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This paper presents findings from the evaluation of an Australian trial of self‐managed home aged care. The self‐management model was codesigned by advocacy organisation COTA Australia, consumers and service providers. The primary aim of the evaluation was to examine whether self‐management improved consumers' perceptions of their choice, control, and wellbeing. The secondary aim was to examine whether provider prior experience with self‐managed packages significantly influenced consumers' perceptions of choice, control and wellbeing, thereby confounded trial effects. A pre‐test post‐test quasi‐experimental design and mixed‐methods design were used to collect data over nine months in 2018–2019. The pre‐trial methods and findings have been published. The post‐trial evaluation replicated the pre‐trial data collection method of an online survey (n = 60) and semi‐structured telephone interviews with consumers (n = 9), family carers (n = 13), and consumers and carers jointly (n = 2), totalling 24 interviews. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were also conducted with CEOs and senior managers from each of the seven providers (n = 14). Three providers had prior experience supporting self‐management. Parametric and non‐parametric tests examined the statistical data. Qualitative data were analysed thematically and framed according to self‐determination principles and ecological systems theory. Both datasets demonstrated that consumers reported greater choice and control at post‐trial than pre‐trial. This finding was not affected by providers' prior experience with self‐management; therefore, it was not a confounding factor. Participants reported improved wellbeing in interviews, however this was not reinforced statistically. Key desirable features of self‐management included greater autonomy and control over spending, recruiting support staff and paying lower administration fees. There was no evidence of increased risks or fraud. The research limitations included a small sample size, convenience sampling with providers recruiting interview participants, no control group and differences in trial implementation. The findings support the expansion of self‐management opportunities and more comprehensive evaluations that use mixed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of factors which influence health after a cardiovascular disease (CVD) event will assist with reducing the high health and economic burden of CVD. We undertook a systematic review to investigate the association between social health (lower social isolation, higher social support and lower loneliness) and health and well‐being after a CVD event among people living in Australia and New Zealand. Four electronic databases were systematically searched until June 2020. Two reviewers undertook title/abstract screen. One reviewer undertook full‐text screen and data extraction. A second author either independently extracted or checked data. Narrative thematic analysis was undertaken. Of the 752 unique records retrieved, 39 papers from 29 studies met our inclusion criteria. Included studies recruited between 10 and 1,455 participants, aged 12–96 years, and the majority were male. Greater social health was consistently associated with better mental health outcomes (lower depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and psychological distress). Lower social isolation and higher social support were associated with the extent to which patient needs were being met. Living situation was not associated with mental health outcomes, and being married or living with someone was associated with greater medication adherence. Our systematic review demonstrates that greater social health is associated with better mental health outcomes and met patient needs among cardiac patients. As partner status and living status did not align with social isolation and social support findings in this review, we recommend they not be used as social health proxies when assessing health outcomes among CVD patients. Our review highlights the need for more research focused on women and the importance of gender‐disaggregated reporting. Further assessment is required to evaluate whether loneliness is associated with health and well‐being outcomes after a CVD event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing demand for acute care services due in part to rising proportions of older people and increasing rates of chronic diseases. To reduce pressure and costs in the hospital system, community-based post-acute care discharge services for older people have evolved as one method of reducing length of stay in hospital and preventing readmissions. However, it is unclear whether they reduce overall episode cost or expenditure in the health system at a more general level. In this paper, we review the current evidence on the likely costs and benefits of these services and consider whether they are potentially cost-effective from a health services perspective, using the Australian Transition Care Programme as a case study. Evaluations of community-based post-acute services have demonstrated that they reduce length of stay, prevent some re-hospitalisations and defer nursing home placement. There is also evidence that they convey some additional health benefits to older people. An economic model was developed to identify the maximum potential benefits and the likely cost savings from reduced use of health services from earlier discharge from hospital, accelerated recovery, reduced likelihood of readmission to hospital and delayed entry into permanent institutional care for participants of the Transition Care Programme. Assuming the best case scenario, the Transition Care Programme is still unlikely to be cost saving to a healthcare system. Hence for this service to be justified, additional health benefits such as quality of life improvements need to be taken into account. If it can be demonstrated that this service also conveys additional quality of life improvements, community-based programmes such as Transition Care could be considered to be cost-effective when compared with other healthcare programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. A cancer diagnosis significantly impacts daily life, particularly for those living outside of major cities who must travel to receive cancer treatment. This study investigated the impact of cancer and travelling for treatment on the employment of rural cancer patients and their caregivers. Methods. Cancer patients staying in subsidised accommodation lodges in Queensland, and their nominated caregivers, described employment status prior to diagnosis in a structured interview. Three months later, they answered several open-ended questions about the impact of cancer and travelling for treatment on their employment. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to report and analyse responses. Results. Of 308 rural cancer patients in paid employment prediagnosis, 70% reported a change in employment postdiagnosis, with 62% of these patients no longer working. Many of those still employed postdiagnosis required extended leave, flexible working arrangements, and a gradual return to work, particularly for those experiencing ongoing treatment side effects. Of the 102 rural caregivers in paid employment prior to the patient's diagnosis, 56% reported a change in employment after diagnosis, with 37% of these caregivers no longer working. Many caregivers were unable to work while at the lodge, except for those with flexible or remote work arrangements and low caregiver burden. Financial stress from loss of income and limited support in returning to work were common experiences. Conclusions. Disruptions to employment are common for people in rural areas affected by cancer. Support from employers is vital, including offering tasks that can be completed remotely or require less physical effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older Australians may live up to 10 years in ill health, most likely chronic disease‐related. Those with multimorbidity report more healthcare visits, poorer health and take more medications compared with people with a single chronic disease. They are also at higher risk of hospital admission and poor quality of life. People living with multimorbidity are considered to have "complex care" needs. A person‐centred approach to healthcare has led to increasing use of in‐home nursing support, enabling older people to receive care at home. Our prospective observational study describes the profile and management of home‐based care for older people with complex care needs and examines changes in their quality of life over 12 months. Routinely collected data were analysed, including demographics, medical history, medications and the visit activity of staff providing care to participants. Additional health‐related quality of life and hospitalisation data were collected via quarterly surveys and analysed. Fifty‐two participants (mean age 76.6 years, 54% female) with an average of eight diagnosed health conditions, received an average of four home care visits per week. Almost half the participants were hospitalised once during the 12‐month period and experienced a significant decline in overall quality of life and in the dimensions measuring independent living and relationships over the study period. If ageing in place with good quality of life is to be realised by older adults with multimorbidity, support services including home nursing need to consider both the biomedical and social determinants perspectives when addressing health and social care needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese immigrants in Australia are overrepresented among people with chronic hepatitis B virus (PWCHB) but experience poor access to healthcare. Given the historical discriminatory policies against PWCHB in mainland China, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of stigma and discrimination surrounding hepatitis B virus (HBV) among Chinese immigrants originally from mainland China. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted by a researcher with a Chinese background in 2019–2020. Sixteen Chinese immigrants living with HBV were recruited across Sydney and Melbourne through advocacy and support groups. This study is positioned in social constructionism. Data analysis was informed by the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework that highlights the interaction between layered stigmas. This study revealed the historical, social and cultural construction of HBV‐related stigma among PWCHB and demonstrated how this stigma was manifested across socioecological levels in China and Australia. Findings show that HBV‐related stigma has mostly been driven by knowledge deficits about HBV and fear of HBV infection. HBV‐related stigma was mostly demonstrated around social isolation including isolation imposed by family and the community and employment restrictions in the Chinese workplace. In the Australian context, HBV‐related stigma was related to the ethnic and cultural background of PWCHB, and primarily occurred as anticipated stigma in the community and in employment. The findings provide significant insights for crosscutting research and policy endeavours to develop and test cross‐disciplinary initiatives that more broadly address the complex lived realities of Chinese immigrants living with hepatitis B virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective HIV treatments have transformed the medical needs of people living with HIV (PLHIV) to a chronic condition. However, stigma, poorer mental health outcomes and social isolation remain significant challenges for many PLHIV. HIV peer support programs have assisted PLHIV in navigating the clinical, emotional and social aspects of living with HIV. We draw on semi‐structured interviews with 26 recently diagnosed PLHIV in Australia to explore experiences of HIV peer support services. Our thematic analysis identified three overarching themes. First, participants commonly reported that peer support programs offered a sense of belonging and connection to a broader HIV community. This established a network, sometimes separate to their existing social networks, of other PLHIV with whom to share experiences of HIV. Second, peer‐based programs provided an opportunity for participants to hear firsthand, non‐clinical perspectives on living with HIV. While participants valued the clinical care they received, the perspectives of peers gave participants insights into how others had managed aspects of living with HIV such as disclosure, sex and relationships. Finally, participants highlighted important considerations around ensuring referrals were made to socially and culturally appropriate support programs. Peer support programs fill an important gap in HIV care, working alongside and extending the work of the clinical management of HIV. Incorporating formal referrals to peer support services as part of the HIV diagnosis process could assist recently diagnosed PLHIV in adjusting to a positive diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is Australia's most common life limiting genetic condition, characterised by declining health and quality of life (QoL) over time. Despite improvements in treatment, there remains no cure. Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with CF experience broad impacts to psychosocial functioning and QoL, as well as major transitions in care, all at a time of significant developmental change. The importance of developmentally tailored approaches to youth health care and self‐management for young people with CF are well understood. However, to date, models of youth specific self‐management have been lacking and motivation for young people with CF has not been well explored. This qualitative study, based on a social constructionist epistemological framework, addresses this gap. A total of 21 AYAs aged 15–30 years were recruited through one paediatric and one adult Australian CF centre. Demographic, clinical and distress data were captured to describe health complexity. Semi‐structured interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Participants were representative of Australian AYAs with CF by demography and clinical status. Alarmingly, over a third reported clinically significant distress. Two themes emerged. The first Identified impacts to motivation and self‐management resulting from the challenges of managing CF, life and care. These included time and competing priorities, changing health statis, mental health, social factors, unmet needs and health system complexity. The second identified factors that support motivation including: achievement, meaning and purpose; consequence avoidance; and accountability. These results illustrate the importance of AYA specific, theoretically founded, holistic self‐management models which extend beyond current theoretical approaches that aim to understand behaviour change or address barriers, in isolation from motivation. Improved approaches to care based on these findings are essential to foster positive behavioural change, support self‐management and foster the best health outcomes for young people living with CF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cancer diagnosis can have significant financial impacts for patients, often resulting from unexpected out‐of‐pocket expenses and a reduced capacity to work. These financial implications have been well characterised quantitatively in common cancers. However, less is known about the lived experience of financial stress, particularly outside the United States and in rarer cancers. This study aimed to explore the perceived financial impact of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)—a rare haematological malignancy where patients may be particularly vulnerable to financial stress due to the lengthy, specialised and centralised care. The findings provide insight into the patients' lived experience of the personal financial impact of the disease. This Australian qualitative study was undertaken with 11 adults in remission from AML and recruited from their treating hospital. Semi‐structured interviews were transcribed, and data were managed using NVivo. Themes were identified through inductive and deductive analysis using open, axial and thematic coding. Four themes were identified: burden of AML‐attributable costs (e.g. out‐of‐pocket parking and medication expenses); accommodating the AML‐impact on paid work (e.g. early retirement and modifying job tasks); the consequence of financial strain from AML (e.g. using savings and accessing Government welfare) and concerns about the future and future familial financial burden (e.g. securing finances and worry about depleting financial resources). A reduction in or stopping work was perceived as the most burdensome to their current and future finances. The findings demonstrate people with AML experience financial difficulty even within a publically funded healthcare system. Opportunities exist for health services to alleviate some financial burden through reducing or abolishing parking fees for oncology patients and ensuring adequate access to social workers to facilitate access to Government welfare. Improving patients' financial difficulties contributes to improved quality of life, which is congruent to cancer survivorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gait aid provision is a standard approach to improve mobility and balance for older people. This research aims to understand and compare community care staff practice (health vs. non‐health professionals) for gait aid use by people with and without dementia. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with Australian community care staff between October 2020 and February 2021. Survey items consisted of closed/open‐ended questions to explore staff practice for people with/without dementia, and assessments/procedures health professionals used for people with dementia. Likert‐scale items gauged staff agreement on factors that influenced their decisions regarding gait aid use for people with dementia. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine staff practice for people with/without dementia and their interaction effects, and factors that influenced decision‐making regarding gait aid use for people with dementia. Content analyses were used to collate responses on assessments/procedures used for people with dementia. Health (n = 109) and non‐health professionals (n = 138) completed the survey. Compared with non‐health professionals, health professionals were more likely to (1) refer the person without dementia [odds ratio, 95% CI: 23.9 (12.1, 47.3), p <.01] and person with dementia [27.8 (12.5, 61.7), p <.01] to a physiotherapist for gait aid assessment, (2) agree with gait aid use if the person with dementia: (a) lives with someone who can monitor gait aid safety [coefficient, 95% CI: −0.75 (−1.29, −0.21), p =.01], (b) performs well on a cognitive functional screen [−0.68 (−1.20, −0.16), p =.01] and (c) gives feedback about gait aid use [−0.64 (−1.15, −0.12), p =.02]. No interaction effects existed between health/non‐health professionals and whether the person had dementia/no dementia on the practice options examined. Health professionals infrequently reported using single/dual task, simple/complex gait or motor sequence testing to assess people with dementia for gait aid use. Strategies such as developing decision aid tool(s) may guide mobility practice for community care staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurological disorders are a leading cause of disease burden worldwide, placing a heavy demand on health systems. This study evaluated the impacts and cost savings of a community‐based nursing service providing supported discharge for neurological patients deemed high‐risk for unplanned emergency department presentations and/or hospital readmissions. It focused on adult patients with stroke, epilepsy, migraine/headache or functional neurological disorders discharged from a Western Australian tertiary hospital. An observational design was used comprising prospective enrolment of patients receiving nurse‐led supported discharge and follow‐up (Neurocare), 21 August 2018 to 6 December 2019 (N = 81), and hospital administrative data, 1 February 2016 to 31 January 2018, for patients in previous care model (N = 740). Healthcare utilisation and annualised cost savings from reduced rehospitalisation and/or emergency department presentations within 28 days post discharge were compared. Neurocare patients' postdischarge functional and health‐related quality of life outcomes, and perceived involvement in self‐management and integrated care were surveyed. The hospital's total cost savings are A$101,639 per annum and A$275/patient/year with a return on investment of 2.01. There was no significant difference in hospital length of stay (LOS) between models, but older age was associated with longer length of hospital stay and a predictor for non‐neurological readmissions. Neurocare patients showed improved functional status, less equipment and/or service needs, improved health‐related quality of life. They felt involved in self‐managing their condition with well‐integrated postdischarge care. This nurse‐led model of transitional care for neurology patients discharged from hospital produced cost savings and a positive return on investment compared with usual care. With service maturity, earlier supported hospital discharge and reduced LOS may follow. Patients' reduced service needs and improved functional status and health‐related quality of life may positively impact healthcare utilisation. Future research should include larger patient samples and multiple sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australian health and aged care reforms mandate a wellness and reablement (W&R) approach with services and the workforce needing to adjust their way of working with older people, to actively promote independence and participation in life's activities. Studies exploring the older person's perspective are sparse. This study aims to understand the older person's experience of a W&R approach, supplemented with experiences of staff trained in the approach. The study evaluates a W&R approach implemented across three community‐based sites of a large Australian aged care provider. Staff from participating sites underwent training and were asked to use a W&R approach with at least one older person. Eighteen older people aged 65+ were engaged in the 4‐month programme. Semi‐structured interviews with older people and staff were conducted on completion of the programme. The W&R approach showed variable benefits and experiences of older people related to goal setting and outcomes. Overall, older people were unfamiliar with goal setting or displayed negative attitudes. Negative emotional responses to health decline and ageing, such as apathy, frustration, embarrassment and sense of helplessness, were identified as barriers to goal pursual. In contrast, enabling factors, such as assistive equipment, staff and social connection, triggered positive emotional responses, which acted as protective factors and enhanced goal pursual. Staff knowledge and understanding of the W&R approach also influenced older people's experience and outcomes. These findings recommend a stronger focus on the social and emotional aspects of W&R and co‐developing goals in line with the older person's sense of wellbeing. This approach supports the multiple dimensions of W&R and aligns with principles of positive and healthy ageing. Additional training for staff should be provided, with ongoing mentoring and support from W&R champions. Ensuring that goals are meaningful and valuable to individual older people will enhance successful goal pursual and improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baby Boomers are ageing, yet little is known as to what their expectations are likely to be for the community health service sector or what the challenges this cohort might create. Interviews were conducted with 11 experienced Australian baby boomer carers to identify the key characteristics that might influence their future community aged care service expectations. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed five characteristics that could influence participant expectations for future services: Independent; Astute; Resourceful; Forthright and Exacting. As octogenarians this group plan to independently self‐determine what support services they receive and from whom without any outside influence, using their well‐developed skills and knowledge, by drawing on their own resourcefulness. They will most likely create significant pressure for industry change. To accommodate this group, a new service industry model will most likely be needed. One that empowers older people to completely self‐manage and take control of their services as true consumers rather than a model, which designates older people as passive recipients of provider offered and driven services. For this to be achieved, a considerable philosophical shift is required on how ageing is viewed by society, including health professionals and government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The duration and complexity of chronic conditions leads patients to consult complementary medicine (CM) practitioners, yet such care‐seeking by this clinical population has not been thoroughly examined. This study describes characteristics and reasons for consultation amongst those with chronic conditions who consult CM practitioners. A cross‐sectional study surveyed patients in clinics of 39 CM practitioners from the five most accessed CM professions in Australia (chiropractic, massage, osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy). Between November 2018 and March 2019, CM practitioners invited 15 consecutive adult patients (n = 585 invited) to a self‐administered, hard‐copy survey covering socio‐demographics, chronic condition diagnoses, CM service utilisation and reasons for consulting the CM practitioner. In total, 199 surveys were returned, producing a final sample of n = 191. Chronic conditions were reported by 153 (80.1%) participants, who were most commonly female (82.4%), aged over 65 years (29.0%), married (55.9%), vocational/trade qualified (40.1%), employed (62.5%), reported financial manageability as not too bad (48.0%), held private health insurance generally (79.0%) and specifically for CM (71.1%). Some socio‐demographic differences were found depending on the profession consulted. Most participants (75.0%) had attended five or more consultations with the CM practitioner. The reasons most commonly given by participants with chronic conditions for consulting the CM practitioner were This healthcare professional is supportive and compassionate (n = 136, 97.1%), I believe this type of healthcare is safe (n = 131, 95.6%), Improve general wellbeing and prevent future health problems (n = 125, 89.3%) and This type of healthcare gives me hope about my future health (n = 108, 85.7%). These findings suggest that individuals with chronic conditions may consult CM practitioners to address unmet well‐being or quality of life needs and for compassionate support. The role CM practitioners fill for those with chronic conditions requires further exploration to develop optimal policy and services to manage the growing challenges chronic conditions present to health systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rich social relationships contribute to improved well‐being and health outcomes, yet aged care client assessments tend to focus almost exclusively on physical issues. We aim to explore the experiences of aged care staff following their use of social engagement and well‐being instruments as part of routine assessments for home‐care clients. The social engagement (Australian Community Participation Questionnaire, ACPQ) and well‐being (ICEpop CAPability Measure for Older Adults, ICECAP‐O) instruments were embedded into the centralised information system of an Australian aged care provider. Staff administered these instruments during routine client assessments across a 9‐month period involving 289 assessments. Semistructured interviews with 12 staff members were conducted and themes explored using qualitative content analysis. Key factors related to the acceptability of instrument adoption were found. Staff reported the instruments were convenient to use and were valuable in eliciting information for care plan development. Staff found that the instruments complemented their standard assessment procedures and did not disrupt their routine workload. They emphasised that the information gained greatly assisted their discussions with clients, identified social needs, and enhanced client involvement in decisions about desired services. There were also some challenging elements, including staff concerns regarding their ability to deal with emotional responses from clients evoked by the survey questions. ACPQ and ICECAP‐O are useful tools for identifying psychosocial client needs, are feasible for use by large‐scale aged care organisations and provide valuable information to guide decision‐making about services. Future research should identify the long‐term effects on improving social participation and client outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence is unequivocal: the premature death of people with severe mental health problems is attributable primarily to cardiovascular disease, and healthcare provided is often suboptimal. With the overarching aim of improving outcomes, policies and guidelines oblige mental health services and psychiatrists to monitor cardio-metabolic health of patients and intervene as appropriate. Practice is highly variable; however, with ongoing debate about resourcing and responsibilities dominated by clinicians who have identified disinterest among patients as influencing practice. Seeking to balance discussion, we posed the question 'what do patients experience and expect of mental health services in relation to their physical health?' To answer it, we interviewed a convenience sample of 40 service users recruited from a mental health service in Australia, early in 2015. Data were analysed using the framework approach. With few regarding themselves as healthy, participants were commonly concerned about side effects of medication, weight and fitness but rarely mentioned tobacco smoking. Participants' accounts reinforce extensive research demonstrating variability in attention to physical health in mental health services. Reports by some participants of comprehensive care are encouraging, but widespread uncertainty about reasons for various assessments and denial of requests for management of medication side effects, including weight gain, gives cause for concern. Although participants in this study wanted to improve their health and health-related quality of life, they acknowledged that their motivation and ability to do so fluctuated with mental health. They expected clinicians to work proactively, especially when symptoms compromised capacity for self-care, and mental health services to provide or enable access to health-promoting interventions. Attention should be given, as a matter of priority, to creating conditions (culture and infrastructure) needed to