Sarah Munce

Chronic disease and falls in community-dwelling Canadians over 65 years old: a population-based study exploring associations with number and pattern of chronic conditions

BackgroundFalls and chronic disease are both important health issues in older adults. The objectives of this study were to quantify the prevalence of falls and multi-morbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) in Canadian older adults; examine associations between falls and number of chronic conditions; and explore whether certain patterns of chronic disease were associated with a greater risk of falling.MethodsData were derived from the Canadian Community Health Survey- Healthy Aging. Primary outcomes from 16,357 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and over were self-reported falls in the previous 12 months and presence of 13 chronic conditions. Prevalence estimates were calculated with normalized sampling weights, and hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify clusters based on chronic condition patterns, and tested for association to falls with logistic regression.ResultsOverall prevalence of falling and multi-morbidity were 19.8% and 62.0% respectively. Fall risk was significantly greater in individuals with one, two, four, five and six or more chronic conditions relative to those with none (all p < 0.05). A seven-cluster model was selected, including groups with low prevalence of chronic disease, or high prevalence of hypertension and arthritis, visual impairment, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, or heart disease and hypertension. Only the hypertension cluster (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.2) and COPD cluster (OR = 1.6) were significantly associated with increased falls relative to the low prevalence group.ConclusionsBoth the number and pattern of chronic conditions were related to falls. COPD emerged as a significant predictor of falls despite affecting a smaller proportion of respondents. Continued study is warranted to verify this association and determine how to incorporate consideration of chronic disease and multi-morbidity into fall risk assessments.

Perceived facilitators and barriers to self-management in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury: a qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundCurrent evidence has suggested the need for increased self-management support efforts in spinal cord injury (SCI) to reduce secondary complications. However, current self-management programs may not be suitable for the unique needs of individuals with SCI, including reduced mobility and the importance of attendant care. There is a need for greater understanding of the self-management strategies adopted by individuals with SCI and the potential need for a tailored self-management program. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to understand the perceived facilitators and barriers to self-management to prevent secondary complications.MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach was used and involved telephone interviews. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals with traumatic SCI, their family members/caregivers, and managers from acute care/trauma and rehabilitation centres. Participants were recruited between September 2011 and May 2012. Analysis was conducted using inductive thematic analysis to understand the perceived facilitators and barriers to self-management to prevent secondary complications.ResultsA total of 26 interviews were conducted and they included 7 individuals with traumatic SCI, 7 family/caregivers (i.e., 7 SCI-caregiver dyads), and 12 acute care/rehabilitation managers from across the province of Ontario. The following five facilitators to self-management were identified: physical support from the caregiver, emotional support from the caregiver, peer support and feedback, importance of positive outlook and acceptance, and maintaining independence/control over care. The following five barriers to self-management were identified: caregiver burnout, funding and funding policies, lack of accessibility, physical limitations and secondary complications, and difficulties achieving positive outlook or mood.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the caregiver and the individual’s own mood/outlook, among other facilitators and barriers, make significant contributions to the self-management of individuals with traumatic SCI. The issues of timing/readiness and comorbidities and aging were observed across many of these themes. As such, the development of a tailored self-management program for individuals with traumatic SCI and their caregivers should incorporate these considerations.

Impact of psychological characteristics in self-management in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury

Study design:Cross-sectional survey.Objective:To examine the association between psychological characteristics in self-management and probable depression status in individuals with a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).Setting:Community-dwelling individuals with traumatic SCI living across Canada.Methods:Individuals with SCI were recruited by email via the Rick Hansen Institute as well as an outpatient hospital spinal clinic. Data were collected by self-report using an online survey. Standardized questionnaires were embedded within a larger survey and included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the short version of the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), the Moorong Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES) and the Pearlin-Schooler Mastery Scale (PMS).Results:Individuals with probable depression (n=25) had lower self-efficacy (67.9 vs 94.2, P<0.0001), mastery (18.9 vs 22.9, P<0.0001) and patient activation (60.4 vs 71.6, P<0.0001) as well as higher anxiety (9.0 vs 5.5, P<0.0001), compared with their non-depressed counterparts (n=75). A logistic regression determined that lower self-efficacy and mastery scores as well as less time since injury were associated with depression status (P=0.002; P=0.02 and P=0.02, respectively). Individuals with higher anxiety scores were almost 1.5 times more likely to be depressed, while older age was positively associated with depression status (P=0.016 and P=0.024, respectively).Conclusion:Interventions for depression in SCI, including a self-management program, should target factors such as self-efficacy and mastery, which could improve secondary medical complications and overall quality of life.

