Estimated Prevalence of Resident-to-Resident Aggression in Assisted Living.

Importance: Resident-to-resident aggression in assisted living facilities can result in physical and psychological harm, but its prevalence is unknown. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of resident-to-resident aggression, including physical, verbal, and sexual, among residents in assisted living facilities. Design, Setting, and Participants: This study used cross-sectional, observational data from a clinical trial, in which residents of assisted living facilities were monitored for events over a 1-month period. All residents of 14 large facilities randomly selected from 2 geographic locations (N = 1067), except those receiving hospice care (n = 11), were invited to participate; 93 died or moved prior to enrollment. There were 33 family and resident refusals; 930 residents were enrolled. Data were collected between May 30, 2018, and August 11, 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: The data are from a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce resident-to-resident aggression. In addition, the study was designed to assess prevalence using the Time 1 (baseline) data, using a probability sample of facilities to allow for this analysis. Resident-to-resident aggression was identified using a mixed-method, case-finding strategy involving 6 sources: (1) cognitively capable resident reports regarding 22 possible events, (2) direct care staff report, (3) staff member reports collected from event-reporting forms, (4) research assistant observation of events in real time, (5) facility accident or incident reports, and (6) resident records. Results: The prevalence of resident-to-resident aggression among the 930 participants (mean [SD] age, 88.0 [7.2] years; 738 women [79.4%]) during the past month was estimated to be 15.2% (141 of 930 residents; 95% CI, 12.1%-18.8%). The most common forms of aggression included verbal (11.2% [104 of 930 residents; 95% CI, 8.8%-14.2%]), physical (41 of 930 residents; 4.4% [95% CI, 3.1%-6.3%]), sexual (0.8% [7 of 930 residents; 95% CI, 0.4%-1.6%]), and other (70 of 930 residents; 7.5% [95% CI, 5.5%-10.2%]). These categories are not mutually exclusive as residents could be involved with more than 1 type of aggressive behavior. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional, observational prevalence study, resident-to-resident aggression in assisted living facilities was highly prevalent. Verbal aggression was the most common form, and physical aggression also occurred frequently. The effects of resident-to-resident aggression can be both morbid and mortal; therefore, intervention research is needed to prevent it and to treat it when it occurs.

The Benefits of Intergenerational Wisdom-Sharing: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Adolescents' opportunities to benefit from the life wisdom of older persons are very limited. To address this issue, we designed and tested the Building a Community Legacy Together (BCLT) program based on research on the benefits of older people's wisdom for youth development. In the intervention, the youth participants were trained prior to conducting interviews with older persons regarding their advice for living. The youth participants analyzed the information obtained and presented a summary report to the community. The participants were 93 middle and high school youth who were randomly assigned to the treatment condition with the BCLT program (n = 47) or to the control condition (n = 46). The outcome measures included sense of purpose, self-esteem, attitudes toward older people, confidence interacting with older people, and interest in working with older people. Quantitative and qualitative data were also collected regarding the subjective assessments of the program's success. We found significant positive effects for the BCLT participants regarding their sense of purpose in life, attitudes toward older people, comfort interacting with older people, and interest in working with older people. The subjective assessments of the participants were overwhelmingly positive. The findings indicate that BCLT had positive effects for the youth participants and support the further development and testing of wisdom-sharing intergenerational programs.

Factors associated with resident-to-resident elder mistreatment in nursing homes.

BACKGROUND: Resident-to-resident elder mistreatment (RREM) in nursing homes has serious physical and psychological consequences, but factors related to RREM occurrence remain unclear. This study identifies individual and environmental characteristics associated with involvement in RREM episodes. METHODS: The design was an observational study carried out in five urban and five suburban New York state nursing homes randomly selected on the basis of size and location. The sample consisted of 2011 residents in 10 facilities; 83% of facilities and 84% of eligible residents participated. RREM and potential correlates were identified through resident interviews, staff interviews, shift coupons, observation, chart review, and accident or incident reports. RESULTS: A multivariate analysis controlling for relevant covariates found that individuals involved in RREM incidents exhibit milder dementia, show behavioral symptoms, and are less functionally impaired. Although special care units (SCU) for dementia have benefits for residents, one potential hazard for SCU residents is elevated risk for RREM. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to prevent and intervene in RREM incidents are greatly needed. The correlates identified in this research point to the need for targeted interventions, specifically for residents with milder impairment and with behavioral symptoms and individuals in SCUs.

