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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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Sluggett JK, Air T, Cations M, Caughey GE, Lang CE, Ward SA, Ahern S, Lin X, Wallis K, Crotty M, Inacio MC. Clinical Quality Indicators for Monitoring Hospitalizations Among Older People with Dementia Accessing Aged Care Services. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1747-1758. [PMID: 38007661 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230730] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for clinical quality indicators (CQIs) that can be applied to dementia quality registries to monitor care outcomes for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. OBJECTIVE To develop tertiary and primary care-based dementia CQIs for application to clinical registries for individuals with dementia accessing aged care services and determine 1) annual trends in CQI incidence between 2011-2012 and 2015-2016, 2) associated factors, and 3) geographic and facility variation in CQI incidence. METHODS This retrospective repeated cross-sectional study included non-Indigenous individuals aged 65-105 years who lived with dementia between July 2008-June 2016, were assessed for government-funded aged care services, and resided in New South Wales or Victoria (n = 180,675). Poisson or negative binomial regression models estimated trends in annual CQI incidence and associated factors. Funnel plots examined CQI variation. RESULTS Between 2011-2012 and 2015-2016, CQI incidence increased for falls (11.0% to 13.9%, adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.06)) and delirium (4.7% to 6.7%, aIRR 1.09 (95% CI 1.07-1.10)), decreased for unplanned hospitalizations (28.7% to 27.9%, aIRR 0.99 (95% CI 0.98-0.99)) and remained steady for fracture (6.2% to 6.5%, aIRR 1.01 (95% CI 0.99-1.01)) and pressure injuries (0.5% to 0.4%, aIRR 0.99 (95% CI 0.96-1.02)). Being male, older, having more comorbidities and living in a major city were associated with higher CQI incidence. Considerable geographical and facility variation was observed for unplanned hospitalizations and delirium CQIs. CONCLUSIONS The CQI results highlighted considerable morbidity. The CQIs tested should be considered for application in clinical quality registries to monitor dementia care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Sluggett
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), Healthy Ageing Research Consortium, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tracy Air
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), Healthy Ageing Research Consortium, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Monica Cations
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), Healthy Ageing Research Consortium, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gillian E Caughey
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), Healthy Ageing Research Consortium, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine E Lang
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), Healthy Ageing Research Consortium, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stephanie A Ward
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susannah Ahern
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiaoping Lin
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kasey Wallis
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Crotty
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, SA Health, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Maria C Inacio
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), Healthy Ageing Research Consortium, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Inacio MC, Caughey GE, Wesselingh S. Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA): integrating cross-sectoral information to evaluate quality and safety of care provided to older people. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e066390. [PMID: 36396322 PMCID: PMC9676420 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) was established to evaluate aged care experiences in Australia. In this manuscript, we describe the ROSA framework, the two ROSA cohorts, highlights from research findings, and future plans. PARTICIPANTS The South Australian ROSA Prospective Cohort (August 2018-June 2020) enrolled 26 605 participants, of which 59.2% (N=15 745) are women, with a median age of 83 (interquartile range (IQR) 77-88). The National ROSA Historical Cohort (January 2002-June 2020) includes 1 694 206 participants with an aged care eligibility assessment, of which 59.1% (N=1 001 705) are women and the median age is 78 (IQR 72-83). FINDINGS TO DATE Most research using the ROSA has focused on dementia, service accessibility, quality and safety of care, falls and injuries and quality use of medicines. The ROSA has also examined the experience of individuals with highly prevalent and understudied conditions in aged care settings (eg, eye and mental health) and aspects of services (eg, built environment) and innovation (eg, mobile radiological services) that can affect older people's health. Important learnings from the ROSA's development include the significant resources and multidisciplinary expertise required for establishing this platform. Between 2018 and 2022, 43 academic publications, eight reports of the Australian Government Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and several reports to state health authorities and professional societies have used the ROSA. FUTURE PLANS Our plans include to: (1) continue delivering high-quality evidence to support the improvement of ageing and aged care services; (2) influence and improve the quality of research in and for the aged care sector; (3) expand scope to facilitate examining aims in more depth; (4) include future aged care sector data collections within the ROSA; (5) inform best practices and innovate how consumer engagement occurs in research; (6) monitor and evaluate the impact of the 2021 Australian Aged Care Reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Inacio
