Mary Fox

Effectiveness of Acute Geriatric Unit Care Using Acute Care for Elders Components: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To compare the effectiveness of acute geriatric unit care, based on all or part of the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) model and introduced in the acute phase of illness or injury, with that of usual care.

Acute Care for Elders Components of Acute Geriatric Unit Care: Systematic Descriptive Review

To describe the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) model components implemented as part of acute geriatric unit care and explore the association between each ACE component and outcomes of iatrogenic complications, functional decline, length of hospital stay, nursing home discharges, costs, and discharges home.

Patient-centered care: clarification of its specific elements to facilitate interprofessional care

Abstract Patient-centered care (PCC) has been described as a vague concept, which yields an inconsistent operationalization and implementation of this approach to care. This integrative review of the literature, guided by the conceptualization of PCC as a complex intervention, aimed to identify the specific elements of PCC. Conceptual, empirical and clinical literature in different health professions (n = 178 articles) was critically analyzed. Comparing and contrasting the definitions and descriptions of PCC revealed three specific elements that were represented in these components: holistic, collaborative and responsive care. Activities that constitute each component were specified. The implementation of PCC components is facilitated by a non-specific element: the therapeutic relationship. The results inform the development of protocols that can be used to promote the fidelity with which PCC is delivered by different professionals in a variety of healthcare settings.

Effectiveness of early discharge planning in acutely ill or injured hospitalized older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundOlder age and higher acuity are associated with prolonged hospital stays and hospital readmissions. Early discharge planning may reduce lengths of hospital stay and hospital readmissions; however, its effectiveness with acutely admitted older adults is unclear.MethodsIn this systematic review, we compared the effectiveness of early discharge planning to usual care in reducing index length of hospital stay, hospital readmissions, readmission length of hospital stay, and mortality; and increasing satisfaction with discharge planning and quality of life for older adults admitted to hospital with an acute illness or injury.We searched the Cochrane Library, DARE, HTA, NHSEED, ACP, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Proquest Dissertations and Theses, PubMed, Web of Science, SciSearch, PEDro, Sigma Theta Tau International’s registry of nursing research, Joanna Briggs Institute, CRISP, OT Seeker, and several internet search engines. Hand-searching was conducted in four gerontological journals and references of all included studies and previous systematic reviews. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis. Where meta-analysis was not possible, narrative analysis was performed.ResultsNine trials with a total of 1736 participants were included. Compared to usual care, early discharge planning was associated with fewer hospital readmissions within one to twelve months of index hospital discharge [risk ratio (RR) = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.69 − 0.90]; and lower readmission lengths of hospital stay within three to twelve months of index hospital discharge [weighted mean difference (WMD) = −2.47, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = −4.13 − −0.81)]. No differences were found in index length of hospital stay, mortality or satisfaction with discharge planning. Narrative analysis of four studies indicated that early discharge planning was associated with greater overall quality of life and the general health domain of quality of life two weeks after index hospital discharge.ConclusionsEarly discharge planning with acutely admitted older adults improves system level outcomes after index hospital discharge. Service providers can use these findings to design and implement early discharge planning for older adults admitted to hospital with an acute illness or injury.

Patient-centred communication intervention study to evaluate nurse-patient interactions in complex continuing care

BackgroundCommunication impairment is a frequent consequence of stroke. Patients who cannot articulate their needs respond with frustration and agitation, resulting in poor optimization of post-stroke functions. A key component of patient-centred care is the ability of staff to communicate in a way that allows them to understand the patient’s needs. We developed a patient-centred communication intervention targeting registered and unregulated nursing staff caring for complex continuing care patients with communication impairments post stroke. Research objectives include 1) examining the effects of the intervention on patients’ quality of life, depression, satisfaction with care, and agitation; and (2) examining the extent to which the intervention improves staff’s attitudes and knowledge in caring for patients with communication impairments. The intervention builds on a previous pilot study.Methods/designA quasi-experimental repeated measures non-equivalent control group design in a complex continuing care facility is being used. Patients with a communication impairment post-stroke admitted to the facility are eligible to participate. All staff nurses are eligible. Baseline data are collected from staff and patients. Follow-up will occur at 1 and 3 months post-intervention. Subject recruitment and data collection from 60 patients and 30 staff will take approximately 36 months. The Patient-Centred Communication Intervention consists of three components: (1) development of an individualized patient communication care plan; (2) a one-day workshop focused on communication and behavioural management strategies for nursing staff; and (3) a staff support system. The intervention takes comprehensive patient assessments into account to inform the development of communication and behavioural strategies specifically tailored to each patient.DiscussionThe Patient-Centred Communication Intervention will provide staff with strategies to facilitate interactions with patients and to minimize agitation associated with considerable stress. The improvement of these interactions will lead to a reduction of agitation, which has the additional significance of increasing patients’ well-being, quality of life, and satisfaction with care.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01654029