Resident-to-resident elder mistreatment (R-REM) intervention for direct care staff in assisted living residences: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Resident-to-resident elder mistreatment (R-REM) is defined as negative and aggressive physical, sexual, or verbal interactions between (long-term care) residents that in a community setting would likely be construed as unwelcome and have high potential to cause physical and/or psychological harm and distress. R-REM has been established as a serious problem that has a negative impact on the safety, physical well-being, and quality-of-life of residents living in nursing homes. Although there are no in-depth studies, there is evidence that it is prevalent in assisted living residences and associated with a variety of person, environmental, and facility characteristics. The authors conducted the first systematic, prospective study of resident-to-resident elder mistreatment in nursing homes and developed an intervention for direct care staff to enhance knowledge of R-REM and increase reporting and resident safety by reducing falls and associated injuries. The study aim was to examine the effects of this intervention in assisted living residences. The primary distal outcome is falls and injuries, and the key process outcomes are staff knowledge and reporting. METHODS: Twelve larger licensed assisted living residences with special care dementia units in two New York State regions will be enrolled on a rolling basis and randomized to intervention or usual care. Data derived from five sources, (1) resident interviews, (2) staff informants, (3) observational data, (4) chart, and (5) incident/accident report data, will be collected at baseline and 6 and 12 months with respect to 1050 residents (750 "downstate" and 300 "upstate"). The intervention is three training modules delivered on-site after baseline data collection for front line staff on all shifts in facilities randomized to the intervention. Modules relate to recognition, management, and reporting of resident-to-resident elder mistreatment. DISCUSSION: Given the movement toward alternative congregate living arrangements for older individuals with significant comorbidities, including cognitive impairment; it is critical to enhance resident safety measured by falls, accidents, and injuries and staff knowledge related to recognition, reporting, and treatment of resident-to-resident aggressive and related negative interactions in such settings. This project is important in developing approaches for ameliorating and preventing R-REM in assisted living residences and enhancing resident safety and quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03383289 . Registered on 26 December 2017.

Getting Along in Assisted Living: Quality of Relationships Between Family Members and Staff.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Assisted living facilities (ALFs) have quickly expanded as an alternative to nursing homes. Research on nursing homes has revealed problems in relationships between family members and staff. However, little is known about these relationships within ALFs. The purpose of the current study was to examine the prevalence of conflict and positive and negative interactions from the perspective of both family members and staff and to examine the effects of positive and negative aspects of the relationship on salient staff and family outcomes in ALFs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected from 252 family members and 472 staff members across 20 ALFs who participated in the Partners in Care in Assisted Living study. Participants completed measures including interpersonal conflict, depressive symptoms, perception of treatment, and stress related to caregiving. RESULTS: Conflict among family and staff members was found to be relatively low. For staff, interpersonal conflict and treatment by family members significantly predicted burnout and depressive symptoms. For families, only female gender significantly predicted burden. Subgroup analyses, however, indicated that the effect of interpersonal conflict was significantly associated with perceived caregiver burden among family members whose relative had dementia. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Despite the relatively harmonious relationships among family-staff in ALFs, sources of conflict and negative interactions were identified, revealing the importance of collaborative relationships and the influence these relationships have on both family and staff outcomes. These findings can inform intervention efforts to improve family-staff interactions within ALFs.

Engaging Older Adults in Environmental Volunteerism: The Retirees in Service to the Environment Program.

