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1.
J Multidiscip Healthc ; 17: 2935-2946, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38933696

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) placed a significant strain on nursing homes, leading to numerous outbreaks and high mortality rates. This situation created considerable stress and challenges for residents, their physicians and nurses, as well as family caregivers. By understanding these challenges, we can gain new insights and learn valuable lessons. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the treatment and care provided to nursing home residents with COVID-19, as experienced by physicians, nurses, and family caregivers. Participants and Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of 35 interviews with physicians, nurses, and family caregivers, each with personal experience caring for nursing home residents diagnosed with COVID-19. The interviews took place from December 2020 to April 2021. We analyzed the transcriptions based on Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis model and followed a qualitative descriptive design as outlined by Sandelowski. Findings: The analysis produced three themes: 1) Balancing medical treatment, 2) The need for increased systematic monitoring of vital functions, and 3) Determining the treatment level for nursing home residents. These themes were explored through the unique perspectives of the three participant groups: physicians, nurses, and family caregivers. The findings revealed several challenges related to treatment and care for nursing home residents diagnosed with COVID-19. This applied both to relief of symptoms, monitoring of vital functions, assessment of treatment level and use of advance care planning. Conclusion: Drawing from the experiences of physicians, nurses, and family caregivers, there should be a unified plan at the municipal or national level for competency development in nursing homes to prepare for future crises like pandemics or epidemics. Additionally, the safe engagement of family caregivers and relatives should be given priority.

3.
Trials ; 25(1): 304, 2024 May 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38711048

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Demographic changes, with an increasing number and proportion of older people with multimorbidity and frailty, will put more pressure on home care services in municipalities. Frail multimorbid people receiving home care services are at high risk of developing crises, defined as critical challenges and symptoms, which demand immediate and new actions. The crises often result in adverse events, coercive measures, and acute institutionalisation. There is a lack of evidence-based interventions to prevent and resolve crises in community settings. METHODS: This is a participatory action research design (PAR) in a 6-month cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT). The trial will be conducted in 30 municipalities, including 150 frail community-dwelling participants receiving home care services judged by the services to be at risk of developing crisis. Each municipality (cluster) will be randomised to receive either the locally adapted TIME intervention (the intervention group) or care as usual (the control group). The Targeted Interdisciplinary Model for Evaluation and Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (TIME) is a manual-based, multicomponent programme that includes a rigorous assessment of the crisis, one or more interdisciplinary case conferences, and the testing and evaluation of customised treatment measures. PAR in combination with an RCT will enhance adaptations of the intervention to the local context and needs. The primary outcome is as follows: difference in change between the intervention and control groups in individual goal achievement to resolve or reduce the challenges of the crises between baseline and 3 months using the PRACTIC Goal Setting Interview (PGSI). Among the secondary outcomes are the difference in change in the PGSI scale at 6 months and in neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs), quality of life, distress perceived by professional carers and next of kin, and institutionalisation at 3 and 6 months. DISCUSSION: Through customised interventions that involve patients, the next of kin, the social context, and health care services, crises may be prevented and resolved. The PReventing and Approaching Crises for frail community-dwelling patients Through Innovative Care (PRACTIC) study will enhance innovation for health professionals, management, and users in the development of new knowledge and a new adapted approach towards crises. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05651659. Registered 15.12.22.


Subject(s)
Frail Elderly , Home Care Services , Independent Living , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Humans , Aged , Multimorbidity , Frailty/diagnosis , Frailty/therapy , Time Factors , Community-Based Participatory Research , Treatment Outcome , Crisis Intervention/methods , Quality of Life
4.
BMC Nutr ; 9(1): 50, 2023 Mar 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36941708

