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Bourbonnais A, Lachance G, Baumbusch J, Hsu A, Daneau S, Macaulay S. At the Epicentre of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada: Experiences and Recommendations of Family Care Partners of an Older Person Living in a Long-Term Care Home. Can J Aging 2024; 43:244-256. [PMID: 37771136 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000466] [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: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of family care partners of older persons living in long-term care homes (LTCH) were severely disrupted during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Our aim was to describe their experiences and to solicit their recommendations for supportive actions. We conducted a critical ethnography with 24 care partners who cared or had cared for an older person living in an LTCH in Québec during the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data during interviews and used Spradley's method to analyse them. Care partners experienced a forced separation from the older persons they cared for, which resulted in significant distress. Care, including post-mortem care, was considered inadequate and sometimes even inhumane. Communication was inconsistent, and this variability was also noted in visitation rules. Care partners perceived LTCHs as a neglected community. Supportive actions were recommended. The results illustrated the essential contribution of care partners, and the supportive actions they recommended must be a catalyst for change toward more humane care in LTCH settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bourbonnais
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Research Centre of the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Lachance
- Research Centre of the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Baumbusch
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amy Hsu
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Daneau
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Susan Macaulay
- Dementia care advocate and blogger, MyAlzheimersstory.com
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Iaconi A, Hoben M, Berta, PhD W, Duan Y, Norton PG, Song Y, Chamberlain SA, Beeber A, Anderson RA, Lanham HJ, Perez J, Wang J, Choroschun K, Shrestha S, Cummings G, Estabrooks CA. The Association of Nursing Homes' Organizational Context With Care Aide Empowerment: A Cross-Sectional Study. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnae033. [PMID: 38695153 PMCID: PMC11129593 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Organizational context is thought to influence whether care aides feel empowered, but we lack empirical evidence in the nursing home sector. Our objective was to examine the association of features of nursing homes' unit organizational context with care aides' psychological empowerment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed survey data from 3765 care aides in 91 Western Canadian nursing homes. Random-intercept mixed-effects regressions were used to examine the associations between nursing home unit organizational context and care aides' psychological empowerment, controlling for care aide, care unit, and nursing home covariates. RESULTS Organizational (IVs) culture, social capital, and care aides' perceptions of sufficient time to do their work were positively associated with all four components of psychological empowerment (DVs): competence (0.17 [0.13, 0.21] for culture, 0.18 [0.14, 0.21] for social capital, 0.03 [0.01, 0.05] for time), meaning (0.21 [0.18, 0.25] for culture, 0.19 [0.16, 0.23] for social capital, 0.03 [0.01, 0.05 for time), self-determination (0.38 [0.33, 0.44] for culture, 0.17 [0.12, 0.21] for social capital, 0.08 [0.05, 0.11] for time), and impact (0.26 [0.21, 0.31] for culture, 0.23 [0.19, 0.28] for social capital, 0.04 [0.01, 0.07] for time). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS In this study, modifiable elements of organizational context (i.e., culture, social capital, and time) were positively associated with care aides' psychological empowerment. Future interventions might usefully target these modifiable elements of unit level context in the interest of assessing their effects on staff work attitudes and outcomes, including the quality of resident care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Iaconi
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthias Hoben
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Whitney Berta, PhD
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yinfei Duan
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Peter G Norton
- Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yuting Song
- Faculty of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Stephanie A Chamberlain
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anna Beeber
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ruth A Anderson
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Holly J Lanham
- Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Janelle Perez
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Nursing Department, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | | | - Shovana Shrestha
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Greta Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carole A Estabrooks
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Hardy MS, Fanaki C, Savoie C, Wilchesky M, Gagnon MP, Laberge M, Couture V, Côté A, Dallaire C, Voyer P, Gallani MC, Dallaire B, Gagnon É. Long-term care staffs' experience in facilitating the use of videoconferencing by cognitively impaired long-term care residents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:646. [PMID: 38769512 PMCID: PMC11106931 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11095-9] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous long-term care (LTC) homes faced restrictions that prevented face-to-face visits. To address this challenge and maintain family connections, many LTC homes facilitated the use of electronic tablets to connect residents with their family caregivers. Our study sought to explore the acceptability of this practice among staff members and managers, focusing on their experiences with facilitating videoconferencing. METHODS A convergent mixed method research was performed. Qualitative and quantitative data collection through semi-structured interviews to assess the acceptability of videoconferencing in long-term care homes and to explore the characteristics of these settings. Quantitative data on the acceptability of the intervention were collected using a questionnaire developed as part of the project. The study included a convenience sample of 17 staff members and four managers. RESULTS Managers described LTC homes' characteristics, and the way videoconferencing was implemented within their institutions. Affective attitude, burden, ethicality, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy are reported as per the constructs of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. The results suggest a favorable acceptability and a positive attitude of managers and staff members toward the use of videoconferencing in long-term care to preserve and promote contact between residents and their family caregivers. However, participants reported some challenges related to the burden and the costs regarding the invested time and staff shortage. CONCLUSIONS LTC home staff reported a clear understanding of the acceptability and challenges regarding the facilitation of videoconferencing by residents to preserve their contact with family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Soleil Hardy
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Chaimaa Fanaki
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Camille Savoie
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Machelle Wilchesky
- Department of Family Medicine and Division of Geriatric Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3S 1Z1, Canada
| | | | - Maude Laberge
- Faculty of Administration, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Vincent Couture
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - André Côté
- Faculty of Administration, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Clémence Dallaire
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Philippe Voyer
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | | | - Éric Gagnon
