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Objective: Little is known about the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and psychotropic drug use (PDU) in patients below the age of 65 years with acquired brain injury (ABI) in long-term care. The objective of this study was to review the literature about the prevalence of NPS and PDU. Methods: A systematic literature search of English, Dutch and German articles in Pubmed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL was performed with the use of MeSH and free-text terms. Results: Six articles met the inclusion criteria. The place of residence was mainly a nursing home and most studies were conducted in a population of patients with traumatic brain injury. Sample sizes varied from 40 to 26,472 residents and NPS were assessed with different assessment instruments. Depressive symptoms were most common with a prevalence ranging from 13.9% to 39.3%. Two studies reported PDU in which tranquillizers (59%) were the most prevalent psychotropic drugs followed by anticonvulsants (35%) and antidepressants (26-34%). Conclusions: Patients with ABI experience lifelong consequences, regardless the cause of ABI, that have a high impact on them and their surroundings. More insight into the magnitude of NPS and PDU, through prevalence studies, is necessary to achieve suitable provision of care for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective was to describe end-of-life treatment decisions for patients dying with dementia in various stages of dementia in long-term care facilities in the Netherlands with elderly care physicians responsible for treatment and care.Methods: We present data collected in the nationally representative Dutch End of Life in Dementia study (2007-2011). Within 2 weeks after death, 103 physicians completed questionnaires about the last phase of life in 330 residents with dementia who resided in 1 of 34 participating long-term care facilities. We used descriptive statistics.Results: Advance directives were rare (4.9%). A minority was hospitalized (8.0%) in the last month (mainly for fractures) or received antibiotics (24.2%) in the last week (mainly for pneumonia). Four residents received tube feeding or rehydration therapy in the last week. In almost half of the residents (42.3%), decisions were made not to start potentially life-prolonging treatment such as hospital transfer and artificial nutrition and hydration. In more than half of the residents (53.7%), decisions were made to withdraw potentially life-prolonging treatment such as artificial nutrition and hydration and medication. Antibiotics were more frequently prescribed for residents with less advanced dementia, but otherwise there were no differences in treatment decisions between residents with advanced and less advanced dementia.Conclusions: Physicians often withhold potentially burdensome life-prolonging treatment in nursing home residents in all stages of dementia in the Netherlands. This suggests that the physicians feel that a palliative care approach is appropriate at the end of life in dementia in long-term care. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. StartCopTextCopyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To evaluate the effects of substituting nurse practitioners, physician assistants or nurses for physicians in long-term care facilities and primary healthcare for the ageing population (primary aim) and to describe what influences the implementation (secondary aim). Background Healthcare for the ageing population is undergoing major changes and physicians face heavy workloads. A solution to guarantee quality and contain costs might be to substitute nurse practitioners, physician assistants or nurses for physicians. Design A systematic literature review. Data sources PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Psyc INFO, CENTRAL, Web of Science; searched January 1995-August 2015. Review methods Study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two reviewers. Outcomes collected: patient outcomes, care provider outcomes, process of care outcomes, resource use outcomes, costs and descriptions of the implementation. Data synthesis consisted of a narrative summary. Results Two studies used a randomized design and eight studies used other comparative designs. The evidence of the two randomized controlled trials showed no effect on approximately half of the outcomes and a positive effect on the other half of the outcomes. Results of eight other comparative study designs point towards the same direction. The implementation was influenced by factors on a social, organizational and individual level. Conclusion Physician substitution in healthcare for the ageing population may achieve at least as good patient outcomes and process of care outcomes compared with care provided by physicians. Evidence about resource use and costs is too limited to draw conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This protocol describes a systematic review that evaluates the effects of physician substitution by mid-level providers (nurse practitioners, physician assistants or nurses) in primary healthcare for older people and long-term care facilities. The secondary aim is to describe facilitators and barriers to the implementation of physician substitution in these settings. Background. Healthcare for older people is undergoing major changes, due to population ageing and reforms that shift care to the community. Besides, relatively few medical students are pursuing careers in healthcare for older