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition - comprising both undernutrition and overweight - has to be addressed in the medical follow-up of older adults due to the negative consequences for the functional state and general health. Still, little is known about the nutritional state of nursing home (NH) residents, especially with respect to weight gain or weight loss after NH admission. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate changes in the body mass index (BMI) during the first year following NH admission, and to explore demographic and clinical characteristics related to BMI changes. METHODS: Data from two prospective studies that recruited participants at NH admission were combined. Demographic and clinical characteristics including the BMI were assessed at baseline and after one year. A linear regression model was estimated to explore the impact of demographic and clinical characteristics on the change in BMI. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 1,044 participants with a mean age of 84.3 years (SD7.6) at baseline; 64.2% were female. At baseline, 33% of the NH residents had severe to moderate undernutrition, while 10% were obese. During the first year of their NH stay, residents with severe to moderate undernutrition had an average increase in BMI of 1.3 kg/m2 (SD 2.2; p < 0.001), while weight changes were either very small or not significant in the other BMI groups. Characteristics related to weight gain were younger age and less agitation. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition is a common health challenge at NH admission, with one third of NH residents being moderately to severely underweight and 10% being obese. However, during the first year of NH stay, there was a favourable development for underweight NH residents, as they increased their BMI, and 43.6% changed to a higher weight classification, while we observed no changes in the BMI in residents with obesity. As NH residents are in the last phase of their lives, interventions to prevent malnutrition or overweight should be initiated while still home-dwelling, and then continued in the nursing homes.

5.
BMC Geriatr ; 23(1): 101, 2023 02 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36803435

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a high rate of infections, frequent outbreaks, and high mortality rates in nursing homes (NH) worldwide. To protect and improve the treatment and care of the vulnerable NH population, it is pivotal to systematise and synthesise data from cases of COVID-19 among NH residents. In our systematic review, we therefore aimed to describe the clinical expressions, characteristics, and treatments of NH residents confirmed to have COVID-19. METHODS: We conducted two comprehensive literature searches in several electronic databases: (1) PubMed, (2) CINAHL, (3) AgeLine, (4) Embase, and (5) PsycINFO in April and July 2021. Of the 438 articles screened, 19 were included in our sample, and we used the Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment Scale to assess the quality of the reported studies. A weighted mean (Mweighted), was calculated to account for the large variation in sample sizes of the studies, and due to heterogeneity among the studies, we report our findings in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: According to the mean weights (Mweighted), common symptoms and signs in NH residents confirmed to have COVID-19 were fever (53.7%), cough (56.5%), hypoxia (32.3%), and delirium or confusion (31.2%). Common comorbidities were hypertension (78.6%), dementia or cognitive impairment (55.3%), and cardiovascular diseases (52.0%). Six studies presented data concerning medical and pharmacological treatments, such as inhalers, oxygen supplementation, anticoagulation, and parenteral/enteral fluids or nutrition. The treatments were used to improve outcomes, as part of palliative care, or as end-of-life treatment. Transfers to hospital for NH residents with confirmed COVID-19 were reported in six of the included studies, and the rate of hospital transfers ranged from 6.9% to 50% in this population. In the 17 studies reporting mortality, 40.2% of the NH residents died during the studies' observation periods. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review allowed us to summarise important clinical findings about COVID-19 among NH residents and to identify the population's risk factors for serious illness and death caused by the disease. However, the treatment and care of NH residents with severe COVID-19 warrant further investigation.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/therapy , Nursing Homes , Palliative Care , Risk Factors
6.
Scand J Public Health ; : 14034948221140195, 2022 Dec 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36474362

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nursing home (NH) residents are in their last phase of life, and two aims of the NH's medical care in Norway is to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions that would not benefit the resident and to facilitate a peaceful death in familiar surroundings when the time comes. However, little is known about the share of residents dying in NHs and the causes of death. We therefore evaluated the cause and place of death in a cohort of NH residents followed from the time of NH admission until death. METHODS: NH residents were followed from admission to the NH and over the entire course of their NH stay. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Cause and place of death were retrieved from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. RESULTS: Of 1283 residents, 6.2% died in hospital and 91.2% in a NH. Those who died in hospitals were more often male, died sooner after NH admission, had a less severe degree of dementia and had poorer general health. Dementia was the most common underlying cause of death, followed by cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Dementia is one of the main causes of death in NH residents. In addition, our findings indicate a low number of inappropriate referrals to hospital during the last stage of life. However, further research should explore whether the terminal phase of NH residents is formed in accordance with their preferences and whether appropriate palliative care is offered.