Purpose of the Study: Retirees in Service to the Environment (RISE) is a program designed to promote participation of older people in volunteering for the environment. Based on principles of adult learning and best practices for the development of effective volunteer programs, RISE engaged older individuals in environmental volunteering and involved them in community stewardship activities. Design and Methods: This article details the development and formative evaluation of RISE. We describe program assessment, benefits to the community, and effects on participants. Results: The program successfully recruited individuals new to environmental volunteering and substantial hours of volunteer time were provided to communities. Program satisfaction was high and preliminary evidence suggests positive outcomes from RISE participation. Implications: The innovative structure combined with local relevance of the RISE program has the potential to expand older adults' engagement in environmental volunteerism.

Child Health Disparities in the 21st Century.

The topic of persistent child health disparities remains a priority for policymakers and a concern for pediatric clinicians. Health disparities are defined as differences in adverse health outcomes for specific health indicators that exist across sub-groups of the population, frequently between minority and majority populations. This review will highlight the gains that have been made since the 1990s as well as describe disparities that have persisted or have worsened into the 21st century. It will also examine the most potent social determinants and their impact on the major disparities in mortality, preventive care, chronic disease, mental health, educational outcomes, and exposure to selected environmental toxins. Each section concludes with a description of interventions and innovations that have been successful in reducing child health disparities.

Stridor is not always croup.

Respiratory distress and stridor are common presenting symptoms for children in the emergency department. Most of these children will have common illnesses such as bronchiolitis or croup. Clinicians, however, must maintain a broad differential diagnosis and a healthy skepticism in the approach to each child's case so as not to miss uncommon or atypical presentations. We describe the case of a child with stridor in whom an airway hemangioma was ultimately diagnosed.

Economic impact of redundant antimicrobial therapy in US hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Overutilization of antimicrobial therapy places patients at risk for harm and contributes to antimicrobial resistance and escalating healthcare costs. Focusing on redundant or duplicate antimicrobial therapy is 1 recommended strategy to reduce overutilization and its attendant effects on patient safety and hospital costs. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the incidence and economic impact of potentially redundant antimicrobial therapy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of inpatient administrative data drawn from 505 nonfederal US hospitals. All hospitalized patients discharged between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, were eligible for study inclusion. Potentially redundant antimicrobial therapy was identified from pharmacy records and was defined as patients receiving treatment with overlapping antibiotic spectra for 2 or more consecutive days. RESULTS: We found evidence of potentially inappropriate, redundant antimicrobial coverage for 23 different antimicrobial combinations in 394 of the 505 (78%) hospitals, representing a total of 32,507 cases. High-frequency redundancies were observed in 3 antianaerobic regimens, accounting for 22,701 (70%) of the cases. Of these, metronidazole and piperacillin-tazobactam accounted for 53% (n = 17,326) of all potentially redundant cases. Days of redundant therapy totaled 148,589, representing greater than $12 million in potentially avoidable healthcare costs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that there may be pervasive use of redundant antimicrobial therapy within US hospitals. Appropriate use of antimicrobials may reduce the risk of harm to patients and lower healthcare costs.

Correlation of blood pressure readings from 6-hour intervals with the daytime period of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in pediatric patients.

Shorter-interval (6-hour) ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has been shown to correlate well with 24-hour ABPM in adults, but this has not been studied in children. The authors selected 131 patients aged 9 to 18 who underwent 24-ABPM from 2000-2008. Six-hour intervals beginning at different start times were compared with the daytime and 24-hour period, with subset analysis for normotensive and hypertensive patients. Concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) were used to assess for agreement. Among normotensive patients, the mean difference between daytime and 6-hour intervals ranged from -0.1 mm Hg to 0.0 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and -1.1 mm Hg to 0.6 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) with CCCs of 0.88 to 0.93 for DBP and 0.93 to 0.96 for SBP. For hypertensive patients, mean difference ranged from -0.6 to 1.3 mm Hg for DBP and -0.8 to 1.1 mm Hg for SBP with CCCs of 0.89 to 0.98 for DBP and 0.86 to 0.95 for SBP. Shorter-interval monitoring correlates significantly with full daytime monitoring in children, allowing for assessment of blood pressure with improved convenience.

Going home: identifying and overcoming barriers to nursing home discharge.

