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Last updated: 11-05-2012
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| Recognized as D.C. Leader in Elder Care October 13, 2010 |
Washington Hospital Center Achieves NICHE Designation Washington, D.C., October 4, 2010 - A national organization that focuses on better care for aging adults is recognizing Washington Hospital Center’s care for its elderly patients. Even more, the Hospital Center is the only institution in the nation’s capital to earn the honor. Washington Hospital Center is now a NICHE–designated facility. The NICHE (Nurses Improving Care of Healthsystem Elders) program provides evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches to care for older patients while improving patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. NICHE awards designation only to institutions that show a commitment to elder care excellence. A few elder care facts: • Geriatric patients are three times more likely to experience complications than younger patients. • In 20 years, 70 million Americans will be 65 or older. • Fifty percent of hospital expenses currently are attributed to geriatric patients. DeAnne Zwicker, DrNP, APRN, BC, senior clinical specialist, led the Hospital Center’s pursuit of the NICHE designation. “Geriatric patients have higher readmission rates, longer hospital stays, and tend to have multiple illnesses,” said Zwicker. "Those with advancing age, over age 75, cognitive impairment, multiple medical problems, and multiples medications are at highest risk for adverse outcomes while hospitalized. Around 35% of older adults admitted to hospitals have cognitive impairment, and up to 65% may go unrecognized.” Washington Hospital Center is one of only 300 hospitals throughout North America with the NICHE designation. Media Contacts: So Young Pak 202-877-2748 soyoung.pak@medstar.net Matt Brock 202-877-7072 matt.brock@medstar.net |
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