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School of Nursing Researcher Receives $3m Grant to Study Restorative Care Programs In Long-term Care Facilities

November 15, 2003

Baltimore, Md. – The University of Maryland School of Nursing recently announced that Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, FAAN, Associate Professor, Department of Adult Health Nursing, has been awarded a $3,147,694 grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Department of Health and Human Services, to support her five-year study, Testing a Restorative Care Nursing Program.

The primary goals of the study are to implement a two-tiered program that incorporates self-efficacy based interventions for both nursing assistants and long-term care residents to improve functional performance, maintain or improve range of motion and muscle strength, decrease falls and fall related injuries, and improve quality of life in long-term care residents.

"While there are some subjective reports on the benefits of these types of programs, there is little quantitative evidence to support the widespread use of the programs," stated Dr. Resnick. "This study will help determine the effectiveness of restorative care programs and provide a realistic model for integration of the programs into all long-term care facilities."

The ultimate goal of the program, according to Dr. Resnick, is to alter the current philosophy of care in long-term care facilities to one that focuses on function. In addition, it is anticipated that the study will ultimately help improve clinical outcomes and to inform policy makers about the effectiveness of restorative care programs.