[Experts' uncertainties in decisions on the indication for rehabilitation as part of the assessment of long-term care needs: Results of semi-structured interview]. / Entscheidungsunsicherheiten bei der zweistufigen Prüfung einer Rehabilitationsindikation im Rahmen der Pflegebegutachtung ­ Ergebnisse leitfadengestützter Interviews.

OBJECTIVE: As part of assessment of long-term care needs, Medical Services of the compulsory German Health Insurance have to decide whether medical rehabilitation is indicated. The aim of this study was to identify uncertainties and associated factors while deciding whether rehabilitation was indicated in this standardized review process. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of twelve nursing experts and six physician experts from six different Medical Services. In the interviews of the two professional groups, thinking aloud and problem-centered methods were used. They were subjected to a cognitive pretest prior to data collection. All interviews were conducted over telephone in May 2021, digitally recorded and transcribed thereafter. They were analyzed based on the method of structuring qualitative content analysis using the MAXQDA software. RESULTS: Uncertainties in decision-making can arise both from case-related characteristics and case-independent contextual factors. Nursing experts associated uncertainties in assessing the criteria of rehabilitation indication primarily with certain diseases (especially dementia or mental illnesses), multimorbidity, an unclear illness and ambulatory care situation, as well as a negative rehabilitation-related attitude of the persons being assessed. The physician experts, who based their decisions on available documentation in the case files, described uncertainties, particularly due to insufficient information relevant to the decision (e. g., on diagnostics, course of disease and treatment, weighting of existing limitations) in the nursing experts' assessments. Across all criteria, the experts' own professional or private rehabilitation experience and their understanding of the role of rehabilitation before and during the need for long-term care, as well as aspects of communication practice and the professional exchange between the nursing and the physician experts also influenced the overall decision-making process. CONCLUSION: The identification of uncertainties in experts' decision-making process and associated factors enables the development of strategies to strengthen specifically the certainty of experts' decision-making and thus may contribute to the promotion of a needs-based rehabilitation access via long-term care assessment.

[Comprehension and Perspectives of the Need for Medical Rehabilitation - Results of a German Online Survey]. / Verständnis und Bedürfnis medizinischer Rehabilitation in der Bevölkerung ­ Ergebnisse einer Online-Befragung.

BACKGROUND: In Germany, medical rehabilitation usually requires an application of the persons in need. Therefore, these persons have to understand what rehabilitation is and in what case they need this type of health care service. In addition to people with health problems, their close persons (e. g. family members) should also have rehabilitation-related knowledge. Since there is only limited data on the perspective towards medical rehabilitation services, a survey was conducted. METHOD: In September 2020, we invited 2,401 registered participants (age: 18-79 years) of a population-based online panel study to participate in an online survey. The cross-sectional survey asked about the understanding of need, subjective information as well as attitudes and expectations towards medical rehabilitation services. We analysed the data descriptively, taking into account the participants' rehabilitation experience and health impairment. In a subgroup analysis, the potential factors influencing the subjective need for rehabilitation were tested using logistic regression. RESULTS: Data from 1,464 persons (Ø age: 52.5±14.5 years; 55% non-male) were analysed, 44% of the participants considered themselves to be "rather well" or "very well" informed about medical rehabilitation. The majority associated a need for rehabilitation with the access requirements related to service providers. In case of an emerging need for rehabilitation, family doctors would be the first point of contact. The participants mainly had function-oriented expectations of rehabilitation services and a majority prefer inpatient rehabilitation if necessary. Among 383 persons with long lasting and pronounced health-related impairment, the concrete individual need for rehabilitation was associated by a higher subjective degree of impairment as well as their own previous rehabilitation experience and rehabilitation experience in their personal social environment. CONCLUSION: Despite an overall good understanding of the need for rehabilitation, different rehabilitation views were found in certain population groups. In order to improve the general understanding of rehabilitation in the public and particularly in close persons, adequate dissemination of low-threshold, population-based rehabilitation information is recommended.

