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Molendijk-van Nieuwenhuyzen K, Belt-van Opstal R, Hakvoort L, Dikken J. Exploring geriatric trauma unit experiences through patients' eyes: a qualitative study. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:476. [PMID: 38816688 PMCID: PMC11140891 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05023-z] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The surgical management of older patients is complex due to age-related underlying comorbidities and decreased physiological reserves. Comanaged care models, such as the Geriatric Trauma Unit, are proven effective in treating the complex needs of patients with fall-related injuries. While patient-centered care is an important feature of these comanaged care models, there has been minimal research dedicated to investigating the patient experience within Geriatric Trauma Units. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether the Geriatric Trauma Unit's emphasis on a patient-centered approach truly manifests in these interactions. This study explores how patients with fall-related injuries admitted to a Geriatric Trauma Unit perceive and experience patient-centered care during hospitalization. METHODS This qualitative generic study was conducted in three teaching hospitals that integrated the principles of comanaged care in trauma care for older patients. Between January 2021 and May 2022, 21 patients were interviewed. RESULTS The findings highlight the formidable challenges that older patients encounter during their treatment for fall-related injuries, which often signify a loss of independence and personal autonomy. The findings revealed a gap in the consistent and continuous implementation of patient-centered care, with many healthcare professionals still viewing patients mainly through the lens of their injuries, rather than as individuals with distinct healthcare needs. Although focusing on fracture-specific care and physical rehabilitation aligns with some patient preferences, overlooking broader needs undermines the comprehensive approach to care in the Geriatric Trauma Unit. CONCLUSION Effective patient-centered care in Geriatric Trauma Units requires full adherence to its core elements: patient engagement, strong patient-provider relationships, and a patient-focused environment. This study shows that deviations from these principles can undermine care, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that extends beyond treating immediate medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeroen Dikken
- De Haagse Hogeschool, Faculteit Gezondheid, Voeding & Sport, Johanna Westerdijkplein 75, 2521 EN, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Ferrah N, Kennedy B, Beck B, Ibrahim J, Gabbe B, Cameron P. A scoping review of models of care for the management of older trauma patients. Injury 2024; 55:111200. [PMID: 38035863 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.111200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of older people hospitalised with major trauma is rapidly increasing. New models of care have emerged, such as co-management, and trauma centres dedicated to delivering geriatric trauma care. The aim of this scoping review was to explore in-hospital models of care for older adults who experience physical trauma. PATIENTS AND METHODS The search was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA- SC (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews) reporting guidelines. The National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH) study quality assessment tool was used to evaluate risk of bias in before and after non-randomised experimental studies. RESULTS Of 2127 records returned from the database search, 43 papers were included. We identified five types of care models investigated in the reviewed studies: centralised trauma management, consultation services, co-management, patient care protocols, and alert and triage systems. The majority of patients were admitted under a specialised trauma service, intervention teams were for the most part multidisciplinary, and follow-up of patients post-discharge was seldom reported. Consultation services more often had advanced care and discharge planning as treatment objectives. In contrast, patient care protocol and alert systems commonly had management of anticoagulation as a treatment objective. Overall, the impact of the five models of care on patient outcomes was mixed. DISCUSSION Given the variability in patient characteristics and capabilities of health services, models of care need to be matched to the local profile of older trauma patients. However, some standards should be incorporated into a care model, including identifying goals of care, medication review and follow up post-discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Ferrah
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria Australia.