support sustained attention to physical health within services and, importantly, to full engagement of service users in management of their physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess clients' and service providers' perspectives on changes in mental health after an admission to a residential recovery-focused, sub-acute service, in Australia. Clients were either step-up clients, entering the service directly from the community, or step-down clients who were transitioning from an inpatient unit to home. During the 30-month period of data collection (August 2011 to January 2014) all clients ( N = 102) were invited to participate in the longitudinal study and 41 clients consented to be involved (38% response rate). At admission and exit, participants completed the Behaviour and Symptom Identification Scale (Basis-32) and service providers completed the Life Skills Profile-16 and Health of the Nations Outcome Scales. Follow-up data 3 months after exit were available for 12 clients, including the Basis-32 and a self-report measure of quality of life (Assessment of Quality of Life 8-dimension). Both client groups reported positive improvements between admission and exit in the areas of relation to self and others, psychosis, daily living and presence of depression or anxiety symptoms. Service providers reported gains for clients in the areas of self-care, level of symptoms and presence of social problems. At 3 months, clients generally reported positive quality of life, although there was no significant change in symptoms and functioning. This study demonstrates that after an admission to a sub-acute service, step-up clients experience an improvement in their symptoms and functioning, have avoided a hospital admission and are well enough to return home. Step-down clients also experience further improvements in their symptoms and functioning, indicating that the service has assisted them in their transition to independent living after a hospital admission. Sub-acute residential units provide a continuation of care for inpatients preparing to return home, and people with a mental health problem living in the community who experience an escalation in symptoms and prefer an alternative to hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project implemented and evaluated two models of care for terminally ill people living alone at home: installing personal alarms (PA) and providing extra care aide (CA) support. The primary aim was to assess the feasibility of using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) approach with this group. A secondary aim was to assess the potential impact of the models of care on the participants' quality of life, symptom distress, anxiety and depression, and perceived benefits and barriers to their use. The two models of care were piloted in collaboration with Silver Chain Hospice Care Service (SCHCS) in Western Australia during 2009-2010. Using a pilot RCT design, equal numbers of participants were randomised to receive extra CA time, PAs or standard care. Attrition reduced the sample size from 20 in each group to 12, 14 and 17 respectively. The intervention period was between 6 and 12 weeks depending on prognosis. The participants were functionally and psychologically well and the majority lived alone by choice. There were physical and psychological benefits associated with provision of the two models of care, particularly for the group supported by CAs in terms of improved sleeping and appetite. However, the impact was mostly not statistically significant due to small sample sizes. The study has highlighted two methodological challenges: the wide variation in the degree of living alone at home leading to complex inclusion criteria, and an RCT approach with attrition differing across groups and patients not wanting to be included in the assigned group. The RCT approach is not considered appropriate for the 'home alone' palliative care population that would have been better supported by providing each participant with a personalised model of care according to needs. However, the outcomes of the project have prompted changes in SCHCS practice when providing care to these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A randomised controlled trial was conducted to test the effectiveness of the Home Independence Program (HIP), a restorative home-care programme for older adults, in reducing the need for ongoing services. Between June 2005 and August 2007, 750 older adults referred to a home-care service for assistance with their personal care participated in the study and received HIP or 'usual' home-care services. Service outcomes were compared at 3 and 12 months. Subgroups of 150 from each group were also compared on functional and quality of life measures. Data were analysed by 'intention-to-treat' and 'as-treated'. The intention-to-treat analysis showed at 3 and 12 months that the HIP group was significantly less likely to need ongoing personal care [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.13-0.26, P < 0.001; OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.15-0.32, P < 0.001]. Both subgroups showed improvements on the individual outcome measures over time with the only significant differences being found at 12 months for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) in the as-treated analysis. Contamination of the control group by an increased emphasis on independence across the home-care agency involved, together with other methodological problems encountered, is thought to account for the few differences between groups in individual outcomes. Despite no difference between the groups over time in their overall ADL scores, a significantly smaller proportion of the HIP group required assistance with bathing/showering, the most common reason for referral, at 3 and 12 months. The results support earlier findings that participating in a short-term restorative programme appears to reduce the need for ongoing home care. The implementation of such programmes more broadly throughout Australia could substantially offset the projected increase in demand for home care associated with the five-fold projected increase in numbers of the oldest old expected over the next 40 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]