[Factors Influencing the Access to and Utilization of Medical Rehabilitation Services Recommended after Care Assessment - Results of Qualitative Interviews with Professionals Involved in the Decision Process]. / Einflussfaktoren auf Beantragung und Inanspruchnahme empfohlener Rehabilitationsleistungen nach einer Pflegebegutachtung ­ Ergebnisse qualitativer Interviews mit professionellen Akteur/innen.

PURPOSE: In Germany, persons in need of care can receive a rehabilitation recommendation from the medical service of the health insurance companies. Approximately half of these recommendations lead to applications and every fourth recommendation to actual utilisation of medical rehabilitation. Little is known about the supporting factors for and barriers to this special access to medical rehabilitation for persons in need of care. To explore the influencing factors - both personal and procedural - from the perspectives of involved professionals. METHODS: Interviews regarding on the access to medical rehabilitation were conducted with expert raters from the medical service of the German statutory health insurance system and with employees in long-term care and in health insurance. For data analysis systematic text condensation was used. RESULTS: Based on 53 interviews with 56 involved professionals, individual- and process-related influencing factors were identified. In addition to sociodemographic, health-related, personal and financial characteristics, rehabilitation-related attitudes and a strong attachment to the home environment seem to be particularly relevant. Furthermore, service-related (e. g. expectations and wishes) and process-related (e. g. care structures) characteristics also seem to have an impact. The importance of social support from relatives was emphasized. CONCLUSIONS: The results point to potential supporting factors and barriers in the access to rehabilitation by means of care assessment. They should be considered for possible improvements of the assessment and approval procedures as well as the necessary early and sufficient councelling of the concerned persons and their relatives.

Effects, barriers and facilitators in predischarge home assessments to improve the transition of care from the inpatient care to home in adult patients: an integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Predischarge home assessments (PDHA) aim to support safe discharge from hospital or rehabilitation. There is insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of PDHA. For adults with any diagnosis, we aimed to determine (1) the effects of PDHA on outcomes associated with the successful return to community living (e.g., Activities of Daily Living, falls) and (2) the associated barriers and facilitators in order to derive recommendations for clinical practice. METHODS: We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, five additional databases and other sources. We included individual and cluster randomized (RCT/cRCT) and controlled clinical trials comparing PDHA versus usual care/other intervention, as well as qualitative/mixed methods studies dealing with PDHA. Critical appraisal was performed according to the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool in quantitative studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) as well as the McMaster University Guidelines for Critical Review Form for qualitative studies and data extraction. Meta-analysis, thematic synthesis and integrative synthesis were performed. RESULTS: Eight RCTs (n = 1072) and ten qualitative studies (n = 336) met the inclusion criteria. RCTs reported a variety of outcomes (n = 17). We are uncertain if PDHA has any effect on patient outcomes in Activities of Daily Living, quality of life, mobility and fear of falling, falls and hospital readmissions (with moderate to very low quality of the evidence). The qualitative studies revealed facilitators and barriers which should be considered by therapists when conducting PDHA. These were related to the following topics: patient safety education, patient information, patients' acceptance of modifications and aids, functional assessment, standardization of procedures as well as the consideration of relevant patient conditions and contextual factors in PDHA. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence from the meta-analysis for the effectiveness of PDHA. Further robust studies are needed to adapt and evaluate PDHA interventions, taking the identified stakeholders' views on PDHA into account and following the current recommendations for the development and evaluation of complex interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The review was registered and methods were reported on PROSPERO on 18th July 2018 ( CRD42018100636 ).