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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Robertson MA, Petersen EE, Ross-White A, Camargo-Plazas P, Andrew M, Egan R. Experience of loneliness and depression due to spousal separation by long-term care residents and their spouses: a qualitative systematic review. JBI Evid Synth 2024:02174543-990000000-00297. [PMID: 38632969 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-23-00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to describe the experiences of loneliness and/or depression for residents and their spouses who are separated by long-term care placement. INTRODUCTION Loneliness and depression have a pernicious influence on the overall health and well-being of older adults. Older adults' mental health is significantly affected by social relationships, including those between spouses. However, research pertaining to the experience or effect of spousal separation on long-term care residents and community-dwelling spouses' feelings of loneliness and/or depression is limited. INCLUSION CRITERIA This systematic review included studies that recruited community-dwelling spouses and long-term care residents over 50 years of age with living spouses from whom they are separated due to long-term care placement. Studies on the experiences of loneliness and/or depression due to spousal separation with one or both spouses living in long-term care were included in this review. METHODS Ovid MEDLINE(R) was used for the initial search. A full search strategy was developed for Ovid MEDLINE(R), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase (Ovid), and PsycINFO (Ovid). The review was conducted using the JBI approach, with 2 independent reviewers performing study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, assessment of confidence, and data synthesis. RESULTS Eleven papers were included in this systematic review. Four synthesized findings were extracted from 10 categories and 42 findings: i) Loneliness and depression result from a lack of physical and social connection for separated long-term care residents and community-dwelling spouses; ii) Community-dwelling spouses feel unprepared and upset with spousal separation due to a lack of psychological support; iii) Behavioral strategies can prevent community-dwelling spouses and long-term care residents from developing loneliness and/or depression; and 4) Community-dwelling spouses have differing abilities to adapt and cope with feelings of loneliness and/or depression. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the feelings of loneliness and/or depression spouses who are separated due to long-term care admission experience. This review has demonstrated that there is a lack of literature inclusive of the voices and perspectives of all spouses affected by spousal separation in long-term care. The limitations of this review include the small number of included studies and the range of quality of included studies. Recommendations include additional research on the lived experience of spousal separation from the perspectives of long-term care residents and their community-dwelling spouses. Further, additional psychological support is needed for separated spouses guided by the suggestions and experiences of long-term care residents and their community-dwelling spouses. REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022333014.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika E Petersen
- Health Quality Programs, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Ross-White
- Queen's Collaboration for Healthcare Quality: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Bracken Health Science Library, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Pilar Camargo-Plazas
- Queen's Collaboration for Healthcare Quality: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa Andrew
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Rylan Egan
- Health Quality Programs, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Queen's Collaboration for Healthcare Quality: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Hande MJ, Owusu P, Aubrecht K, Cloutier D, Estabrooks C, Keefe J. Towards equitable representation in long-term residential care: widening the circle to ensure "essential voices" in research teams. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2024; 10:34. [PMID: 38528627 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-024-00562-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed long-standing inequities in Canada's long-term residential care (LTRC) sector with life-threatening consequences. People from marginalized groups are overrepresented among those who live in, and work in LTRC facilities, yet their voices are generally silenced in LTRC research. Concerns about these silenced voices have sparked debate around ways to change LTRC policy to better address long-standing inequities and enhance the conditions that foster dignity for those who live and work in LTRC. Weaving an analysis of historical and cultural attitudes about LTRC, and promising strategies for engaging people with lived experience, we argue that the voices of people with lived experience of life and work (paid and unpaid) in LTRC are essential for ethically and effectively shifting long-standing inequities. Lessons from a 4-year, national, multi-disciplinary research study, known as the Seniors Adding Life to Years (SALTY) project, suggest that resident-determined quality of life can be prioritized by centring the perspectives of residents, their family/friends, direct care workers, volunteers, and people living with dementia in the research process. Accordingly, we highlight strategies to include these voices so that meaningful and impactful system change can be realized.
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Marion C, Manji S, Podlosky L, MacGillivray H, L’Heureux T, Anderson S, Parmar J. Family Involvement Training for Staff and Family Caregivers: Case Report on Program Design and Mixed Methods Evaluation. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:523. [PMID: 38470633 PMCID: PMC10930910 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050523] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the imperative for meaningful family involvement in long-term care, aligning with policy and safety standards while enhancing outcomes for caregivers, residents, and staff. The objectives of this article are as follows: (1) a case study report on implementing a family involvement intervention designed to facilitate the formal and safe engagement of family caregivers in resident care and (2) the pilot evaluation of the intervention. We used Knapp's six-step implementation science model to guide and describe intervention development to provide insight for others planning family involvement projects. We employed sequential mixed methods, including surveys with quantitative and qualitative questions before and after program implementation for providers, and surveys and interviews with family caregivers a year after. We used the Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05) to assess differences in health providers' perceptions pre- and post-education. Families and staff perceived that the Family Involvement Program was important for improving the quality of care, residents' quality of life and family/staff relationships. Providers' perceptions of the program's positive impact on residents' quality of life (p = 0.020) and quality of care (p = 0.010), along with their satisfaction with working relationships with families (p = 0.039), improved significantly after the program. Qualitative data confirmed improvements in family-staff relationships. In conclusion, we documented the design of this family involvement initiative to encourage family caregivers and staff to work together in residents' care. Youville's Family Involvement Program gives families and family caregivers an explicit role as partners in long-term care. The mixed methods pilot evaluation documented improvements in staff and family relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Marion
- Covenant Health Canada, Youville Home, St. Albert, AB T8N 1K1, Canada; (C.M.); (S.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Shazmin Manji
- Covenant Health Canada, Youville Home, St. Albert, AB T8N 1K1, Canada; (C.M.); (S.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Linda Podlosky
- Family Caregiver, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada;
| | - Heather MacGillivray
- Covenant Health Canada, Youville Home, St. Albert, AB T8N 1K1, Canada; (C.M.); (S.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Tanya L’Heureux
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada; (T.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Sharon Anderson
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada; (T.L.); (J.P.)
| | - Jasneet Parmar
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada; (T.L.); (J.P.)
