Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the feasibility of an assessment tool to prevent aspiration pneumonia in the respiratory care for people who require nursing care. This tool aims to enhance home care nurses’ assessment ability and to clarify the process of judgement of care. First, this tool was developed on the basis of the findings of interviews with home care nurses and previous studies. The tool was composed of 4 care components, including “assessment items” and “care objective” of each component. Eight home care nurses participated in this study and by caring for eight clients in collaboration with the researcher. The results showed the high feasibility of the tool in home care, and that it enhanced home care nurses’ assessment and judgement ability regarding ventilation and cough. Additional research is warranted to evaluate the tool with partially revised assessment items.
