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1.
BMC Prim Care ; 25(1): 215, 2024 Jun 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38872128

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Given that mental health problems in adolescence may have lifelong impacts, the role of primary care physicians (PCPs) in identifying and managing these issues is important. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may offer solutions to the current challenges involved in mental health care. We therefore explored PCPs' challenges in addressing adolescents' mental health, along with their attitudes towards using AI to assist them in their tasks. METHODS: We used purposeful sampling to recruit PCPs for a virtual Focus Group (FG). The virtual FG lasted 75 minutes and was moderated by two facilitators. A life transcription was produced by an online meeting software. Transcribed data was cleaned, followed by a priori and inductive coding and thematic analysis. RESULTS: We reached out to 35 potential participants via email. Seven agreed to participate, and ultimately four took part in the FG. PCPs perceived that AI systems have the potential to be cost-effective, credible, and useful in collecting large amounts of patients' data, and relatively credible. They envisioned AI assisting with tasks such as diagnoses and establishing treatment plans. However, they feared that reliance on AI might result in a loss of clinical competency. PCPs wanted AI systems to be user-friendly, and they were willing to assist in achieving this goal if it was within their scope of practice and they were compensated for their contribution. They stressed a need for regulatory bodies to deal with medicolegal and ethical aspects of AI and clear guidelines to reduce or eliminate the potential of patient harm. CONCLUSION: This study provides the groundwork for assessing PCPs' perceptions of AI systems' features and characteristics, potential applications, possible negative aspects, and requirements for using them. A future study of adolescents' perspectives on integrating AI into mental healthcare might contribute a fuller understanding of the potential of AI for this population.


Subject(s)
Artificial Intelligence , Attitude of Health Personnel , Focus Groups , Physicians, Primary Care , Humans , Adolescent , Physicians, Primary Care/psychology , Female , Male , Mental Disorders/therapy , Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Mental Health , Adult , Mental Health Services
2.
Arch Gerontol Geriatr ; 123: 105409, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38565072

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), is challenging for both those affected as well as for their care providers, and caregivers. Socially assistive robots (SARs) offer promising supportive care to assist in the complex management associated with AD. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a scoping review of published articles that proposed, discussed, developed or tested SAR for interacting with AD patients. METHODS: We performed a scoping review informed by the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist for reporting the results. At the identification stage, an information specialist performed a comprehensive search of 8 electronic databases from the date of inception until January 2022 in eight bibliographic databases. The inclusion criteria were all populations who recive or provide care for AD, all interventions using SAR for AD and our outcomes of inteerst were any outcome related to AD patients or care providers or caregivers. All study types published in the English language were included. RESULTS: After deduplication, 1251 articles were screened. Titles and abstracts screening resulted to 252 articles. Full-text review retained 125 included articles, with 72 focusing on daily life support, 46 on cognitive therapy, and 7 on cognitive assessment. CONCLUSION: We conducted a comprehensive scoping review emphasizing on the interaction of SAR with AD patients, with a specific focus on daily life support, cognitive assessment, and cognitive therapy. We discussed our findings' pertinence relative to specific populations, interventions, and outcomes of human-SAR interaction on users and identified current knowledge gaps in SARs for AD patients.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Robotics , Humans , Alzheimer Disease/psychology , Alzheimer Disease/rehabilitation , Alzheimer Disease/therapy , Robotics/methods , Caregivers/psychology , Self-Help Devices
3.
PLoS One ; 19(2): e0297937, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38358971