Development of a Chronic Care Model for Neurological Conditions (CCM-NC).

BackgroundPersons with neurological conditions and their families face a number of challenges with the provision of health and community-based services. The purpose of this study was to understand the existing health and community service needs and gaps in care and to use this information to develop a model to specify factors and processes that may improve the quality of care and health and well-being for persons with neurological conditions.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with health care professionals, community-based non-health care professionals working with individuals with neurological conditions, and policy makers –from the Ministries of Health, Community and Social Services, Transportation and Education– across Canada. We used a purposive sampling and snowballing approach to obtain maximum variation across professions, sector and geography (provinces and territories, rural and urban). Data analysis was an iterative, constant comparative process involving descriptive and interpretive analyses and was initially guided by the components of the Expanded Chronic Care Model.ResultsA total of 180 individuals completed the interviews: 39% (n = 70) health care professionals, 47% (n = 85) community-based non-health care professionals, and 14% (n = 25) policy makers. Based on the data we developed the Chronic Care Model for Neurological Conditions (CCM-NC). The major needs/gaps are represented by the following themes: acceptance and openness to neurological conditions, evidence informed policy, investments and funding, supported transitions, caregiver support, and life enhancing resources (education, employment, housing and transportation), knowledge and awareness of neurological conditions and availability and access to health services. The model maintains that intersectoral collaboration across the health system, community and policy components is needed. It recognizes that attitudes, policies, enhanced community integration and health system changes are needed to develop activated patients and families, proactive service delivery teams, a person-centred health system and healthy public policy for persons with neurological conditions.ConclusionThe CCM-NC will generate debate and discussion about the actions needed in each of the model components to enable people with neurological conditions to sustain healthier lives. Next steps include validating the model with persons with neurological conditions, in and outside of the Canadian context and developing and evaluating interventions to test the model.

Impact of quality improvement strategies on the quality of life and well-being of individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review protocol

BackgroundAfter a spinal cord injury, quality of life, as well as the determinants of quality of life, has been widely assessed. However, to date, there have been no systematic reviews on the impact of quality improvement strategies, including self-management strategies, on the quality of life and well-being of individuals with a spinal cord injury. The current protocol outlines a strategy for a systematic review that aims to identify, assess, and synthesize evidence on the impact of quality improvement strategies on the quality of life and physical and psychological well-being of individuals with spinal cord injury.Methods/DesignAll study designs, except qualitative studies will be included. Studies reporting on quality improvement including audit and feedback, case management, team changes, electronic patient registries, clinician education, clinical reminders, facilitated relay of clinical information to clinicians, patient education, (promotion of) self-management, patient reminder systems, and continuous quality improvement among individuals with spinal cord injury will be included. The primary outcome is quality of life. The secondary outcomes are physical and psychological well-being. Studies will be included regardless of publication status, year of dissemination, or language of dissemination. Potentially relevant articles not written in English will be translated. We will search Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. The use of these databases will be supplemented by other data sources, including unpublished data. Two independent reviewers will conduct all levels of screening, data abstraction, and quality appraisal. Results will be grouped according to the target group of the varying quality improvement strategies (that is, health system, health-care professionals, or patients) and/or by any other noteworthy grouping variable, such as etiology of spinal cord condition or by sex. If deemed appropriate, a meta-analysis will be conducted.DiscussionThis systematic review will identify those quality improvement strategies aimed at the health system, health-care professionals, and patients that impact the quality of life and well-being of individuals with spinal cord injury. Knowledge and application of such quality improvement strategies may reduce inappropriate health-care utilization costs, such as acute care inpatient readmission in the years post injury. Prospero registry number: CRD42012003058.

