Karen Devereaux Melillo

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• PhD, AGNP-C, FAANP, FGSA
• Professor Emerita at University of Massachusetts Lowell

Advanced practice nurse preparation should be focusing on the "person" rather than the "place." The major obstacles outlined previously in this article in advancing the critical role gerontological nursing has to offer in the 21st century continue to exist, including the decreased number of graduates choosing gerontological nursing as a specialty o...

Engaging retired faculty is at the forefront of the Age-Friendly University (AFU) principles and the community domain of the Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey (ICCS) (Silverstein, et al., 2022). Engaging Retired/Emeriti Professors (REP) at UMass Lowell (UML) began in 2020 when the ICCS survey identified “involving retired faculty in...

In 2020, the UMass Lowell (UML) Age-Friendly University (AFU) campus administered the Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey (ICCS) in partnership with UMass Boston. The results identified a need for campus improvement related to "involving retired faculty in university activities" (AFU Principle 9). In response to this finding, an IRB-ap...

The World Health Organization recognizes that aging is a life-long process. Aging is a universal phenomenon, and the number of people aged ≥65 years is expected to increase exponentially over the next 30 to 50 years. Thus, the universality and globalization of aging requires that our interconnected societies be equipped to meet the needs of humans...

This report highlights the 2023–2028 American Association of Nurse Practitioners Research Agenda (AANP-RA), which focuses on the research goals of AANP as an organization and is based on its mission and strategic plan. The purpose of the AANP Research Agenda is to outline research priorities that advance the AANP Strategic Plan and concurrently add...

Intergenerational learning is one of the six pillars of the Age-Friendly University (AFU) institutional activity. This study was guided by the AFU principles 9 (involving university’s own retired community) and 4 (promote intergenerational learning between learners of all ages) and Positive Education about Aging and Contact Experience (PEACE) Model...

UMass Lowell, designated an AFU in 2019, launched AFU Inventory and Climate Surveys in 2020; respondents identified “involving retired faculty in university activities’ (AFU Principle 9) as an area for improvement. A follow-up study, guided by the PEACE Model (Levey, 2018), was undertaken to reduce students’ negative stereotypes about older adults...

The Age-Friendly University (AFU) Climate Survey (in collaboration with UMass Boston) in 2019 identified the need to engage the University’s own emeriti professors; this need reflects the AFU Principle 9. The objective of this study was to explore emeriti professor’s perspectives and areas of interest in intergenerational activities. After IRB appr...

The rapid growth of the aging demographic requires students entering the workforce to be adept at engaging with older adults in a professional capacity. The Age Friendly Community (AFC) and Age Friendly University (AFU) initiatives present an opportunity for researchers and students to work alongside older residents to improve Age Friendly practice...

In 2020, the UML AFU campus launched the AFU Inventory and Climate Surveys (in partnership with UMass Boston). The results identified a need for campus improvement related to “involving retired faculty in University activities’ (Principle 9) and “promoting intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners...

The 5-campus UMass system received designation as an Age-Friendly University (AFU) in 2019. AFU Principle 1 highlights the importance of involving older adults in University activities. UMass Lowell’s Center for Gerontology Research and Partnerships collaborated with the Learning in Retirement Association (LIRA) in Spring 2020 to offer aging-relate...

The UMass Lowell Center for Gerontology Research and Partnerships (CGRP) has been on the Age-Friendly University (AFU) trajectory since April 2018. In April 2019, at the CGRP-sponsored 5th Annual Healthy Aging Living Well Forum, qualitative analysis of table-top discussions identified themes related to the AFU Principles: Accessibility, care, commu...

Advanced practice nurses (APRNs) make significant contributions to the mental health of older adults. Despite the surge in the number of older adults, the number of APRNs choosing educational preparation for geropsychiatric nursing (GPN) is limited. The purpose of the GAPNA GPN Position Statement is to sustain a new vision for the nursing professio...