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has required family physicians to rapidly address increasing mental health problems with limited resources. Vulnerable home-based seniors with chronic physical conditions and commonly undermanaged symptoms of anxiety and depression were recruited in this pilot study to compare two brief self-care intervention strategies for the management of symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. METHODS: We conducted a pilot RCT to compare two tele-health strategies to address mental health symptoms either with 1) validated CBT self-care tools plus up to three telephone calls from a trained lay coach vs. 2) the CBT self-guided tools alone. The interventions were abbreviated from those previously trialed by our team, to enable their completion in 2 months. Objectives were to assess the feasibility of delivering the interventions during a pandemic (recruitment and retention); and assess the comparative acceptability of the interventions across the two groups (satisfaction and tool use); and estimate preliminary comparative effectiveness of the interventions on severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. Because we were interested in whether the interventions were acceptable to a wide range of older adults, no mental health screening for eligibility was performed. RESULTS: 90 eligible patients were randomized. 93% of study completers consulted the self-care tools and 84% of those in the coached arm received at least some coaching support. Satisfaction scores were high among participants in both groups. No difference in depression and anxiety outcomes between the coached and non-coached participants was observed, but coaching was found to have a significant effect on participants' use and perceived helpfulness of the tools. CONCLUSION: Both interventions were feasible and acceptable to patients. Trained lay coaching increased patients' engagement with the tools. Self-care tools offer a low cost and acceptable remote activity that can be targeted to those with immediate needs. While effectiveness results were inconclusive, this may be due to the lack of eligibility screening for mental health symptoms, abbreviated toolkit, and fewer coaching sessions than those used in our previous effective interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0460937.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Humans , Aged , Pilot Projects , Mental Health , COVID-19/epidemiology , Self Care , Feasibility Studies , Physicians, Family
4.
Gen Hosp Psychiatry ; 85: 63-70, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37820547

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize results of six controlled trials of self-care interventions for depression and/or anxiety, focusing on five trials in which lay guidance was compared to self-directed use of the same self-care tools. METHODS: The trials were conducted in Canada in different target populations. Self-care tools were adapted to each population. Guidance was provided in 3-15 calls over a period of 6-26 weeks. Depression and/or anxiety were assessed at follow-up (6-26 weeks). Pooled analyses used a meta-analytic approach. Engagement with the self-care tools was compared using the standardized difference or Cohen's d effect size. RESULTS: In studies with homogeneous outcomes (three for depression, four for anxiety), the pooled effect sizes of guidance vs. self-directed use of the self-care tools were 0.36 (95% CI 0.10, 0.62, N = 235) for depression and 0.21 (95% CI -0.03, 0.44, N = 285) for anxiety. Guidance consistently led to greater engagement with the tools. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention model is a potentially sustainable and accessible alternative to professionally guided self-care for people with mild-moderate depression. Factors which may have limited implementation success include: co-interventions, reduced number of guide calls (3 vs 6 or more), and delivery to dyads (patient-caregiver).


Subject(s)
Depression , Mental Health , Humans , Anxiety , Anxiety Disorders , Depression/therapy , Depression/psychology , Self Care
5.
Can J Aging ; 42(4): 678-687, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37493048

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of a quality improvement intervention for older adults discharged from hospital to home, that used a patient-centred discharge education tool called the Patient-Centered Discharge Plan (PCAP). We conducted a pre-post evaluation of PCAP implementation among patients 65 years and older and discharged home from an acute medical or geriatric admission at two general hospitals. Two patient cohorts, PRE and POST, were analysed using administrative data (n = 3,309) and post-discharge structured interviews in a subset of patients (n = 326). Outcomes were 90-day readmissions and return emergency department (ED) visits, and transition experiences (10-item scale). The PCAP was provided to 20 per cent of 1,683 patients. Transition experience scores increased from PRE to POST at both hospitals (adjusted beta 1.3; 95% CI: 0.8, 1.7), and return ED visits declined in one of the two hospitals (adjusted decline 1.3%; 95% CI: -3.7, 6.2). In conclusion, dedicated resources are needed to support future PCAP implementation.