7.
PLoS One ; 17(12): e0279909, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36584218

ABSTRACT

The overall aim was to explore the prevalence and persistent regular prescription of opioids and paracetamol among nursing home (NH) residents with dementia at admission and over time. A total of 996 residents with dementia, mean (SD) age 84.5 (7.6) years and (36.1% men), were included at admission (A1). Yearly assessments were performed for two years (A2 and A3) or until death. Pain was assessed using the Mobilization-Observation-Behavior-Intensity-Dementia-2 (MOBID-2) Pain Scale. Information regarding prescription of analgesics, general physical health, personal activities of daily living, severity of dementia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and prescription of psychotropic drugs was collected. A generalized linear mixed model was used to explore whether pain severity was associated with persistent and persistent prescription of opioids and/or paracetamol across timepoints. At A1, 495 of 996 (49.7%) NH residents were prescribed analgesics and prevalence increased at the follow-ups (A2: n = 630, 65.1%; A3: n = 382, 71.2%). Paracetamol was the most frequently prescribed analgesic at all assessments (A1: 45.5%; A2: 59.5%; A3: 67.1%). Opioid prescriptions were quite prevalent (A1: 18.1%; A2: 25.1%; A3: 28.3%), with odds approximately 13 times (OR = 13.3, 95% CI 6.8-26.0) and 9 times (OR = 8.6, 95% CI 3.7-20.3) higher for prescription at follow-up A2 and A3, respectively, relative to prescription at A1. In adjusted analyses, higher pain intensity and poor physical health were associated with prescription and persistent prescription of opioids and paracetamol. In conclusion, prevalence and persistent prescription of analgesics were high in NH residents with dementia. The odds for the prescription of opioids at follow-up were high if prescribed at baseline. Interdisciplinary collaboration, routine assessment of pain at admission and regularly thereafter, and systematic drug reviews are essential to adequately assess and treat pain in NH residents with dementia.


Subject(s)
Analgesics, Opioid , Dementia , Male , Humans , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use , Longitudinal Studies , Acetaminophen/therapeutic use , Prevalence , Activities of Daily Living , Dementia/drug therapy , Dementia/epidemiology , Dementia/psychology , Nursing Homes , Analgesics/therapeutic use , Pain/drug therapy , Pain/epidemiology , Prescriptions
8.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36554794

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a priority for global public health. The management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is one of the highest ongoing challenges and needs new approaches. The special care unit for people with dementia and BPSD (SCU-B) is viewed in this context as a further medical intervention. AIM: this study aims to explore SCU-B units in order to describe their main characteristics in relation to different implementation contexts, identify the characteristics of their replicability, and examine the social innovation elements promoted by SCU-B units. METHOD: This qualitative study is based on focus groups (FGs) and interviews involving nine international centers. Five of the centers have a memory clinic unit and SCU-B, compared with six that only have a memory clinic unit. A total number of 18 FGs were held, which altogether involved 164 participants. All data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by means of a content analysis and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. RESULTS: The qualitative analysis offers a vision of the SCU-B model as an innovative care unit for BPSD, promoting social innovation in the long-term care (LTC) sector. This system mainly targets people with dementia and BPSD and their informal caregivers but encourages collaboration between dementia care stakeholders at the micro and meso levels. CONCLUSIONS: Specific characteristics of the country's LTC systems and the organization of specialized units are determinants for the success of the SCU-B experience. The replicability of the entire SCU-B model was considered low; however, the implementation of single elements composing the SCU-B model may foster innovation. This study provides relevant suggestions on how to implement the SCU-B unit and innovative solutions for dementia care.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Humans , Aged , Dementia/psychology , Qualitative Research , Long-Term Care , Focus Groups , Behavioral Symptoms
9.
J Am Med Dir Assoc ; 23(11): 1838-1844.e2, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36116536

