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BackgroundBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common presentation to the ED. Evidence suggests low adherence to guideline-recommended care, but the reasons underlying this are poorly understood. This study used the theoretical domains framework (TDF) to explore the barriers and facilitators to medical and physiotherapy clinical practices in the management of BPPV in an Australian metropolitan ED.MethodsFrom May to December 2021, semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 medical staff and 13 physiotherapists who worked at an ED in Melbourne, Australia. Interviews used the TDF to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators to the delivery of guideline-recommended assessment and treatment techniques for BPPV. Data were analysed thematically to identify relevant domains and generate themes and belief statements.ResultsFifteen belief statements representing eight domains of the TDF were identified as key factors in the management of BPPV in the ED. The most prominent domains wereknowledgeandskillsdue to their conflicting belief statements between professions concerning education, skill development and self-confidence;memory, attention and decision processesfor the perceived complexity of the presentation including difficulty recalling diagnostic and treatment techniques; andenvironmental context and resourcesfor their shared belief statements concerning time and workload pressures. The availability of vestibular physiotherapy was considered both a barrier and facilitator to the delivery of recommended care by medical staff, but a barrier to independent practice as it unintentionally limited the opportunities for skill development in medical staff.ConclusionSeveral modifiable barriers and facilitators to the management of BPPV in the ED have been identified. Differences were observed between the professional groups, and these findings will guide a future intervention to improve the use of guideline-recommended assessment and treatment techniques for BPPV in ED.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of considering sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) as a potential confounder to rehabilitation research interventions in spinal cord injury (SCI). SDB is highly prevalent in SCI, with increased prevalence in individuals with higher and more severe lesions, and the criterion standard treatment with continuous positive airway pressure remains problematic. Despite its high prevalence, SDB is often untested and untreated in individuals with SCI. In individuals without SCI, SDB is known to negatively affect physical function and many of the physiological systems that negatively affect physical rehabilitation in SCI. Thus, owing to the high prevalence, under testing, low treatment adherence, and known negative effect on the physical function, it is contended that underdiagnosed SDB in SCI may be confounding physical rehabilitation research studies in individuals with SCI. Studies investigating the effect of treating SDB and its effect on physical rehabilitation in SCI were unable to be located. Thus, studies investigating the likely integrated relationship among physical rehabilitation, SDB, and proper treatment of SDB in SCI are needed. Owing to rapid growth in both sleep medicine and physical rehabilitation intervention research in SCI, the authors contend it is the appropriate time to begin the conversations and collaborations between these fields. We discuss a general overview of SDB and physical training modalities, as well as how SDB could be affecting these studies.

Study objectivesDespite the negative impact of poor sleep on mental health, evidence-based insomnia management guidelines have not been translated into routine mental healthcare. Here, we evaluate a state-wide knowledge translation effort to disseminate sleep and insomnia education to graduate psychology programs online using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) evaluation framework.MethodsUsing a non-randomized waitlist control design, graduate psychology students attended a validated six-hour online sleep education workshop delivered as part of their graduate psychology program in Victoria, Australia. Sleep knowledge, attitudes, and practice assessments were conducted pre- and post-program, with long-term feedback collected at 12 months.ResultsSeven out of ten graduate psychology programs adopted the workshop (adoption rate = 70%). The workshop reached 313 graduate students, with a research participation rate of 81%. The workshop was effective at improving students’ sleep knowledge and self-efficacy to manage sleep disturbances using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), compared to the waitlist control with medium-to-large effect sizes (allpConclusionOnline sleep education workshops can be scaled to deliver cost-effective foundational sleep training to graduate psychology students. This workshop will accelerate the translation of insomnia management guidelines into psychology practice to improve sleep and mental health outcomes nationwide.

Sleep disturbances are common after stroke and may affect recovery and rehabilitation outcomes. Sleep monitoring in the hospital environment is not routine practice yet may offer insight into how the hospital environment influences post-stroke sleep quality while also enabling us to investigate the relationships between sleep quality and neuroplasticity, physical activity, fatigue levels, and recovery of functional independence while undergoing rehabilitation. Commonly used sleep monitoring devices can be expensive, which limits their use in clinical settings. Therefore, there is a need for low-cost methods to monitor sleep quality in hospital settings. This study compared a commonly used actigraphy sleep monitoring device with a low-cost commercial device. Eighteen adults with stroke wore the Philips Actiwatch to monitor sleep latency, sleep time, number of awakenings, time spent awake, and sleep efficiency. A sub-sample (n = 6) slept with the Withings Sleep Analyzer in situ, recording the same sleep parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots indicated poor agreement between the devices. Usability issues and inconsistencies were reported between the objectively measured sleep parameters recorded by the Withings device compared with the Philips Actiwatch. While these findings suggest that low-cost devices are not suitable for use in a hospital environment, further investigations in larger cohorts of adults with stroke are needed to examine the utility and accuracy of off-the-shelf low-cost devices to monitor sleep quality in the hospital environment.

BackgroundEvidence-based clinical practice guidelines recommend discussion by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to review and plan the management of patients for a variety of cancers. However, not all patients diagnosed with cancer are presented at an MDT.Objectives(1) To identify the factors (barriers and enablers) influencing presentation of all patients to, and the perceived value of, MDT meetings in the management of patients with pancreatic cancer and; (2) to identify potential interventions that could overcome modifiable barriers and enhance enablers using the theoretical domains framework (TDF).MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with radiologists, surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, palliative care specialists and nurse specialists based in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. Interviews were conducted either in person or via videoconferencing. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, deidentified and data were thematically coded according to the 12 domains explored within the TDF. Common belief statements were generated to compare the variation between participant responses.ResultsIn total, 29 specialists were interviewed over a 4-month period. Twenty-two themes and 40 belief statements relevant to all the TDF domains were generated. Key enablers influencing MDT practices included a strong organisational focus (social/professional role and identity), beliefs about the benefits of an MDT discussion (beliefs about consequences), the use of technology, for example, videoconferencing (environmental context and resources), the motivation to provide good quality care (motivation and goals) and collegiality (social influences). Barriers included: absence of palliative care representation (skills), the number of MDT meetings (environmental context and resources), the cumulative cost of staff time (beliefs about consequences), the lack of capacity to discuss all patients within the allotted time (beliefs about capabilities) and reduced confidence to participate in discussions (social influences).ConclusionsThe internal and external organisational structures surrounding MDT meetings ideally need to be strengthened with the development of agreed evidence-based protocols and referral pathways, a focus on resource allocation and capabilities, and a culture that fosters widespread collaboration for all stages of pancreatic cancer.

