P.I.E.C.E.S.

Ontario 16-hour LTC Home and Community Program

Commitment

  • 2 days (includes practical application). Usually 3-4 weeks between the 2 days to allow for practice of P.I.E.C.E.S. concepts and tools.

Target Learning Group

  • Regulated Health Professionals (e.g. RNs, RPNs, OTs, SWs) working in LTC homes and the community who have responsibility for psychogeriatric assessments, case management, and/or providing care to persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and that have an active role in the day-to-day assessment, planning, and delivery of direct care.

Description

Over 10 years ago the P.I.E.C.E.S. approach and education programs were launched in Ontario! Great gains have been made since that time in the assessment and support of Persons with complex physical and cognitive/mental health needs and behaviour changes.

To continue the pursuit of best practice and respond to the demand for additional P.I.E.C.E.S. education, the Ontario LTC Program and Community programs have been merged and also upgraded.

The comprehensive education program is for those interested in becoming an in-house P.I.E.C.E.S. Resource Person. The core competencies developed throughout the program and with support from the organization’s senior leadership team and local PRC and geriatric outreach/specialty team will improve team and individual practices and promote collaborative care.

The 6 core competencies:

  1. detect or flag cognitive/mental health needs and associated behavioural issues

  2. use the P.I.E.C.E.S. template to guide a systematic and comprehensive approach to these complex issues

  3. use the recommended tools to collect data

  4. plan care with others (internal and external to LTC home)

  5. evaluate based on the goals developed through care planning

  6. coach other staff to develop the above five competencies in others

Overview:

  • Part One: intensive program of core curriculum

  • Part Two: practical application of skills from Part One

  • Part Three: consolidation program

  • Part Four: post-program support arranged locally and with assistance of Psychogeriatric Resource Consultants (PRCs), Specialty Geriatric outreach teams, and the P.I.E.C.E.S. Consult Group and educator teams.