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Cruise CE, Celis S, Lashewicz BM. "I haven't really gone through things like this": Young long-term care workers' experiences of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Work 2024:WOR230437. [PMID: 38189722 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term care (LTC) facilities were hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Using life course theory concepts, we looked for conditions that led to worker moral distress -i.e. pain or anguish over not being able to take right action - and how life stage may influence experiences. OBJECTIVE To illuminate the experiences of adults under the age of 30 who stepped into, and/or persevered in, working in LTC during the pandemic, recognizing that this emerging workforce represents the future of LTC in Canada. METHODS This secondary analysis uses interview data from a sub-sample of 16 young workers between 18 and 29 years of age who had been working in Canadian LTC facilities for between 8 months and 7 years. RESULTS Young workers expressed feeling guilt about mourning the loss of socially significant milestones as these milestones paled by comparison to the loss of life and consequences of resident isolation they witnessed at work. To manage feelings of moral distress, young workers attempted to maintain high standards of care for LTC residents and engaged in self-care activities. For some workers, this was insufficient and leaving the field of LTC was their strategy to respond to their mental health needs. CONCLUSION The life stage of young LTC workers influenced their experiences of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions are needed to support young workers' wellbeing and job retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cera E Cruise
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sofia Celis
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bonnie M Lashewicz
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Duan Y, Hoben M, Song Y, Chamberlain SA, Iaconi A, Choroschun K, Shrestha S, Cummings GG, Norton PG, Estabrooks CA. Organizational Context and Quality Indicators in Nursing Homes: A Microsystem Look. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:13-25. [PMID: 37669619 PMCID: PMC10693724 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231200110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The association of organizational context with quality of care in nursing homes is not well understood at the clinical microsystem (care unit) level. This cross-sectional study examined the associations of unit-level context with 10 unit-level quality indicators derived from the Minimum Data Set 2.0. Study settings comprised 262 care units within 91 Canadian nursing homes. We assessed context using unit-aggregated care-aide-reported scores on the 10 scales of the Alberta Context Tool. Mixed-effects regression analysis showed that structural resources were negatively associated with antipsychotics use (B = -.06; p = .001) and worsened late-loss activities of daily living (B = -.03, p = .04). Organizational slack in time was negatively associated with worsened pain (B = -.04, p = .01). Social capital was positively associated with delirium symptoms (B = .12, p = .02) and worsened depressive symptoms (B = .10, p = .01). The findings suggested that targeting interventions to modifiable contextual elements and unit-level quality improvement will be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinfei Duan
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthias Hoben
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yuting Song
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Alba Iaconi
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Peter G. Norton
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Burnazovic E, Yee A, Levy J, Gore G, Abbasgholizadeh Rahimi S. Application of Artificial intelligence in COVID-19-related geriatric care: A scoping review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 116:105129. [PMID: 37542917 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105129] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping review aimed to summarize the current evidence of artificial intelligence (AI) use in the screening/monitoring, diagnosis, and/or treatment of COVID-19 among older adults. METHOD The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute and Arksey and O'Malley frameworks. An information specialist performed a comprehensive search from the date of inception until May 2021, in six bibliographic databases. The selected studies considered all populations, and all AI interventions that had been used in COVID-19-related geriatric care. We focused on patient, healthcare provider, and healthcare system-related outcomes. The studies were restricted to peer-reviewed English publications. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of the identified records, read the selected full texts, and extracted data from the included studies using a validated data extraction form. Disagreements were resolved by consensus, and if this was not possible, the opinion of a third reviewer was sought. RESULTS Six databases were searched , yielding 3,228 articles, of which 10 were included. The majority of articles used a single AI model to assess the association between patients' comorbidities and COVID-19 outcomes. Articles were mainly conducted in high-income countries, with limited representation of females in study participants, and insufficient reporting of participants' race and ethnicity. DISCUSSION This review highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the application of AI to protect older populations, with most interventions in the pilot testing stage. Further work is required to measure effectiveness of these technologies in a larger scale, use more representative datasets for training of AI models, and expand AI applications to low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Burnazovic
- Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Department of Computing and Software, Faculty of Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Yee
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joshua Levy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Genevieve Gore
- Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Samira Abbasgholizadeh Rahimi
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Mila-Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Garnett A, Pollock H, Prentice K, Floriancic N, Donelle L, Hand C, Oudshoorn A, Babenko-Mould Y, Forchuk C. Health Provider Experiences in Supporting Social Connectedness Between Families and Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care Homes. SAGE Open Nurs 2024; 10:23779608241239314. [PMID: 38515527 PMCID: PMC10956142 DOI: 10.1177/23779608241239314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many people, often older adults, living in long-term care homes (OA-LTCH) became socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to variable restrictions on in-person visits and challenges associated with using technology for social connectivity. Health providers were key to supporting these OA by providing additional care and facilitating their connections with family using technology such as smartphones and iPads. It is important to learn from these experiences to move forwards from the COVID-19 pandemic with evidence-informed strategies that will better position health providers to foster social engagement for OA-LTCH across a range of contextual situations. Objective This exploratory qualitative description study sought to explore health provider experiences in supporting social connectedness between family members and OA-LTCH within the COVID-19 context. Methods Qualitative, in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 health providers. Results Using inductive qualitative content analysis study findings were represented by the following themes: (a) changes in provider roles and responsibilities while challenging for health providers did not impact their commitment to supporting OA-LTCH social and emotional health, (b) a predominant focus on OA-LTCH physical well-being with resultant neglect for emotional well-being resulted in collective trauma, and (c) health providers faced multiple challenges in using technology to support social connectivity. Conclusion Study findings suggest the need for increased funding for LTC to support activities and initiatives that promote the well-being of health providers and OA living in LTC, the need to prioritize social well-being during outbreak contexts, and more formalized approaches to guide the appropriate use of technology within LTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Carri Hand
- Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Cameron CD, Mounir NA, Abdulkareem ST, Gallant NL. Designing a virtual course for essential care partners (ECPs) in long-term care (LTC): a pre-implementation study. Aging Ment Health 2023:1-15. [PMID: 38147407 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2297069] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: We describe our co-design process aimed at supporting the reintegration of essential care partners into long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: More specifically, using a co-design process, we describe the pre-design, generative, and evaluative phases of developing a virtual infection prevention and control course for essential care partners at our partnering long-term care home. For the evaluative phase, we also provide an overview of our findings from interviews conducted with essential care partners on the expected barriers and facilitators associated with this virtual course.Results: Results from these interviews indicated that the virtual course was viewed as comprehensive, detailed, engaging, refreshing, and reliable, and that its successful implementation would require appropriate resources and support to ensure its sustainability and sustainment. Findings from this study provide guidance for the post-design phase of our co-design process.Conclusion: Our careful documentation of our co-design process also facilitates its replication for other technological interventions and in different healthcare settings. Limitations of the present study and implications for co-designing in the context of emergent public health emergencies are explored in the discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadine A Mounir
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
| | | | - Natasha L Gallant
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
- Centre on Aging and Health, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
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Havaei F, Staempfli S, Ma A, Sims-Gould J, Franke T, Park M. Resident Impact of the Single Site Order Restricting Staff Mobility across Long-Term Care Homes in British Columbia, Canada. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3190. [PMID: 38132080 PMCID: PMC10742518 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243190] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Single Site Order (SSO)-a policy restricting staff from working at multiple long-term care (LTC) homes-was mandated by the Public Health Agency of Canada to control the spread of COVID-19 in LTC homes, where nearly 70% of COVID-19-related deaths in Canada occurred. This mixed methods study assesses the impact of the SSO on LTC residents in British Columbia. Interviews were conducted (residents (n = 6), family members (n = 9), staff (n = 18), and leadership (n = 10) from long-term care homes (n = 4)) and analyzed using thematic analysis. Administrative data were collected between April 2019 and March 2020 and between April 2020 and March 2021 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and data visualization. Qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated and demonstrated that staffing challenges became worse during the implementation of the SSO, resulting in the mental and physical health deterioration of LTC residents. Qualitative data demonstrated decreased time for personalized and proactive care, increased communication challenges, and increased loneliness and isolation. Quantitative data showed a decline in activities of daily living, increased antipsychotic medication use, pressure ulcers, behavioural symptoms, and an increase in falls. Addressing staff workload and staffing shortages during SSO-related policy implementation is essential to avoid resident health deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farinaz Havaei
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; (F.H.); (A.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Sabina Staempfli
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; (F.H.); (A.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Andy Ma
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; (F.H.); (A.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Joanie Sims-Gould
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Thea Franke
- Center for Hip Health and Mobility, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada;
| | - Minjeong Park
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; (F.H.); (A.M.); (M.P.)
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13
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Cruise D, Sinden D, Jaana M. Older Adults' Quality of Life in Long-Term Care: A Cross-Sectional Comparison Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Can J Aging 2023; 42:744-753. [PMID: 37424446 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000272] [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: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess changes in long-term care (LTC) residents' quality of life (QoL) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pre-test post-test study of 49 QoL measures, across four dimensions from the interRAI self-reported QoL survey, was conducted. Secondary data from 2019 (n = 116) and 2020 (n = 128) were analysed to assess the change in QoL. A significant decline in 12 measures was observed, indicating a change in QoL of LTC residents during the pandemic. Social life was the dimension mostly affected with residents reporting less opportunities to spend time with like-minded residents, explore new skills and interests, participate in meaningful religious activities, and have enjoyable things to do in the evenings. Several measures of personal control, staff responsiveness and care, and safety also demonstrated a significant change. The results can inform future strategies for pandemic and outbreak preparedness. Balancing the safety of residents with attention to their QoL should be a priority moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Cruise
- Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle Sinden
- Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed CareTM, Perley Health, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mirou Jaana
- Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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14
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Dash D, Mowbray FI, Poss JW, Aryal K, Stall NM, Hirdes JP, Hillmer MP, Heckman GA, Bowdish DME, Costa AP, Jones A. The association between frailty, long-term care home characteristics and COVID-19 mortality before and after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: a retrospective cohort study. Age Ageing 2023; 52:afad229. [PMID: 38163287 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relative contributions of long-term care (LTC) resident frailty and home-level characteristics on COVID-19 mortality has not been well studied. We examined the association between resident frailty and home-level characteristics with 30-day COVID-19 mortality before and after the availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in LTC. METHODS We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of LTC residents with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Ontario, Canada. We used multi-level multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between 30-day COVID-19 mortality, the Hubbard Frailty Index (FI), and resident and home-level characteristics. We compared explanatory models before and after vaccine availability. RESULTS There were 11,179 and 3,655 COVID-19 cases in the pre- and post-vaccine period, respectively. The 30-day COVID-19 mortality was 25.9 and 20.0% during the same periods. The median odds ratios for 30-day COVID-19 mortality between LTC homes were 1.50 (95% credible interval [CrI]: 1.41-1.65) and 1.62 (95% CrI: 1.46-1.96), respectively. In the pre-vaccine period, 30-day COVID-19 mortality was higher for males and those of greater age. For every 0.1 increase in the Hubbard FI, the odds of death were 1.49 (95% CI: 1.42-1.56) times higher. The association between frailty and mortality remained consistent in the post-vaccine period, but sex and age were partly attenuated. Despite the substantial home-level variation, no home-level characteristic examined was significantly associated with 30-day COVID-19 mortality during either period. INTERPRETATION Frailty is consistently associated with COVID-19 mortality before and after the availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Home-level characteristics previously attributed to COVID-19 outcomes do not explain significant home-to-home variation in COVID-19 mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darly Dash
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Fabrice I Mowbray
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Poss
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Komal Aryal
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan M Stall
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John P Hirdes
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Michael P Hillmer
- Institute for Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - George A Heckman
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Dawn M E Bowdish
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Health Care Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew P Costa
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron Jones
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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15
