Course Overview

Course Description

Dr. Kristine Williams and Carissa Coleman, PhD, from the University of Kansas School of Nursing, are seeking nursing homes nationwide to participate in a NIH-funded research study testing a new online version of the evidence-based Changing Talk (CHAT) communication training program.

• CHAT educates staff about reducing elderspeak (infantilizing communication)
• Results in reduced behavioral symptoms and need for psychotropic medication for residents with dementia.
• The new online version (Changing Talk: Online Training (CHATO)) consists of three one-hour interactive online modules that provide flexible and accessible access for staff.
• There is no cost, direct-care staff can earn 3 contact hours, and all staff get a Certificate of Completion.
• We are inviting 16-20 nursing homes to participate in the study every three months, and we still have over 2 years of the grant left.
• Everyone is welcome!

Learning Objectives

• Describe the design of a pragmatic randomized clinical trial.
• Become aware of common challenges to conducting research in Nursing Homes.
• Describe a variety of proximal and distal outcome measures related to improved dementia care.

Time Commitment

• The total program is approximately three hours and 15 minutes, split into three modules and the evaluation.
• Each module is approximately an hour, depending on the individual user. The evaluation is approximately 15 minutes.
• Upon completion of all three modules, the evaluation, and a score of at least 70 percent on a post-test, a certificate of completion (three nursing contact hours) will be awarded.

Benefits to staff and residents include:

• A person-centered approach.
• Education about elderspeak and better communication strategies.
• Reduction in resistiveness to care and other behavioral symptoms in residents with dementia.
• Reduction in the need for psychotropic medication.
• Convenient, online educational format for busy nursing homes.
• Qualifies for CMS dementia care training hours requirements.
• A free, nonpharmacological, evidence-based intervention is an excellent addition to a Quality Improvement Plan.

This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Midwest Multistate Division, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. The approval period for the program is May 15, 2023, to May 15, 2025. Midwest MSD Approval number KS525-1438.