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the course of depressive symptoms in newly admitted nursing home (NH) residents and how resident characteristics were associated with the symptoms. To identify groups of residents following the same symptom trajectory. DESIGN: An observational, multicenter, longitudinal study over 36 months with 7 biannual assessments. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Representing 47 Norwegian NHs, 696 residents were included at admission to a NH. METHODS: Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD). We selected severity of dementia, functional impairment, physical health, pain, use of antidepressants, age, and sex as covariates. Time trend in CSDD score was assessed by a linear mixed model adjusting for covariates. Next, a growth mixture model was estimated to investigate whether there were groups of residents following distinct trajectories in CSDD scores. We estimated a nominal regression model to assess whether the covariates at admission were associated to group membership. RESULTS: There was a nonlinear trend in CSDD score. More severe dementia, a lower level of functioning, poorer physical health, more pain, use of antidepressants, and younger age at admission were associated with higher CSDD scores. Growth mixture model identified 4 groups: (1) persistent mild symptoms (32.6%), (2) persistent moderate symptoms (50.8%), (3) increasing symptoms (5.1%), and (4) severe but decreasing symptoms (11.6%). A lower level of functioning, poorer physical health, more pain, use of antidepressants, and younger age at admission were associated with higher odds for belonging to the severe but decreasing symptoms group compared with the persistent mild symptoms group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Most NH residents were in trajectory groups with persistent mild or moderate depressive symptoms. Residents with more severe dementia, lower levels of functioning, poor physical health, severe pain, younger age at admittance, and who are using antidepressants should be monitored closely and systematically with respect to depression. Taking actions toward a more personalized treatment for depression in NHs is a priority and should be investigated in future studies.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Depression , Humans , Depression/drug therapy , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/diagnosis , Nursing Homes , Longitudinal Studies , Pain
12.
BMC Geriatr ; 22(1): 282, 2022 04 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35382759

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are several subtypes of dementia caused by different pathophysiology and with different clinical characteristics. Irrespective subtype, the disease is progressive, eventually leading to the need for care and supervision on a 24/7 basis, often provided in nursing homes (NH). The progression rate and course of the disease might vary according to subtype. The aim of this study was to explore whether the mortality rate for NH residents varied according to the subtype of dementia. METHODS: NH residents were followed from admission to NH over a period of 36 months or until death with annual follow-up examinations. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The diagnosis of dementia and its subtype at baseline (BL) were set according to international accepted criteria. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to estimate median survival time. A Cox regression model was estimated to assess the impact of dementia diagnosis and demographic and clinical variables on mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1349 participants were included. When compared to persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD), persons with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and dementia with Lewy bodies or Parkinson's disease dementia (DLB/PDD) were younger and had more neuropsychiatric symptoms. Median survival for the total sample was 2.3 years (95% confidence interval: 2.2-2.5). When compared to persons with AD, having no dementia or unspecified dementia was associated with higher mortality, while we found similar mortality in other subtypes of dementia. Higher age, male gender, poorer general health, higher dependency in activities of daily living, and more affective symptoms were associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSION: Mortality did not differ across the subtypes of dementia, except in persons with unspecified dementia or without dementia, where we found a higher mortality. With a median survival of 2.3 years, NH residents are in the last stage of their lives and care and medical follow-up should focus on a palliative approach. However, identifying the subtype of dementia might help carers to better understand and address neuropsychiatric symptoms and to customize medical treatment.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Parkinson Disease , Activities of Daily Living , Dementia/diagnosis , Dementia/psychology , Dementia/therapy , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Nursing Homes
13.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 22(1): 415, 2022 Mar 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35351124

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) occur frequently in people with dementia and can contribute to an increased need for help and a reduced quality of life, but also predict early institutionalization. The Targeted Interdisciplinary Model for Evaluation and Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (TIME) might be a useful personalized approach to BPSD in people with dementia. The main objective of this feasibility trial was to explore the trial design and methods along with the patients' and the home care staff's acceptance of the TIME intervention before developing a definitive trial. Additionally, we wanted to explore whether TIME could be appropriate for staff in home care services in their approach towards people with dementia with anxiety and depression. METHODS: This was a 18-month feasibility trial using a parallel cluster randomized controlled design. Nine municipalities from the eastern part of Norway (clusters) - 40 people with dementia and 37 of their next of kin- were randomized to the TIME intervention or to treatment as usual. In addition, qualitative data as field notes were collected and summarized. RESULTS: The staff in home care services experienced TIME as an appropriate method; in particular, the systematic approach to the patient's BPSD was experienced as useful. However, the completion of the assessment phase was considered exhaustive and time-consuming, and some of the staff found it challenging to find time for the case conferences. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that TIME, with some adjustments, could be useful for staff in home care services in cases where they face challenges in providing care and support to people with dementia. This feasibility trial indicates that we can move forward with a future definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the effect of TIME in people with dementia receiving home care services. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: SI0303150608.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Home Care Services , Anxiety Disorders , Dementia/psychology , Feasibility Studies , Humans , Quality of Life
14.
Alzheimers Dement ; 18(10): 1957-1968, 2022 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35184367