This chapter focuses on the development of an introduction section of an IR. The chapter begins with the general topic background and identification of what is known and what gaps in knowledge may exist. A rationale for conducting the review will be articulated based on a preliminary review of what is known and not known. Additionally, if a theoret...

The poster describes the qualitative content analysis findings from the table discussions on essential characteristics for the Age-Friendly University/Age-Friendly Community, facilitated by Center for Gerontology Research and Partnerships members at the 5th Annual Forum held April 2019.

The readership of the Journal of Gerontological Nursing (JGN) represents gerontological nurses who provide care across the continuum and in a variety of health care settings. As gerontological nurses, we recognize the vital role we serve in the health promotion, health screening, and complex clinical care of older adults. The American Nurses Associ...

The current study used the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey-Based (MCBS) Cost and Use files for 2006–2008 to investigate whether health care costs and service utilization of nursing home residents varied with nurse practitioner (NP) and physician assistant (PA) involvement, compared to the use of medical doctors (MDs) only. The sample included M...

Moderators: A. James Lee, PhD, Karen Devereaux Melillo, PhD, A-GNP-C, FAANP, FGSA, Co-Directors, UMass Lowell Center for Gerontology Research and Partnership; Deborah D’Avolio, Ph.D., BC-ACNP, ANP, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Center for Gerontology Research and Partnership, Member Session Presenters A.James Lee, PhD Karen Devereaux Meli...

Purpose: To investigate the impact nurse practitioners' (NPs) documented mortality risk assessments (MRAs) and advance care planning (ACP) discussions have on clinical outcomes for newly enrolled Medicare Advantage nursing home patients. Methods: Data collection in this mixed-method study consisted of quantitative data from a convenience sample...

Transitioning from a department to a school of nursing creates an environment that is more conducive to attracting qualified faculty and enhancing program growth to meet the projected nursing workforce needs. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed limited research to guide nursing programs considering this transition. This qualitative st...

This study assessed how the health status and functioning of Medicare beneficiaries residing in nursing homes varies systematically with nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) providing primary care services. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Medicare Current Beneficiary Surveys. The study...

The project will (1) design and plan the implementation of a nurse practitioner model for delivering primary and coordinated care to adults with disabilities who are receiving day habilitation services, and (2) evaluate the design and planning processes using a participatory and iterative approach. The project is a collaborative effort between a un...

As part of the breakout session panel discussion entitled "UMass Lowell Gerontology Community-Engaged Research Panel," Dr. Melillo discusses aging demographics and cognitive issues in the workplace, as many older adults continue to work after retirement age.

Within long-term care, the transitional care setting provides post-acute and short-stay rehabilitation to older adults, easing the transition between the acute care hospital and home or long-term care. The current nursing shortage makes it difficult for these facilities to attract and retain qualified nursing staff. In order to meet the rehabilitat...

Over the past seven years, the University Of Massachusetts Lowell Department of Nursing has partnered with the Lawrence and Lowell Public School Systems, the Merrimack Valley YMCA and the Greater Lowell Regional Vocational High School to promote nursing as a career choice to middle and high school students in these communities. The overarching goal...

Delirium is a widespread complication of hospitalization and is frequently unrecognized by nurses and other healthcare professionals. Patients with neuroscience diagnoses are at increased risk for delirium as compared with other patients. The aims of this quality improvement project were to (1) increase neuroscience nurses' knowledge of delirium, (...

Cognitive health, memory complaints, and cognitive impairment among older workers have begun to receive attention in the research, practice, education, and policy arenas. With the aging population of the United States continuing to increase, projections are that the number of workers 65 and older is also expected to increase. Concerns regarding cog...

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is a comprehensive model of care that has the potential for improving primary health care for older adults. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have the potential to make a significant impact in PCMHs and to positively affect patient care outcomes. In particular, NPs with practice doctorates have the leadership skills...

By 2020, it is projected that the number of older adults needing treatment for drug and alcohol addictions will increase dramatically. Although Medicare covers treatment for mental health issues, copayments can be prohibitive for those with lower incomes. The Positive Aging Act, an amendment to the Public Health Service Act, is a policy alternative...

