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Cations M, Lang C, Draper B, Caughey GE, Evans K, Wesselingh S, Crotty M, Whitehead C, Inacio MC. Death by suicide among aged care recipients in Australia 2008-2017. Int Psychogeriatr 2023; 35:724-735. [PMID: 36803904 DOI: 10.1017/s104161022300008x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the features of aged care users who died by suicide and examine the use of mental health services and psychopharmacotherapy in the year before death. DESIGN Population-based, retrospective exploratory study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Individuals who died while accessing or waiting for permanent residential aged care (PRAC) or home care packages in Australia between 2008 and 2017. MEASUREMENTS Linked datasets describing aged care use, date and cause of death, health care use, medication use, and state-based hospital data collections. RESULTS Of 532,507 people who died, 354 (0.07%) died by suicide, including 81 receiving a home care package (0.17% of all home care package deaths), 129 in PRAC (0.03% of all deaths in PRAC), and 144 approved for but awaiting care (0.23% of all deaths while awaiting care). Factors associated with death by suicide compared to death by another cause were male sex, having a mental health condition, not having dementia, less frailty, and a hospitalization for self-injury in the year before death. Among those who were awaiting care, being born outside Australia, living alone, and not having a carer were associated with death by suicide. Those who died by suicide more often accessed Government-subsidized mental health services in the year before their death than those who died by another cause. CONCLUSIONS Older men, those with diagnosed mental health conditions, those living alone and without an informal carer, and those hospitalized for self-injury are key targets for suicide prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Cations
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, AdelaideSA, Australia
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, AdelaideSA, Australia
| | - Catherine Lang
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, AdelaideSA, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, SydneyAustralia
| | - Gillian E Caughey
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, AdelaideSA, Australia
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, AdelaideSA, Australia
| | - Keith Evans
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, AdelaideSA, Australia
| | - Steve Wesselingh
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, AdelaideSA, Australia
| | - Maria Crotty
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, AdelaideSA, Australia
| | - Craig Whitehead
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, AdelaideSA, Australia
| | - Maria C Inacio
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, AdelaideSA, Australia
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, AdelaideSA, Australia
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Walker AR, Srasuebkul P, Trollor JN, Wand APF, Draper B, Cvejic RC, Moxey A, Reppermund S. Risk factors for dementia and self-harm: A linkage study. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5138-5150. [PMID: 37126409 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People living with dementia experience poor mental health and high rates of self-harm. We investigated risk factors for self-harm in people aged > 40 years living with dementia and risk factors for dementia after self-harm. METHODS Using linked hospital data from New South Wales, Australia, we defined a dementia cohort (n = 154,811) and a self-harm cohort (n = 28,972). Using survival analyses, we investigated predictors of self-harm for the dementia cohort, and predictors of dementia for the self-harm cohort. RESULTS We found self-harm or dementia diagnoses occurred most often within 24 months of a dementia diagnosis or initial self-harm presentation, respectively. Men living with dementia, and people with complex psychiatric profiles, had the greatest risk of self-harm. Men who had self-harmed had the greatest risk of dementia diagnoses. DISCUSSION Men and people with complex psychiatric profiles and dementia may particularly benefit from post-diagnosis mental and behavioral support to reduce risk of self-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian R Walker
- The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Preeyaporn Srasuebkul
- The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julian N Trollor
- The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne P F Wand
- Speciality of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Eastern Suburbs Older Persons Mental Health Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael C Cvejic
- The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annette Moxey
- Dementia Australia, Griffith, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Simone Reppermund
- The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Jeyasingam N, McLean L, Mitchell L, Wand APF. Attitudes to ageing amongst health care professionals: a qualitative systematic review. Eur Geriatr Med 2023; 14:889-908. [PMID: 37553540 PMCID: PMC10587319 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Older adults utilising healthcare may be vulnerable to systemic bias regarding ageing potentially affecting care. Primary aim is to systematically review the qualitative literature examining attitudes to ageing amongst health care professionals (HCPs). Secondary aim is to describe and compare attitudes to ageing between different professional groups. METHODS Studies examining attitudes to ageing of HCPs were identified using four databases. Original qualitative research with HCPs was included, excluding studies examining students alone, reviews, and grey literature. Three authors undertook standardised data extraction and quality rating for each study and thematic synthesis, with a fourth senior author reviewing. Quality appraisal followed the Attree and Milton guidelines (2006), including studies rated A-C. RESULTS Of 5869 citations, 13 met initial inclusion criteria. Synthesis of the 12 studies graded A-C followed (excluding one study rated-D). Nurses, doctors, and social workers were most frequently investigated. Identified themes included Attitudes towards older persons, The role of the older persons' family, Behaviour of HCPs towards older persons, Behaviour of older persons towards HCPs, and Definitions of an older person. An overarching theme emerged of the systemic context of attitudes to ageing. Common attitudes were found across disciplines, with doctors emphasising complexity and dependency and nurses the burden of care. CONCLUSIONS HCP's attitudes to ageing vary and are shaped by professional experiences and systemic factors. HCP attitudes may affect responses to and care of the older person. Therefore, interprofessional research, and systemic and service changes across disciplines are required to foster real and sustainable attitudinal change to support older peoples' care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Jeyasingam
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Chippendale, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Mental Health Drug and Alcohol, Far West Local Health District, Broken Hill, NSW, Australia
| | - Loyola McLean
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Chippendale, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Psychotherapy Program for Complex Traumatic Disorders, Cumberland Hospital, WSLHD, North Parramatta, Australia
| | | | - Anne P F Wand
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Chippendale, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Heath, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
- Older Peoples Mental Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.