ABSTRACT

As research and services in the Mediterranean region continue to increase, so do opportunities for global collaboration. To support such collaborations, the Alzheimer's Association was due to hold its seventh Alzheimer's Association International Conference Satellite Symposium in Athens, Greece in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually, which enabled attendees from around the world to hear about research efforts in Greece and the surrounding Mediterranean countries. Research updates spanned understanding the biology of, treatments for, and care of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD_ and other dementias. Researchers in the Mediterranean region have outlined the local epidemiology of AD and dementia, and have identified regional populations that may expedite genetic studies. Development of biomarkers is expected to aid early and accurate diagnosis. Numerous efforts have been made to develop culturally specific interventions to both reduce risk of dementia, and to improve quality of life for people living with dementia.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , COVID-19 , Humans , Alzheimer Disease/epidemiology , Alzheimer Disease/therapy , Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Quality of Life , Pandemics , Biomarkers
15.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 21(1): 723, 2021 Jul 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34294078

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dementia is one of the main causes of disability and dependence in older people, and people with dementia need comprehensive healthcare services, preferably in their own homes. A well-organized home care service designed for people with dementia is necessary to meet their needs for health- and social care. Therefore, it is important to gain knowledge about how people with dementia experience the home care service and if the service responds to their wishes and needs. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of home care services among people with dementia, to understand the continuity in services, how the service was adapted to people with dementia, and how the patient experienced person-centered care and shared decision-making. METHODS: We used a qualitative, exploratory design based on a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach and performed individual in-depth interviews with persons with dementia. A convenience sample of 12 persons with moderate to severe degrees of dementia from four Norwegian municipalities participated in the study. The interviews were conducted in February 2019. RESULTS: The findings identified that the participants appreciated the possibility to stay safely in their own homes and mostly experienced good support from staff. They expressed various views and understanding of the service and experienced limited opportunities for user involvement and individualized, tailored service. The overall theme summarizing the findings was: "It is difficult for people with dementia to understand and influence home care services, but the services facilitate the possibility to stay at home and feel safe with support from staff." CONCLUSION: The participants did not fully understand the organization of the care and support they received from the home care services, but they adapted to the service without asking for changes based on their needs or desires. Although person-centered care is recommended both nationally and internationally, the participants experienced little inclusion in defining the service they received, and it was perceived as unclear how they could participate in shared decision-making.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Home Care Services , Aged , Dementia/therapy , Health Services , Humans , Norway , Qualitative Research
16.
Nurs Open ; 8(4): 1797-1804, 2021 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33626244

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of homecare staff about the impact of the organization of homecare services for people with dementia. DESIGN: This study has a qualitative, exploratory design based on a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach, using individual in-depth interviews with homecare staff to collect data. METHODS: A convenience sample of 14 homecare staff from five municipalities participated in the study. Main topics introduced: (a) how homecare services for people with dementia are organized and (b) challenges in respondents' everyday practice of caring for people with dementia. Interviews were conducted from October to December 2017. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified from the interviews. (a) Complexity and need for individualized facilitated homecare services; homecare services were described as complex in regard to both the patient and the service. The complexity of the service made it challenging to tailor the service to the individual patient. (b) The importance of trust and relationships; establishing trust in the relationship between the patient and the staff resulted in better-quality care. This was crucial for identifying the patient's need for help. (c) Organizational challenges; homecare services could be vulnerable to changes in the organization. Practical tasks and following the daily scheduled task list were often prioritized at the expense of an individually tailored service.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Home Care Services , Dementia/therapy , Humans , Qualitative Research
17.
Scand J Prim Health Care ; 38(3): 253-264, 2020 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32720874