Objective To describe continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in acute tetraplegia, including adherence rates and associated factors. Design Secondary analysis of CPAP data from a multinational randomized controlled trial. Setting Inpatient rehabilitation units of 11 spinal cord injury centers. Participants : People with acute, traumatic tetraplegia and OSA (N=79). Interventions Autotitrating CPAP for OSA for 3 months. Main Outcome Measures Adherence measured as mean daily hours of use. Adherent (yes/no) was defined as an average of at least 4 hours a night throughout the study. Regression analyses determined associations between baseline factors and adherence. CPAP device pressure and leak data were analyzed descriptively. Results A total of 79 participants from 10 spinal units (91% men; mean age ± SD, 46±16; 78±64d postinjury) completed the study in the treatment arm and 33% were adherent. Mean daily CPAP use ± SD was 2.9±2.3 hours. Better adherence was associated with more severe OSA (P=.04) and greater CPAP use in the first week (P Conclusion Adherence to CPAP after acute, traumatic tetraplegia is low. Early acceptance of therapy and more severe OSA predict CPAP use over 3 months. People with acute tetraplegia require less pressure to treat their OSA than the nondisabled; however, air leak is high. These findings highlight the need for further investigation of OSA treatment in acute tetraplegia.

BackgroundDespite increasing capacity to remotely monitor non-invasive ventilation (NIV), how remote data varies from day to day and person to person is poorly described.MethodsSingle-centre, 2-month, prospective study of clinically stable adults on long-term NIV which aimed to document NIV-device variability. Participants were switched to a ventilator with tele-monitoring capabilities. Ventilation settings and masking were not altered. Raw, extensible markup language data files were provided directly from Philips Respironics (EncoreAnywhere). A nested analysis of variance was conducted on each ventilator variable to apportion the relative variation between and within participants.ResultsTwenty-nine people were recruited (four withdrew, one had insufficient data for analyses; 1364 days of data). Mean age was 54.0 years (SD 18.4), 58.3% male with body mass index of 37.0 kg/m2 (13.7). Mean adherence was 8.53 (2.23) hours/day and all participants had adherence >4 hours/day. Variance in ventilator-derived indices was predominantly driven by differences between participants; usage (61% between vs 39% within), Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index (71% vs 29%), unintentional (64% vs 36%) and total leak (83% vs 17%), tidal volume (93% vs 7%), minute ventilation (92% vs 8%), respiratory rate (92% vs 8%) and percentage of triggered breaths (93% vs 7%).InterpretationIn this clinically stable cohort, all device-derived indices were more varied between users than the day-to-day variation within individuals. We speculate that normative ranges and thresholds for clinical intervention need to be individualised, and further research is necessary to determine the clinically important relationships between clinician targets for therapy and patient-reported outcomes.

Mixed-methods observational study.To describe the sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) management models of three spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation centres that are screening, diagnosing and treating uncomplicated SDB, and to determine their common elements.Three specialist SCI rehabilitation centres.Data collection at each site included direct observations and interviews with lead clinical staff and an audit of SDB-related clinical practice in 2019. Detailed descriptions of the models of care, including process maps, were developed. A theory-based analysis of the common elements of the three care models was undertaken.At each centre a multidisciplinary team, consisting of medical, allied health and/or nursing staff, provided a comprehensive SDB management service that included screening, diagnosis and treatment. Inpatients with SCI were assessed for SDB with overnight oximetry and/or polygraphy. Further assessment of patient symptoms, respiratory function, and hypercapnia supported the diagnostic process. Treatment with positive airway pressure was initiated on the ward. Having a collaborative, skilled team with strong leadership and adequate resources were the key, common enablers to providing the service.It is feasible for multi-disciplinary SCI rehabilitation teams to independently diagnose and treat uncomplicated SDB without referral to specialist sleep services provided they are adequately resourced with equipment and skilled staff. Similar models of care could substantially improve access to SDB treatment for people with SCI. Further research is required to determine the non-inferiority of these alternatives to specialist care.

Descriptive study. To determine the effect of respiratory event rule-set changes on the apnoea hypopnoea index, and diagnostic and severity thresholds in people with acute and chronic spinal cord injury. Eleven acute spinal cord injury inpatient hospitals across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and England; community dwelling chronic spinal cord injury patients in their own homes. Polysomnography of people with acute (n = 24) and chronic (n = 78) tetraplegia were reanalysed from 1999 American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) respiratory scoring, to 2007 AASM ‘alternative’ and 2012 AASM respectively. Equivalent cut points for published 1999 AASM sleep disordered breathing severity ranges were calculated using receiver operator curves, and results presented alongside analyses from the able-bodied. In people with tetraplegia, shift from 1999 AASM to 2007 AASM ‘alternative’ resulted in a 22% lower apnoea hypopnoea index, and to 2012 AASM a 17% lower index. In people with tetraplegia, equivalent cut-points for 1999 AASM severities of 5,15 and 30 were calculated at 2.4, 8.1 and 16.3 for 2007 AASM ‘alternative’ and 3.2, 10.0 and 21.2 for 2012 AASM. Interpreting research, prevalence and clinical polysomnography results conducted over different periods requires knowledge of the relationship between different rule-sets, and appropriate thresholds for diagnosis of disease. This project was proudly supported by the Traffic Accident Commission (Program grant) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (PhD stipend 616605).