| | - Briohny Kennedy
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria Australia; Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Victoria Australia
| | - Ben Beck
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Joseph Ibrahim
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria Australia; Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Victoria Australia
| | - Belinda Gabbe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria Australia; Health Data Research UK, Swansea University Medical School, UK
| | - Peter Cameron
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria Australia; Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Victoria, Australia
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Ferrah N, Parker C, Ibrahim J, Gabbe B, Cameron P. A qualitative descriptive study exploring clinicians' perspectives of the management of older trauma care in rural Australia. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:704. [PMID: 37381004 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09545-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For older trauma patients who sustain trauma in rural areas, the risk of adverse outcomes associated with advancing age, is compounded by the challenges encountered in rural healthcare such as geographic isolation, lack of resources, and accessibility. Little is known of the experience and challenges faced by rural clinicians who manage trauma in older adults. An understanding of stakeholders' views is paramount to the effective development and implementation of a trauma system inclusive of rural communities. The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of clinicians who provide care to older trauma patients in rural settings. METHOD We conducted semi-structured interviews of health professionals (medical doctors, nurses, paramedics, and allied health professionals) who provide care to older trauma patients in rural Queensland, Australia. A thematic analysis consisting of both inductive and deductive coding approaches, was used to identify and develop themes from interviews. RESULTS Fifteen participants took part in the interviews. Three key themes were identified: enablers of trauma care, barriers, and changes to improve trauma care of older people. The resilience of rural residents, and breadth of experience of rural clinicians were strengths identified by participants. The perceived systemic lack of resources, both material and in the workforce, and fragmentation of the health system across the state were barriers to the provision of trauma care to older rural patients. Some changes proposed by participants included tailored education programs that would be taught in rural centres, a dedicated case coordinator for older trauma patients from rural areas, and a centralised system designed to streamline the management of older trauma patients coming from rural regions. CONCLUSIONS Rural clinicians are important stakeholders who should be included in discussions on adapting trauma guidelines to the rural setting. In this study, participants formulated pertinent and concrete recommendations that should be weighed against the current evidence, and tested in rural centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Ferrah
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Prahan, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Catriona Parker
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Prahan, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Joseph Ibrahim
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Prahan, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, VIC, Australia
| | - Belinda Gabbe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Prahan, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Cameron
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Prahan, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Health Data Research UK, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales
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Yeates EO, Grigorian A, Kuza CM, Nguyen NT, Inaba K, Dolich M, Nahmias J. The DEPARTS Score: A Novel Tool for Predicting Discharge Disposition in Geriatric Trauma Patients. Am Surg 2023; 89:447-451. [PMID: 34240654 DOI: 10.1177/00031348211029843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geriatric trauma patients (GTPs) represent a high-risk population for needing post-acute care, such as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and long-term acute care hospitals (LTACs), due to a combination of traumatic injuries and baseline functional health. As there is currently no well-established tool for predicting these needs, we aimed to create a scoring tool that predicts disposition to SNFs/LTACs in GTPs. METHODS The adult 2017 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was divided at random into two equal sized sets (derivation and validation sets) of GTPs >65 years old. First, multiple logistic regression models were created to determine risk factors for discharge to a SNF/LTAC in admitted GTPs. Second, the weighted average and relative impact of each independent predictor was used to derive a DEPARTS (Discharge of Elderly Patients After Recent Trauma to SNF/LTAC) score. We then validated the score using the area under the receiver-operating curve (AROC). RESULTS Of 66 479 patients in the derivation set, 36 944 (55.6%) were discharged to a SNF/LTAC. Number of comorbidities, fall mechanism, spinal cord injury, long bone fracture, and major surgery were each independent predictors for discharge to SNF/LTAC, and a DEPARTS score was derived with scores ranging from 0 to 19. The AROC for this was .74. In the validation set, 66 477 patients also had a SNF/LTAC discharge rate of 55.7%, and the AROC was .74. DISCUSSION The DEPARTS score is a good predictor of SNF/LTAC discharge for GTPs. Future prospective studies are warranted to validate its accuracy and clinical utility in preventing delays in discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric O Yeates
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Areg Grigorian
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA.,Department of Surgery, 8564University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Catherine M Kuza
- Department of Anesthesiology, 8564University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ninh T Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Kenji Inaba
- Department of Surgery, 8564University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Dolich
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Jeffry Nahmias
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
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Lacey J, d’Arville A, Walker M, Hendel S, Lancman B. Considerations for the Older Trauma Patient. CURRENT ANESTHESIOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40140-021-00510-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Snyder JA, Rabideau AC, Schuerer DJE. Geriatric Trauma Service: to Consult or Not to Consult? CURRENT TRAUMA REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40719-020-00211-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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