Subject(s)
Patient Discharge , Transitional Care , Humans , Aged , Aftercare , Quality Improvement , Hospitalization , Emergency Service, Hospital
6.
BMC Psychol ; 10(1): 293, 2022 Dec 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36476620

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psychometrically sound measures of chronic disease self-management tasks are needed to improve identification of patient needs and to tailor self-management programs. This study aimed to develop and conduct a preliminary psychometric analysis of the CanSMART questionnaire among a diverse, multimorbid Canadian population. METHODS: The data were drawn from a cross-sectional online survey to examine self-management needs and support preferences. Participants were 306 Canadian adults with one or more physical and/or emotional chronic conditions. The questionnaire on frequency of self-management tasks was developed with substantial patient partner input. We conducted Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) of the 11 self-management tasks comprising the scale in two randomly selected subsamples, followed by Rasch analysis. Associations between patient characteristics and the self-management task subscales and individual items were explored. RESULTS: The factor analyses identified two self-management task subscales that were labelled Coping tasks (6 items) and Physical tasks (3 items), with Cronbach's alpha of 0.70 and 0.67, respectively. Rasch analysis suggested that participants had difficulty discriminating between response options "mostly" and "always". In analyses of independent associations with patient characteristics, both Coping and Physical tasks were associated with reporting more than one chronic disease and employment disability. The Coping tasks subscale was associated with female sex. Two items, on medication use and monitoring biological parameters, did not load on either scale. Both were associated with specific diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary analysis, two self-management tasks subscales exhibit good psychometric properties. Two items that did not load on either scale may represent additional dimensions of self-management. This work provides the basis for further scale development and use in research and clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Self-Management , Female , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Canada , Chronic Disease
7.
Patient Educ Couns ; 105(8): 2747-2756, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35397942

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Identify the key effective components of a depression self-care intervention. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from 3 studies that demonstrated effectiveness of a similar depression self-care intervention (n = 275): 2 studies among patients with chronic physical conditions and 1 among cancer survivors. The studies used similar tools, and telephone-based lay coaching. Depression remission and reduction at 6 months were assessed with either PHQ-9 (chronic condition cohorts) or CES-D (cancer survivor cohort). Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze data when the interaction p-value with cohort was < 0.10. RESULTS: The 3 coached cohorts achieved better depression outcomes than usual care. The combination of coaching and joint use of 2 tools based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was associated with depression remission and reduction among chronic condition cohorts but not among cancer survivors. Neither the number nor the length of coach calls were associated with outcomes in pooled data. CONCLUSIONS: Trained lay coaching and use of CBT-based self-care tools were associated with improved depression outcomes in patients with chronic conditions but not among cancer survivors. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Trained lay coaching and CBT tools are key components of depression self-care interventions. Further research is needed on the effective components in cancer survivors.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Self Care , Chronic Disease , Cognition , Depression/therapy , Humans
8.
BMC Geriatr ; 21(1): 455, 2021 08 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34362311

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Knowledge translation (KT) is challenging to carry out and assess. The content of a program developed to foster KT activities pertaining to the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI)©, a tool to help identify elder abuse, is described, along with reporting and analysis of some of its outcomes. METHODS: Enquiries about the use of the EASI were encouraged through completion of a structured questionnaire available on an EASI website. These were submitted by email and guided individualized responses. Descriptive data collated anonymously from the questionnaires described in aggregate corresponders' occupations, countries of work, information needs about the tool, and intent of use. The processes that generated this data were evaluated as to whether they conformed to established elements of KT. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight queries were received over 6 years coming from enquirers with 12 different professional backgrounds, working in 25 countries. The information sought aimed to facilitate EASI use in clinical, quality improvement, public health, research, teaching, KT, and commercial ventures. CONCLUSIONS: This activity, incorporating recognized elements of a KT undertaking, documents specific global interests in elder abuse detection. It suggests a model for researchers to gauge interest in their findings and to promote exchange around them.