Implementation of a complex intervention to improve participation in older people with joint contractures living in nursing homes: a process evaluation of a cluster-randomised pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Joint contractures in frail older people are associated with serious restrictions in participation. We developed the Participation Enabling CAre in Nursing (PECAN) intervention, a complex intervention to enable nurses to promote participation in nursing home residents with joint contractures. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of the implementation strategy and to identify enablers and barriers for a successful implementation. METHODS: The implementation of PECAN was investigated in a 6-month pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial (c-RCT). As a key component of the implementation strategy, nominated nurses were trained as facilitators in a one-day workshop and supported by peer-mentoring (visit, telephone counselling). A mixed-methods approach was conducted in conjunction with the pilot trial and guided by a framework for process evaluations of c-RCTs. Data were collected using standardised questionnaires (nursing staff), documentation forms, problem-centred qualitative interviews (facilitators, therapists, social workers, relatives, peer-mentors), and a group discussion (facilitators). A set of predefined criteria on the nursing home level was examined. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using directed content analysis. RESULTS: Seven nursing homes (n = 4 intervention groups, n = 3 control groups) in two regions of Germany took part in the study. Facilitators responded well to the qualification measures (workshop participation: 14/14; workshop rating: "good"; peer-mentor visit participation: 10/14). The usage of peer-mentoring via telephone varied (one to seven contacts per nursing home). Our implementation strategy was not successful in connection with supplying the intervention to all the nurses. The clear commitment of the entire nursing home and the respect for the expertise of different healthcare professionals were emphasised as enablers, whereas a lack of impact on organisational conditions and routines and a lack of time and staff competence were mentioned as barriers. CONCLUSION: The PECAN intervention was delivered as planned to the facilitators but was unable to produce comprehensive changes in the nursing homes and subsequently for the residents. Strategies to systematically include the management and the nursing team from the beginning are needed to support the facilitators during implementation in the main trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German clinical trials register, DRKS00010037 . Registered 12 February 2016.

[Database indexing of health science journals from the German-speaking area: A journal analysis]. / Datenbankindexierung von gesundheitswissenschaftlichen Fachzeitschriften aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum: eine Zeitschriftenanalyse.

BACKGROUND: Journal hand searching offers the possibility to complement a literature search as part of systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses. Hand searching is indicated in cases where scientific journals with potentially relevant publications addressing the research question are not indexed in a literature database. However, it is often unclear whether these journals are actually indexed, and when they are, in which literature databases. In many cases, it is also unknown which journals should be searched by hand in addition to systematic literature search after databases to be searched have been specified. Therefore, the project aimed to investigate the indexation of selected scientific health science journals and to provide an overview of indexation in order to facilitate the hand search planning process. METHODS: Journals from German-speaking countries covering eight professional fields (medical laboratory assistance, occupational therapy, midwifery, logopedics, nursing, physiotherapy, public health and rehabilitation) were considered that publish original research papers or systematic reviews or other review types in German and/or English. Two researchers per field identified relevant journals and independently analyzed the indexing locations using the journal websites. In case of missing information, we contacted the editors. RESULTS: A total of 70 journals were included: from 1 to 17 journals per field. These journals are indexed in 1 to 29 databases. Twelve journals are not indexed or do not offer information concerning indexation. Indexation is distributed across n=74 different literature databases. Most journals are indexed in LIVIVO (n=55) and bibnet.org (n=33). Other common indexing databases are Scopus (n=18), Web of Science Core Collection (n=16), PSYNDEX (n=13), and Embase (n=10). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a heterogeneous indexation of the included journals. Only a small number is indexed in common international literature databases such as MEDLINE or CINAHL. On the other hand, only a few journals are not indexed in any database. The results can be used as a basis to define databases for literature searches as part of systematic reviews. In addition, the findings might guide the selection of journals for hand searching after literature databases have been defined.

Predictive accuracy of the Post-Stroke Depression Prediction Scale: A prospective binational observational study✰.