people. Innovative solutions are needed to guarantee the quality of healthcare and to contain costs. A solution might be shifting care from physicians to mid-level providers. To date, no systematic review on this topic exits to guide policymaking. Design. A quantitative systematic literature review using Cochrane methods. Methods. The following databases will be searched for original research studies that quantitatively compare care provided by a physician to the same care provided by a mid-level provider: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL and Web of Science. Study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Data synthesis will consist of a qualitative analysis of the data. Funding of the review was confirmed in August 2013 by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport of the Netherlands. Discussion. This review will contribute to the knowledge on effects of physician substitution in healthcare for older people and factors that influence the outcomes. This knowledge will guide professionals and policy administrators in their decisions to optimize healthcare for older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to develop a practice guideline for a structured and consensus-based approach to relieve symptoms of pneumonia in patients with dementia in nursing homes. Methods A five-round Delphi study involving a panel consisting of 24 experts was conducted. An initial version of the practice guideline was developed with leading representatives of Dutch University Medical Centers with a department for elderly care medicine, based on existing guidelines for palliative care. The experts evaluated the initial version, after which we identified topics that reflected the main divergences. The experts rated their agreement with statements that addressed the main divergences on a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was determined according to pre-defined criteria. The practice guideline was then revised according to the final decisions made by the project group and the representatives. Results The response rate for the expert panel was 67%. Main divergences included the applicability of guidelines for palliative care to patients with dementia and pneumonia in long-term care and the appropriateness of specific pharmacological treatment of dyspnea and coughing. Moderate consensus was reached for 80% of the statements. Major revisions included adding pharmacological treatment for coughing and recommending opioid rotation in the case of opioid-induced delirium. Two areas of divergent opinion remained: the usefulness of oxygen administration and treatment of rattling breath. The project group made the final decision in these areas. Conclusions We developed a mostly consensus-based practice guideline for patients with dementia and pneumonia and mapped controversial issues for future investigation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Challenging behavior exhibited by people with dementia can have adverse outcomes, like stress, low morale, low work satisfaction and absenteeism for nursing staff in long-term care settings. Training nursing staff to manage challenging behavior may reduce its impact. Although much of the research into training nursing staff shows methodological limitations, several studies find some effect of training programs on knowledge about and on management of challenging behavior. Effects on stress or burnout are almost not found. Methods/design: The TENSE-study is a randomized controlled study on 18 nursing home units (9 control, 9 intervention) investigating the effects of a continuous educational program for nursing staff about managing challenging behavior. Nursing staff of intervention units receive the program, nursing staff of control units do not and continue usual care. The primary outcome is stress experienced by nursing staff (N = 135). Secondary outcomes are: emotional workload, work satisfaction, stress reactions at work and knowledge about challenging behaviour of nursing staff; and frequency of challenging behavior, quality of life and social engagement of residents. Because there are many unknown factors influencing the effect of the training, a process evaluation to evaluate sampling-, implementation- and intervention quality as well as barriers and facilitators to implementation will also be included in the analysis. Nursing staff could not be blinded to the intervention, but were blinded for the outcomes. Discussion: Strengths of this study are the (good) description of the intervention complemented by a process evaluation and the tailoring of the intervention to the wishes and needs of the nursing homes at any moment during the study. Sustaining the effects of the intervention by using follow up sessions is another strength. Possible drawbacks may be dropout because of the frailty of the elderly population and because nursing staff might move to another job during the study. Trial registration NTR (Dutch Trial Registration) number NTR3620 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To describe the concurrent incidence of pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, and falls in hospitals and nursing homes, and the preventive care given. Additionally, the correlation between the occurrence of these adverse events and preventive care was explored. Design and Settings A prospective, 3-month, cohort study at 10 hospitals and 10 nursing homes in the Netherlands. Participants 687 hospital patients and 241 nursing home patients. Main Outcome Measures The incidence of three adverse