Weekend admissions to hospital are associated with worse patient outcomes. Casualisation of the weekend workforce and reduced access to allied health (AH) services may contribute to this phenomenon. Alternative AH staffing models have been proposed. This study explored the perceptions of AH staff regarding weekend and after-hour staffing models.Mixed-methods study including descriptive and thematic analysis of survey and focus group data. Participants were AH staff and stakeholders from a major Victorian (Australian) public health service.160 staff (21%) completed the online survey. Three focus groups (16 participants) were conducted. Most AH disciplines used a casual staffing model on weekends. Most survey respondents (79%) thought a staffing model across 7 days would improve patient outcomes. In the focus groups, staff reported that the existing weekend staffing model was inadequate and could be optimised by weekday staff working across 7 days. For AH staff to work across 7 days, they emphasised the importance of planning and flexibility to enable a healthy work/life balance.AH staff and stakeholders were dissatisfied with the casual AH work¬force model on weekends. Sustainable AH staffing models across 7 days are becoming increasingly important as healthcare resources become strained due to increasing demands.

Background The adoption of research evidence to improve client outcomes may be enhanced using the principles of implementation science. This systematic review aimed to understand the effect of involving consumers to change health professional behaviours and practices. The barriers and enablers to consumer engagement will also be examined. Methods We searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PDQ-Evidence from 2004 to February 2019. Implementation studies involving consumers in at least one phase (development, intervention or facilitation) of an intervention that aimed to change health professional behaviour to align with evidence-based practice were included. Studies in the areas of paediatrics and primary care were excluded. Two review authors independently screened studies for inclusion, and one author extracted data and conducted quality assessments with review of a second author. Knowledge translation interventions were categorized using the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care taxonomy. The primary outcome was measures of change in health professional behaviour. Results Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of three studies found support for consumer involvement in changing healthcare professionals’ behaviour (Hedges’ g = 0.41, 95% CI [0.27, 0.57], P Conclusions Consumer involvement rarely moves beyond the design phase of knowledge translation research in healthcare settings. Further research of the barriers to and effect of increased consumer engagement across all stages of knowledge translation interventions is needed. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42019119179.

Objectives: To identify exercise tests that are suitable for home-based or remote administration in people with chronic lung disease. Methods: Rapid review of studies that reported home-based or remote administration of an exercise test in people with chronic lung disease, and studies reporting their clinimetric (measurement) properties. Results: 84 studies were included. Tests used at home were the 6-minute walk test (6MWT, two studies), sit-to-stand tests (STS, five studies), Timed Up and Go (TUG, 4 studies) and step tests (two studies). Exercise tests administered remotely were the 6MWT (two studies) and step test (one study). Compared to centre-based testing the 6MWT distance was similar when performed outdoors but shorter when performed at home (two studies). The STS, TUG and step tests were feasible, reliable (intra-class correlation coefficients >0.80), valid (concurrent and known groups validity) and moderately responsive to pulmonary rehabilitation (medium effect sizes). These tests elicited less desaturation than the 6MWT, and validated methods to prescribe exercise were not reported. Discussion: The STS, step and TUG tests can be performed at home, but do not accurately document desaturation with walking or allow exercise prescription. Patients at risk of desaturation should be prioritised for centre-based exercise testing when this is available.

Systematic review with meta-analysis.To determine the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in people with tetraplegia and to identify the characteristics associated with SDB.A systematic literature search using Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and grey literature sources was conducted using a combination of spinal cord injury (SCI) and SDB related terms. Articles were restricted to publication dates between 1/1/2000 and 4/9/2020 and with objectively measured SDB with an overnight sleep study. The frequency of SDB stratified by the apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) was extracted and weighted averages, using a random effects model, were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Sub-group analyses were performed where possible.Twelve articles were included in the review; of these nine were included in meta-analysis (combined sample = 630). Sample sizes and case detection methods varied. Reported SDB prevalence rates ranged from 46 to 97%. The prevalence of at least mild (AHI ≥ 5), moderate (AHI ≥ 15) and severe (AHI ≥ 30) SDB were 83% (95% CI = 73-91), 59% (46-71) and 36% (26-46), respectively. Sub-group analyses found that prevalence increased with age (p 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in SDB prevalence by sex (p = 0.06), complete/incomplete SCI (p = 0.06), body mass index (p = 0.07), acute/chronic SCI (p = 0.73) or high/low level of cervical SCI (p = 0.90).Our results confirm that SDB is highly prevalent in people with tetraplegia, and prevalence increases with age. The high prevalence suggests that routine screening and subsequent treatment should be considered in both acute and community care.

ObjectivesTo identify exercise tests that are suitable for home-based or remote administration in people with chronic lung disease.MethodsRapid review of studies that reported home-based or remote administration of an exercise test in people with chronic lung disease, and studies reporting their clinimetric properties.Results84 studies were included. Tests used at home were the 6-minute walk test (6MWT, 2 studies), sit-to-stand tests (STS, 5 studies), Timed Up and Go (TUG, 4 studies) and step tests (2 studies). Exercise tests administered remotely were the 6MWT (2 studies) and step test (1 study). Compared to centre-based testing the 6MWT distance was similar when performed outdoors but shorter when performed at home (2 studies). The STS, TUG and step tests were feasible, reliable (intra-class correlation coefficients >0.80), valid (concurrent and known groups validity) and moderately responsive to pulmonary rehabilitation (medium effect sizes). These tests elicited less desaturation than the 6MWT, and validated methods to prescribe exercise were not reported.DiscussionThe STS, step and TUG tests can be performed at home, but do not accurately document desaturation with walking or allow exercise prescription. Patients at risk of desaturation should be prioritised for centre-based exercise testing when this is available.

