title: Information resources and knowledge needs of rural nurses regarding Alzheimer's disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The need for current information on Alzheimer's disease (AD) is apparent as medical research, diagnostic, and treatment guidelines are advancing at a rapid rate.
  
  
  METHODS
  A needs assessment survey determined what educational topics related to dementia nurses perceived they most need, would be most likely to attend, and what information they likely would solicit in a telephone consultation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nurses in Iowa were interested in continuing education programming and teleconferences on major topics regarding AD provided through the state's fiberoptic system such as: (a) challenging behaviors over the course of illness; (b) family needs such as education, support, respite, referral, and safety; (c) case management services for patients and families; (d) long-term care services from adult care to hospice; and (e) new developments in AD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rural nurses experiencing professional isolation and lack of resources can access up-to-date information via continuing education programs transmitted by telecommunication strategies.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine of Medical Associates Clinic, Dubuque, Iowa, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bellaver
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Daly
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Buckwalter
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000451:nursing*; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa; D020380:Needs Assessment; D019035:Rural Health Services