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Thompson GN, Hack TF, Chochinov HM, Roger K, St John PD, McClement SE. Developing a question prompt list for family caregivers concerning the progression and palliative care needs of nursing home residents living with dementia. PEC INNOVATION 2023; 2:100160. [PMID: 37384156 PMCID: PMC10294106 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Objective Communication around a palliative approach to dementia care often is problematic or occurs infrequently in nursing homes (NH). Question prompt lists (QPLs), are evidence-based lists designed to improve communication by facilitating discussions within a specific population. This study aimed to develop a QPL concerning the progression and palliative care needs of residents living with dementia. Methods A mixed-methods design in 2 phases. In phase 1, potential questions for inclusion in the QPL were identified using interviews with NH care providers, palliative care clinicians and family caregivers. An international group of experts reviewed the QPL. In phase 2, NH care providers and family caregivers reviewed the QPL assessing the clarity, sensitivity, importance, and relevance of each item. Results From 127 initial questions, 30 questions were included in the first draft of the QPL. After review by experts, including family caregivers, the QPL was finalized with 38 questions covering eight content areas. Conclusion Our study has developed a QPL for persons living with dementia in NHs and their caregivers to initiate conversations to clarify questions they may have regarding the progression of dementia, end of life care, and the NH environment. Further work is needed to evaluate its effectiveness and determine optimal use in clinical practice. Innovation This unique QPL is anticipated to facilitate discussions around dementia care, including self-care for family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve N. Thompson
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 89 Curry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Thomas F. Hack
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 89 Curry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Harvey Max Chochinov
- Department of Psychiatry, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, PZ433-771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3N4, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, 4005-675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Kerstin Roger
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 35-220 Chancellor Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Philip D. St John
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, GE 547 Health Sciences Centre, 820 Sherbrook St, Winnipeg, MB R2A 1R9, Canada
- Research Affiliate, Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba, 338 Isbister Building, 183 Dafoe Rd, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Susan E. McClement
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 89 Curry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
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16
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Keefe JM, Krawchenko T. Policies that Support and Hinder Families as Partners in Care during COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparative Policy Learning from England, British Columbia, and the Netherlands. Can J Aging 2023; 42:754-760. [PMID: 37501589 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000296] [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: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a devastating toll on long-term care (LTC) residents, families, and staff. In an effort to keep residents safe from COVID-19, public health measures were implemented early in the pandemic to restrict visitation with residents in many countries, with subsequent adjustments made over the course of the pandemic. It is critical to understand the implementation process and how restrictions on visitations have impacted residents, families, and staff. This research note shares a summary of research interviews conducted with key informants in British Columbia (Canada), England (United Kingdom), and The Netherlands on the implementation of visitation programs in the COVID-19 context. It highlights leading practices and key challenges from these jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Keefe
- Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tamara Krawchenko
- School of Public Administration, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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17
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Upshur R. Meme Science, Pandemic Preparedness, and the Trajectory of Failure. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:591-596. [PMID: 37646914 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10275-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
In this paper I analyse the implications of "flattening" the curve for long-term care residents in the Province of Ontario, Canada during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic. I then question what the role of healthcare systems are in the response to public health emergencies and problematize their status as entities in need of protection. The ethical implications of this are discussed in light of potential challenges raised by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Upshur
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Senior Scientist, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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18
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Peter E, Mohammed S, Boakye P, Rose D, Killackey T. Registered Practical Nurses' Experiences of the Moral Habitability of Long-Term Care Environments during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Can J Aging 2023; 42:719-727. [PMID: 37721011 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000491] [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: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a deleterious impact on the lives of nurses who work in long-term care; however, the moral conditions of their work have been largely unexamined. The purpose of this qualitative study, therefore, was to explore registered practical nurses' (RPNs) experiences of the moral habitability of long-term care environments in Ontario, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four themes were identified: (1) Striving to meet responsibilities in a failed system; (2) bearing the moral and emotional weight of residents' isolation and dying in a context of strict public health measures; (3) knowing the realities of the work, yet failing to be heard, recognized, or supported by management; and (4) struggling to find a means of preservation for themselves and the profession. Attention to the moral habitability of RPNs' work environments is necessary to achieve a high-quality, ethically attuned, and sustainable nursing workforce in long-term care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Peter
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shan Mohammed
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Priscilla Boakye
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald Rose
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tieghan Killackey
- School of Nursing, York University, Health, Nursing and Environmental Studies, Toronto, ON, Canada
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19
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Smith J, Tiwana MH, Samji H, Morgan R, Purewal S, Delgado-Ron JA. An Intersectional Analysis of Moral Distress and Intention to Leave Employment Among Long-Term Care Providers in British Columbia. J Aging Health 2023:8982643231212981. [PMID: 37943505 DOI: 10.1177/08982643231212981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between intersectional inequities and moral distress among those working in Long-Term Care (LTC) in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and retrospective study. We assessed moral distress, of 1678 respondents, using a modified Moral Distress Scale, and an equivalent distress mitigation score, at the intersections of gender and racial/ethnic identity. Then, we explored which worker attributes were more predictive of intention to leave work. Results: We found notable difference in experiences of moral distress across intersecting identities, including high moral distress scores among Indigenous men and women, and white women. Significant differences in mitigation scores were also found by intersectional identities. Discussion: Moral distress was the most important predictor of intention to leave work. The differences across racial and gender identity groups suggest the need for tailored interventions to address moral distress among LTC providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | | | - Hasina Samji
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Rosemary Morgan
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Simran Purewal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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20