BACKGROUND: Depression after a stroke is a common complication that negatively influences stroke rehabilitation. Early identification, followed by adequate treatment of depression, improves recovery from stroke. To support early identification, the Post-stroke Depression Prediction Scale (DePreS) was developed to predict in the first week after stroke, the risk of depression in the second month. In this study we investigate the predictive accuracy of the DePreS in stroke patients. METHODS: In this prospective multicenter observational study, hospitalized stroke patients were included from three stroke units in the Netherlands and Germany using consecutive sampling. In the first week after stroke, the predicted risk for depression was estimated with the DePreS. Two months after stroke, major depressive disorder was determined with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. RESULTS: Of the 93 included patients, 17 (18.3%) showed symptoms of major depressive disorder. With a cut-off value of ≥ 0, DePreS performed optimally with a sensitivity of 0.65 (95% CI 0.42-0.87), specificity of 0.74 (95% CI 0.64-0.84), positive predictive value of 0.35 (95% CI 0.19-0.52), and negative predictive value of 0.90 (95% CI 0.80-1.00). The AUC was 0.71 (95% CI 0.56-0.86). LIMITATIONS: The generalizability of the study findings is limited to patients able to communicate adequately. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the DePreS is an adequate instrument for early and reliable identification of stroke patients who are not at risk of MDD in the second months after stroke. This limits the need for structural diagnostic follow-up to patients with a high risk.

Improved participation of older people with joint contractures living in nursing homes: feasibility of study procedures in a cluster-randomised pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Acquired joint contractures have a significant impact on functioning and quality of life in nursing home residents. There is very limited evidence on measures for prevention and treatment of disability due to joint contractures. We have developed the PECAN intervention (Participation Enabling CAre in Nursing) to improve social participation in nursing home residents. A cluster-randomised pilot trial was conducted to assess the feasibility of study procedures in preparation for a main trial according to the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) framework. METHODS: Nursing homes in two regions of Germany were randomly allocated either to the intervention or optimised standard care (control group). All residents with joint contractures aged > 65 years were eligible for the study. The residents' data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews by blinded assessors at baseline, after 3 and 6 months. The primary outcome was social participation, measured by a subscale of the PaArticular Scales. Secondary outcomes included activities and instrumental activities of daily living, health-related quality of life, falls and fall-related consequences. Data on the trial feasibility were collected via documentation forms. RESULTS: Seven out of 12 nursing homes agreed to participate and remained in the trial. Of 265 residents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 129 were randomised either to the intervention (n = 64) or control group (n = 65) and analysed. A total of 109 (85%) completed the trial after 6 months. The mean age was 85.7 years (SD 7.0), 80% were women. The severity of the residents' disability differed across the clusters. The completion rate was high (> 95%), apart from the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Some items of the PaArticular Scales were not easily understood by residents. The frequency of falls did not differ between study groups. CONCLUSION: Our data confirmed the feasibility of the overall study design. We also revealed the need to improve the procedures for the recruitment of residents and for data collection before implementation into a main trial. The next step will be an adequately powered main trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German clinical trials register, ID: DRKS00010037 . Registered on 12 February 2016.

Effectiveness of a complex intervention to improve participation and activities in nursing home residents with joint contractures (JointConEval): study protocol of a multicentre cluster-randomised controlled trial [DRKS-ID:DRKS00015185].

BACKGROUND: Nursing home residents are frequently affected by joint contractures, which impacts their participation and daily activities. A complex intervention, the Participation Enabling Care in Nursing (PECAN), was previously developed and pilot tested to address their needs. Its effectiveness and safety will be evaluated in the present study. METHODS/DESIGN: This multicentre cluster-randomised controlled trial will be conducted in 32 nursing homes spread over two regions of Germany. A total of 578 residents over 65 years old with joint contractures will be included. To compare the effect of the PECAN intervention with optimised standard care (usual care and an information session), randomisation will take place at a cluster level. The individually tailored intervention was designed using the biopsychosocial model in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to reduce activity limitations and participation restrictions resulting from existing joint contractures by addressing barriers and by strengthening supportive factors on an individual level and an organisational level. The implementation strategy comprises a facilitators' workshop, a peer mentoring approach including a peer mentor visit and telephone peer counselling, an in-house information event, an information session for the nursing team and a training session on collegial consultation for the facilitators. The in-house information event will also take place in the nursing homes of the control group. The primary outcome is the residents' participation and activities after 12 months of follow-up as assessed using the PaArticular Scales. The secondary outcome is the residents' quality of life. A cost-effectiveness analysis (costs per additional resident who experienced a decrease of ten points in the participation or activities subscale of the PaArticular Scales) and a cost-utility analysis (costs per additional quality adjusted life year) will be conducted. We will investigate barriers and facilitators in a comprehensive process evaluation. DISCUSSION: We expect a clinically relevant improvement of participation and activities in residents with joint contractures. Our findings will provide important insights regarding participation in the situation of the affected individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS, DRKS00015185 . Registered on 1 August 2018. Universal Trial Number U1111-1218-1555. Registered on 26 July 2018.