Subject(s)
Elder Abuse , Aged , Elder Abuse/diagnosis , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires , Translational Research, Biomedical
9.
J Gen Intern Med ; 36(10): 3159-3178, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34159546

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Caregivers experiencing depression or caring for people experiencing depression are at risk of high burden. This systematic review examined the effect of non-pharmacological interventions for caregivers that (a) target improving caregivers' depressive symptoms, (b) help caregivers manage the depressive symptoms of the person for whom they provide care, or (c) both (a) and (b). METHODS: Eligible trials published between January 1, 1985, and May 30, 2019 were retrieved from five electronic databases. The studies' methodological quality was assessed against 15 criteria. Pooled effect sizes (ESs) were calculated, and heterogeneity assessed using the Higgin's I2 statistic. Meta-regressions were also conducted to identify significant moderators (participant sub-group analyses) and mediators (identify how the interventions worked). RESULTS: Sixteen studies evaluating 18 interventions were included for review. These studies included a total of 2178 participants (mean = 94, SD = 129.18, range 25-518). The most common condition (n = 10/16) of the care recipient was dementia. The average methodological score was in the moderate range (8.76/15). Interventions had a moderate effect on caregivers' depression in the short term (ES = - 0.62, 95% CI - 0.81, - 0.44), but the effect dissipated over time (ES = - 0.19; 95% CI - 0.29, - 0.09). A similar pattern was noted for anxiety. The moderator analysis was not significant, and of the mediators examined, significant ones were self-management skills of taking action, problem solving, and decision-making. DISCUSSION: Non-pharmacological interventions are associated with improvement of depression and anxiety in caregivers, particularly in the short term. The main recommendation for future interventions is to include the self-management skills taking action, problem-solving, and decision-making. Enhancing the effect of these interventions will need to be the focus of future studies, particularly examining the impact of booster sessions. More research is needed on non-dementia caregiving and dyadic approaches.


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Depression , Anxiety , Comorbidity , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/therapy , Humans , Quality of Life
10.
J Clin Oncol ; 39(10): 1150-1161, 2021 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33555912

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Depression in post-treatment cancer survivors is common and can impair quality of life. CanDirect is a novel, telephone-delivered depression self-care intervention for cancer survivors. We conducted a randomized controlled superiority trial to compare CanDirect with usual care (UC) in this population. METHODS: Participants completing cancer treatment within the past 10 years who had mild-moderate depressive symptoms with or without major depression were recruited from clinical and community settings in Quebec and Ontario. Permuted block random assignment allocated participants to CanDirect plus UC or to UC alone. Assessments of depression severity (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale [CES-D]; primary outcome) and secondary outcomes health-related quality of life (Short Form Survey-12 mental and physical component summaries), anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), activation (Patient Activation Measure), depression diagnosis (Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV), and health services (self-report) were conducted at baseline, as well as 3 and 6 months (primary time point). Analyses of outcomes were adjusted for covariates using linear regression and missing data by inverse probability weighting. RESULTS: Participants recruited between September 2016 and October 2018 were randomly assigned to CanDirect (n = 121) or UC (n = 124). Among 245 participants randomly assigned, 218 (89.0%) completed the primary outcome at 6 months. CanDirect participants reported less severe depressive symptoms on the CES-D than UC participants at 6 months, adjusted effect size (ES) 0.61 (95% CI, 0.33 to 0.88). CanDirect participants also had significantly greater quality of life, lower anxiety, more activation, and lower rates of depression diagnoses, compared with UC. Exploratory analysis suggested that sex was a modifier of the primary outcome (interaction term P value = .03); the intervention was less effective in men (ES, 0.12; 95% CI, -0.45 to 0.69). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that CanDirect is an effective method of managing mild-moderate depression symptoms in cancer survivors.


Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors/psychology , Depressive Disorder, Major/therapy , Neoplasms/therapy , Psychotherapy/methods , Self Care/methods , Telephone , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Anxiety/therapy , Depression/therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/psychology , Ontario , Outcome Assessment, Health Care/methods , Outcome Assessment, Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Quality of Life , Quebec , Single-Blind Method , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
11.
Qual Life Res ; 30(5): 1503-1512, 2021 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33492589