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Garnett A, Yurkiv H, Booth R, Connelly D, Donelle L. Web-Based Presence for Social Connectedness in Long-Term Care: Protocol for a Qualitative Multimethods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e50137. [PMID: 37889518 PMCID: PMC10638636 DOI: 10.2196/50137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant restrictions on social gatherings significantly impacted many peoples' sense of social connectedness, defined as an individual's subjective sense of having close relationships with others. Older adults living in long-term care homes (LTCHs) experienced extreme restrictions on social gatherings, which negatively impacted their physical and mental health as well as the health and well-being of their family caregivers. Their experiences highlighted the need to reconceptualize social connectedness. In particular, the pandemic highlighted the need to explore novel ways to attain fulfilling relationships with others in the absence of physical gatherings such as through the use of a hybridized system of web-based and in-person presence. OBJECTIVE Given the potential benefits and challenges of web-based presence technology within LTCHs, the proposed research objectives are to (1) explore experiences regarding the use of web-based presence technology (WPT) in support of social connectedness between older adults in LTCHs and their family members, and (2) identify the contextual factors that must be addressed for successful WPT implementation within LTCHs. METHODS This study will take place in south western Ontario, Canada, and be guided by a qualitative multimethod research design conducted in three stages: (1) qualitive description with in-depth qualitative interviews guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and analyzed using content analysis; (2) qualitative description and document analysis methodologies, informed by content and thematic analysis methods; and (3) explicit between-methods triangulation of study findings from stages 1 and 2, interpretation of findings and development of a guiding framework for technology implementation within LTCHs. Using a purposeful, maximum variation sampling approach, stage 1 will involve recruiting approximately 45 participants comprising a range of older adults, family members (30 participants) and staff (15 participants) within several LTCH settings. In stage 2, theoretical sampling will be used to recruit key LTCH stakeholders (directors, administrators, and IT support). In stage 3, the findings from stages 1 and 2 will be triangulated and interpreted to develop a working framework for WPT usage within LTCHs. RESULTS Data collection will begin in fall 2023. The findings emerging from this study will provide insights and understanding about how the factors, barriers, and facilitators to embedding and spreading WPT in LTCHs may benefit or negatively impact older adults in LTCHs, family caregivers, and staff and administrators of LTCHs. CONCLUSIONS The results of this research study will provide a greater understanding of potential approaches that could be used to successfully integrate WPTs in LTCHs. Additionally, benefits as well as challenges for older adults in LTCHs, family caregivers, and staff and administrators of LTCHs will be identified. These findings will help increase knowledge and understanding of how WPT may be used to support social connectedness between older adults in LTCHs and their family members. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/50137.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Garnett
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Halyna Yurkiv
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Richard Booth
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Denise Connelly
- School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lorie Donelle
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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21
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Orhierhor M, Pringle W, Halperin D, Parsons J, Halperin SA, Bettinger JA. Lessons learned from the experiences and perspectives of frontline healthcare workers on the COVID-19 response: a qualitative descriptive study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1074. [PMID: 37805603 PMCID: PMC10559616 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems and healthcare workers (HCWs) faced significant demands and unique challenges. In this qualitative study, we explore the effects of the COVID-19 public health policies on British Columbia's frontline HCWs, describe what worked in the management of the pandemic, and elucidate the lessons learned that could be applied to future pandemic preparedness, recovery and response. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study is part of a larger, national multi-case study on pandemic policy communication and uptake. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from November 2020- June 2021 with fourteen HCWs working in long-term care (LTC), acute care and public health settings. Data were inductively coded, and analyzed following a resilience framework for public health emergency preparedness, which emphasizes the essential elements of a public health system, vital to all phases of health emergency management, readiness, response and recovery. RESULTS HCWs experienced confusion, frustration, uncertainty, anxiety, fatigue and stress, during the pandemic and detailed challenges that affected policy implementation. This included communication and coordination inconsistencies between the province and regional health authorities; lack of involvement of frontline staff in pandemic planning; inadequate training and support; inadequate personal protective equipment resource capacity and mobilization; and staffing shortages. HCWs recommended increased collaboration between frontline staff and policy makers, investment in preparing and practicing pandemic plans, and the need for training in emergency management and infection prevention and control. CONCLUSIONS Pandemic planning, response and recovery should include inputs from actors/key stakeholders at the provincial, regional and local levels, to facilitate better coordination, communication and outcomes. Also, given the critical roles of frontline HCWs in policy implementation, they should be adequately supported and consideration must be given to how they interpret and act on policies. Bi-directional communication channels should be incorporated between policymakers and frontline HCWs to verify the appropriate adoption of policies, reflective learning, and to ensure policy limitations are being communicated and acted upon by policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Orhierhor
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, A5-950 West 28th Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Wendy Pringle
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, A5-950 West 28th Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Donna Halperin
- Rankin School of Nursing, St. Francis Xavier University, 4130 University Ave, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada
- Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University, IWK Health, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Janet Parsons
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy, and the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott A Halperin
- Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University, IWK Health, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 6R8, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, 5850/5980 University Ave, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Julie A Bettinger
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, A5-950 West 28th Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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22
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Booi L, Sixsmith J, Chaudhury H, O'connor D, Surr C, Young M, Sixsmith A. "I didn't know it was going to be like this.": unprepared for end-of-Life care, the experiences of care aides care in long-term care. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:132. [PMID: 37689687 PMCID: PMC10492357 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01244-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care aides provide up to 70-90% of the direct care for residents in long-term care (LTC) and thus hold great potential in improving residents' quality of life and end-of-life (EoL) care experiences. Although the scope and necessity of the care aide role is predicted to increase in the future, there is a lack of understanding around their perceptions and experiences of delivering EoL care in LTC settings. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the perspectives, experiences, and working conditions of care aides delivering end-of-life care in LTC in a rural setting, within a high-income country. METHODS Data were collected over ten months of fieldwork at one long-term care home in western Canada; semi-structured interviews (70 h) with 31 care aides; and observation (170 h). Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. RESULTS Two themes were identified: (i) the emotional toll that delivering this care takes on the care aids and; (ii) the need for healing and support among this workforce. Findings show that the vast majority of care aides reported feeling unprepared for the delivery of the complex care work required for good EoL care. Findings indicate that there are no adequate resources available for care aides' to support the mental and emotional aspects of their role in the delivery of EoL care in LTC. Participants shared unique stories of their own self-care traditions to support their grief, processing and emotional healing. CONCLUSIONS To facilitate the health and well-being of this essential workforce internationally, care aides need to have appropriate training and preparation for the complex care work required for good EoL care. It is essential that mechanisms in LTC become mandatory to support care aides' mental health and emotional well-being in this role. Implications for practice highlight the need for greater care and attention played on the part of the educational settings during their selection and acceptance process to train care aides to ensure they have previous experience and societal awareness of what care in LTC settings entails, especially regarding EoL experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Booi
- Centre for Dementia Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Beckett University, CL521 Calverley Building, City Campus, Leeds, LS1 3HE, UK.