The current economic climate has resulted in many experienced nurses returning to the workforce. Despite this, the nursing shortage is looming in our future and the recruitment of a diverse nursing workforce reflective of the population remains a high priority. The Merrimack Valley in northeastern Massachusetts has two large cities, Lawrence and Lo...

In this article we describe the process of an interdisciplinary case study that examined the social contexts of occupational and general health disparities among health care workers in two sets of New England hospitals and nursing homes. A political economy of the work environment framework guided the study, which incorporated dimensions related to...

Due to the aging population in the United States, there will be a need for a larger workforce that is prepared to provide care to an older adult population. The Institute of Medicine has noted challenges related to the preparation of a geriatric workforce due to lack of faculty, inconsistent curricula, and few training opportunities, and has made r...

Dehydration is a common problem among older adults and can negatively affect their health. This cross-sectional descriptive study used survey findings and focus group interviews to investigate dehydration problems among community-dwelling older adults and to identify strategies perceived to be helpful in preventing dehydration in this population. T...

Do you know how to monitor an older adult who's receiving an antipsychotic drug? Learn the benefits and the pitfalls so you can keep your older patients safe.

The purpose of this research was to qualitatively generatively generate and psychometrically assess an instrument which assesses the self-perceived physical fitness and exercise activity levels of community-dwelling older adults and examines perceived factors which enhance or impede their exercise activity level. This research was carried out in tw...

The theme of this conference is ‘speaking truth to power’. This chapter describes how restructuring of the healthcare system in America during the 1990s facilitated on-going exploitation of nursing aides in longterm care facilities. Many nursing aides suffer significant physical and psychological injuries by patients. We question why these came to...

This study evaluates the nursing contribution to the process of care utilizing nurse practitioners (NPs) to provide health care for nursing home patients in Massachusetts. Using magnetic tapes of data collected through retrospective chart reviews of 2,651 patient records in 110 Massachusetts nursing homes, comparisons were made of the process of ca...

Treating patients in rehabilitation settings is becoming increasingly complex for a variety of reasons, such as the presence of several comorbid conditions, increased age, and earlier discharge from acute care facilities. As a result, careful monitoring and assessment by nurses is essential. Laboratory testing can improve the assessment when nurses...

The older adult with dementia who exhibits problem behaviors is likely to be experiencing physical or psychological distress. Both can negatively affect the health, rehabilitation, and quality of life for the older adult. Managing problem behaviors can challenge the skills of the most experienced nurse. Being able to identify the origins of these b...

Due to the complexity of human health, emphasis is increasingly being placed on the need for and conduct of multidisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary health research. Yet many academic and research organizations-and the discipline-specific associations and journals-may not yet be prepared to adopt changes necessary to optimally support interdiscip...

Due to the complexity of human health, emphasis is increasingly being placed on the need for and conduct of multidisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary health research. Yet many academic and research organizations--and the discipline-specific associations and journals--may not yet be prepared to adopt changes necessary to optimally support interdisc...

Due to the complexity of human health, emphasis is increasingly being placed on the need for and conduct of multidisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary health research. Yet many academic and research organizations—and the discipline-specific associations and journals—may not yet be prepared to adopt changes necessary to optimally support interdiscip...

PURPOSE OF THE PAPER: The purpose of this article is to review the literature on physical activity and its relationship to cardiovascular risk factors and mortality in older adults, in an effort to clarify the specific benefits and optimal level of physical activity for cardiovascular health in the older adult population. Despite physical activity...

Healthy People 2000 has identified the importance of physical activity for healthy aging, but little is known about what motivates older individuals, older Latino adults, in particular, to be physically active. The purpose of this research was to examine the perceptions of older Latino adults toward physical fitness, physical activity, and exercise...

