The role of assessment in competence-based gerontological advanced practice nursing

Abstract

Population aging challenges healthcare systems, requiring gerontological advanced practice nurses (GAPN) to address specific and complex care requirements of older adults. GAPN implement evidence-based practices directed to patients and families, focusing on health promotion and protection, disease prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation. In competence-based gerontological advanced practice, comprehensive geriatric assessment is essential for implementing the care plan. In this theoretical essay we reflect about the role of assessment in competence-based advanced nursing practice directed to the care of older adults. From our perspective, geriatric assessment for a high-quality practice must be comprehensive, multidimensional, interdisciplinary, and planned. GAPN must have solid competencies for clinical skills and caring practices; education for health literacy; collaborative care; system management for continuity of care; ethics, advocacy, and moral agency; and evidenced-based practice inquiry. Gerontological models of care and GAPN competencies serve as frameworks to guide practice while assessment is fundamental for providing age-friendly care to older adults.

Estado actual de la Enfermería en los Centros de Día Gerontológicos de Huelva

“…Esta práctica avanzada de enfermería está basada en competencias en los Centros de Día y requiere una valoración gerontológica integral, para conseguir el acortamiento de los ingresos hospitalarios, la reducción de la mortalidad y la mejoría de las relaciones de los profesionales de primaria y los familiares. Los profesionales de la salud deben ser lo suficientemente competentes para brindar una atención óptima a quienes requieren diferentes cuidados de calidad (Ferretti-Rebustini et al, 2022).…”