[Optimized Transition from Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation to Home Care - Current Practice and Analysis of Factors Influencing Transition]. / Optimierung der Überleitung von der stationären in die ambulante Gesundheitsversorgung nach Schlaganfall (OpTheraS).

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors influencing the current transition practice and to generate aspects to improve transition. METHODS: Expert interviews and group discussions with health care professionals; a scoping review and a standardized interview with stroke patients 6 weeks after discharge via telephone. RESULTS: 14 expert interviews and 3 group discussions (n=18) were conducted. Factors influencing transition at home were communication of professionals between and within settings, social support and role behavior of stroke patients. The interviews (n=110) revealed realization of recommendations towards consultations of medical specialists of 37%, and of outpatient therapies up to 86%. The scoping review included 7 systematic reviews, 21 randomised trials and 5 controlled trials to patient education, information and counselling, Early Supported Discharge models, stroke liaison services, team conferences and integrated care pathways. CONCLUSION: A structured approach is needed which has to consider the complexity of the transition process.

Development of a complex intervention to improve participation of nursing home residents with joint contractures: a mixed-method study.

BACKGROUND: Joint contractures in nursing home residents limit the capacity to perform daily activities and restrict social participation. The purpose of this study was to develop a complex intervention to improve participation in nursing home residents with joint contractures. METHODS: The development followed the UK Medical Research Council framework using a mixed-methods design with re-analysis of existing interview data using a graphic modelling approach, group discussions with nursing home residents, systematic review of intervention studies, structured 2-day workshop with experts in geriatric, nursing, and rehabilitation, and group discussion with professionals in nursing homes. RESULTS: Graphic modelling identified restrictions in the use of transportation, walking within buildings, memory functions, and using the hands and arms as the central target points for the intervention. Seven group discussions with 33 residents revealed various aspects related to functioning and disability according the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains body functions, body structures, activities and participation, environmental factors, and personal factors. The systematic review included 17 studies with 992 participants: 16 randomised controlled trials and one controlled trial. The findings could not demonstrate any evidence in favour of an intervention. The structured 2-day expert workshop resulted in a variety of potential intervention components and implementation strategies. The group discussion with the professionals in nursing homes verified the feasibility of the components and the overall concept. The resulting intervention, Participation Enabling CAre in Nursing (PECAN), will be implemented during a 1-day workshop for nurses, a mentoring approach, and supportive material. The intervention addresses nurses and other staff, residents, their informal caregivers, therapists, and general practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the absence of any robust evidence, the decision to use mixed methods and to closely involve both health professionals and residents proved to be an appropriate means to develop a complex intervention to improve participation of and quality of life in nursing home residents. We will now evaluate the PECAN intervention for its impact and feasibility in a pilot study in preparation for an evaluation of its effectiveness in a definitive trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German clinical trials register, reference number DRKS00010037 (12 February 2016).

Interventions for the prevention and treatment of disability due to acquired joint contractures in older people: a systematic review.