events and preventive care given to patients at risk. During weekly visits, the patients and their files were assessed. Additionally, observations were performed. Results Seventy-seven hospital patients (11%) and 111 nursing home patients (46%) developed one or more adverse events. The incidence rate for both types of patients, and for the three adverse events combined, was 9% adverse events per patient week. In hospitals, 34% of the patients received adequate pressure ulcer preventive care, while 47% of the patients received adequate urinary tract infection preventive care, and none of the patients received adequate falls preventive care. In nursing homes, 18% of the patients received adequate pressure ulcer preventive care, 42% of the patients received adequate urinary tract infection preventive care, and less than 1% of the patients received adequate falls prevention care. Negative or no correlations were found between the incidence rates for the three adverse events. In nursing homes the incidence of pressure ulcers and preventive care were positively correlated. Conclusions There is a high incidence of adverse events in hospitals and nursing homes. Many patients at risk do not receive adequate preventive care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Entering medicine for the first time is highly impressive for students, but we know little about the actual emotional learning processes taking place. Aims: We aimed to get more insight into expectations, experiences and emotions of students during their first clinical experiences in a hospital compared to a nursing home. Methods: We carried out a qualitative and a quantitative survey by administering questionnaires about expectations, impressive experiences and learning activities within two cohorts of first-year medical students before and after a 4-week nursing attachment. Results: Despite different expectations, students reported similar experiences and learning activities for the nursing home and the hospital. Most impressive events were related to patient care, being a trainee, or professional identities being challenged. Students in nursing homes most often referred to their own relationships with patients. Students expressed different emotions, and frequently experienced positive and negative emotions at the same time. Conclusions: Rewarding experiences (not only difficult or stressful events) do matter for medical professional development. Students need to learn how to deal with and feel strengthened by the emotions evoked during clinical experiences, which should be supported by educators. The nursing home and the hospital seem to be equally suited as learning environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Geriatric patients are typically underrepresented in studies on the functional outcome of rehabilitation after stroke. Moreover, most geriatric stroke patients do probably not participate in intensive rehabilitation programs as offered by rehabilitation centers. As a result, very few studies have described the successfulness of geriatric stroke rehabilitation in nursing home patients, although it appears that the majority of these patients are being discharged back to the community, rather than being transferred to residential care. Nevertheless, factors associated with the successfulness of stroke rehabilitation in nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities are largely unknown. The primary goal of this study is, therefore, to assess the factors that uniquely contribute to the successfulness of rehabilitation in geriatric stroke patients that undergo rehabilitation in nursing homes. A secondary goal is to investigate whether these factors are similar to those associated with the outcome of stroke rehabilitation in the literature. Methods/Design: This study is part of the Geriatric Rehabilitation in AMPutation and Stroke (GRAMPS) study in the Netherlands. It is a longitudinal, observational, multicenter study in 15 nursing homes in the Southern part of the Netherlands that aims to include at least 200 patients. All participating nursing homes are selected based on the existence of a specialized rehabilitation unit and the provision of dedicated multidisciplinary care. Patient characteristics, disease characteristics, functional status, cognition, behavior, and caregiver information, are collected within two weeks after admission to the nursing home. The first follow-up is at discharge from the nursing home or one year after inclusion, and focuses on functional status and behavior. Successful rehabilitation is defined as discharge from the nursing home to an independent living situation within one year after admission. The second follow-up is three months after discharge in patients who rehabilitated successfully, and assesses functional status, behavior, and quality of life. All instruments used in this study have shown to be valid and reliable in rehabilitation research or are recommended by the Netherlands Heart Foundation guidelines for stroke rehabilitation. Data will be analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Besides descriptive analyses, both univariate and multivariate analyses will be performed with the purpose of identifying associated factors as well as their unique contribution to determining successful rehabilitation. Discussion: This study will provide more information about geriatric stroke rehabilitation in Dutch nursing homes. To our knowledge, this is the first large study that focuses on the determinants of success of geriatric stroke rehabilitation in