This article describes barriers to nursing home discharge encountered in an intervention designed to transition nursing home residents to the community. Staff in the intervention ("Project Home") provided intensive case management and discharge planning services to nursing home residents who expressed a desire to return to community-based living arrangements. Sixty program participants took part in the program evaluation that informs this article. With the exception of Medicaid status, no differences were found between the social, demographic, and health characteristics of individuals who remained in the nursing home and those who were discharged. A qualitative analysis was conducted to describe barriers to discharge and strategies intervention staff used to leverage each client's strengths and work around obstacles. Three main barriers to discharge were found: having an unstable or complex medical condition, lacking family or social support, and being unable to obtain suitable housing. Intervention staff advocated on the behalf of clients, encouraged clients to build skills toward independent living. and contributed extensive knowledge of local resources to advance client goals. Cases of successful transition suggest that a person-centered approach from intervention staff combined with a flexible organizational structure is a promising model for future interventions.

Patient identified needs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease versus billed services for care received.

The American Lung Association of Minnesota (ALAMN) was granted access to a 2004 administrative claims data from an upper mid-Western, independent practice association model health plan. Claims information, including demographics, prevalence, medication and oxygen therapy, and health care utilization, was extracted for 7,782 patients with COPD who were 40 years of age and older. In addition, ALAMN conducted a survey of 1,911 patients from Minnesota diagnosed with COPD. The survey queried the patients about demographics, treatment, medications, limitations, wants, and needs. This article compares and contrasts the information gained through the health plan administrative claims database with the findings from the COPD patient survey in areas of age, gender, types of provider primarily responsible for COPD care, spirometry use, medication therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and health care utilization. Primary care practitioners provided a majority of the COPD-related care. The claims evidence of spirometry use was 16%-62% of COPD patients had claims evidence of COPD-related medications. 25% of patients reported, and 23% of patients had claims evidence of, a hospitalization during the observation year. 16% of patients reported using pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The results indicate there is an opportunity to improve COPD diagnosis and management.

A facility specialist model for improving retention of nursing home staff: results from a randomized, controlled study.

PURPOSE: This article reports on a randomized, controlled intervention study designed to reduce employee turnover by creating a retention specialist position in nursing homes. DESIGN AND METHODS: We collected data three times over a 1-year period in 30 nursing homes, sampled in stratified random manner from facilities in New York State and Connecticut and randomly assigned to treatment and control conditions. Staff outcomes were measured through certified nursing assistant interviews, and turnover rates were measured over the course of the year. In the intervention condition, a staff member was selected to be the facility retention specialist, who would advocate for and implement programs to improve staff retention and commitment throughout the facility. Retention specialists received an intensive 3-day training in retention leadership and in a number of evidence-based retention programs. Ongoing support was provided throughout the project. RESULTS: Treatment facilities experienced significant declines in turnover rates compared to control facilities. As predicted, we found positive effects on certified nursing assistant assessments of the quality of retention efforts and of care provided in the facility; we did not find effects for job satisfaction or stress. IMPLICATIONS: The study provides evidence for the effectiveness of the retention specialist model. Findings from a detailed process evaluation suggest modifications of the program that may increase program effects.

Multi-method approach to evaluate inequities in prenatal care access in Haiti.

In this pilot study for evaluating equity in services at a hospital in rural Haiti, we investigated whether topography, walking time to dispensary, and presence of a mobile clinic were related to disparities in prenatal care utilization, using quantitative hospital record data on 100 women pregnant in 2002. We also assessed whether additional factors contributed to prenatal care disparities using qualitative key informant interviews with local health agents in Haiti. In logistic regression analyses, we found that walking time to the dispensary was associated with disparities in prenatal care utilization (p = .039). Health agent responses demonstrated lack of acknowledgment of disparities and attribution of underutilization to women undervaluing educational messages. Reducing disparities in prenatal care utilization will require attention to walking time to a point of care, though attitudes and experiential factors should not be overlooked. Similar multi-method approaches should be explored in future studies of health inequities in other communities.