Views of people with traumatic spinal cord injury about the components of self-management programs and program delivery: a Canadian pilot study.

BackgroundGiven the increasing emphasis on the community management of spinal cord injury (SCI), strategies that could be developed and implemented in order to empower and engage individuals with SCI in promoting their health and minimizing the risk of health conditions are required. A self-management program could be one approach to address these complex needs, including secondary complications. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the importance attributed to the components of a self-management program by individuals with traumatic SCI and explore their views/opinions about the delivery of such a program.MethodsIndividuals with SCI were recruited by email via the Rick Hansen Institute (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) as well as an outpatient hospital spinal clinic. Data were collected by self-report using an on-line survey.ResultsThe final sample size was 99 individuals with traumatic SCI. The components of a self-management program that were rated as “very important” by the greatest proportion of participants included: exercise (n= 53; 53.5%), nutrition (n= 51; 51.5%), pain management (n= 44; 44.4%), information/education on aging with a SCI (n= 42; 42.4%), communicating with health care professionals (n= 40; 40.4%), problem solving (n= 40; 40.4%), transitioning from rehabilitation to the community (n= 40; 40.4%), and confidence (n= 40; 40.4%). Overall, 74.7% (n= 74) of the sample rated the overall importance of the development of a self-management program for individuals with traumatic SCI as “very important” or “important”. Almost 40% (n= 39) of the sample indicated that an internet-based self-management program would be the best delivery format. The highest proportion of participants indicated that the program should have individuals of a similar level of injury (n= 74; 74.7%); having individuals of a similar age (n= 40; 40.4%) was also noted. Over one-quarter of the sample (n= 24) had a depression score consistent with significant symptoms of depression.ConclusionsFuture research is needed to further evaluate how the views of people with traumatic SCI change over time. Our findings could be used to develop and pilot test a self-management program for individuals with traumatic SCI.

Fracture risk assessment after BMD examination: whose job is it, anyway?

SummaryFracture risk assessments on bone mineral density reports guide family physicians’ treatment decisions but are subject to inaccuracy. Qualitative analysis of interviews with 22 family physicians illustrates their pervasive questioning of reported assessment accuracy and independent assumption of responsibility for assessment. Assumption of responsibility is common despite duplicating specialists’ work.IntroductionFracture risk is the basis for recommendations of treatment for osteoporosis, but assessments on bone mineral density (BMD) reports are subject to known inaccuracies. This creates a complex situation for referring physicians, who must rely on assessments to inform treatment decisions. This study was designed to broadly understand physicians’ current experiences with and preferences for BMD reporting; the present analysis focuses on their interpretation and use of the fracture risk assessments on reports, specificallyMethodsA qualitative, thematic analysis of one-on-one interviews with 22 family physicians in Ontario, Canada was performed.ResultsThe first major theme identified in interview data reflects questioning by family physicians of reported fracture risk assessments’ accuracy. Several major subthemes related to this included questioning of: 1) accuracy in raw bone mineral density measures (e.g., g/cm2); 2) accurate inclusion of modifying risk factors; and 3) the fracture risk assessment methodology employed. A second major theme identified was family physicians’ independent assumption of responsibility for risk assessment and its interpretation. Many participants reported that they computed risk assessments in their practice to ensure accuracy, even when provided with assessments on reports.ConclusionsResults indicate family physicians question accuracy of risk assessments on BMD reports and often assume responsibility both for revising and relating assessments to treatment recommendations. This assumption of responsibility is common despite the fact that it may duplicate the efforts of reading physicians. Better capture of risk information on BMD referrals, quality control standards for images and standardization of risk reporting may help attenuate some inefficiency.

