1. Getting Started

Start by downloading and reading the files in this order:

• Overview of INTERACT II
• INTERACT II Figure (diagram showing when and where to use INTERACT II tools)
• INTERACT II Tool Table (list of Interact II Tools). The tools here are printer ready.

Facilities or corporations may wish to add their own logo to the forms.

This banner can help to energize your staff and involve residents and families, who are critical to the INTERACT II program. Consider placing the banner in a prominent place such as the lobby, cafeteria or common room. INTERACT II Banner

Then proceed through each of the three main sets of tools in the following order:

COMMUNICATION TOOLS

Use these tools to improve communication between caregivers in the nursing home and with health care providers outside of the nursing home.

• Early Warning Tool (“Stop and Watch”) (Word Doc)
• Early Warning Tool – SPANISH (“Pare Y Observe”)
• Early Warning Tool – CREOLE (“Pran Tan Gade”)
• Instructions for Early Warning Tool
• SBAR Communication Tool and Progress Note
• Instructions for SBAR Communication Tool and Progress Note
• Change In Condition File Cards
• Instructions for Change in Condition File Cards and Care Paths

The following Communication Tools are to be used when a resident is transferred to the HOSPITAL:
Disclaimer: If a resident becomes acutely unstable and needs to be sent to the hospital via an emergency or “9-1-1″ call, priority should be given to safe , fast, and efficient transfer. Documentation that is not available at the time of transfer can be sent via fax after the patient has been transported.

• Resident Transfer Form
• Acute Care Transfer Envelope with Checklist (Word Doc)
• Instructions for Resident Transfer Form and Acute Care Transfer Envelope with Checklist

CARE PATHS

Use these tools as a resource to guide the nursing staff through a comprehensive assessment when there is an acute change in condition.

• Dehydration
• Fever
• Mental Status Change
• Symptoms of CHF
• Symptoms of Lower Respiratory Infection
• Symptoms of UTI
• Instructions for Care Paths and Change in Condition File Cards

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING TOOLS

Use these tools to equip your staff with the skills necessary to start and respond to conversations about end of life and palliative care.

• Overview of Advance Care Planning Tools
• Advance Care Planning Communication Guide:
• Part 1: Tips for Starting The Conversation
• Part 2: Communication Tips
• Part 3: Helpful Language for Discussing End of Life Care
• Residents at High Risk of Entering Actively Dying Process
• Examples of Comfort Care Interventions
• Understanding Advance Directives
• What is Palliative Care Brochure
• Artificial Nutrition and Hydration at End of Life
• Instructions for Advance Care Planning Tools