Search

Psychoeducational videoconferencing interventions bypass traditional in‐person barriers to attendance and are effective in improving caregiving skills, self‐care, and wellness among informal caregivers. Information on their feasibility, usability, and acceptability from the caregivers' perspective is needed to inform future designs and developments. This systematic review follows PRISMA 2020 guidelines to integrate this information. Five databases were systematically searched for relevant randomized control trials published between January 2012 and December 2022. Reference lists were cross‐checked for additional studies. Relevant studies were appraised and had their data extracted. This review contains 14 randomized controlled trials. Retention rates ranged from 55.56% to 100%, and major reasons for withdrawing include deteriorating patient health, lack of interest, and technical difficulties (feasibility). Caregivers found the videoconference technology usable, although participants in one intervention experienced poor connectivity and persistent technical issues (usability). Most caregivers were satisfied with videoconferencing interventions, found their content applicable to their situation, and appreciated their structure (acceptability). Those in videoconferencing group interventions were satisfied with small caregiver group sizes (acceptability). Adding respite care to interventions and incorporating short and regular videoconferencing sessions may improve feasibility. Ensuring small group sizes in videoconferencing group interventions and using participatory design may enhance acceptability. Advocacy is needed for employees identifying as informal caregivers to receive employer support and for quality connectivity within underserved areas. This may improve the feasibility and usability of interventions, allowing caregivers to receive the support they need. In future studies, power analyses and recruiting more caregivers may better assess feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study examines healthcare resource use (hospitalizations, emergency department [ED] visits, and home health episodes) among adults 65 and older diagnosed with hearing, vision, or dual sensory loss (SL) seen in the primary care setting of an academic health system. Methods: Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between SL (identified using ICD-10 codes) and healthcare resource use for 45,000 primary care patients. Results: The sample included 5.5% (N = 2479) with hearing loss, 10.4% (N = 4697) with vision loss, and 1.0% with dual SL (N = 469). Hearing loss increased the likelihood of having an ED visit (OR = 1.22, CI: 1.07–1.39), and home health services (OR = 1.27, CI: 1.07–1.51) compared to older adults without any SL. Vision loss reduced the likelihood of having a hospitalization (OR =.81, CI:.73–.91). Discussion: Findings support research into the drivers of healthcare use among older adults with sensory loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For older adults receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has emerged as a critical construct to examine because of its focus on components of well-being, which are affected by progressive changes in health status, health care, and social support. HRQoL is a health-focused quality of life (QOL) concept that encompasses aspects of QOL that affect health such as function, physical, and emotional health. Examining existing theoretical constructs and indicators of HRQoL among LTSS recipients led us to posit a revised conceptual framework for studying HRQoL among LTSS recipients. We adapted the Wilson and Cleary HRQoL model by expanding function to specifically include cognition, adding behavior and LTSS environmental characteristics in order to create a more robust HRQoL conceptual framework for older adults receiving LTSS. This refined conceptual model allows for the measurement of a mix of structural, process, and outcome measures. Continued development of a multidimensional conceptual framework with specific HRQoL measures that account for the unique characteristics of older adults receiving LTSS will contribute significantly to LTSS research, policy, and planning efforts.

Purpose: This study was designed to examine the factors associated with the preferences of Alzheimer's disease patients to participate in a decision to use an Alzheimer's disease-slowing medication and how involved their caregivers would let them be in this decision. Design and Methods: Interviews were conducted with 48 patients in the mild-to-moderate stage of Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Results: Ninety-two percent of patients indicated they would participate in an Alzheimer's disease treatment decision, whereas 71% of caregivers thought the patient would participate. Half of the caregivers who indicated that their relatives would participate had relatives who did not have the capacity to make the decision based on a consensus of three expert psychiatrists. Patients' insight into their diagnosis and prognosis, and having less cognitive impairment, being a female caregiver, and being a spousal caregiver were all associated with the likelihood that the patient would participate in the treatment decision. Patients talked about wanting to be involved in the process of making a treatment decision, whereas caregivers talked about assessing whether their relative could participate in the process of decision making. Implications: Mild-to-moderate stage Alzheimer's disease patients want to be involved in making treatment decisions, and caregivers are generally willing to involve them. Caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients talk about patient participation in relation to elements of the capacity to make a treatment decision. Clinicians can provide guidance and education to assist caregivers in understanding how to assess their relatives' abilities to make decisions and navigate the decision-making process.