| | - Judith Sixsmith
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Dundee, 11 Airlie Pl, Dundee, DD1 4HJ, UK
| | - Habib Chaudhury
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Suite #2800, Harbour Centre, 515 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5K3, Canada
| | - Deborah O'connor
- School of Social Work, Centre for Research on Personhood in Dementia (CRPD), University of British Columbia, Jack Bell Building, 2080 West Mall, Co-Director, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Claire Surr
- Centre for Dementia Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Beckett University, CL521 Calverley Building, City Campus, Leeds, LS1 3HE, UK
| | - Melanie Young
- Kiwanis Village, Vancouver Island Health Authority, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew Sixsmith
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Suite #2800, Harbour Centre, 515 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 5K3, Canada
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23
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Martin-Parent MA, Dewart G. Promoting Resident Autonomy to Maintain Quality of Life. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:1266-1270. [PMID: 37517805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.06.021] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian governments and healthcare organizations implemented restrictions on continuing care residents. From an ethical lens, governments and healthcare organizations were focused on preventing harm through promoting beneficence and non-maleficence; however, this was at the expense of resident autonomy. The rights of continuing care residents were stripped away when they were not given the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding their care and day-to-day life. Governments and healthcare organizations denied them the dignity to experience the positive outcomes that result from risk-taking based on their personal values and preferences. In an attempt to prevent resident harm from COVID-19 cases and deaths, governments and continuing care facilities forced residents into isolation. This negatively affected residents' quality of life in the form of physical, mental, and cognitive health deterioration. Moving forward, governments and healthcare organizations need to take the time to engage residents in decision-making and policy development that affects their care, treatment, and support system. Governments and healthcare organizations must promote and safeguard resident autonomy to maintain quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgia Dewart
- Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Alberta, Canada
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Chamberlain SA, Fu F, Akinlawon O, Estabrooks CA, Gruneir A. Characterizing worker compensation claims in long-term care and examining the association between facility characteristics and severe injury: a repeated cross-sectional study from Alberta, Canada. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2023; 21:63. [PMID: 37587454 PMCID: PMC10433635 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00850-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the physical demands and risks inherent to working in long-term care (LTC), little is known about workplace injuries and worker compensation claims in this setting. The purpose of this study was to characterize workplace injuries in LTC and to estimate the association between worker and organizational factors on severe injury. METHODS We used a repeated cross-sectional design to examine worker compensation claims between September 1, 2014 and September 30, 2018 from 25 LTC homes. Worker compensation claim data came from The Workers Compensation Board of Alberta. LTC facility data came from the Translating Research in Elder Care program. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the sample and multivariable logistic regression to estimate the association between staff, organizational, and resident characteristics and severe injury, measured as 31+ days of disability. RESULTS We examined 3337 compensation claims from 25 LTC facilities. Less than 10% of claims (5.1%, n = 170) resulted in severe injury and most claims did not result in any days of disability (70.9%, n = 2367). Most of the sample were women and over 40 years of age. Care aides were the largest occupational group (62.1%, n = 2072). The highest proportion of claims were made from staff working in voluntary not for profit facilities (41.9%, n = 1398) followed by public not for profit (32.9%, n = 1098), and private for profit (n = 25.2%, n = 841). Most claims identified the nature of injury as traumatic injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, or joints. In the multivariable logistic regression, higher staff age (50-59, aOR: 2.26, 95% CI 1.06-4.83; 60+, aOR: 2.70, 95% CI 1.20-6.08) was associated with more severe injury, controlling for resident acuity and other organizational staffing factors. CONCLUSIONS Most claims were made by care aides and were due to musculoskeletal injuries. In LTC, few worker compensation claims were due to severe injury. More research is needed to delve into the specific features of the LTC setting that are related to worker injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Chamberlain
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Fangfang Fu
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Oludotun Akinlawon
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Carole A Estabrooks
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrea Gruneir
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Bubela T, Flood CM, McGrail K, Straus SE, Mishra S. How Canada's decentralised covid-19 response affected public health data and decision making. BMJ 2023; 382:e075665. [PMID: 37487604 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-075665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Bubela
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colleen M Flood
- Faculty of Law, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberlyn McGrail
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sharon E Straus
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital-Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital-Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivian Ewa
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Janice Keefe
- Department of Family Studies and Gerontology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sharon E Straus
- KT Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital-Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
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Mishra S, Walker JD, Wilhelm L, Larivière V, Bubela T, Straus SE. Use and misuse of research: Canada's response to covid-19 and its health inequalities. BMJ 2023; 382:e075666. [PMID: 37487605 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-075666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharmistha Mishra
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital-Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Walker
- ICES, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linda Wilhelm
- Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance, Bloomfield, Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada (patient author)
| | | | - Tania Bubela
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sharon E Straus