Development of a hospital-based trauma registry in Haiti: an approach for improving injury surveillance in developing and resource-poor settings.

BACKGROUND: Trauma-related morbidity and mortality are a growing burden in the developing world. However, usable injury data in resource-poor and developing settings is lacking. Trauma registries can improve injury surveillance to enhance trauma care, outcomes, and prevention. This article provides, by example from Haiti, an approach to developing a hospital-based trauma registry in a resource-poor setting. METHODS: An assessment of trauma documentation was performed retrospectively with subsequent development and pilot testing of two injury surveillance systems. The system most promising for meeting the needs and capabilities of the institution was implemented. RESULTS: Retrospective medical record review from 1999 (n = 43) and 2002 (n = 43) revealed limitations in available data for trauma surveillance. Specific mechanism of injury was documented in 39.3% and 57.1% of 1999 and 2002 groups, respectively. Injury date and arrival vital signs were infrequently recorded. Two injury surveillance models were designed and pilot tested: provider-based (PTR) (pilot n = 19) and coordinator-based (CTR) (pilot n = 37) trauma registries. Analysis of the pilot testing resulted in revisions to operations and the trauma registry forms. Both registry models showed improved data collection compared with the retrospective study with CTR and PTR documenting specific mechanism of injury in 94.6% and 100% of patients, respectively. The PTR model was chosen for implementation at the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma registries in developing settings are plausible tools for injury surveillance. Successful trauma registries will be resource- and setting-specific in design and can potentially be the means by which trauma care and outcomes are improved, prevention programs are developed, and capacity-building goals realized.

Health equity issues at the local level: socio-geography, access, and health outcomes in the service area of the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer-Haiti.

BACKGROUND: Although health equity issues at regional, national and international levels are receiving increasing attention, health equity issues at the local level have been virtually overlooked. Here, we describe here a comprehensive equity assessment carried out by the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer-Haiti (HAS) in 2003. HAS has been operating health and development programs in the Artibonite Valley of Haiti for 50 years. METHODS: We reviewed all available information arising from a comprehensive evaluation of the programs of HAS carried out in 1999 and 2000. As part of this evaluation, two demographic and health surveys were carried out. We carried out exit interviews with clients receiving primary health care, observations within health facilities, interviews with households related to quality of care, and focus group discussions with community-based health workers. A special study was carried out in 2003 to assess factors determining the use of prenatal care services. Finally, selected findings were obtained from the HAS information system. RESULTS: We found markedly reduced access to health services in the peripheral mountainous areas compared to the central plains. The quality of services was more deficient and the coverage of key services was lower in the mountains. Finally, health status, as measured by under-five mortality rates and levels of childhood malnutrition, was also worse in the mountains. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that local health programs need to give attention to monitoring the health status as well as the quality and coverage of basic services among marginalized groups within the program service area. Health inequities will not be overcome until such monitoring occurs and leaders of health programs ensure that inequities identified are addressed in the local programming of activities. It is quite likely that, within relatively small geographic areas in resource-poor settings around the world, similar, if not even greater, levels of health inequities exist. These inequities need to be measured and addressed in order for health programs to achieve equity and maximum improvement in health status within the population.

A cooperative communication intervention for nursing home staff and family members of residents.

PURPOSE: This article reports on a randomized, controlled study of Partners in Caregiving, an intervention designed to increase cooperation and effective communication between family members and nursing home staff. DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants included 932 relatives and 655 staff members recruited from 20 nursing homes, randomly assigned to treatment and control conditions. Parallel training sessions on communication and conflict resolution techniques were conducted with the family and staff in the treatment group, followed by a joint meeting with facility administrators. RESULTS: Positive outcomes were found for both family and staff members in the treatment group. Both groups showed improved attitudes toward each other, families of residents with dementia reported less conflict with staff, and staff reported a lower likelihood of quitting. IMPLICATIONS: Multiple studies report significant interpersonal stress between family members of nursing home residents and facility staff members. Partners in Caregiving appears to be an effective way to improve family-staff relationships in nursing homes.