIV/AIDS, how it is transmitted from person to person (including how it is NOT transmitted), and the basic physiology of how it progresses. Hospice eligibility for patients with HIV/AIDS is included as well as common symptoms in the final stages and comfort measures within the hospice aide’s scope of practice related to nutrition/digestion, weakness/fatigue, functional, and mental status changes. Hospice aide documentation and symptoms that should be reported to the nurse are also reviewed.  The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Review history and progression of HIV/AIDS
  • Describe the criteria necessary for hospice eligibility
  • Discuss transmission of HIV/AIDS
  • Describe common symptoms and comfort measures in the final stages
  • List important documentation and symptoms to report to the nurse
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  Comfort Measures for HIV/AIDS Patients
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Caring for ESRD Patients
Caring for ESRD Patients
Overview & Objectives It is estimated that over 20 million Americans are affected by various stages of kidney disease.  In End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) normal kidney function is lost due to chronic or acute kidney damage.  This module covers the incidence of kidney disease, causes, treatments, and comfort measures within the hospice aide’s scope of practice.  It focuses on the most common symptoms in ESRD including pain, dyspnea, pruritus, restlessness, seizures, and fatigue/coma.  Hospice aide documentation in ESRD patients is also reviewed.  The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Review the incidence of kidney disease in the United States
  • Discuss the causes of chronic and acute kidney disease
  • Review common symptoms in ESRD patients
  • List hospice aide comfort measures for ALS patients
  • Discuss the importance of hospice aide documentation
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  Comfort Measures for ESRD Patients
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Caring for ALS Patients
Caring for ALS Patients
Overview & Objectives Patients with a primary diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have needs that are specific to this neuromuscular disorder.  ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, involves degeneration of both the upper and lower motor neurons, which leads to the eventual wasting and atrophy of all voluntary muscles including the muscles that are used for respiration.  This module covers the statistics, basic physiology, symptoms, and treatments for patients with ALS.  The most common problems associated with ALS in hospice patients are reviewed along with comfort measures hospice aides can carry out within their scope of practice.  The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Discuss the prevalence of ALS in the United States
  • Explain the basic physiology of ALS
  • Review common symptoms in ALS patients
  • List hospice aide comfort measures for ALS patients
  • Describe the overall goals of care in ALS patients
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  Comfort Measures for ALS Patients
  • Test Questions
  •  Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Caring for Cancer Patients
Caring for Cancer Patients
Overview & Objectives Patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer are one of the most common types of terminal illnesses in hospice.  They have typically reached the point where life-prolonging interventions are no longer effective and their prognosis is weeks to months.  In this module the criteria for admission to hospice is covered as well as the most common types of cancer and sites for metastasis.  Hospice aide care in cancer patients is determined by the type of cancer and parts of the body and systems affected which is reviewed within the hospice aide scope of practice.  Also included is a section on general comfort measures that can be provided by hospice aides.  The learning objectives for this module include:
  • List the criteria for a terminal cancer patient to be admitted to hospice
  • List the most common cancers and sites of metastasis
  • Describe how cancer metastasizes in the body
  • Review the hospice aide’s duties in caring for cancer patients
  • Describe general comfort measures for patients with cancer
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  Comfort Measures for Cancer Patients
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
The Science of Happiness
The Science of Happiness
Overview & Objectives What does happiness have to do with working as a hospice aide?  The warm fuzzies of happiness make us better at our jobs, improve working relationships, increase performance and accuracy, and boost health and well-being.  Studies have shown that happiness promotes more positive working environments which affect how hospice aides interact with co-workers, patients, and families.  Happiness in employees leads to greater overall job satisfaction, a reduction in turnover rates, and the increased success of a hospice (or any) organization.  This module explores the science of positive psychology (or the science of happiness) which focuses on the positive side of human potential as individuals and in community.  It also debunks the cultural belief that status and possessions lead to greater happiness.  The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Discuss the effect of happiness on work
  • Analyze current cultural beliefs about happiness
  • Discuss the foundation of positive psychology
  • List steps to increase happiness at work and in life
  • Describe how life balance increases happiness
  Contents
  •  Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  The Happiness Tool
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Humor in Hospice
Humor in Hospice
Overview & Objectives There is no room for humor in a serious place like hospice, right?  Wrong.  Humor used appropriately benefits patients, families, healthcare, and hospice workers.  This module is a lighthearted and informative look at humor in hospice which includes the physiological, mental health, social, and workplace benefits.  It reviews humor with patients and families, inappropriate humor, and developing a sense of humor.  If morale is low and hospice aides are stressed out, this is the module for you.  The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Discuss humor in healthcare
  • Describe the physiological benefits of humor
  • Review humor in mental health, social networks, and the workplace
  • Highlight the benefits of humor with patients and families
  • Discuss inappropriate humor
  • Develop a plan for incorporating humor
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  Laughter Exercises (Seriously!)
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Communication Skills
Communication Skills
Overview & Objectives Communication skills are essential in hospice and healthcare in general for quality care, safety, and building relationships.  Hospice aides can foster positive relationships with patients, families, co-workers, and other staff by using effective communication skills.  This module covers the following components of effective communication:  Verbal, non-verbal, listening, barriers to communication, and conflict resolution.  The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Discuss the importance of effective communication
  • Review the primary components of communication
  • Describe the barriers to effective communication
  • Discuss the importance of body language
  • Analyze the role of the hospice aide in conflict resolution
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Module Extra:  Zones of Personal Space in the U.S.