Background: acquired joint contractures have significant effects on quality of life and functioning. Objective: to determine the effects of interventions to prevent and treat disabilities in older people with acquired joint contractures. Methods: systematic search (last 8/2016) via Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, PEDro, CINAHL, trial registries, reference lists of retrieved articles and scientific congress pamphlets. Controlled and randomised controlled trials in English or German comparing an intervention with another intervention or standard care were included. Two independent researchers performed the selection of publications, data extraction and critical appraisal. Results: seventeen studies with 992 participants met the inclusion criteria: 16 randomised controlled trials and 1 controlled trial (nursing homes = 4, community settings = 13). The methodological quality of the studies varied. Splints were examined in four studies, stretching exercises in nine studies, and ultrasound, passive movement therapy, bed-positioning and group exercise were each examined in one study. Studies on splints revealed inconclusive results regarding joint mobility or spasticity. Five of seven studies that assessed active stretching programmes for healthy older people reported statistically significant effects on joint mobility in favour of the intervention. Pain, quality of life, activity limitations and participation restrictions were rarely assessed. Conclusion: the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to prevent and treat disability due to joint contractures is weak, particularly for established nursing interventions such as positioning and passive movement. Better understanding is required regarding the delivery of interventions, such as their intensity and duration. In addition to functional issues, activities and social participation should also be studied as outcomes.

Is employment-focused case management effective for patients with substance use disorders? Results from a controlled multi-site trial in Germany covering a 2-years-period after inpatient rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders are associated with unemployment. An employment-focused case management (CMRE) has been conceptualised as a specific intervention to help substance use disorder patients return to competitive employment immediately after inpatient rehabilitation. This study investigated the effect of the intervention on return to work of persons with substance use disorders. METHOD: The study was conducted in four German inpatient rehabilitation departments, and included unemployed patients (aged between 18 and 63 years) with a main clinical diagnosis of ICD-10 F10-19 disorders. Six weeks before discharge, patients were randomly allocated to CMRE or standard care (SC) using a quasi-randomised approach. The primary outcome measure was integration into competitive employment 24 months after discharge from rehabilitation. Secondary outcome domains were abstinence, duration of employment, proportion of publicly funded employment, satisfaction with life, precarious housing situation and precarious financial situation, and use of follow-up services. Outcome measures were assessed 6 weeks and 1-2 days prior to discharge, and 12 and 24 months after discharge from rehabilitation. RESULTS: One hundred sixty patients were allocated into the CMRE group and 160 patients into the control group. 267 resp. 179 participants could be included in the analyses performed for the 12-, and the 24-months follow-up assessments. At the study endpoint the rate of integration into the primary labour market was 35.6 % in the CMRE group and 41.2 % in the control group, respectively (Relative Risk 0.92, 95 % CI, 0.47; 1.79). There was a significantly higher proportion in the CMRE group, however, which immediately after discharge linked with services of the Federal Employment Agency or Job Centres. There were no statistically significant differences in other outcomes between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to SC, the additional specific CMRE intervention did not result in superior effects on return to work rates, abstinence, satisfaction with life, and housing and precarious financial situation. But CMRE was more effective on linking substance use disorder patients with services of the Federal Employment Agency or Job Centres. Reasons for the finding that such close linking does not have an impact on return to work rates are discussed in detail. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Identifier: DRKS00003574 ; March 12, 2012. The trial was retrospectively registered.

The PaArticular Scales - A new outcome measure to quantify the impact of joint contractures on activities and participation in individuals in geriatric care: Development and Rasch analysis.

