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Frailty is a theoretical concept used to track individual age-related declines. Persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) often present with pre-existing deficits that would be considered frailty markers in the general population. The previously developed Vienna Frailty Questionnaire for Persons with ID (VFQ-ID) was aimed at assessing frailty in this specific population. However, findings of the initial frailty study in 2007 revealed some weaknesses. This paper reports on the development of the Vienna Frailty Questionnaire for Persons with ID--Revised (VFQ-ID-R) as well as its first application and psychometric evaluation. The authors re-administered the VFQ-ID-R to participants with ID who had been assessed with the VFQ-ID in 2007. The goal was to study the factor structure and reliability of the revised test. Internal consistency of the VFQ-ID-R was found to be very good for the entire scale and was moderate for the four domains of the scale. Inter-rater reliability and retest reliability were found to be good. The revisions made to the VFQ-ID will be useful in assessing and supporting ageing individuals with ID. (Contains 3 tables.)

While mental disorders have been broadly researched in people with intellectual disabilities (ID), comparatively less attention has been given to the conceptualisation of good mental health for this population. To capture existing concepts, definitions and measurement approaches of good mental health a systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in eleven databases, using various synonyms of (i) intellectual disability, (ii) mental health, (iii) wellbeing, (iv) definition, and (v) assessment. A total of 2,046 datasets were identified, of which 37 met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and content analysis. Results show four main themes: (1) environment, (2) absence of mental illness, (3) physical health, and (4) psychosocial functioning. The fourth was the most dominant theme and was further divided into five sub-themes: (1) emotionality, (2) interpersonal relations, (3) realise own potential, (4) personal resources, and (5) overall appraisal of life. Our findings reveal different conceptualisations of wellbeing, which is a vital part of good mental health, but highlight a notable research gap in the actual definition and conceptualisation of good mental health for people with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In 2022, assisted suicide (AS) was legalized in Austria. We aimed to investigate the experiences and attitudes of palliative care (PC) and hospice nurses toward AS in Austria after the first year of implementation of the new law., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed online to nurses in every known specialized and general hospice and PC units in Austria ( n = 255 units). The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, the Assisted Suicide Attitude Scale, the Comfort Discussing Assisted Suicide Scale, and questions on recent experiences with AS requests. We used Spearman's correlation coefficient for determining associations between sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward AS, as well as comfort discussing AS. For comparison of frequencies, we applied ꭓ 2 tests. We computed a linear regression model to examine predictors for attitudes toward AS., Results: The total sample were N = 280 nurses. More than half (61.2%) indicated that they had cared for a patient who expressed a wish for AS within the first year of implementation. Though responses varied widely, more nurses expressed support for AS than those were opposed (50.36% and 31.75%, respectively). Factors that statistically contributed to more reluctance toward AS in the regression model were older age, religiousness, and experience of working with patients expressing a wish for AS., Significance of Results: This work provides valuable insight into nurses' perceptions toward the legislation of AS in the first year since the new law was passed. The results can inform the future development of the AS system and support for nurses in end-of-life care, and critically contribute to international discussions on this controversial topic.

Background: This group of physicians is difficult to reach and small in number. While studies of palliative care and end-of-life (EOL) issues in prison have increased, especially in the United States and since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, they are still limited due to the constraints of carrying out research in carceral contexts. At present, there is very little knowledge of the experiences of physicians providing EOL care in prisons. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the experiences of doctors caring for terminally ill patients inside prisons., Methods: Three expert qualitative interviews were conducted in March and April 2021 with physicians working in carceral institutions in New York State and Austria. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis was used to examine the data., Results: The following five themes were found: (I) a lack of training and support; (II) interrupted relationships; (III) limitations on visits and saying one's goodbyes; (IV) security as a main concern; and (V) the possibility of release., Conclusions: The study reveals the difficulties physicians face when caring for dying incarcerated patients. Provider-patient relationships are hardly continuous. The findings represent a starting point for further research. Support from the medical and palliative care community is needed for adequate provision of EOL care within prisons, improved post-release conditions, and help for physicians working in existing structures.