Information resources and knowledge needs of rural nurses regarding Alzheimer's disease.
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.
Bellaver
C
C
Internal Medicine of Medical Associates Clinic, Dubuque, Iowa, USA.
Daly
J M
JM
Buckwalter
K C
KC
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