Mixed methods OBJECTIVES: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the recommended treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The aim of this study was to estimate CPAP adherence in people with tetraplegia and OSA, and to explore the barriers and facilitators to CPAP use.Hospital outpatient department in Melbourne, Australia METHODS: People with chronic tetraplegia and OSA were commenced with auto-titrating CPAP and supported for 1 month. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants at one month and analysed thematically. CPAP usage was measured at 1, 6 and 12 months, with "adherent" defined as achieving more than 4 h average per night.Sixteen participants completed the study (80% male; mean age 56 (SD = 15)). Mean nightly CPAP use at one month was 3.1 h (SD = 2.5; 38% adherent), and at 6 months and 12 months were 2.6 h (SD = 2.8; 25% adherent) and 2.1 h (SD = 3.2; 25% adherent). The perceived benefit/burden balance strongly influenced ongoing use. Burden attributed to CPAP use was common, and included mask discomfort, and physical and emotional problems. Adherent participants were motivated by the immediate daytime benefits to mood, alertness and sleepiness. There was a tendency to not recognise symptoms of OSA until after they were treated.CPAP use is challenging for people with tetraplegia, who experience substantial burden from using the device. When tolerated, the proximate benefits are substantial. People with tetraplegia need more intensive support for longer to help them overcome the burdens of CPAP and benefit from the treatment.

Observational study.To quantify diurnal blood pressure (BP) patterns and nocturnal hypertension and to measure diurnal urine production in people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), compared with controls without SCI.Chronic SCI population in the community in Victoria, Australia.Participants were recruited by advertisement, and sustained SCI at least a year prior or were healthy able-bodied volunteers. Participants underwent ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), measurement of urine production, and completed questionnaires regarding orthostatic symptoms. Comparisons were made between participants with tetraplegia or paraplegia and able-bodied controls. Participants with night:day systolic BP 90% were classified as dippers, 90-100% as nondippers, and100% as reverse dippers.Groups with tetraplegia (n = 51) and paraplegia (n = 33) were older (42.1 ± 15 and 41.1 ± 15 vs. 32.4 ± 13 years, mean ± s.d.) and had a higher prevalence of males (88 and 85% vs. 60%) than controls (n = 52). The average BP was 110.8 ± 1.5/64.4 ± 1.2 mmHg, 119.4 ± 2.1/69.8 ± 1.5 mmHg, and 118.1 ± 1.4/69.8 ± 1.0 mmHg in tetraplegia, paraplegia, and controls, respectively. Of participants with tetraplegia, paraplegia and controls, reverse dipping was observed in 45, 13, and 2% (p 0.001), while nocturnal hypertension was observed in 13, 23, and 18%, respectively (p = 0.48). A reduction in nocturnal urine flow rate compared with the day was observed in paraplegia and controls, but not tetraplegia.Similar to the effects of acute SCI, chronic SCI, specifically tetraplegia, also causes isolated nocturnal hypertension, reverse dipping, orthostatic intolerance, and nocturnal polyuria. Cardiovascular risk management and assessment of orthostatic symptoms should include ABPM.

International collaboration in spinal cord injury (SCI) research is necessary to overcome the challenges often encountered by clinicians and researchers, including participant recruitment, high cost, and the need for specialized expertise. However, international collaboration poses its own obstacles. The objective of this study was to conduct an international online survey to assess barriers and facilitators to international SCI clinical research, potential initiatives to facilitate future collaborations, and the use of SCI-specific data sets and standards. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of 364 total respondents, 213 completed the survey, with the majority of these participants based in North America (38%), Asia (22%), Europe (18%), and Oceania (16%). Over half had more than 10 years of experience in SCI research or clinical practice (57%) and 60% had previous experience with international collaborations. Funding was identified as a top barrier (82%), a facilitator (93%), and a proposed future initiative (97%). Communication and technology were also identified as strong facilitators and proposed future initiatives. The International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI were used by 69% of participants, the International Standards to document remaining Autonomic Function after SCI by 13% of participants, and the International SCI Data Sets by 45% of participants. As the need for international collaborations in SCI research increases, it is important to identify how clinicians and researchers can be supported by SCI consumer and professional organizations, funders, and networks. Furthermore, unique solutions to overcome modifiable barriers and creation of new facilitators are also needed.

First Place Award Submission - CA147Category: Clinical ApplicationManagement of obesity after spinal cord injury: a systematic reviewMir Hatef Shojaei1, Mohammad Alavinia1, B. Catharine Craven1,21N...

Objective: To establish the prevalence of Periodic Limb Movements during Sleep (PLMS) in patients with tetraplegia, controlling for obstructive sleep apnea. To explore whether demographic and injury characteristics affect PLMS.\ud \ud Study Design: Retrospective cohorts.\ud \ud Setting and Participants: One hundred seventy-three participants with acute (12 months) tetraplegia who underwent full overnight diagnostic sleep studies.\ud \ud Interventions and outcome measures: Two hundred sixty-two sleep study recordings were included. A randomly selected subgroup of 21 studies was assessed for PLM during wakefulness. Data were analysed according to the current American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines.\ud \ud Results: Of the participants, 41.6% (43(15.7) years and 14.9% female) had a motor and sensory complete lesion. Sleep was poor with both OSA (87.8% with apnea hypopnoea index ≥ 5) and PLMS (58.4% with PLMS per hour PLMSI > 15) highly prevalent. There was no difference in the PLMSI between those with OSA (36.3(39.8)) or without (42.2(37.7), P = 0.42). PLMS were evident during REM and NREM sleep in all of the 153 patients with PLMSI > 15. All 21 participants in the subgroup of studies analysed for the PLM during quiet wakefulness, exhibited limb movements. None of the modelled variables (injury completeness, gender, OSA severity or time since injury) significantly predicted a PLMSI > 15 (P = 0.343).\ud \ud Conclusion: In conclusion, this study confirms the high prevalence of PLM in tetraplegia and the presence of leg movements in NREM and REM sleep along with wakefulness after controlling for OSA. No associations between the presence of PLMS and patient characteristics or injury specific aspects were found.