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse
Overview & Objectives It is estimated that over 65% of elder abuse is committed by family members, and only one out of every five cases of elder abuse is identified and reported. These statistics will worsen as the “boomer generation” grows older unless healthcare providers and communities are proactive in preventing and reporting elder abuse. This module contains elder abuse statistics in the United States and lists the most common types and signs of elder abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial, abandonment, self-neglect), as well as the characteristics of abusers. It includes prevention, reporting, and national resources for obtaining information in each state. The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Discuss the statistics of elder abuse in the U.S.
  • Review the purpose of the Elder Justice Act
  • List the types of elder abuse
  • Describe the signs of various types of elder abuse
  • Discuss the characteristics of abusers
  • Review methods for preventing and reporting elder abuse
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Module Extra: Power & Control Wheel
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Pediatric Hospice & Palliative Care
Pediatric Hospice & Palliative Care
Overview & Objectives For pediatric hospice and palliative care aides there are many similarities in the basic care of patients, but also many differences from adult hospice patients. From the age group, to the diseases and illnesses children die from, this module covers common life-limiting/life-threatening conditions, hospice and palliative care for children and families, eligibility, funding, and bereavement. It also discusses the role of hospice and palliative care aides in the pediatric population, and the emotional challenges involved in taking care of terminally ill children. The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Review the history and causes of death in children
  • Differentiate between pediatric and adult hospice and palliative care
  • Discuss the interdisciplinary team model and additional support services for children
  • Review the role of bereavement in pediatric hospice and palliative care
  • Describe the role of nurse’s aides in pediatric hospice/palliative care
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise: Pediatric Age Groups
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Palliative Care
Palliative Care
Overview & Objectives All hospice care is palliative, but not all palliative care is hospice. Confusing? You are not alone. Patients, families, and even healthcare providers do not always understand the differences between hospice and palliative care. The purpose of this module is to clarify the differences and similarities between the two. It covers the evolution and definition palliative care as a subspecialty of end-of-life care. It also includes the criteria for palliative care, barriers to providing it, the services and team members, and the differences/similarities between hospice and palliative care aides. The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Define palliative care
  • Differentiate between hospice and palliative care
  • Discuss the similarities between hospice and palliative care
  • Explain the barriers to palliative care
  • List the differences and similarities between palliative care aides and hospice aides
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Module Extra: Overview of Palliative Care & Hospice Care
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Advance Directives
Advance Directives
Overview & Objectives Advance directives are recommended for everyone over the age of 18, but they are required by law to be addressed with hospice patients upon admission. This module covers the benefits and explains the basics of advance directives. It includes a general overview of advance directives: living wills, healthcare surrogates, CPR, DNR, DNI, and artificial nutrition and hydration. It also includes a section on the "Five Wishes" which is a national advance directive. The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Discuss the purpose of advance directives
  • List specific advance directives
  • Review advance directives in hospice
  • Define the "Five Wishes"
  • Discuss the importance and benefits of advance directives
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise: Advance Directives Recall
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Patient Rights
Patient Rights
Overview & Objectives Up until the 1970’s, physicians made decisions about a patient’s care with little or no input from the patient or family. In two separate studies done in 1953 and 1961, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that 69% and 90% (respectively) of doctors did not tell their patients they had cancer. Human experimentation studies were done on prisoners and poor and orphaned children. By today’s standards, those stories and others would bring lawsuits. In 1973 the American Hospital Association (AHA) published the first standards for patient rights. This inservice covers the evolution of patient rights, the role of medical ethics, the Patient Self-Determination Act, and the rights of hospice patients. The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Discuss the history of patient’s rights
  • Review the scope of medical ethics
  • Define the Patient Self-Determination Act
  • List the rights of hospice patients
  • Discuss autonomy in hospice care
Contents
    Learning Module
  • Group Exercise: YOUR Patient Rights
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Documentation
Documentation
Overview & Objectives Documentation is mandatory for the coordination of care and delivery of hospice services. The hospice aide’s role in documentation is important for monitoring patient status, eligibility, functional ability, and decline. This inservice includes a general overview of the legal aspects of documentation, regulatory requirements, documentation content in care and data gathering, the do’s and don’ts of documentation, continuous (crisis) care documentation, and terminology to avoid. The importance of timeframes is also discussed. The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Discuss the importance of hospice aide documentation
  • List the do’s and don’ts of documentation
  • Explain the rationale for continuous (crisis) care documentation
  • Identify terminology to avoid in documentation
  • Explain the importance of timeframes in documentation
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  Weak vs. Strong Documentation
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart
Compassion Fatigue
Compassion Fatigue
Overview & Objectives Healthcare providers, volunteers, and other helpers who work in areas associated with more intense pain, suffering and trauma are at risk for compassion fatigue. Hospice is one area in which hospice aides and other members of the interdisciplinary team are at higher risk for developing compassion fatigue. This inservice differentiates compassion fatigue from burnout, and includes symptoms, assessment, and interventions with recommendations for hospice aides, other caregivers, and managers/supervisors. It includes a section on self-care relevant to work and home life for preventing or managing compassion fatigue. The learning objectives for this module include:
  • Define the differences between compassion fatigue and burnout
  • Describe symptoms of compassion fatigue
  • Review the components of a compassion fatigue assessment
  • Discuss interventions for preventing or managing compassion fatigue
  • Apply self-care principles for prevention and management of compassion fatigue
Contents
  • Learning Module
  • Group Exercise:  Burnout or Compassion Fatigue?
  • Test Questions
  • Instructor Answer Key
  • Attendance Sheet
  • Evaluation Form
  • Certificate of Attendance
$25.00 Add to cart