BACKGROUND: Joint contractures are frequent conditions in individuals in geriatric care settings and are associated with activity limitations and participation restrictions. As such, relevant intervention programs should address these aspects, and the effectiveness of such programs should be determined by assessing improvement in activities and participation. However, no patient-centred and psychometrically sound outcome measures for this purpose are available so far. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to develop and to validate a new outcome measure, the PaArticular Scales, to quantify activities and participation in older individuals with joint contractures. Specific aims were (A) to operationalize the content of an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-based standard set towards meaningful questions and to combine them to a questionnaire and (B) to assess the psychometric properties of the developed questionnaire, in detail to evaluate test-retest reliability, objectivity, internal consistency reliability and criterion validity. DESIGN: Operationalization was reached by an expert consensus conference and a subsequent expert Delphi survey. Psychometric properties were assessed in a cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: Nursing homes, geriatric rehabilitation facilities. PARTICIPANTS: 23 experts (nurses, physicians, physical and occupational therapists) participated in the consensus conference and the Delphi survey. A total of 191 individuals with joint contractures (as confirmed by physician, nurse or physical therapist) between 65 and 102 years, living in nursing homes or as patients in geriatric rehabilitation were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. METHODS: Rasch Partial Credit Modelling. RESULTS: The consensus conference and Delphi survey resulted in a questionnaire with 86 items of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Test-retest-reliability among those was acceptable (Cohen's weighted kappa: 0.779). The Rasch analysis revealed two independent interval-scaled scales with 24 items for the Activities scale and 11 items for the Participation scale with high internal consistency reliability. Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 for the Activities scale and 0.92 for the Participation scale. Criterion validity was -0.40 and -0.30 for the Activities scale and for the Participation scale, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The PaArticular Scales, a new patient-centred and psychometric sound outcome measures to comprehensively assess the impact of joint contractures in geriatric care, are available now. These developed scales will serve as primary outcomes in a scheduled evaluation of a complex intervention to improve participation and quality of life in nursing home residents with joint contractures.

Developing and piloting a multifactorial intervention to address participation and quality of life in nursing home residents with joint contractures (JointConImprove): study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Joint contractures are common problems in frail older people in nursing homes. Irrespective of the exact extent of older individuals in geriatric care settings living with joint contractures, they appear to be a relevant problem. Also, the new emphasis on the syndrome of joint contractures, e. g. by the German statutory long term care insurance, led to an increase in assessment and documentation efforts and preventive interventions in clinical care. However, more attention should be paid to the actual situation of older individuals in nursing homes with prevalent joint contractures, particularly their experience of related activity limitations and participation restrictions. Thus, the aim of this study is 1) to develop a tailored intervention to improve functioning, and especially participation and quality of life in older residents with joint contractures in nursing homes and 2) to test the feasibility of the intervention accompanied by a rigorous process evaluation. METHODS: The complex intervention, which will be developed in this project follows the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) framework and integrates the perspectives of all potentially relevant user groups, from the affected individuals to clinicians and researchers. The development process will comprise a systematic literature review, reanalysis of existing data and the integration of the knowledge of the affected individuals and experts. The developed intervention including a comprehensive process evaluation will be pilot tested with residents with joint contractures in three nursing homes. DISCUSSION: The projected study will provide a tailored intervention to improve functioning, participation and quality of life in older residents with joint contractures in nursing homes. With this focus, the intervention will support patient relevant outcomes. The pilot study including process evaluation will offer a first opportunity to indicate the size of the intervention's effect and prepare further studies.

Effect of a stroke support service in Germany: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: This trial investigated the effect of a stroke support service on physical functioning in post-stroke outpatients. METHODS: The randomized trial took place in two urban hospitals in Germany. The intervention covered a post-discharge stroke support service including following components: outreach work (via telephone contact and home-visit), informational events, training sessions, online portal, and written patient information. The control group received optimized standard care by written patient information. The primary outcome measure was physical function assessed by the physical scale of the stroke impact scale (SIS) 2.0 at baseline and after 12 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes covered health-related quality of life, depression, somatization, reinfarcts, and mortality. Use of health services was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 265 patients were randomized either to the intervention (n = 130) or to the control group (n = 135); n = 230 patients were analyzed after 12 months. The mean group difference on the physical SIS scale was - 2.7 points (95% CI, - 5.5-0.2) in favor of the control group. The overall risk of mortality in the control versus the intervention group was 11.6and 3.9%, respectively (hazard ratio 0.32, 95% CI, 0.12-0.88). All other outcomes were neither statistically nor clinically relevant, different between the two study groups. CONCLUSION: An additional stroke support service did not improve physical function, health-related quality of life, depression, somatization, or reinfarcts in stroke patients. Data suggest a lower overall risk of mortality in the intervention group.