Background Clinical practice guidelines recommend further testing for people with tetraplegia and signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), followed by treatment with positive airway pressure therapy. Little is known about how clinicians manage OSA in tetraplegia. The theoretical domains framework (TDF) is commonly used to identify determinants of clinical behaviours. This study aimed to describe OSA management practices in tetraplegia, and to explore factors influencing clinical practice. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 specialist doctors managing people with tetraplegia from spinal units in Europe, UK, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand. Interviews were audiotaped for verbatim transcription. OSA management was divided into screening, diagnosis and treatment components for inpatient and outpatient services, allowing common practices to be categorised. Data were thematically coded to the 12 constructs of the TDF. Common beliefs were identified and comparisons were made between participants reporting different practices. Results Routine screening for OSA signs and symptoms was reported by 10 (50%) doctors in inpatient settings and eight (40%) in outpatient clinics. Doctors commonly referred to sleep specialists for OSA diagnosis (9/20 in inpatients; 16/20 in outpatients), and treatment (12/20, 17/20). Three doctors reported their three spinal units were managing non-complicated OSA internally, without referral to sleep specialists. Ten belief statements representing six domains of the TDF were generated about screening. Lack of time and support staff (Environmental context and resources) and no prompts to screen for OSA (Memory, attention and decision processes) were commonly identified barriers to routine screening. Ten belief statements representing six TDF domains were generated for diagnosis and treatment behaviours. Common barriers to independent management practices were lack of skills (Skills), low confidence (Beliefs about capabilities), and the belief that OSA management was outside their scope of practice (Social/Professional role and identity). The three units independently managing OSA were well resourced with multidisciplinary involvement (Environmental context and resources), had ‘clinical champions’ to lead the program (Social influences). Conclusion Clinical management of OSA in tetraplegia is highly varied. Several influences on OSA management within spinal units have been identified, facilitating the development of future interventions aiming to improve clinical practice. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-019-4197-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Accurate pre-operative imaging plays a vital role in patient selection for surgery and in allocating stage-appropriate therapies to patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC). This study aims to: (1) understand the current diagnosis and staging practices for PC; and (2) explore the factors (barriers and enablers) that influence the use of a pancreatic protocol computed tomography (PPCT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm diagnosis and/or accurately stage PC. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with radiologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, medical and radiation oncologists from the states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, Australia. Interviews were conducted either in person or via video conferencing. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, de-identified and data were thematically coded according to the 12 domains explored within the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Common belief statements were generated to compare the variation between participant responses. Findings In total, 21 clinicians (5 radiologists, 10 surgeons, 2 gastroenterologists, 4 medical and radiation oncologists) were interviewed over a four-month-period. Belief statements relevant to the TDF domains were generated. Across the 11 relevant domains, 20 themes and 30 specific beliefs were identified. All TDF domains, with the exception of social influences were identified by participants as relevant to protocol-based imaging using either a PPCT or MRI, with the domains of knowledge, skills and environmental context and resources being offered by most participants as being relevant in influencing their decisions. Conclusions To maximise outcomes and personalise therapy it is imperative that diagnosis and staging investigations using the most appropriate imaging modalities are conducted in a timely, efficient and effective manner. The results provide an understanding of specialists’ opinion and behaviour in relation to a PPCT or MRI and should be used to inform the design of future interventions to improve compliance with this practice.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in individuals with tetraplegia and associated with adverse health outcomes. The causes of the high prevalence of OSA in this population are unknown, but it is important to understand as standard treatments are poorly tolerated in tetraplegia. Nasal congestion is common in tetraplegia, possibly because of unopposed parasympathetic activity. Further, nasal obstruction can induce OSA in healthy individuals. We therefore aimed to compare nasal resistance before and after topical administration of a sympathomimetic between 10 individuals with tetraplegia (T) and 9 able-bodied (AB) controls matched for OSA severity, gender, and age.Nasal, pharyngeal, and total upper airway resistance were calculated before and every 2 minutes following delivery of ≈0.05 mL of 0.5% atomized phenylephrine to the nostrils and pharyngeal airway. The surface tension of the upper airway lining liquid was also assessed.At baseline, individuals with tetraplegia had elevated nasal resistance (T = 7.0 ± 1.9, AB = 3.0 ± 0.6 cm HThese data suggest that the unopposed parasympathetic activity in tetraplegia increases nasal resistance, potentially contributing to the high occurrence of OSA in this population.

Item does not contain fulltext STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To model the effect of time since injury on longitudinal respiratory function measures in spinal cord injured-individuals and to investigate the effect of patient characteristics. SETTING: A total of 173 people who sustained a spinal cord injury between 1966 and April 2013 and who had previously participated in research or who underwent clinically indicated outpatient respiratory function tests at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, were included in the study. At least two measurements over time were available for analysis in 59 patients. METHODS: Longitudinal data analysis was performed using generalised linear regression models to determine changes in respiratory function following spinal cord injury from immediately post injury to many years later. Secondly, we explored whether injury severity, age, gender and body mass index (BMI) at injury altered the time-dependent change in respiratory function. RESULTS: The generalised linear regression model showed no significant change (P=0.276) in respiratory function measured in (forced) vital capacity ((F)VC) after the spinal cord injury. However, significant (P30 kg m-2.Spinal Cord advance online publication, 12 January 2016; doi:10.1038/sc.2015.233.