nursing home patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients in hospitals and nursing homes are at risk of the development of, often preventable, adverse events (AEs), which threaten patient safety. Guidelines for prevention of many types of AEs are available, however, compliance with these guidelines appears to be lacking. Besides general barriers that inhibit implementation, this non-compliance is associated with the large number of guidelines competing for attention. As implementation of a guideline is time-consuming, it is difficult for organisations to implement all available guidelines. Another problem is lack of feedback about performance using quality indicators of guideline based care and lack of a recognisable, unambiguous system for implementation. A program that allows organisations to implement multiple guidelines simultaneously may facilitate guideline use and thus improve patient safety. The aim of this study is to develop and test such an integral patient safety program that addresses several AEs simultaneously in hospitals and nursing homes. This paper reports the design of this study. Methods and design: The patient safety program addresses three AEs: pressure ulcers, falls and urinary tract infections. It consists of bundles and outcome and process indicators based on the existing evidence based guidelines. In addition it includes a multifaceted tailored implementation strategy: education, patient involvement, and a computerized registration and feedback system. The patient safety program was tested in a cluster randomised trial on ten hospital wards and ten nursing home wards. The baseline period was three months followed by the implementation of the patient safety program for fourteen months. Subsequently the follow-up period was nine months. Primary outcome measure was the incidence of AEs on every ward. Secondary outcome measures were the utilization of preventive interventions and the knowledge of nurses regarding the three topics. Randomisation took place on ward level. The results will be analysed separately for hospitals and nursing homes. Discussion: Major challenges were the development of the patient safety program including a digital registration and feedback system and the implementation of the patient safety program. Trial registration: Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID [NCT00365430] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : To clarify characteristics of long-term care and treatment of patients in a vegetative state. Design : Qualitative, descriptive study in a Dutch nursing home. Methods : Review of clinical records of patients in a vegetative state after acute brain damage between 1978-2002. Results : Five patients received intensive care of a multi-disciplinary team and showed considerable co-morbidity. There was no standard scenario for end-of-life decisions. Physicians play a more proactive role by evaluating the total medical treatment instead of withholding therapy in case of incidental complications. The families' attitude is a crucial factor in their ultimate decision. Conclusions : There is no standard solution to alleviate the fate of patients in a vegetative state and their families. Withdrawing all medical treatment, including artificial nutrition and hydration, can be an acceptable scenario for letting the patient die. More research is needed to identify the factors that contribute to acceptance of the physician's decision by the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing the prevalence and determinants of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) in nursing homes. Cross-sectional, observational study. Patients 18-65 years old with ABI in special care units in Dutch nursing homes. Nursing homes were recruited through the national expertise network for patients with severe ABI, regional brain injury teams, and by searching the Internet. Patient characteristics were collected through digital questionnaires. NPS were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home version (NPI-NH) and the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), cognition with the Mini-Mental State Examination, and activities of daily living with the Disability Rating Scale. Psychotropic drug use (PDU) was retrieved from the electronic prescription system. Individual NPS were clustered. Associations between determinants and NPS were examined using multilevel multivariate linear regression models. In a population of 118 patients from 12 nursing homes, 73.7% had 1 or more clinically relevant NPS and 81.3% 1 or more agitated behaviors. The most common NPS were agitation, in particular aberrant motor behavior (24.6%), repetitious sentences/questions (35.5%), and constant requests for attention (34.6%), verbal (33.6%) and physical (50.5%) aggression, and irritability (28.0%). Male patients were more likely to display hyperactivity. Being married was associated with less verbally agitated behavior and pain was associated with a higher CMAI total score. PDU increased the likelihood of a higher NPI-NH total score. NPS are common in patients with ABI ≤65 years of age residing in nursing homes. This is a first step to fill in the knowledge gap concerning NPS in this population. An increasing number of patients with severe ABI may survive the acute phase and will reside many years in nursing homes. It is important to shed more light on these NPS, with regard to course, magnitude, and severity, to ultimately develop appropriate care for this vulnerable group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Young-onset dementia (YOD) is defined as dementia that develops before the age of 65. Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) have important clinical consequences for patients and their family members. To date, knowledge about the prevalence and correlates of NPS in YOD is limited, but essential to establish specific tailored care for patients with YOD. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and correlates of NPS in nursing home residents with YOD. Design/Setting Cross-sectional cohort study in Dutch long-term care facilities providing specialized care for YOD. Participants Participants included 230 institutionalized patients with YOD. Measurements NPS were assessed using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home version (NPI-NH). The influence of gender, dementia severity, type of dementia, and disease awareness on clusters of relevant NPS was investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis and subsequently corrected for the possible confounders of age, duration of institutionalization, and psychoactive medication use. Results Ninety percent of the nursing home residents with YOD showed 1 or more neuropsychiatric symptoms, 88% showed significant agitation, and 56% showed relevant apathy. No gender differences were found. Although physically aggressive behavior, non–physically aggressive behavior, and apathy were more common in patients with (very) severe cognitive decline (Global Deterioration Scale [GDS] stage 6–7), verbally agitated behavior was common in patients in all except the most severe stages of dementia (GDS 2–6). Apathy was more prevalent in alcohol-related dementia. Low levels of awareness were associated with more physically aggressive behavior and aberrant motor behavior. Conclusion The prevalence of NPS was high and was associated with the severity and type of dementia and disease awareness. Agitation and apathy are the most important symptoms to focus on in YOD. The high prevalence of NPS supports the idea of care delivery in special care units. Further research is needed on potentially influencing environmental correlates of NPS in YOD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To describe observations of suffering in patients with dementia from the diagnosis of pneumonia until cure or death. Design Prospective observational study between January 2012 and May 2014. Setting Dutch nursing homes (32). Participants Nursing home patients with dementia and pneumonia (n = 193). Measurements Independent observers performed observations of patients with dementia scheduled 13 times within the 15 days following diagnosis of pneumonia; twice daily in the first 2 days– to observe discomfort (Discomfort Scale–Dementia of Alzheimer Type; range 0–27), comfort (End Of Life in Dementia-Comfort Assessment in Dying; range 14–42), pain (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia; range 0–10), and dyspnea (Respiratory Distress Observation Scale; range 0–16). Results Observational data were obtained for 208 cases of pneumonia in 193 patients. In 71.2% of cases, patients received 1 or more treatments to relieve symptoms such as antipyretics, opioids, or oxygen; 89.4% received antibiotics. Discomfort was highest 1 day after diagnosis [mean Discomfort Scale-Dementia of Alzheimer Type score 8.1 (standard deviation, SD 5.8)], then declined, and stabilized around day 10 [mean 4.5 (SD 4.1)], or increased in the days preceding death. Observed pain and dyspnea followed a comparable pattern. Discomfort patterns did not differ much between cases treated with and without antibiotics. Conclusions Pneumonia in patients with dementia involved elevated levels of suffering during 10 days following diagnosis and in the days preceding death. Overall observed discomfort was low compared with prior Dutch studies, and the number of treatments to relieve symptoms was higher. Future studies should examine whether symptoms of pneumonia can be relieved even more, and what treatments are the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is much ambiguity regarding the term “nursing home” in the international literature. The definition of a nursing home and the type of assistance provided in a nursing home is quite varied by country. The International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics and AMDA foundation developed a survey to assist with an international consensus on the definition of “nursing home.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The objective of this study is to explore factors that elucidate reasons for psychotropic drug (PD) prescription for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in nursing home (NH) residents with dementia. Design A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. Setting Twelve NHs in The Netherlands. Participants Fifteen physicians and 14 nurses. Measurements Individual, face-to-face, in-depth semistructured interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed using Atlas.ti. Results The qualitative analysis revealed 4 emerging themes with factors either or both enhancing or limiting PD prescription, which we used to develop a conceptual framework. First, the mindset of physicians and nurses toward NPS and PDs appeared to contribute. Second, inadequate knowledge of and experience with NPS and limited people skills of nurses may induce PD prescription. Also, knowledge of effectiveness and side effects of PDs from education, literature, and guidelines, and previous personal experiences was considered relevant. Third, effective communication