- Registry of Older South Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gillian Elizabeth Caughey
- Registry of Older South Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Steve Wesselingh
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Rahja M, Air T, Ahern S, Ward SA, Caughey GE, Sluggett JK, Cations M, Lin X, Wallis K, Crotty M, Inacio M. Primary and Secondary Care Related Quality Indicators for Dementia Care Among Australian Aged Care Users: National Trends, Risk Factors, and Variation. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:1511-1522. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-220336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Studies related to clinical quality indicators (CQIs) in dementia have focused on hospitalizations, medication management, and safety. Less attention has been paid to indicators related to primary and secondary care. Objective: To evaluate the incidence of primary and secondary care CQIs for Australians with dementia using government-subsidized aged care. The examined CQIs were: comprehensive medication reviews, 75+ health assessments, comprehensive geriatric assessments, chronic disease management plans, general practitioner (GP) mental health treatment plans, and psychiatrist attendances. Methods: Retrospective cohort study (2011–2016) of 255,458 individuals. National trend analyses estimated incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Poisson or negative binomial regression. Associations were assessed using backward stepwise multivariate Poisson or negative binomial regression model, as appropriate. Funnel plots examined geographic and PRAC facility variation. Results: CQI incidence increased in all CQIs but medication reviews. For the overall cohort, 75+ health assessments increased from 1.07/1000 person-days to 1.16/1000 person-days (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) = 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.03).Comprehensive geriatric assessments increased from 0.24 to 0.37/1000 person-days (aIRR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.10–1.14). GP mental health treatment plans increased from 1.30 to 2.1/1000 person-days (aIRR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.12–1.15). Psychiatric attendances increased from 0.09 to 0.11/1000 person-days (aIRR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.07). Being female, older, having fewer comorbidities, and living outside a major city were associated with lower likelihood of using the services. Large geographical and facility variation was observed (0–92%). Conclusion: Better use of primary and secondary care services to address needs of individuals with dementia is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miia Rahja
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Division of Rehabilitation, Aged and Palliative Care, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Tracy Air
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Susannah Ahern
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie A. Ward
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Gillian E. Caughey
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Janet K. Sluggett
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Monica Cations
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Xiaoping Lin
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kasey Wallis
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Maria Crotty
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Division of Rehabilitation, Aged and Palliative Care, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Maria Inacio
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Cations M, Collier LR, Caughey G, Bartholomaeus J, Lang C, Crotty M, Harvey G, Wesselingh S, Corlis M, Inacio MC. Government-subsidised mental health services are underused in Australian residential aged care facilities. AUST HEALTH REV 2022; 46:432-441. [PMID: 35772928 DOI: 10.1071/ah22049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe patterns of use of the available Government-subsidised mental health services among people living in Australian residential aged care facilities.MethodsA retrospective population-based trend analysis was conducted, including all non-Indigenous people living in an Australian facility between 2012 and 2017. Adjusted incidence proportions and trends were estimated for four groups of mental health services.ResultsThe use of Medicare-subsidised mental health services was very low overall. The proportion of residents who accessed primary care mental health services increased from 1.3% in 2012/2013 to 2.4% in 2016/2017, while psychiatry service use increased from 1.9 to 2.3%. Claims for clinical psychology increased from 0.18 to 0.26%, and claims for a registered psychologist, occupational therapist or social worker rose from 0.45 to 1.2%. People with dementia were less likely than people without dementia to access all services aside from psychiatry services.ConclusionsLess than 3% of residents accessed funding subsidies for mental health services and people with dementia experienced pronounced barriers to service access. Mental health care is a pillar of the publicly-funded health system in Australia, and low use of these services among aged care residents indicates a need for organisational and policy changes to improve access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Cations
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; and College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Luke R Collier
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Gillian Caughey
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; and Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jonathan Bartholomaeus