Perspectives of health care professionals on the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of a stroke rehabilitation guidelines cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe Stroke Canada Optimization of Rehabilitation by Evidence Implementation Trial (SCORE-IT) was a cluster randomized controlled trial that evaluated two knowledge translation (KT) interventions for the promotion of the uptake of best practice recommendations for interventions targeting upper and lower extremity function, postural control, and mobility. Twenty rehabilitation centers across Canada were randomly assigned to either the facilitated or passive KT intervention. The objective of the current study was to understand the factors influencing the implementation of the recommended treatments and KT interventions from the perspective of nurses, occupational therapists and physical therapists, and clinical managers following completion of the trial.MethodsA qualitative descriptive approach involving focus groups was used. Thematic analysis was used to understand the factors influencing the implementation of the recommended treatments and KT interventions. The Clinical Practice Guidelines Framework for Improvement guided the analysis.ResultsThirty-three participants were interviewed from 11 of the 20 study sites (6 sites from the facilitated KT arm and 5 sites from the passive KT arm). The following factors influencing the implementation of the recommended treatments and KT interventions emerged: facilitation, agreement with the intervention – practical, familiarity with the recommended treatments, and environmental factors, including time and resources. Each of these themes includes the sub-themes of facilitator and/or barrier. Improved team communication and interdisciplinary collaboration emerged as an unintended outcome of the trial across both arms in addition to a facilitator to the implementation of the treatment recommendations. Facilitation was identified as a facilitator to implementation of the KT interventions in the passive KT intervention arm despite the lack of formally instituted facilitators in this arm of the trial.ConclusionsThis is one of the first studies to examine the factors influencing the implementation of stroke recommendations and associated KT interventions within the context of a trial. Findings highlight the important role of self-selected facilitators to implementation efforts. Future research should seek to better understand the specific characteristics of facilitators that are associated with successful implementation and clinical outcomes, especially within the context of stroke rehabilitation.

Systems analysis of community and health services for acquired brain injury in Ontario, Canada

Abstract Primary objective: To conduct a systems analysis on community and health services for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) in the province of Ontario, Canada. Research design: This study employed a triangulation design. This design is used when there is a need to validate quantitative results with qualitative data, as is the case in the present study. Methods and procedures: Forty-two healthcare professionals and/or healthcare administrators from organizations across the province and across the continuum of care were surveyed. A 1-day focus group was also held to validate the study findings. Main outcomes and results: The main results of this study revealed: (1) a lack of services for children/adolescents; (2) service gaps for individuals with co-existing mental health conditions; (3) a lack of services related to employment; (4) changes in casemix, in terms of more individuals with co-morbid medical and mental health conditions (with many of the organizations reporting medical instability and severe behavioural disorders as exclusion criteria); and (5) a need for more organizations to track patient outcomes for evaluation and/or accountability purposes. Conclusions: Findings from this study will lead to improvement of current services but also improved planning of future services for individuals with ABI.

Meaning of self-management from the perspective of individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury, their caregivers, and acute care and rehabilitation managers: an opportunity for improved care delivery.

BackgroundThe trend of decreasing length of stay in rehabilitation facilities has led to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) entering the community with unmet needs and fewer self-care skills to prevent secondary complications. The implementation of a self-management program for individuals with SCI for the management of these complex needs, including secondary complications, may be one option to fill these care gaps. A greater understanding of the meaning of self-management may facilitate the development of a tailored self-management program in this population. Thus, the current research aims to understand the meaning of self-management in traumatic SCI from the perspectives of individuals with traumatic SCI and their caregivers as well as acute care/trauma and rehabilitation managers.MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach was used. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 26 individuals with traumatic SCI, their family members/caregivers, and managers from acute care/trauma and rehabilitation centres. Inductive thematic analysis was applied.ResultsThe meaning of self-management in SCI related to two overarching themes of internal and external responsibility attribution and revealed differences between the meaning of self-management in SCI among individuals with traumatic SCI and their caregivers versus managers. Overall, the meaning of self-management among the SCI and caregiver participants related principally to internal responsibility attribution. For the manager participants, the meaning of self-management was much narrower and the overarching theme of internal responsibility attribution that was observed among the SCI-caregiver dyads was not as widely expressed by this group.ConclusionsInterventions that are co-created by users and health care professionals are associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes. Thus, the understanding of self-management from these varying perspectives could be applied to the development of a tailored self-management program that is relevant to individuals with traumatic SCI and their caregivers. This may involve the development of a program that uses some of the structure of traditional chronic disease self-management programs, in accordance with the beliefs held by the managers, but also incorporates elements of wellness/health promotion interventions, in accordance with the beliefs held by the SCI and caregiver participants.