and cooperation between professionals and with family may improve the appropriateness of PD prescription. Fourth, external factors including staffing issues, nursing home setting, access to consultants, national and local policies, and zeitgeist were considered to affect PD prescription. Conclusion We have developed a conceptual framework explaining how different factors influence PD prescription. This provides opportunities for improving PD prescription in NH residents with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex and disabling disorder. Ultimately, 20% to 40% of patients are admitted to a nursing home, and neurologists often lose track of these patients. Care and treatment of these institutionalized patients have not been addressed comprehensively, but anecdotal reports suggest it is suboptimal. We conducted a qualitative study to analyze the quality of PD care in Dutch nursing homes from the perspective of residents, caregivers, and health care workers. Methods Experiences and (unmet) needs of 15 nursing home residents with PD and parkinsonism (90% Hoehn and Yahr stage 4 and 5) and 15 informal caregivers were assessed using semistructured interviews. Furthermore, 5 focus group discussions were organized with 13 nurses and 22 other health care professionals to explore the experiences and barriers of PD care. Results Three core unmet needs were identified: (1) unsatisfactory empathy and emotional support, according to residents and informal caregivers; (2) insufficient staff knowledge on PD-related issues, such as motor fluctuations, leading to poorly timed administration of levodopa; (3) suboptimal organization of care with limited access to neurologists and specialized PD nurses. Conclusions PD care in Dutch nursing homes is suboptimal according to residents, informal caregivers, and health care workers. Three core areas for improvement were identified, including greater attention for psychosocial problems, improved PD-specific knowledge among nursing home staff, and better collaboration with hospital staff trained in movement disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article reports the findings of a policy survey designed to establish research priorities to inform future research strategy and advance nursing home practice. The survey was administered in 2 rounds during 2013, and involved a combination of open questions and ranking exercises to move toward consensus on the research priorities. A key finding was the prioritization of research to underpin the care of people with cognitive impairment/dementia and of the management of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia within the nursing home. Other important areas were end-of-life care, nutrition, polypharmacy, and developing new approaches to putting evidence-based practices into routine practice in nursing homes. It explores possible innovative educational approaches, reasons why best practices are difficult to implement, and challenges faced in developing high-quality nursing home research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Parkinson disease (PD) is common in long term care (LTC) facilities. The number of institutionalized patients with PD will rise sharply in the coming decades because of 2 concurrent phenomena: aging of the population leads to an increased PD prevalence and improved quality of care has led to a prolonged survival in advanced disease stages. Only a few studies have investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with PD in LTC facilities. Even fewer studies have addressed the treatment strategies used to support these institutionalized patients, who are mostly in advanced stages of the disease. The available evidence suggests that current management of patients with PD in LTC facilities is less than optimal. In the Netherlands, and we suspect in many other countries, there are no formal guidelines for treating patients with PD who have been admitted to a LTC facility. In this review, we describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and clinical management of patients with PD in LTC settings. We also address potentially modifiable elements of care and provide several recommendations to improve the management of PD in these facilities. We conclude by suggesting a possible guide for future research in this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the time from symptom onset to institutionalization in persons with young-onset dementia (YOD) and compare these findings with late-onset dementia (LOD), and to determine which factors predict institutionalization in persons with YOD compared with LOD. Design/Setting: Longitudinal study of community-dwelling patients with YOD and LOD and their caregivers. Participants: A total of 226 patients with YOD and 102 with LOD and their informal caregivers were recruited through memory clinics and health care facilities. Measurements: Cox proportional hazard models were used to relate covariates with time to institutionalization. The main outcome was time from symptom onset to institutionalization. Key predictors were cohort (YOD or LOD), neuropsychiatric symptoms, caregiver distress caused by neuropsychiatric symptoms, and caregivers’ sense of competence (Short Sense of Competence Questionnaire total score). Results: The time from symptom onset to institutionalization was nearly 9 years for patients with YOD compared with approximately 4 years for patients with LOD. In the YOD group, apathy significantly predicted time of institutionalization. Furthermore, the caregiver’s competence