Prospective, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of nasal decongestion in tetraplegia. Tetraplegia is complicated by severe, predominantly obstructive, sleep apnoea. First-line therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea is nasal continuous positive airway pressure, but this is poorly tolerated. High nasal resistance associated with unopposed parasympathetic activation of the upper airway contributes to poor adherence. This preliminary study tested whether reducing nasal decongestion improved sleep. Participants’ homes in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. Two sleep studies were performed in participants’ homes separated by 1 week. Participants were given a nasal spray (0.5 mL of 5% phenylephrine or placebo) in random order and posterior nasal resistance measured immediately. Outcomes included sleep apnoea severity, perceived nasal congestion, sleep quality and oxygenation during sleep. Twelve middle-aged (average (SD) 52 (12) years) overweight (body mass index 25.3 (6.7) kg/m2) men (C4-6, AIS A and B) participated. Nasal resistance was reduced following administration of phenylephrine (p = 0.02; mean between treatment group difference −5.20: 95% confidence interval −9.09, −1.32 cmH2O/L/s). No differences were observed in the apnoea hypopnoea index (p = 0.15; −6.37: −33.3, 20.6 events/h), total sleep time (p = 0.49; −1.33: −51.8, 49.1 min), REM sleep% (p = 0.50; 2.37: −5.6, 10.3), arousal index (p = 0.76; 1.15: −17.45, 19.75), 4% oxygen desaturation index (p = 0.88; 0.63: −23.5, 24.7 events/h), or the percentage of mouth breathing events (p = 0.4; −8.07: −29.2, 13.0) between treatments. The apnoea hypopnoea index did differ between groups, however, all except one participant had proportionally more hypopnoeas than apnoeas during sleep after decongestion. These preliminary data found that phenylephrine acutely reduced nasal resistance but did not significantly change sleep-disordered breathing severity.

Introduction: The Northern Alliance HARP smoking cessation program provides support to chronic disease participants who desired to quit smoking. This is an individualised program with pharmacotherapy and behavioural support, delivered by specialist clinicians.Aims: The aims of this descriptive evaluation were to explore factors that affect abstinence rates, record those rates, and describe the impact of anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, quality of life and motivation on quit rates at three months.Methods: Data was collected prospectively from clients enrolled in the service. Participants were assessed for abstinence at three months, six months and one year by carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring and self-reporting. Factors predictive of quitting were analysed using logistic regression; factors with a p value < 0.05 and 95% CI not containing one were considered statistically significant.Results: 103 clients were assessed and 86 were enrolled in the program. The odds of successful quitting at three months CO verified was higher amongst completers of the program compared to non-completers (OR = 6.6, 95% CI = 2.03–21.57, p = 0.002). The probability of sustained quitting at one year was over 18 times higher in the group who completed the program (n = 16/21 completers and n = 1/4 non-completers) (OR 18.5, 95% CI, 2.32–147.34, p = 0.006). No other factors predicted quitting.The rate of quitting was 28.7% at three months, 19.5% at six months and 10.3% at one year, CO verified. Measures of anxiety and depression, self-efficacy, quality of life and motivation did not influence either the quit rate or the likelihood of completing the course of treatment at three months.

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is highly prevalent in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold-standard diagnostic test for OSA, however PSG is expensive and frequently inaccessible, especially in SCI. A two-stage model, incorporating a questionnaire followed by oximetry, has been found to accurately detect moderate to severe OSA (MS-OSA) in a non-disabled primary care population. This study investigated the accuracy of the two-stage model in chronic tetraplegia using both the original model and a modified version for tetraplegia.MethodsAn existing data set of 78 people with tetraplegia was used to modify the original two-stage model. Multivariable analysis identified significant risk factors for inclusion in a new tetraplegia-specific questionnaire. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses of the questionnaires and oximetry established thresholds for diagnosing MS-OSA. The accuracy of both models in diagnosing MS-OSA was prospectively evaluated in 100 participants with chronic tetraplegia across four international SCI units.ResultsInjury completeness, sleepiness, self-reported snoring and apnoeas were included in the modified questionnaire, which was highly predictive of MS-OSA (ROC area under the curve 0.87 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.95)). The 3% oxygen desaturation index was also highly predictive (0.93 (0.87–0.98)). The two-stage model with modified questionnaire had a sensitivity and specificity of 83% (66–93) and 88% (75–94) in the development group, and 77% (65–87) and 81% (68–90) in the validation group. Similar results were demonstrated with the original model.ConclusionImplementation of this simple alternative to full PSG could substantially increase the detection of OSA in patients with tetraplegia and improve access to treatments.Trial registration numberResults, ACTRN12615000896572 (The Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry) and pre-results, NCT02176928 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Sleep disordered breathing is highly prevalent following spinal cord injury and likely caused by the injury. Beyond the devastating physical consequences of spinal cord injury, neuropsychological dysfunction is also common. In both the able-bodied and chronic spinal cord injury patients, sleep disordered breathing impairs many areas of neuropsychological function. However, this has not been investigated in patients with acute injury. Study objectives: To investigate the relationship between apnea severity and neuropsychological function in patients with acute-onset tetraplegia and sleep disordered breathing. Methods: Polysomnography and neuropsychological testing were performed on 104 participants (age M = 45.60, SD = 16.38; 10 female) across 11 international sites, 2 months postinjury (M = 60.70 days, SD = 39.48). Neuropsychological tests assessed attention, information processing, executive function, memory, learning, mood, and quality of life. Results: More severe sleep apnea was associated with poorer attention, information processing, and immediate recall. Deficits did not extend to memory. Higher preinjury intelligence and being younger reduced the associations with sleep disordered breathing; however, these protective factors were insufficient to counter the damage to attention, immediate recall, and information processing associated with sleep disordered breathing. Conclusions: These data suggest that new spinal cord injury may function as a model of “acute sleep apnea” and that more widespread sleep apnea–related deficits, including memory, may only be seen with longer exposure to apnea. These findings have important implications for functioning and skill acquisition during rehabilitation and, as such, highlight the importance of sleep health following tetraplegia.