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The PACIC assesses key components of the Chronic Care Model. The purpose of this study is to examine the dimensionality and psychometric properties of the PACIC. METHODS: A convenience sample of 221 adults in Canada who self-identified as living with one or more physical and/or mental chronic diseases was invited to participate via an online survey link. Rasch analysis was performed, including item and person misfit, reliability, response format, targeting, unidimensionality of subscales, and differential item functioning (DIF). Also, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted and model fit of alternative factor structures proposed for the PACIC in the literature and those suggested by the Rasch analysis were explored. RESULTS: The patient activation, delivery system, and problem-solving subscales fit the Rasch model expectations; no modifications were required. The goal setting item 10 had a disordered threshold and was recoded. Four of the five follow-up subscale items had a disordered threshold and were recoded. All subscales were unidimensional and no local dependency was detected. DIF was only detected for some items in the follow-up subscale. The CFA revealed that none of the published factor structures fit the data; the fit statistics were appropriate when item 10 was removed and the follow-up subscale was removed. CONCLUSIONS: Improving chronic disease care relies upon having validated measures to evaluate the extent to which care goals are met. With some modifications, four of the five PACIC subscales were found to be psychometrically robust.


Subject(s)
Chronic Disease/epidemiology , Needs Assessment/standards , Psychometrics/methods , Quality of Life/psychology , Factor Analysis, Statistical , Female , Humans , Male , Surveys and Questionnaires
12.
J Elder Abuse Negl ; 32(4): 385-387, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32476612

ABSTRACT

Positive doctor-patient relationships have been noted to be possible facilitators in the identification of elder abuse. A case from family practice is cited in which an enduring and well-appreciated relationship unintentionally set up potential for mistreatment. Considerations to factors beyond traditional elder abuse risk factors should be kept in mind.


Subject(s)
Elder Abuse , Physician-Patient Relations , Aged , Female , Humans , Risk Factors
13.
PLoS One ; 15(6): e0234195, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32502200

ABSTRACT

A framework of social inclusion can promote equity and aid in preventing and addressing the abuse of older adults. Our objective was to build a social inclusion framework for a comprehensive hospital-based elder abuse intervention being developed. Potential components of such a framework, namely, health determinants and guiding principles, were extracted from a systematic scoping review of existing responses (e.g., interventions, protocols) to elder abuse and collated. These were subsequently rated for their importance to the elder abuse intervention by a panel of violence experts and further evaluated by a panel of elder abuse experts. The final social inclusion framework comprised 12 health determinants each representing factors underpinning susceptibility for abuse in aging populations: history of trauma/abuse, communication needs, disability, health status, mental capacity, social support, culture, language, sexuality, religion, gender identity, and socioeconomic status. The framework also comprised 19 guiding principles each encompassing considerations for equitable engagement with older adults (e.g., All older adults have the right to self-determination, All older adults have the right to be safe, All older adults are assumed competent unless determined otherwise). Integrating this social inclusion framework into the design and delivery of an elder abuse intervention could empower older adults, while at the same time ensuring that practices and policies are tailored to meet their unique and varying needs.


Subject(s)
Elder Abuse/prevention & control , Hospitals , Social Support , Aged , Elder Abuse/psychology , Humans , Social Isolation/psychology , Stakeholder Participation
15.
Patient Educ Couns ; 103(2): 398-404, 2020 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31575442

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Among Canadian adults with chronic disease: 1) to identify groups that differ in self-management task frequency and self-efficacy; 2) to compare group characteristics and preferences for self-management support. METHODS: Using data from an online survey, cluster analysis was used to identify groups that differed in self-management task frequency and self-efficacy. Multivariable regression was used to explore relationships with patient characteristics and preferences. RESULTS: Cluster analysis (n = 247) revealed three groups:Vulnerable Self-Managers (n = 55), with the highest task frequency and lowest self-efficacy; Confident Self-Managers (n = 73), with the lowest task frequency and highest self-efficacy; and Moderate Needs Self-Managers (n = 119), with intermediate task frequency and self-efficacy. Vulnerable Self-Managers, when compared with the Confident group, were more often: on illness-related employment disability or unemployed; less well educated; diagnosed with emotional problems or hypertension, and had greater multimorbidity. They participated less often in self-management programs, and differed in support preferences. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the characteristics of vulnerable self-managers can help in targeting those in greater need for self-management support that matches their preferences. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Different approaches are needed to support self-management in the vulnerable population.