The scholarship of teaching is considered an essential component of scholarship within academic settings. To promote the transfer of knowledge specific to the discipline of nursing, this category of scholarship must include inquiry into the practice of teaching, program development, and professional role modeling, in addition to excellence in teach...

Despite the known health benefits of regular physical activity and exercise, physical inactivity is prevalent among American adults. The primary care provider is in an optimal position to provide physical activity and exercise counseling. The Physician-based Assessment and Counseling for Exercise (PACE) program, which utilizes the stages of change...

Despite the known health benefits of regular physical activity and exercise, physical inactivity is prevalent among American adults.The primary care provider is in an optimal position to provide physical activity and exercise counseling. The Physician-based Assessment and Counseling for Exercise (PACE) program, which utilizes the stages of change t...

Health promotion related to physical activity and exercise is an integral part of the nurse practitioner (NP) role. Yet, studies suggest that only 30% of primary care clinicians provide counseling to their sedentary patients (Clinician's Handbook of Preventive Services, 1994). This percentage may be even less with clients who represent the oldest o...

Clostridium difficile poses particular risk for older adults, who are subject to more serious symptoms than younger patients. Antibiotic exposure and other risk factors are associated with the pathogenesis of C. difficile-associated disease. Treatment goals include prescribing anti-C. difficile activity agents (when indicated), attending to volume...

Helping caregivers ensure the safety of contused older adults

This article reviews the issues associated with the development of an E911 location network in light of the desire to leverage the E911 location network to provide universal non-cellular location-based services. The key issues are illustrated with a system originally developed for locating elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease

The purpose of this research was to qualitatively generate and psychometrically assess an instrument which assesses the self-perceived physical fitness and exercise activity levels of community-dwelling older adults and examines perceived factors which enhance or impede their exercise activity level. This research was carried out in two stages: qua...

The purpose of this research was to examine older adults' perceptions of physical fitness and exercise. This qualitative study was divided into four stages as described by Berg (1989): identification of the concept of the study; development of the interview guide; collection of data; and data analysis. Twenty-three older adults, aged 63-82 years (9...

The incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria increases with age, and thus it is a common finding in older adults, especially the very old and the institutionalized. Bacteriuria in most older adults, while common, is often transient. The clinical significance is generally minor and the treatment yields very little benefit, is expensive, and may cause s...

The complex issue of combining caregiving and employment requires an awareness on the part of primary care providers of the health and social impact these responsibilities have on clients. Failure to consider the psychosocial and health-related consequences of caregiving for individuals with dual roles could result in greater health care costs, jeo...

Whether presenting to Hillary Rodham Clinton's Health Care Reform Task Force, or as citizens presenting to a Board of Selectmen on issues affecting the Council on Aging, health providers possess a unique and valuable perspective that few policymakers or politicians have. The health practitioner's role as a direct provider of health services, advoca...

This article describes age-related physiologic changes in the older adult and the effect of these changes, if any, on commonly ordered laboratory tests. As reported in selected research studies and literature reviews, some laboratory parameters change minimally or not at all with age, still remaining within recommended reference ranges, while other...

This study evaluates the nursing contribution to the process of care utilizing nurse practitioners (NPs) to provide health care for nursing home patients in Massachusetts. Using magnetic tapes of data collected through retrospective chart reviews of 2,651 patient records in 110 Massachusetts nursing homes, comparisons were made of the process of ca...

Educator, counselor, advocate, consultant, collaborator and role model are a few of the hats that NPs wear. This study, from a DON's perspective, shows how NPs are ideally suited to care for an older population.

Many aged women feel that preventive examinations are unnecessary. TEACHING AGED WOMEN TO CARE ABOUT HEALTH PREVENTION EXAMS

Several studies have argued that official US statistics regarding occupational injuries are flawed because of systematic underreporting. This paper contributes to this debate by exploiting quantitative (administrative and survey data), qualitative (documents, interviews and focus groups) and job observation data. This richness of information permit...

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Brandeis University, 1990. "UMI: 9100460." Includes bibliographical references (p. 239-248). Photocopy.