Background: Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) following acute tetraplegia is up to 83%. CPAP is the first-line treatment however its effectiveness may be limited by poor adherence. Aim: To determine the rate and the factors associated with CPAP adherence in people with acute tetraplegia and OSA. Methods: Analysis of CPAP adherence in a multinational randomized controlled trial of 3 months of auto-titrating CPAP or usual care for OSA after acute tetraplegia. Participants were only randomised if they could tolerate CPAP for greater than 4 hours on 1 of 3 nights. Those in the CPAP treatment arm were “adherent” if they tolerated CPAP for >4 hours per night for 5-7 nights a week for at least 50% of the 13 week study. Univariate analyses were undertaken to determine associations between baseline factors and adherence. Results: 11 spinal cord injury centres participated in the study. 149 participants (134 men, age 46±34, 81±57 days post-injury) completed the study. 78% of participants with an Apnoea Hypopnoea Index (AHI) >10 passed the initial 3 night CPAP trial (164/211) and were randomized. Of the 79 study participants receiving CPAP, 23 (29%) were adherent. Assuming those who did not pass the initial trial would not have been adherent, overall CPAP adherence was 18% (23/126). Factors associated with CPAP adherence included higher AHI (p=0.01), higher abdominal girth (p=0.003) and study site (p=0.02). Conclusion: Adherence to CPAP following acute, traumatic quadriplegia is poor. Those with a higher AHI and abdominal girth are more likely to adhere. Clinician support and expertise with CPAP implementation is also likely to be important.

Background The background of the study is a comparison of risk-adjusted mortality across hospitals from different jurisdictions is now common worldwide. Aim To examine temporal trends in risk-adjusted mortality in Victoria over the last decade. Methods Retrospective cohort study of 6.89 million adult (>14 years) patient episodes from 23 major Victorian public hospitals between 1999 and 2009. The primary outcome was in-hospital death. Three measures were calculated: the crude mortality rate, risk-adjusted mortality rate and standardised mortality ratio (SMR). The Hospital Outcome Prediction Equation (HOPE) was applied to generate estimates of predicted mortality that were used to compute the SMR and risk-adjusted mortality rates. The HOPE model includes 26 exogenous risk factors for which providers have no influence. The model was calibrated using the 2004–2005 data. Temporal mortality trends from 1999–2009 were evaluated using negative binomial regression for crude mortality and SMR estimates and random-intercept hierarchical logistic regression for risk-adjusted mortality. Results The study population included 84 423 in-hospital deaths (1.2%). Crude mortality risk declined from 1.5% in 2000 to 1.1% in 2005–2009 (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95–0.97; P < 0.001). There were 1.39 million episodes in the HOPE calibration cohort. Between 1999 and 2009, the SMR decreased from 1.4 to 0.9 (IRR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.90–0.97; P < 0.001) and adjusted mortality risk declined from 2.1% to 0.9% (odds ratio = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.94–0.94, P < 0.001). Declining mortality trends were evident in the tertiary, metropolitan and regional peer groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion Analysis of in-hospital risk-adjusted mortality trends using the HOPE model indicates significant improvement in patient outcomes in the State of Victoria over the past decade.

The worldwide burden of diabetes is projected to be 5.4% of the adult population by the year 2025. Diabetes is associated with multiple medical complications that both decrease health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) and contribute to earlier mortality. There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of multidisciplinary disease management programs that incorporate self-management principles in improving patients' long-term outcomes. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in improving: (1) glycemic control measured by HbA1c, and (2) HR-QOL measured by the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQOL), at enrollment and at 12-months follow-up. Between 2004 and 2008, a total of 967 patients were enrolled in the program; 545 (56%) of these patients had HbA1c data available at baseline and at 12 months. Mean HbA1c at enrollment was 8.6% (SD 1.9) versus 7.3% (SD 1.2) at 12 months (P

barker a., kamar j., graco m., lawlor v. & hill k. (2011) Adding value to the STRATIFY falls risk assessment in acute hospitals. Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(2), 450–457. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a study conducted to compare the predictive accuracy for fallers of The Northern Hospital Modified St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool and St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool, and to determine the inter-rater agreement of each tool. Background. Falls risk assessment is a key component of fall prevention. Investigation of clinimetric properties of a tool should be completed before it are used in clinical practice. Methods. Local falls data were used to inform modification of the St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool to improve faller prediction. Clinimetric properties of the St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool and The Northern Hospital Modified St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool were examined in a prospective cross-sectional study with acute hospital patients. Phase I involved assessment of predictive accuracy using sensitivity, specificity and the Youden Index (J) with 263 patients. Phase II of the evaluation involved assessment of inter-rater agreement using the Kappa statistic (κ) with 52 patients. Data were collected in 2008. Results. Impaired balance, age 80 years and older and drug and alcohol problems were identified as additional falls risk factors in The Northern Hospital population and added to the St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool. The Northern Hospital Modified St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool had higher sensitivity (0·65 vs. 0·35, P = 0·016). The St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool had higher specificity (0·93 vs. 0·79, P = 0·000). The Northern Hospital Modified St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool had the greater overall accuracy (J) (0·44 vs. 0·28, P = 0·006). Inter-rater agreement of The Northern Hospital Modified St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool was fair (κ = 0·34) and low for the St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool (κ = 0·19). Conclusion. The Northern Hospital Modified St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool and St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool accurately identified patients at risk of falling. The Northern Hospital Modified St Thomas’s Risk Assessment Tool was more accurate. Tools which have unknown validity and reliability should not be used. Future research is needed to provide evidence that use of falls risk assessments has a positive impact on reducing patient falls.

Background: The aim of this study was to validate a risk-adjusted hospital outcome prediction equation (HOPE) using a statewide administrative dataset. Methods: Retrospective observational study using multivariate logistic regression modelling. Calibration and discrimination were assessed by standardized mortality ratio (SMR), area under the receiver operating characteristic plot (ROC AUC), Hosmer–Lemeshow contingency tables and goodness-of-fit statistic in an independent dataset, and in all 23 important tertiary, metropolitan and regional hospitals. The dependent variable was in-hospital death. All consecutive adult hospital separations between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2006, excluding obstetric and day-case only admissions, from all acute health services within the State of Victoria, Australia were included. Results: A total of 379 676 consecutive records (1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005) was used to derive the HOPE model. Six variables (age, male sex, admission diagnosis, emergency admission, aged-care resident and inter-hospital transfer) were selected for inclusion in the final model. It was validated in the 384 489 consecutive records from the following year (1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006). The 95% confidence interval for the SMR was 0.98–1.02, and for the ROC AUC, 0.87–0.88. Discrimination and (one or more) calibration criteria were achieved in 22 (96%) of the 23 hospitals. Conclusion: The HOPE model is a simple risk-adjusted outcome prediction tool, based on six variables from data that are routinely collected for administrative purposes and appears to be a reliable predictor of hospital outcome.