Subject(s)
Chronic Disease/therapy , Health Education , Self-Management , Social Support , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Canada , Chronic Disease/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Self Care , Self Efficacy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vulnerable Populations , Young Adult
16.
BMC Fam Pract ; 20(1): 136, 2019 10 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31623577

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Communication and behavior within doctor - patient encounters have been examined using varied techniques; however the nature of unsolicited writings from patients to their family doctors has rarely been reported. This paper therefore aimed to explore the content of, and motivation for, such correspondence. METHODS: One hundred and seven writings to one family physician about care provided during a four decade period were considered. Univariate analyses were used to identify features of patients or family members who wrote personalized notes to the doctor, when, and in what fashion. A hermeneutic approach helped look at the content of the notes, the specific words or sentiments used to describe encounters or care received, and possible motivations for writing. Iterative review of words or phrases generated themes which summarized appreciated physician or relational attributes, as well as motivations for writing. RESULTS: Notes were mostly handwritten, predominantly by women, and frequently coinciding with holidays and life span events. Appreciated doctor characteristics and behaviors were (1) quality care; and physician (2) competence; (3) physical presence; (4) positive personal traits; (5) provision of emotional support; and (6) spiritual impact. Motivations for writing were grouped as desire to (1) express appreciation for an established relationship; (2) acknowledge value / benefit experienced from continuity of care; (3) seek catharsis, emotional relief or closure; (4) reflect on termination of care; (5) validate care that incorporates both Hippocratic tradition and Asklepian healing; and (6) share personal reflection, experience, or impact. CONCLUSIONS: Unsolicited writings provide personalized links from patients to physicians, expressing thoughts perhaps difficult to share face to face. They offer potential as teaching tools about the content of doctor-patient relationships; for example, the writers studied expressed appreciation for quality continuity care that was competent, considerate, and supportive of emotional and spiritual needs.


Subject(s)
Communication , Physician-Patient Relations , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Correspondence as Topic , Female , Hermeneutics , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
17.
J Appl Gerontol ; 38(10): 1472-1491, 2019 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29165023

ABSTRACT

Currently available elder abuse screening and identification tools have limitations for use in long-term care (LTC). This mixed-methods study sought to explore the appropriateness of using the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index© (a suspicion tool originally created for use with older adults in the ambulatory setting with Mini-Mental State Examination scores ≥ 24) with similarly cognitively functioning persons residing in LTC. Results were informed by a literature review, Internet-based consultations with elder abuse experts across Canada (n = 19), and data obtained from two purposively selected focus groups (n = 7 local elder abuse experts; n = 7 experienced front-line LTC clinicians). Analyses resulted in the development of a nine-question tool, the EASI-ltc, designed to raise suspicion of EA in cognitively intact older adults residing in LTC (with little or no cognitive impairment). Notable modifications to the original Elder Abuse Suspicion Index© (EASI) included three new questions to further address neglect and psychological abuse, and a context-specific preamble to orient responders.


Subject(s)
Elder Abuse/diagnosis , Geriatric Assessment/methods , Long-Term Care/organization & administration , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Canada , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Focus Groups , Homes for the Aged , Humans , Male , Mental Status and Dementia Tests , Nursing Homes
18.
PRiMER ; 3: 15, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32537586