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Catherine Lang
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Maria Crotty
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gillian Harvey
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Steven Wesselingh
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Megan Corlis
- Aged Care and Research, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Maria C Inacio
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; and Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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The Utilization and National Variation of Plain X-Ray Services by Australian Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022; 23:1564-1572.e9. [PMID: 35667412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To (1) estimate incidence, trends, and determinants of government-subsidized diagnostic radiography (ie, plain x-ray) services utilization by Australian long-term care facility (LTCF) residents between 2009 and 2016; (2) examine national variation in services use. DESIGN A repeated cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Australian LTCF residents who were ≥65 years old. METHODS Medicare Benefits Schedule subsidized plain x-rays employed for diagnosing fall-related injuries, pneumonia, heart failure, and acute abdomen or bowel obstruction were identified. Yearly sex- and age-standardized utilization rates were calculated. Poisson and negative binomial regression models were employed. Facility-level variation was examined graphically. Overall and examination site-specific analyses were conducted. RESULTS A total of 521,497 LTCF episodes for 453,996 individuals living in 3018 LTCFs were examined. The median age was 84 years (interquartile range 79-88), 65% (n = 339,116) were women, and 53.9% (n = 281,297) had dementia. In addition, 34.5% (n = 341,6863) of episodes had at least 1 x-ray service. Overall, there was a 12% increase in utilization between 2009 and 2016 (from 535/1000 in 2009 to 602/1000 person-years in 2016, incidence rate ratio=1.02, 95% CI 1.02-1.02). Factors associated with x-ray use included being 80-89 years old, being a man, not having dementia, having multiple health conditions (4-6 or ≥7 compared to 0-3), being at a smaller facility (0-24 bed compared to 50-74), facility located in the Australian state of New South Wales, or in major cities (compared to regional areas). National variation in x-ray service use, with largest differences observed by state, was detected. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Plain x-ray service utilization by LTCF residents increased 12% between 2009 and 2016. Sex, age, dementia status, having multiple health conditions as well as facility size, and location were associated with plain x-ray use in LTCFs and use varied geographically. Differences in x-ray service utilization by residents highlight lack of consistent access and potential over- or underutilization.
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Gao L, Nguyen D, Moodie M. Economic Burden of Dementia Caused by Cardiovascular Disease in Australia. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 86:601-612. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-215368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: The established link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia may provide new insights into dementia prevention. Objective: It aims to quantify the burden of dementia attributable to people with CVD. Methods: A Markov microsimulation model was developed to simulate the lifetime cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) related to people with and without CVD in Australia. A de-novo systematic review was undertaken to identify all evidence around the association between CVD [i.e., stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), atrial fibrillation (AF), and heart failure (HF)] and the risk of developing dementia. Incremental costs and QALY losses were estimated for people by type of CVD compared to the general Australian population without CVD. Results: Of the comprehensive literature search, 19 observational studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Patients who had CVD incurred both higher healthcare costs over their lifetime (ranging from $73,131 for patients with AF to $127,396 for patients with HF) and fewer QALYs gains (from –1.099 for patients with MI to –5.163 for patients with stroke), compared to people who did not have CVD. The total incremental economic burden of dementia from patients aged 65 years and over with CVD was $6.45 billion (stroke), $11.89 billion (AF), $17.57 billion (MI), or $7.95 billion (HF) over their remaining life expectancy. Conclusion: The results highlighted the importance of CVD prevention to reduce the CVD burden and decrease the prevalence of dementia. Interventions that target patients with dementia risk factors like CVD may prove to be effective and cost-effective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Gao
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Australia
| | - Dieu Nguyen
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Australia
| | - Marj Moodie
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Australia
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Wong SM, Zeng W, Lo IL. Cohort Profile: The Dementia Registry in Macao. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2022; 37:15333175211067124. [PMID: 34990305 PMCID: PMC10637169 DOI: 10.1177/15333175211067124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sio Mui Wong
- Health Bureau, the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Health Bureau, the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Iek Long Lo
- Health Bureau, the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region, China