"Issue addressed: Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Regular physical activity plays an important role in preventing T2DM. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of physical activity among women with previous GDM, in the context of preventing T2DM. Methods: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 women with previous GDM who had not been diagnosed with T2DM. Data were analysed using a modified grounded theory approach. Results: Women perceived diet to be significantly more important for the prevention of T2DM than physical activity. They underestimated the role of physical activity in preventing diabetes, which may have resulted from the lack of information they received following their pregnancy. Women consistently placed the needs of their families before their own, despite acknowledging their future health risks. The most commonly cited constraints on physical activity participation were lack of time, partner support, and appropriate childcare. They identified a need for ‘family-friendly’ community-based physical activity programs for mothers, more accessible childcare, and more information about the role of physical activity in diabetes prevention. Conclusions: Awareness of the role of physical activity for the prevention of diabetes was low. Physical activity promotion for women with previous GDM needs to be shaped around the opportunities and constraints identified by this population group. Key words: gestational diabetes, primary prevention, exercise, type 2 mellitus diabetes, qualitative research."

Background There is increased interest in developing multidisciplinary ambulatory care models of service delivery to manage patients with complex chronic diseases. These programs are expensive and given limited resources it is important that care is targeted effectively. One potential screening strategy is to identify individuals who report the greatest decrement in health related quality of life (HRQoL) and thus greater need. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between HRQoL, comorbid conditions and acute health care utilisation. Methods A prospective, longitudinal cohort design was used to evaluate the impact of HRQoL on acute care utilisation rates over three-years of follow-up. Participants were enrolled in chronic disease management programs run by a metropolitan health service in Australia. Baseline data was collected from 2007–2009 and follow-up data until 2012. Administrative data was used to classify patients’ primary reasons for enrolment, number of comorbidities (Charlson Score) and presentations to acute care. At enrolment, HRQoL was measured using the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) instrument, for analysis AQoL scores were dichotomised at two standard deviations below the population norm. Results There were 1999 participants (54 % male) with a mean age of 63 years (range 18–101), enrolled in the study. Participants’ primary health conditions at enrolment were: diabetes 915 (46 %), chronic respiratory disease 463 (23 %), cardiac disease 260 (13 %), peripheral vascular disease, and 181 (9 %) and aged care 180 (9 %). At 1-year multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated that AQOL utility score was not predictive of acute care presentations after adjusting for comorbidities. Over 3-years an AQoL utility score in the lowest quartile was predictive of both ED presentation (OR 1.58, 95 % CI, 1.16–2.13, p = 0.003) and admissions (OR 1.67, 95 % CI.1.21 to 2.30, p = 0.002) after adjusting for differences in age and comorbidities. Conclusion This study found that both HRQoL and comorbidities were predictive of subsequent acute care attendance over 3-years of follow-up. At 1-year, comorbidities was a better predictor of acute care representation than HRQoL. To maximise benefits, programs should initially focus on medical disease management, but subsequently switch to strategies that enhance health independence and raise HRQoL.

This is a cross-sectional survey. The objective of this study was to evaluate the subjective sleep disturbances and quality of life in chronic tetraplegia. This study was conducted in a community sample from Victoria, Australia. People with tetraplegia were mailed a survey battery including the following: demographic questions; Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS); Basic Nordic Sleepiness Questionnaire; Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ); Multivariate Apnoea Prediction Index and Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) Questionnaire. Scores were compared with the best available normative data. A total of 163 of 424 (38%) surveys were returned (77% male; 39% sensory and motor complete; mean age±s.d.=46±14 years; mean years since injury=11±8 years). The AQoL health utility score (0.31±0.29) was significantly lower than published population norms. FOSQ total (17.55±2.57) and KSS (3.93±2.27) scores were no different from the best available population data. People with tetraplegia reported worse sleep habits, symptoms and quality than a normal population, as indicated on 17 of 21 questions on the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire. Multivariate analysis found that greater injury severity (coefficient (95% CI)=0.14 (0.10, 0.18)), increasing age (−0.004 (−0.008, −0.001)) and worse sleep symptoms (−0.005 (−0.009, −0.0003)) were all significantly associated with reduced quality of life. People with chronic tetraplegia experience more subjective sleep problems and worse quality of life than their able-bodied counterparts. Quality of life is related to injury severity, age and sleep symptoms. Treating the sleep disorders experienced by people living with tetraplegia has the potential to improve their health and well-being.

Objective To determine if a programme of progressive resistance exercise, mobilisation and orientation, in addition to usual care, was superior to usual care alone in the prevention of incident delirium in older hospitalised patients. Design A randomised controlled trial. Setting The study was performed at a secondary referral hospital in Melbourne, Australia between May 2005 and December 2007. Participants 648 consecutive medical inpatients aged 65 years or older who had been in hospital for less than 48 h and who did not have delirium. Intervention Participants were randomly allocated to a twice-daily programme of progressive resistance exercise tailored to individual ability, mobilisation and orientation in addition to usual care or to usual care alone. Measurements Delirium was measured using the Confusion Assessment Method at baseline and every 48 h until discharge. Secondary outcome measures were severity and duration of delirium, discharge destination and length of stay. Results Delirium occurred in 4.9% (95% CI 2.3% to 7.3%) of the intervention group (15/305) and in 5.9% (20/339; 95% CI 3.8% to 9.2%) of the group receiving usual care. No difference was observed between groups (χ2; p=0.5). The intervention had no effect on delirium duration, severity, discharge destination or length of stay. Conclusion A programme of progressive resistance exercise and orientation was not effective in reducing incident delirium in hospitalised elderly patients.