Evidence-Based Practice

The APS TARC has released a new toolkit for APS administrators managing a state of local APS program. The toolkit is intended to help orient new administrators with a brief which contains information and resources on topics ranging from the history of APS to federal resources that can support APS programs. The toolkit also includes an frequently used acronym guiode and the Updated National Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for State APS Systems from the Administration for Community Living.

The Aging and Disability Business Institute in partnership with AgeSpan released their newest case study, an exploration of evidence based programs in New England to promote health and wellbeing. The report examines the multistate network of Area Agencies on Aging brought about a collaborative approach to deliver new evidence-based programs and maintaining community connection.

The University of Kansas is seeking nursing homes to participate in an NIH-funded study testing an online version of the evidence-based Changing Talk (CHAT) communication training program. The CHAT program uses a person-centered approach to educate direct-care staff on better communication strategies with residents with dementia, which can reduce resistiveness to care and behavioral symptoms. This free online training can qualify for CMS dementia care training hour requirements.

This blog post explores how the aging network can leverage home and community based services to address needs and improve the quality of life for older adults with HIV/AIDS. The post explains what evidence-based programs are and provides examples of a few that can support this population, including Falls Prevention and Positive Self-Management programs. It also provides a list of trainings and resources to help better serve older adults with HIV/AIDS.

Through the Better Care Playbook, CHCS has organized a virtual panel of innovators to discuss challenges in applying evidence when designing and refining complex care program. This blog post shares key themes from the panel's discussion at the 2021 “Putting Care at the Center”conference, hosted by the Camden Coalition’s National Center for Complex Health and Social Needs. During this discussion, panelists shared their experience translating research findings into decision making for complex care program design and improvements.

The NIDILRR-funded Community Living Policy Center published a research brief discussing the results of a recent study of the long-term services and supports needs of people with disabilities and older adults in the US. The study explores how many people need more services than they currently receive and the connection between unmet HCBS needs and community living and health outcomes. The brief describes study findings and potential next steps for researchers and service providers to address gaps in services and supports.

As HHS commemorates the anniversary of the ADA, the Office of Behavioral Health, Disability, and Aging Policy (BHDAP) is working to advance data capacity to generate evidence to implement policies, programs, and practices that promote inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities in society. This blog post introduces the BHDAP's project, Dataset on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, which builds data capacity for person-centered outcomes research for people with ID/DD.

Dual eligibles for Medicare and Medicaid have higher levels of chronic pain and use prescription opioids to treat pain more often than those eligible for Medicare only, putting them at a higher risk for opioid misuse or addiction. This brief presents examples of multimodal pain management options that clinicians can consider for treating pain among dually eligible individuals. The resource describes various treatment options, key evidence, and prescribing considerations for each option.

Using data from the 2019 AAA National Survey, this brief, explores differences and similarities between AAAs serving rural and non-rural areas in structure, budget, workforce and service provision, including home repair and modification, transportation and evidence-based programs.

This report explores a range of options for connecting American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) communities to culturally appropriate health and wellness information. NCOA explores the recommended action steps to move toward more inclusive health education, what we can learn from existing evidence-based programs, and how this intersects with health disparities and limited access to care among indigenous communities.