Secure Funding

The proposed program can be carried out with minimal funding. If funding is required, it is possible that the organization could obtain funding from a government grant or through the assistance of a non-profit organization. The most challenging issue created in this context is that of insurance. Although the organization currently holds insurance for providing occupational therapy for patients, it is possible that the organization will need additional coverage to implement a regular exercise program. If the organization chooses to develop the program as an integral part of its service, the cost of the insurance could be passed to patients. Overall, this cost should be minimal, allowing the organization to provide this service and ensure that patient safety is protected.

Plan the Change

The proposed program will first require approval from top leaders and administrators in the organization. Once this approval has been granted, funding for the program must be secured and the specific exercise program must be developed. Concurrent with program development should be staff training to implement the new exercise program. This will include scheduling for the exercise program and a review of the specific role that each member of the staff will need to serve in implementing this program. Once the funding has been secured and the staff has been trained, it will then be possible to begin the program with patients.

Evaluation

Evaluation of the program will take place utilizing baseline patient and organizational data. With respect to organizational data, number of falls will be the most pertinent tool for program assessment. Patient falls should decrease by improving patient strength and balance. With respect to patient data, quality of life, mobility and disability will be used as baseline and ongoing measures. Aggregate data on the entire patient population should demonstrate improvements in each of these areas for all patients. Finally, employee assessment of the program will be considered through the use of program satisfaction surveys....

This data will provide information that could be used to improve the program and make it easier for the staff to use.
Benefits

While improving patient quality of life is the most pertinent benefit that can be garnered from the application of this program, it is evident that this program could have implications for other aspects of the organization's operations. For instance, if the program reduces falls, this may serve as the basis for reducing overall insurance rates for the facility. This could have marked implications for the organization's bottom line. The cost savings could be passed along to patients and their families, reducing the overall cost of care at a time when healthcare costs are increasing. Finally, the program should improve the overall function of the patient, enabling healthcare professionals to do their jobs more easily. Patients may require less assistance in basic daily activities reducing the overall level of physical care that is provided by nursing staff. This may increase job satisfaction and overall job performance.

Reference List

Chen, K., Li, C., Lin, J.N., et al., 2007. "A feasible method to enhance and maintain the health of elderly living in long-term care facilities through long-term, simplified Tai Chi exercises," Journal of Nursing Research, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 156-163.

Exercise alleviates dementia in elderly," 2006. Nurse Practitioner, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 51.

Kato, M., 2006. "Development of an exercise program for fall prevention for elderly persons in a long-term care facility," Japan Journal of Nursing Science, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 107-117.

Luukinen, H., Lehtola, S., Jokelainen, J., et al., 2006. "Prevention of disability by exercise among the elderly: A population-based, randomized, controlled trial," Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 199-205.

Tsang, H.W.H., Fund, K.M.T., Chan, a.S.M., et al., 2006. "Effect of a qigong exercise program on elderly with depression," International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, vol. 21, no. 9, pp. 890-897.