Perceptions of bed days for individuals with chronic illness in extended care facilities

We explored perceptions of bed days (defined as staying in bed for 1 or more days per week) in 46 patients receiving extended in-patient services for chronic illness management. Illness onset or exacerbation (35%), limited mobility (22%), and tiredness (15%) were the most prevalent reasons for initiating bed days. Tiredness (44%), limited mobility (26%), pain (24%), bowel treatment (22), and conserving energy for future activities (20%) were the most prevalent current reasons. Most participants (74%) noted having been involved in decisions concerning bed days and preferred to continue bed days. The results suggest patients schedule bed days to manage several health related symptoms. Based on our findings, nurses could help patients to alternate daily upright activity with rest to mitigate the known consequences of bed days.

Exploring Differences in Patient-Centered Practices among Healthcare Professionals in Acute Care Settings

ABSTRACT There is limited evidence of the extent to which Healthcare professionals implement patient-centered care (PCC) and of the factors influencing their PCC practices in acute care organizations. This study aimed to (1) examine the practices reported by health professionals (physicians, nurses, social workers, other healthcare providers) in relation to three PCC components (holistic, collaborative, and responsive care), and (2) explore the association of professionals’ characteristics (gender, work experience) and a contextual factor (caseload), with the professionals’ PCC practices. Data were obtained from a large scale cross-sectional study, conducted in 18 hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Consenting professionals (n = 382) completed a self-report instrument assessing the three PCC components and responded to standard questions inquiring about their characteristics and workload. Small differences were found in the PCC practices across professional groups: (1) physicians reported higher levels of enacting the holistic care component; (2) physicians, other healthcare providers, and social workers reported implementing higher levels of the collaborative care component; and (3) physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers reported higher levels of providing responsive care. Caseload influenced holistic care practices. Interprofessional education and training strategies are needed to clarify and address professional differences in valuing and practicing PCC components. Clinical guidelines can be revised to enable professionals to engage patients in care-related decisions, customize patient care, and promote interprofessional collaboration in planning and implementing PCC. Additional research is warranted to determine the influence of professional, patient, and other contextual factors on professionals’ PCC practices in acute care hospitals.

Differences in sleep complaints in adults with varying levels of bed days residing in extended care facilities for chronic disease management.

This cohort study examined differences in perceived insomnia and daytime sleepiness in 67 adults residing in extended care facilities for chronic disease management who had varying levels of bed days. One bed day was defined as spending 24 hours in bed. Planned pairwise comparisons, using Bonferroni adjustment, were made between participants who spent 0 (n = 21), 2 to 4 (n = 23), and 5 to 7 (n = 23) days in bed during 1 week of monitoring. Participants who spent 5 to 7 days in bed had significantly greater insomnia than those who spent 2 to 4 days in bed. No group differences were found in daytime sleepiness. Based on the findings, nurses may assess subjective insomnia and explore sleep hygiene strategies, such as increasing time out of bed with patients who have high levels of 5 to 7 bed days.

Navigating Relationships: Nursing Teamwork in the Care of Older Adults

Increasingly, internationally educated nurses (IENs) from developing countries are seeking RN licensure and employment in Canada. Despite efforts to support their integration into the nursing workforce, a significant number never achieve integration. To explore this phenomenon, the authors use ethnographic methods informed by postcolonial feminism and relational ethical theory to examine the experiences of nurses educated in the Philippines as they seek Canadian RN licensure and employment. The studys focus on a journey that begins in the Philippines and continues in Canada adds an important temporal dimension located in tensions within and between the contexts of regulatory and immigration policies. The findings illuminate the dual challenge of being a new arrival in the country and being an IEN pursuing the Canadian RN credential. Additionally, the findings deepen our understanding of the dominant political, ideological, and social values, both in the Philippines and in Canada, that shape this experience.

Psychometric Properties of the Treatment Perception and Preferences Measure

Patient-centered care involves the provision of treatments that are responsive to patients’ preferences. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Treatment Perception and Preferences measure. Participants (n = 128) completed the measure relative to pharmacological, educational, and behavioral treatments for the management of insomnia. For each treatment, the measure presents a description of its goal, activities, mode and dose of delivery, and nine items to rate its perceived acceptability. All items measuring perception of treatment were internally consistent (α > .85) and loaded on one factor, except the item assessing severity of side effects. Differences in the measure’s scores between groups of participants provided evidence of validity: participants with a preference for a particular treatment rated it more favorably than alternative treatments. The measure provides a systematic and efficient method for eliciting well-informed treatment preferences. Its use in practice should be investigated.