Wolters Kluwer Health Teams with AALTCN to Develop Support Solution for LTC Nurses

AMBLER, Pa., March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading global provider of information and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry, today announced a collaboration between Lippincott's Nursing Solutions and the American Association of Long Term Care Nursing (AALTCN) to develop a new point-of-care support solution for nurses working in nursing homes and other long-term care settings.  The collaboration is creating a new category of the Lippincott's Nursing Procedures and Skills product designed to meet the needs of long-term care (LTC) nurses.

Charlotte Eliopoulos, Director and Co-Founder of AALTCN, is directing the development project.  Eliopoulos tapped into her organization's membership to assemble a team of practicing nurses who are currently engaged in LTC settings and were enlisted for their individual expertise and ability to document procedures from a real world perspective. 

"With a growing and clinically complex population coming into long term care and with all of the emphasis on reducing hospital readmissions, there's a lot of sensitivity about competently caring for this group," said Eliopoulos.  "To have a cost effective, user-friendly product that can equip us to effectively provide the proper care is essential, and makes this a timely project." 

"We are really excited to merge the existing strengths and functionality of Lippincott's Nursing Procedures and Skills together with all of the insight and expertise that AALTCN brings to the profession," said Carolyn Dalton, Senior Digital Product Manager, Wolters Kluwer Health.  "The end result is LTC focused procedures that will have considerable impact on that space."

Lippincott's Nursing Procedures and Skills, part of Lippincott's Nursing Solutions family of products, gives nurses accurate, step-by-step guidance for over 1,300 evidence-based procedures.  Video clips and/or high-quality visuals that aid in understanding accompany most procedures.  The online resource provides skills checklists and competency tests for each procedure to help facilities verify staff competence.  Each procedure undergoes a thorough annual review process to ensure the most up-to-date clinical information is provided.  Facilities can customize and add procedures to meet their specific needs.

Lippincott's Nursing Solutions is a comprehensive, integrated application suite of online clinical information technology and professional development products that supports evidence-based practice, standardizes care, enhances productivity, and streamlines workflows for nursing professionals.  Created by nurses for nurses, it is currently helping more than 1,500 healthcare facilities promote clinical excellence by creating a culture of safety and continuous quality improvement.  Key products under its umbrella include Lippincott's Nursing Advisor; Lippincott's Professional Development Programs; and Lippincott's Nursing Procedures and Skills.

The agreement with AALTCN includes the creation of 75 new and/or modified long-term care procedures that are being added to the existing Lippincott's Nursing Procedures and Skills product.  The additions will start rolling out in April and will be completely populated by the end of the year.  The enhancements are targeted at health systems with LTC departments, nursing homes, assisted living communities, community care programs and other long-term sub-acute care providers.  To learn more, visit its website or call (855) 695-5070.

About American Association for Long Term Care
The American Association for Long Term Care Nursing (AALTCN) unites all levels of nursing staff to advance excellence in the specialty of long-term care nursing. The association encourages respect for long-term care nursing staff by informing colleagues and consumers about the complexities, competencies, and commitment of the special caregivers who commit to this specialty. As the nation's largest network of caregivers, the mission of the American Association for Long Term Care Nursing is to create community and teamwork, provide educational resources, support and promote excellence in care, and advocate for an improved status and voice for long-term care nursing staff.

About Wolters Kluwer Health
Wolters Kluwer Health (Philadelphia, PA) is a leading global provider of information, business intelligence and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry. Serving more than 150 countries and territories worldwide, Wolters Kluwer Health's customers include professionals, institutions and students in medicine, nursing, allied health and pharmacy. Major brands include Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Ovid^®, Medknow, UpToDate^®, Medi-Span^®, Facts & Comparisons^®, Pharmacy OneSource^®, Lexicomp^® and ProVation^® Medical.

Wolters Kluwer Health is part of Wolters Kluwer, a market-leading global information services company. Wolters Kluwer had 2012 annual revenues of €3.6 billion ($4.6 billion), employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, and maintains operations in over 40 countries across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

SOURCE Wolters Kluwer Health