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Introduction Given that chronic, long-term conditions are increasingly common in older patients, the impact of telesurveillance program on clinical outcomes is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a 12-month remote monitoring program in preventing rehospitalizations in older patients with two or more chronic diseases returning home after hospitalization. Methods We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial in two parallel groups to evaluate the remote monitoring system. Elderly patients with chronic diseases (at least two comorbidities) aged 65 years or older and discharged home after acute hospital care for a chronic disease were randomized to receive a home telemonitoring program (intervention group, n = 267) or conventional care (control group, n = 267). The remote home monitoring program was an online biometric home life analysis technology (e-COBAHLT) with tele-homecare/automation and biometric sensors. The eCOBALTH intervention group received the automation sensors containing chronic disease clinical factor trackers to monitor their biometric parameters and detect any abnormal prodromal disease decompensation by remote monitoring and providing geriatric expertise to general practitioners. The usual care group received no eCOBALTH program. In both groups, baseline visits were conducted at baseline and the final visit at 12 months. The primary outcome was the incidence of unplanned hospitalizations for decompensation during the 12-month period. Results Among 534 randomized participants (mean [SD] age, 80.3 [8.1] years; 280 [52.4%] women), 492 (92.1%) completed the 12-month follow-up; 182 (34.1) had chronic heart failure, 115 (21.5%) had stroke, and 77 (14.4%) had diabetes. During the 12-month follow-up period, 238 patients had at least one unplanned hospitalization for decompensation of a chronic disease: 108 (40.4%) in the intervention group versus 130 (48.7%) in the control group (P = 0.04). The risk of rehospitalization was significantly reduced in the intervention group (age- and sex-adjusted relative risk: 0.72, 95% 95% confidence intervals 0.51-0.94). Conclusion A 12-month home telemonitoring program with online biometric analysis using Home life technology combining telecare and biometric sensors is feasible and effective in preventing unplanned hospitalizations for chronic disease decompensation in elderly patients with chronic diseases at high risk for hospitalizations.

Purpose To examine the impact of discontinuing the use of assistive technology for mobility (ATM) devices on the 6-months incidence of falls in older adults (OA) living at home. Materials and methods A medico-socioeconomic survey was performed to collect information on the quality of life and well-being of older adults, before and 6 months after being loaned an ATM device. Personal data (medical, social, and economic) were collected via a geriatric survey. Results In all, 102 OA participated in the study. Over the 6-months observation period, 17 ( n = 81) serious falls were recorded among participants who were using their ATM device optimally; in those who discontinued device use, 12 falls ( n = 21) were recorded (57.1%; p = 0.001). Factors significantly associated with falls at home were living in an urban area (odds ratio [OR]: 11.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48; 88.98; p = 0.020), an Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale score > 4 (OR: 34.04; 95% CI: 1.59; 727.86; p = 0.024), and discontinuation of ATM device use (OR: 17.41; 95% CI: 2.59; 117.02; p = 0.003). Conclusion Discontinuation of ATM device use was associated with an increased risk for serious falls.