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore dementia management from a primary care physician perspective. DESIGN: One-page seven-item multiple choice questionnaire; free text space for every item; final narrative question of a dementia case story. Inductive explorative grounded theory analysis. Derived results in cluster analyses. Appropriateness of dementia drugs assessed by tertiary care specialist. SETTING: Twenty-five European General Practice Research Network member countries. SUBJECTS: Four hundred and forty-five key informant primary care physician respondents of which 106 presented 155 case stories. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Processes and typologies of dementia management. Proportion of case stories with drug treatment and treatment according to guidelines. RESULTS: Unburdening dementia - a basic social process - explained physicians' dementia management according to a grounded theory analysis using both qualitative and quantitative data. Unburdening starts with Recognizing the dementia burden by Burden Identification and Burden Assessment followed by Burden Relief. Drugs to relieve the dementia burden were reported for 130 of 155 patients; acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine treatment in 89 of 155 patients - 60% appropriate according to guidelines and 40% outside of guidelines. More Central and Northern primary care physicians were allowed to prescribe, and more were engaged in dementia management than Eastern and Mediterranean physicians according to cluster analyses. Physicians typically identified and assessed the dementia burden and then tried to relieve it, commonly by drug prescriptions, but also by community health and home help services, mentioned in more than half of the case stories. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physician dementia management was explained by an Unburdening process with the goal to relieve the dementia burden, mainly by drugs often prescribed outside of guideline indications. Implications: Unique data about dementia management by European primary care physicians to inform appropriate stakeholders. Key points Dementia as a syndrome of cognitive and functional decline and behavioural and psychological symptoms causes a tremendous burden on patients, their families, and society. •We found that a basic social process of Unburdening dementia explained dementia management according to case stories and survey comments from primary care physicians in 25 countries. •First, Burden Recognition by Identification and Assessment and then Burden Relief - often by drugs. •Prescribing physicians repeatedly broadened guideline indications for dementia drugs. The more physicians were allowed to prescribe dementia drugs, the more they were responsible for the dementia work-up. Our study provides unique data about dementia management in European primary care for the benefit of national and international stakeholders.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Physicians, Primary Care , Dementia/drug therapy , Drug Prescriptions , Grounded Theory , Humans , Practice Patterns, Physicians' , Surveys and Questionnaires
19.
Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen ; 140(8)2020 05 26.
Article in English, Norwegian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32463205

ABSTRACT

Frail elderly patients with multimorbidity are at high risk of serious illness and death in cases of corona virus infection. Unlike 'normal deaths' in nursing homes with time to prepare, the condition can change rapidly and cause organ failure. In this article we describe palliative non-invasive and invasive interventions for frail elderly patients in nursing homes who are dying due to COVID-19.


Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections , Nursing Homes , Palliative Care , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral , Terminal Care , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/complications , Humans , Pneumonia, Viral/complications , SARS-CoV-2
20.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 19(1): 349, 2019 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31151437

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Targeted Intervention Interdisciplinary Model for Evaluation and Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (TIME) has recently in a three-month cluster randomised controlled trial demonstrated reduction in agitation in nursing home residents with dementia. To ease replication and future implementation, and to clarify possible causal mechanisms, we performed a process evaluation of the intervention based on the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance). METHODS: An exploratory and a quasi-experimental design with mixed methods were used. The RE-AIM dimensions were explored by questionnaires to 807 staff members and 46 leading ward nurses in both the intervention nursing homes (INH) and the control nursing homes (CNH), before the start of the trial (baseline), and six and 12 months later. These questionnaires assessed data regarding the reach, effectiveness (staff level) and adoption dimensions. To assess implementation, we used a checklist for performance of the main components in TIME and analysed the minutes from 84 case conferences in the INH. To explore adoption and maintenance, five focus group interviews with 32 participants from the staff in the INH were conducted three to 6 months after the end of the trial. RESULTS: Reach: On average 61% (SD 22) of the staff in each ward in the INH attended the training sessions. Effectiveness at staff level: There were no between-group differences throughout the study period for attitudes towards dementia, perceived competence or perception of mastery and social interaction. Adoption: 16 of the 17 INH completed the intervention. IMPLEMENTATION: 75% or more of the components of TIME were performed for 91% of the included residents. Maintenance: Most of the nursing homes used TIME three to 6 months after the end of the trial. An easy to grasp model and an engaged leadership facilitated the intervention and maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: A high degree of reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance contributed to the effectiveness of TIME at resident level. One other causal assumption of the effectiveness of TIME is the development in the staff of a new, shared and situated knowledge about each individual resident, not reflected by measurements in general knowledge and attitudes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered January 6, 2016 with ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT02655003 ).


Subject(s)
Dementia/psychology , Psychomotor Agitation/etiology , Adult , Aged , Attitude of Health Personnel , Cluster Analysis , Dementia/therapy , Female , Focus Groups , Homes for the Aged/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nursing Homes/statistics & numerical data , Process Assessment, Health Care , Research Design
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