in caring for the person with dementia significantly predicted institutionalization in both groups. Conclusions: Patients with YOD are cared for at home for a longer period than patients with LOD. The results of this study underline the importance of a timely diagnosis for these patients and their families to facilitate the initiation of appropriate care and support. Support programs aimed at enhancing the caregivers’ sense of competence and ability to deal with neuropsychiatric symptoms, especially apathy, may postpone the institutionalization of the patient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: A multidisciplinary, evidence-based care program to improve the management of depression in nursing home residents was implemented and tested using a stepped-wedge design in 23 nursing homes (NHs): “Act in case of Depression” (AiD). Objective: Before effect analyses, to evaluate AiD process data on sampling quality (recruitment and randomization, reach) and intervention quality (relevance and feasibility, extent to which AiD was performed), which can be used for understanding internal and external validity. In this article, a model is presented that divides process evaluation data into first- and second-order process data. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data based on personal files of residents, interviews of nursing home professionals, and a research database were analyzed according to the following process evaluation components: sampling quality and intervention quality. Setting: Nursing home. Results: The pattern of residents’ informed consent rates differed for dementia special care units and somatic units during the study. The nursing home staff was satisfied with the AiD program and reported that the program was feasible and relevant. With the exception of the first screening step (nursing staff members using a short observer-based depression scale), AiD components were not performed fully by NH staff as prescribed in the AiD protocol. Conclusion: Although NH staff found the program relevant and feasible and was satisfied with the program content, individual AiD components may have different feasibility. The results on sampling quality implied that statistical analyses of AiD effectiveness should account for the type of unit, whereas the findings on intervention quality implied that, next to the type of unit, analyses should account for the extent to which individual AiD program components were performed. In general, our first-order process data evaluation confirmed internal and external validity of the AiD trial, and this evaluation enabled further statistical fine tuning. The importance of evaluating the first-order process data before executing statistical effect analyses is thus underlined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Patient care guidelines are usually implemented one at a time, yet patients are at risk for multiple, often preventable, adverse events simultaneously. Objective: This study aimed to test the effect of the SAFE or SORRY? programme on the incidence of three adverse events (pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections and falls). This paper describes Part I of the study: the effect on the incidence of adverse events. Design: A cluster randomised trial was conducted between September 2006 and November 2008. After a three-month baseline period the intervention was implemented followed by a nine-month follow-up period. Settings: Ten wards from four hospitals and ten wards from six nursing homes were stratified for institute and ward type and then randomised to intervention or usual care group. Participants: During baseline and follow-up, patients (≥18 years) with an expected length of stay of at least five days, were asked to participate. Methods: The SAFE or SORRY? programme consisted of the essential recommendations of guidelines for the three adverse events. A multifaceted implementation strategy was used for the implementation: education, patient involvement and feedback on process and outcome indicators. The usual care group continued care as usual. Data were collected on the incidence of adverse events and a Poisson regression model was used to estimate the rate ratio of the adverse events between the intervention and the usual care group at follow-up. Results: At follow-up, 2201 hospital patients with 3358 patient weeks and 392 nursing home patients with 5799 patient weeks were observed. Poisson regression analyses showed a rate ratio for the development of an adverse event in favour of the intervention group of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.34–0.95) and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.48–0.99) for hospital patients and nursing home patients respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that implementing multiple guidelines simultaneously is possible, which is promising. Patients in the intervention groups developed 43% and 33% fewer adverse events compared to the usual care groups in hospitals and nursing homes respectively. Even so, more research is necessary to underline these results. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT00365430. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Patients in hospitals and nursing homes are at risk for the development of often preventable adverse events. Guidelines for the prevention of many types of adverse events are available, however compliance with these guidelines appears to be lacking. As a result many patients do not receive appropriate care. We developed a patient safety program that allows organisations to implement multiple guidelines simultaneously and therefore facilitates guideline use to improve patient safety. This program was developed for three frequently occurring nursing care related adverse events: pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections and falls. For the implementation of this program we developed educational activities for nurses as a main implementation strategy. Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe the effect of interactive and tailored education on the knowledge levels of nurses. Design: A cluster randomised trial was conducted between September 2006 and July 2008. Settings: Ten hospital wards and ten nursing home wards participated in this study. Prior to baseline, randomisation of the wards to an intervention or control group was stratified for centre and type of ward. Participants: All nurses from participating wards. Methods: A knowledge test measured nurses’ knowledge on the prevention of pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections and falls, during baseline en follow-up. The results were analysed for hospitals and nursing homes separately. Results: After correction for baseline, the mean difference between the intervention and the control group on hospital nurses’ knowledge on the prevention of the three adverse events was 0.19 points on a zero to ten scale (95% CI: −0.03 to 0.42), in favour of the intervention group. There was a statistically significant effect on knowledge of pressure ulcers, with an improved mean mark of 0.45 points (95% CI: 0.10–0.81). For the other two topics there was no statistically significant effect. Nursing home nurses’ knowledge did neither improve (0 points, CI: −0.35 to 0.35) overall, nor for the separate subjects. Conclusion: The educational intervention improved hospital nurses’ knowledge on the prevention of pressure ulcers only. More research on long term improvement of knowledge is needed. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID [NCT00365430]. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives To assess the provision and need of dermatologic care among Dutch nursing home patients and to obtain recommendations for improvement. Design Cross-sectional nationwide survey. Setting All 173 nursing home organizations in the Netherlands. Participants Physicians working in nursing homes. Measurements Web-based questionnaire concerning the burden of skin diseases in nursing home patients, diagnostic procedures and therapy, collaboration with dermatologists, physicians' level of education, and suggestions for improvement. Results A total of 126 (72.8%) nursing home organizations, with 1133 associated physicians participated in our study and received the questionnaire. A total of 347 physicians (30.6%) completed the questionnaire. Almost all respondents (99.4%) were recently confronted with skin diseases, mostly (pressure) ulcers, eczema, and fungal infections. Diagnostic and treatment options were limited because of a lack of availability and experience of the physicians. More live consultation of dermatologists was suggested as being important to improve dermatologic care. Other suggestions were better education, more usage of telemedicine applications, and better availability of diagnostic and/or treatment procedures like cryotherapy. Conclusion Physicians in nursing homes are frequently confronted with skin diseases. Several changes in organization of care and education are expected to improve dermatologic care in nursing home patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Patients in a vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) open their eyes spontaneously, but show only reflexive behavior. Although VS/UWS is one of the worst possible outcomes of acquired brain injury, its prevalence is largely unknown. This study's objective was to map the total population of hospitalized and institutionalized patients in VS/UWS in the Netherlands: prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment limitations. Methods Nationwide point prevalence study on patients in VS/UWS at least 1 month after acute brain injury in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, institutions for people with intellectual disability, and hospices; diagnosis verification by a researcher using the Coma Recovery Scale-revised (CRS-r); gathering of demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment limitations. Results We identified 33 patients in VS/UWS, 24 of whose diagnoses could be verified. Patients were on average 51 years old with a mean duration of VS/UWS of 5 years. The main etiology was hypoxia sustained during cardiac arrest and resuscitation. More than 50% of patients had not received rehabilitation services. Most were given life-sustaining treatment beyond internationally accepted prognostic boundaries regarding recovery of consciousness. Seventeen (39%) of 41 patients presumed to be in VS/UWS were found to be at least minimally conscious. Conclusions Results translate to a prevalence of 0.1 to 0.2 hospitalized and institutionalized VS/UWS patients per 100,000 members of the general population. This small figure may be related to the legal option to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment, including artificial nutrition and hydration. On the other hand, this study shows that in certain cases, physicians continue life-prolonging treatment for up to 25 years. Patients have poor access to rehabilitation and are at substantial risk for misdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]