While the needs of dependent seniors needs are important in Nursing Home (NH), the medical resources are low in residences located in a medical desert. Access to care in these NH is very unequal and can result in a loss of chance for residents who are immediately transferred to emergency with a risk of iatrogeny or inappropriate hospitalization. Objective: We aim to find new models of care organization to optimize management of elderly in NH thanks to new technologies Artificial Intelligence (AI) associated to telemedicine. Method: Intel@Care is a 3 steps program planned over 5 years : 1- faisability study : Intel@Med-Faisa (2019-2020); 2- proof of concept : Intel@Med-POC with socio-environmental study (2020-2022); 3- efficiency study with medico-economic assessment Intel@Med-Efficiency (2022-2024). Results: Intel@Med-Faisa : 18 residents were included in 2 NHs; 20 additional diagnoses were created to adapt the Artificial Intelligence algorithm to the clinical characteristics of the elderly. Intel@Med-POC: (study in progress): 306 residents to be included to validate development of evidence-based decision tool to help physician to make decisions to manage healthcare interventions, verify the acceptability of the new care organization. A medico-economic study is also conducted. Perspectives : This program aims to secure the use of this tool by professionals and to identify the obstacles and levers about use, perception and find an economic model for the deployment on the territory. In parallel, a clinical research will be conducted in order to adapt this organization to elderly people living at home in medical desert areas., Le vieillissement de la population s���accompagne de la probl��matique des pathologies chroniques et de la d��pendance parfois lourde, imposant une admission en Etablissement d���H��bergement pour Personnes ��g��es D��pendantes (EHPAD). En raison d���une d��mographie m��dicale h��t��rog��ne, l���acc��s aux soins dans ces ��tablissements est tr��s in��galitaire au niveau national et surtout en Limousin et en Dordogne. L���arriv��e de l���Intelligence Artificielle (IA) peut ��tre une vraie opportunit�� pour trouver de nouveaux mod��les d���organisation de soins pouvant pallier �� la d��sertification m��dicale. M��thodologie : Nous avons construit un projet de validation en trois ��tapes. 1- La faisabilit�� (2019-2020) : r��alis��e localement dans deux EHPAD ; 2- La preuve de concept (2020-2022): r��alis��e dans 7 EHPAD localis��s dans des d��serts m��dicaux de la Nouvelle Aquitaine avec une ��tude socio-environnementale adoss��e; 3- L���efficience avec une approche m��dico-��conomique et le d��ploiement (2022-2024) : projet qui sera men�� sur le territoire europ��en. R��sultats : Intel@Med-Faisa : 18 r��sidents inclus, cr��ation de 20 diagnostics suppl��mentaires pour adapter l���algorithme d���IA aux caract��ristiques cliniques des personnes ��g��es. Intel@Med-POC : Etude en cours, 306 r��sidents �� inclure pour valider l���outil d���aide �� la d��cision et v��rifier l���acceptabilit�� de la nouvelle organisation de soins. Retomb��es : Le projet Intel@Care est une exp��rimentation utilisant l���IA, pour r��pondre �� la probl��matique d���acc��s aux soins des personnes ��g��es vivant en zone de d��sertification m��dicale sur le territoire en impliquant tous les acteurs du secteur m��dico-social. Le programme Intel@Care inclus ��galement une exp��rimentation aupr��s des personnes ��g��es vivant �� domicile dans les d��serts m��dicaux afin d���adapter une organisation sp��cifique., Trayectorias Humanas Trascontinentales, N�� 12 | 2021

Background Independence is related to the aging process. Loss of independence is defined as the inability to make decisions and participate in activities of daily living (ADLs). Independence is related to physical, psychological, biological, and socioeconomic factors. An enhanced understanding of older people’s independence trajectories and associated risk factors would enable the develop early intervention strategies. Methods Independence trajectory analysis was performed on patients identified in the Unité de Prévention de Suivi et d’Analyse du Vieillissement (UPSAV) database. UPSAV cohort is a prospective observational study. Participants were 221 community-dwelling persons aged ≥75 years followed for 24 months between July 2011–November 2013 and benefits from a prevention strategy. Data were collected prospectively using a questionnaire. Independence was assessed using the “Functional Autonomy Measurement System (Système de Mesure de l’Autonomie Fonctionnelle (SMAF))”. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was performed to identify independence trajectories, and the results were compared with those of k-means and hierarchical ascending classifications. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify predictive factors of the independence trajectory. Results Three distinct trajectories of independence were identified including a “Stable functional autonomy (SFA) trajectory” (53% of patients), a “Stable then decline functional autonomy decline (SDFA) trajectory” (33% of patients) and a “Constantly functional autonomy decline (CFAD) trajectory” (14% of patients). Not being a member of an association, and previous fall were significantly associated of a SDFA trajectory (P P Conclusions Community-living older persons exhibit distinct independence trajectories and the predictive factors. The evidence from this study suggests that the prevention and screening for the loss of independence of the older adults should be anticipated to maintaining autonomy.

Management of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is mainly based on modifying liquid viscosity and solid consistency in order to preserve oral feeding while avoiding unsafe swallowing. Adding thickening powders (TP) to water is the most common practice in patients suffering from OD to liquids, but ready-to-use gelled waters (RGW) can also be proposed. The main objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a RGW and a TP on swallowing in hospitalized patients with different OD etiologies. This open, crossover, multicenter trial recruited thirty hospitalized patients with OD to liquids, confirmed by positive 3-ounce water test or positive Practical Aspiration Screening Scheme test. The patient’s ability to swallow 120 g of a RGW (IDDSI level 4) and a drink prepared with TP (nectar viscosity; NTP, 291 cP, IDDSI level 2; or if necessary, honey; HTP, 769 cP, IDDSI level 3) was evaluated in a random order at 1- to 3-day intervals. The main criterion was the efficacy of each product, defined as the proportion of patients who successfully swallowed without immediate reflexive cough. The RGW and TP were successfully swallowed in respectively 93.3% (95% CI: 77.9–99.2) and 82.8% (95% CI: 64.2–94.2) of patients with different dysphagia etiologies (stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, or aging) and unable to swallow thin water. Taste and texture of both study products were well appreciated by patients, with a preference for the RGW over TP. Therefore, the use of these thickened products could be part of the therapeutic strategy for patients with OD to liquids.