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Family physicians provide care to a growing and often complex group of older adults. Family medicine residencies are expected to prepare trainees to manage the medical and social needs of these seniors, but whether they feel prepared to do so is unknown. This study aimed to assess family medicine residents' sense of preparedness to address geriatric-related issues, and to identify factors that might affect this self-evaluation. METHODS: As an exploratory cross-sectional study, a 28-item questionnaire was circulated among 180 McGill University family medicine residents for voluntary completion. The survey assessed residents' demographics, attitudes toward, and perceptions of their training in geriatrics. RESULTS: One hundred residents (55.5% response rate) completed the questionnaire. Residents perceived their level of preparedness increasing as they progressed in their training; however, they felt least comfortable managing behavioral problems and engaging community resources. Positive perceptions about their training for geriatric care was proportionate to the number of positive role models they had during training. Sense of preparedness was most strongly and significantly associated with the duration of exposure residents had to long-term care. CONCLUSION: The aging population requires physicians who are interested in care of the elderly and who are adequately prepared through comprehensive training to care for the complex medical and social issues that affect this large segment of society. This study, through its survey of family medicine residents, provides insights about potential curriculum changes and recommendations for updating the approach to care of the elderly.

19.
Patient Educ Couns ; 102(3): 571-577, 2019 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30497799

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To examine: 1) whether patient characteristics predict perceived self-management support (usefulness of information and collaborative care planning) by primary care providers after six months, and 2) the association between perceived self-management support and patient activation at 6 months METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis among 120 primary care patients aged 40 and over with a chronic physical condition and comorbid depressive symptoms who participated in a randomized controlled trial of a coaching intervention for depression self-management. Activation was measured at baseline (T0) and 6 months (T1). Self-management support was captured at T1 for physical and mood problems. RESULTS: The sample of analysis was 120 patients who completed all relevant measures. At T1, the perceived usefulness of information for mood self-management was independently associated with activation. More severe depressive symptoms at T0 predicted lower perceived usefulness of chronic condition self-management information at T1. Lower T0 mental health-related quality of life predicted lower perceived usefulness of mood self-management information at T1. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived informational support for mood self-management may contribute to increased activation. Patients with more severe mental health symptoms or impairment perceive that they receive less useful self-management information from their care team. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Care teams should determine whether patients with mood problems need greater self-management support.


Subject(s)
Chronic Disease/epidemiology , Depression/therapy , Patient Participation , Primary Health Care/methods , Quality of Life/psychology , Self Care/methods , Self-Management , Adult , Aged , Chronic Disease/psychology , Comorbidity , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mood Disorders/epidemiology , Mood Disorders/psychology , Mood Disorders/therapy , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Patient Care Team , Self Efficacy
20.
Support Care Cancer ; 27(3): 805-817, 2019 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30062587

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: With an increased investment in psychosocial caregiving research, it becomes critical to establish the need for data of key stakeholders and future strategic directions. The purpose of this international Delphi study was to engage caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and managers to identify priority topics for caregiver research in cancer care. METHODS: A three-round, online Delphi survey took place. In round 1, stakeholders generated caregiver research topics by answering an open-ended question. Content analysis of stakeholders' answers identified topics to be included in the round 2 survey to rate their importance. The round 3 survey included topics with less than 80% agreement for stakeholders to reconsider in light of other participants' responses. RESULTS: In round 1, eighty-six topics were generated by 103 clinicians, 63 researchers, 61 caregivers, and 22 managers and grouped into 10 content areas: impact of cancer, support programs, vulnerable caregivers, technology, role in health care, caregiver-centered care, knowledge translation, environmental scan, financial cost of caregiving, and policy. Across rounds 2 and 3, nine topics achieved consensus for all stakeholder panels (e.g., home care interventions), with three of these emphasizing more research needed on the financial impact of informal caregiving (e.g., financial impact of "burnout" for caregivers and society). Of note, vulnerable caregivers and use of technology were content areas prioritized particularly by managers and researchers, but not caregivers. CONCLUSION: By establishing a confluence of perspectives around research priorities, this study ensures the interests of key stakeholders are integrated in strategic directions, increasing the likelihood of research capable of influencing practice, education, and policy.


Subject(s)
Biomedical Research , Caregivers/psychology , Neoplasms/therapy , Administrative Personnel , Attitude of Health Personnel , Caregivers/statistics & numerical data , Consensus , Delivery of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Delphi Technique , Female , Global Health , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Research , Surveys and Questionnaires
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