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Khadka J, Ratcliffe J, Caughey GE, Wesselingh SL, Inacio MC. Prevalence of Eye Conditions, Utilization of Eye Health Care Services, and Ophthalmic Medications After Entering Residential Aged Care in Australia. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:3. [PMID: 34854894 PMCID: PMC8648054 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.14.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to evaluate the burden and trends of eye diseases, utilisation of eye health care services, and ophthalmic medications among older people living in residential aged care facilities in Australia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Registry of Senior Australians. Individuals aged ≥65 years who entered permanent residential aged care facilities between 2008 and 2015 were included. The prevalence (95% confidence interval [CI]) of eye diseases by year, eye health care services, and ophthalmic medication use within a year of entry into the service were evaluated. Poisson regression models estimated adjusted rate of change using prevalence ratio (PR) by age, sex, state, and frailty scores. Results Of the 409,186 people studied, 43.6% (N = 178,367) had an eye condition. Of the total cohort, 32.9% (N = 134,566) had chronic eye conditions and 19.7% (N = 80,661) had an acute eye condition. Common chronic eye conditions were glaucoma (13.6%, N = 55,830), cataract (8%, (N = 32,779), blindness (4.5%, N = 18,856), and poor vision (10.3%, N = 42,245). Prevalence of any eye condition (2008: 42.7%, 95% CI = 42.2%-43.2% and 2015: 41.2%, 95% CI = 40.8-41.6%, PR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.99-0.99, P < 0.001), acute eye conditions (2008: 19.8%, 95% CI = 19.4%-20.2% and 2015: 17.4%, 95% CI = 17.1%-17.6%, PR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.97-0.98, P < 0.001), and blindness (2008: 5.2%, 95% CI = 5.0%-5.4% and 2015: 3.7%, 95% CI = 3.5%-3.9%, PR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.93-0.94, p < 0.001). decreased over the study period. The prevalence of glaucoma (2008: 13.5%, 95% CI = 13.2%-13.8% and 2015: 13.8%, 95% CI = 13.5%-13.7%; PR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.99-1.10, P < 0.001) and cataract (2008: 7.4%, 95% CI = 7.2%-7.7% and 2015: 8.5%, 95% CI = 8.3%-8.7%, PR = 1.00, 95% CI = 1.00-1.01, P < 0.001) remained stable or slightly increased. Overall, 46.4% (N = 82,769) of individuals with eye conditions, accessed at least one eye health service within the first year of entering residential care and 70.5% (N = 125,673) used at least one ophthalmic medication. Optometric services (41.7%, N = 74,358) were the most used eye health care services and anti-infective eye drops (37.2%, N = 66,331) were the most commonly dispensed medications. Conclusions The prevalence of blindness among older Australian using residential aged care services decreased over the study period. However, the burden of eye diseases remained high between 2008 and 2015, whereas the use of eye health care services was disproportionately low. This study provides evidence of a significant need for eye health care services for older people with an eye disease in residential aged care facilities. Translational Relevance Four in ten long term aged care residents in Australia had at least one eye condition over the study period, indicating potential for a high eye health care needs in aged care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Khadka
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- Health Economics and Social Care Group, Caring Future Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Julie Ratcliffe
- Health Economics and Social Care Group, Caring Future Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gillian E. Caughey
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Steve L. Wesselingh
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Maria C. Inacio
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Using data linkage for national surveillance of clinical quality indicators for dementia care among Australian aged care users. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10674. [PMID: 34021203 PMCID: PMC8140144 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Care quality has important implications for people with dementia. We examined trends and geographical variation of four clinical quality indicators (CQIs) in Australia. This retrospective cohort study included all people with dementia using Australian government-subsidised aged care in 2008-2016 (n = 373,695). Quality indicator data were derived from linked national aged care, health, and pharmaceutical datasets. Negative binomial regression modelling assessed trends in CQI performance over time (2011-2016) and funnel plots examined geographical variation in performance. The incidence rate of antipsychotic medicine dispensing decreased slightly from 1.17/1000 person-days to 1.07/1000 person-days (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) = 0.98, 95%CI 0.98-0.99). Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine dispensing did not change (aIRR = 1.02, 95%CI 1.00-1.04), while exposure to high sedative load increased slightly from 1.39/1000 person-days to 1.44/1000 person-days (aIRR = 1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.01). Dementia and delirium-related hospitalisations increased slightly from 0.17/1000 person-days to 0.18/1000 person-days (aIRR = 1.02, 95%CI 1.01-1.03). There was marked variation in cholinesterase inhibitor and memantine dispensing by geographical area (0-41%). There has been little change in four indicators of dementia care quality in Australian aged care users over time. Cholinesterase inhibitor and memantine dispensing varied substantially by geographical region. Existing strategies to improve national performance on these indicators appear to be insufficient, despite the significant impact of these indicators on outcomes for people with dementia.
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