Introduction: The prevalence of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) increases with age and is associated with cognitive impairment. Older patients with NCD admitted to the emergency department (ED) are readmitted after discharge to home more often than those without NCD. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is effective for improving clinical outcomes in older patients; however, the usefulness of CGA for older patients with NCD admitted to the ED has not been investigated. The main objective of our study is to assess the effectiveness of a geriatric emergency medicine unit (GEMU) for elderly patients with NCD admitted to the ED. Methods: This historical cohort study included patients aged 75 years and older with NCD admitted to the ED of Limoges University Hospital in France over a 4-year period. We compared patients treated in our hospital’s GEMU, the MUPA unit (exposed group), and patients who received standard care by emergency physicians (control group). The primary end point was the incidence of 30-day readmissions. Results: The study included 801 patients admitted to the ED between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018 (400 in the exposed group). Of those, 72.5% were female, and the mean age was 87 ± 5 years. After adjusting for confounding factors, the 30-day readmission rate was significantly associated with the MUPA unit intervention. Conclusion: CGA in a GEMU improved health outcomes in elderly patients with NCD in the ED. We recommend that all EDs include a geriatric team, such as the MUPA unit, to treat all patients with NCD admitted to the ED.

Background Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in older adults and it can increase morbidity and mortality. Approximately one in three older adults fall each year; mild chronic hyponatremia can predispose this group to injurious falls and fractures and serum levels of sodium can also influence bone health. Little is known regarding the association between mild chronic hyponatremia and injurious fall prevalence in elderly patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED). Therefore, the present study investigated the link between mild hyponatremia and the risk of injurious falls in elderly patients admitted to the Emergency Geriatric Medicine Unit (The MUPA Unit). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted over 4 months and included patients ≥75 years of age who were admitted to the MUPA Unit of University Hospital Center of Limoges (France). Sociodemographic factors, fall events, comorbidities, medications, and sodium levels were assessed (hyponatremia was considered as sodium level < 136 mEq/L). Additionally, the short Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (short-CGA), the Frailty score on the Short Emergency Geriatric Assessment (SEGA), and the Katz Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale were administered. Results Of the 696 cases included in the final analysis, the mean age was 86.1 ± 5.6 years and 63.1% were female. The prevalence of falls was 27.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.6–31.2%) and that of mild hyponatremia was 15.9% (95% CI: 13.2–18.6%). The prevalence rate of mild hyponatremia was 13.2% (95% CI: 10.1–16.3%) in patients without falls and 26.1% (95% CI: 19.8–32.4%) in patients admitted for falls. Mild hyponatremia was significantly associated with falls (P < 0.001) and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 3.02 (95% CI: 1.84–4.96). Conclusions Because mild hyponatremia might be a risk factor for injurious falls and ED admission, determination of sodium levels during basic biomarker assessment on ED admission could be an important component of fall prevention strategies for the elderly.

International audience

Introduction: Since 2002, with the creation of Centers of Memory Resources and Research (CMRR), considerable progress has been made in France regarding the administrative and institutional framework within which Alzheimer's disease (AD) is managed. In this study, we explore three approaches that can help optimize the inclusion of patients in clinical trials related to AD. They are as follows: to assess communication concerning clinical trials on AD in French CMRR, to analyze the internal organization of these centers concerning the dynamics of inclusion, and to evaluate screening tools used. Methods: A national, descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted in all CMRR in France between May 1 and July 31, 2011, using a self-administered questionnaire. All investigators, subinvestigators and the relevant CMRR personnel were involved. Results: A total of 75% of the CMRR participated, and about 30% of the physicians contacted responded positively to the survey. Only 50% reported having communicated with health care professionals at least once in the previous 3 months, and less than 50% had communicated occasionally with the general public. A total of 75% of those surveyed had a research group but only half of the groups were active, 50% of the physicians did not have a consultation time dedicated to study recruitment, and 75% of the respondents had a screening tool in their CMRR but over half of them were not satisfied with it. Conclusion: This investigation provides a basis for improving the screening of patients by both internal organizational development and adaptation of tools already available. Improvement requires promoting regular communication that is appropriate and targeted to health care professionals, smaller memory centers, associations and the public, and therefore, familiarizing the whole population with clinical research on AD.