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Wand AP, Karageorge A, Browne R, Jessop T, Peisah C. A qualitative study of multiple voices to inform aftercare services for older persons following self-harm. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 38:e5876. [PMID: 36655812 PMCID: PMC10108272 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Self-harm and suicide are closely related in older adults, highlighting the opportunity for Aftercare interventions in targeted suicide prevention. The study aims were to explore strengths and shortfalls of current Aftercare services for older adults from the perspective of key stakeholders and researchers; and inform a set of guiding principles for older persons' Aftercare. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a convenience sample of older people with lived experience of self-harm, clinicians and suicide researchers (n = 22). Interviews were focussed on current practice (strengths and limitations), potential improvements, and identifying the core components of an acceptable Aftercare model. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and subjected to a reflexive thematic analysis grounded in interpretive description. RESULTS Current practice strengths included validation, a person-centred approach and optimising aftercare delivery. Limitations included ageism, practical limitations (lack of service awareness, fragmented service provision, barriers to access, and traumatising approaches), and limited services, funding and training. Overarching themes included anti-ageism; anti-stigma; empowerment and agency; conveying hope; patience and pace; accessible; and finding purpose: connections and meaningful activity. CONCLUSIONS Older people who have self-harmed have complex, individualised needs. They sit within intersecting systems traversing healthcare, support services, family, and the social environment. Systemic, coordinated Aftercare founded upon core principles of anti-ageism, anti-stigma, partnership, empowerment, accessibility and provision of connections and meaning are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne P Wand
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Older Persons Mental Health Service, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aspasia Karageorge
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roisin Browne
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,ForeFront Motor Neuron Disease & Frontotemporal Dementia Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Capacity Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tiffany Jessop
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Capacity Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carmelle Peisah
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Capacity Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Wand AP, Browne R, Jessop T, Peisah C. A systematic review of evidence-based aftercare for older adults following self-harm. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1398-1420. [PMID: 35021912 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211067165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Self-harm is closely associated with suicide in older adults and may provide opportunity to intervene to prevent suicide. This study aimed to systematically review recent evidence for three components of aftercare for older adults: (1) referral pathways, (2) assessment tools and safety planning approaches and (3) engagement and intervention strategies. METHODS Databases PubMed, Medline, PsychINFO, Embase and CINAHL were searched from January 2010 to 10 July 2021 by two reviewers. Empirical studies reporting aftercare interventions for older adults (aged 60+) following self-harm (including with suicidal intent) were included. Full text of articles with abstracts meeting inclusion criteria were obtained and independently reviewed by three authors to determine final studies for review. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed level of evidence (Oxford) and quality ratings (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for quantitative and Attree and Milton checklist for qualitative studies), working independently. RESULTS Twenty studies were reviewed (15 quantitative; 5 qualitative). Levels of evidence were low (3, 4), and quality ratings of quantitative studies variable, although qualitative studies rated highly. Most studies of referral pathways were observational and demonstrated marked variation with no clear guidelines or imperatives for community psychiatric follow-up. Of four screening tools evaluated, three were suicide-specific and one screened for depression. An evidence-informed approach to safety planning was described using cases. Strategies for aftercare engagement and intervention included two multifaceted approaches, psychotherapy and qualitative insights from older people who self-harmed, carers and clinicians. The qualitative studies identified targets for improved aftercare engagement, focused on individual context, experiences and needs. CONCLUSION Dedicated older-adult aftercare interventions with a multifaceted, assertive follow-up approach accompanied by systemic change show promise but require further evaluation. Research is needed to explore the utility of needs assessment compared to screening and evaluate efficacy of safety planning and psychotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Pf Wand
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW (UNSW) Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Older Peoples Mental Health Service, Jara Ward, Concord Centre for Mental Health, Sydney Local Health District, Concord, Australia
| | - Roisin Browne
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW (UNSW) Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ForeFront Motor Neuron Disease & Frontotemporal Dementia Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Capacity Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tiffany Jessop
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW (UNSW) Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Capacity Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carmelle Peisah
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW (UNSW) Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Capacity Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Heintz HL, Bosson RS, Freedberg AL. Videoconferenced Family Therapy for Suicidal Older Adults: A Case Report and Post-Pandemic Opportunity. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:264-265. [PMID: 34782222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Heintz
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry (HLH, RSB, ALF), McLean Hospital (HLH, RSB, ALF), Belmont, MA
| | - Rahel S Bosson
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry (HLH, RSB, ALF), McLean Hospital (HLH, RSB, ALF), Belmont, MA; Department of Psychiatry (RSB, ALF), Harvard Medical School (RSB, ALF), Boston, MA
| | - Alexis L Freedberg
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry (HLH, RSB, ALF), McLean Hospital (HLH, RSB, ALF), Belmont, MA; Department of Psychiatry (RSB, ALF), Harvard Medical School (RSB, ALF), Boston, MA.
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