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital-Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Wills A, Krassikova A, Keatings M, Escrig-Pinol A, Bethell J, McGilton KS. Assessing the implementation of nurse practitioner-led huddles in long-term care using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). BMC Nurs 2023; 22:193. [PMID: 37286987 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01354-1] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic created major challenges in long-term care (LTC) homes across Canada and globally. A nurse practitioner-led interdisciplinary huddle intervention was developed to support staff wellbeing in two LTC homes in Ontario, Canada. The objective of this study was to identify the constructs strongly influencing the process of implementation of huddles across both sites, capturing the overall barriers and facilitators and the intervention's intrinsic properties. METHODS Nineteen participants were interviewed about their experiences, pre-, post-, and during huddle implementation. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to guide data collection and analysis. CFIR rating rules and a cross-comparison analysis was used to identify differentiating factors between sites. A novel extension to the CFIR analysis process was designed to assess commonly influential factors across both sites. RESULTS Nineteen of twenty selected CFIR constructs were coded in interviews from both sites. Five constructs were determined to be strongly influential across both implementation sites and a detailed description is provided: evidence strength and quality; needs and resources of those served by the organization; leadership engagement; relative priority; and champions. A summary of ratings and an illustrative quote are provided for each construct. CONCLUSION Successful huddles require long-term care leaders to consider their involvement, the inclusion all team members to help build relationships and foster cohesion, and the integration of nurse practitioners as full-time staff members within LTC homes to support staff and facilitate initiatives for wellbeing. This research provides an example of a novel approach using the CFIR methodology, extending its use to identify significant factors for implementation when it is not possible to compare differences in success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria Wills
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyère Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandra Krassikova
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret Keatings
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Astrid Escrig-Pinol
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ESIMar (Mar Nursing School), Parc de Salut Mar, Universitat Pompeu Fabra-affiliated, Barcelona, Spain
- SDHEd (Social Determinants and Health Education Research Group), IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jennifer Bethell
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine S McGilton
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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COVID-19 pandemic in long-term care: An international perspective for policy considerations. Int J Nurs Sci 2023; 10:158-166. [PMID: 37095850 PMCID: PMC10063321 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper identifies key factors rooted in the systemic failings of the long-term care sector amongst four high income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to offer practice and policy solutions to prevent future tragedies. Based on data from Australia, Canada, Spain and the United States, the findings support evidence-based recommendations at macro, meso and micro levels of practice and policy intervention. Key macro recommendations include improving funding, transparency, accountability and health system integration; and promoting not-for-profit and government-run long-term care facilities. The meso recommendation involves moving from warehouses to “green houses.” The micro recommendations emphasize mandating recommended staffing levels and skill mix; providing infection prevention and control training; establishing well-being and mental health supports for residents and staff; building evidence-based practice cultures; ensuring ongoing education for staff and nursing students; and fully integrating care partners, such as families or friends, into the healthcare team. Enacting these recommendations will improve residents' safety and quality of life; families’ peace of mind; and staff retention and work satisfaction.
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Kuhlmann E, Denis JL, Côté N, Lotta G, Neri S. Comparing Health Workforce Policy during a Major Global Health Crisis: A Critical Conceptual Debate and International Empirical Investigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5035. [PMID: 36981946 PMCID: PMC10049040 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health workforce is central to healthcare systems and population health, but marginal in comparative health policy. This study aims to highlight the crucial relevance of the health workforce and contribute comparative evidence to help improve the protection of healthcare workers and prevention of inequalities during a major public health crisis. METHODS Our integrated governance framework considers system, sector, organizational and socio-cultural dimensions of health workforce policy. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as the policy field and Brazil, Canada, Italy, and Germany as illustrative cases. We draw on secondary sources (literature, document analysis, public statistics, reports) and country expert information with a focus on the first COVID-19 waves until the summer of 2021. RESULTS Our comparative investigation illustrates the benefits of a multi-level governance approach beyond health system typologies. In the selected countries, we found similar problems and governance gaps concerning increased workplace stress, lack of mental health support, and gender and racial inequalities. Health policy across countries failed to adequately respond to the needs of HCWs, thus exacerbating inequalities during a major global health crisis. CONCLUSIONS Comparative health workforce policy research may contribute new knowledge to improve health system resilience and population health during a crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Kuhlmann
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30265 Hannover, Germany
- Sociology of Health and Health Systems, Faculty I, University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 1, 57068 Siegen, Germany
| | - Jean-Louis Denis
- Département de Gestion, D’évaluation et de Politique de Santé École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succursale A, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Nancy Côté
- Département de Sociologie, Université Laval, Pavillon Charles-De Koninck, 1030, Avenue des Sciences-Humaines, Bureau 3469, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gabriela Lotta
- Department of Public Administration, Getulio Vargas Foundation, Av Nove de Julho 2029, São Paulo 01313-902, Brazil
- Center of Metropolitan Studies, Cidade Universitária, 109, São Paulo 05508-060, Brazil
| | - Stefano Neri
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, University of Milan, Via Conservatorio 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Mavragani A, Duan Y, Slubik S, Estabrooks CA. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health, Well-being, and Quality of Work-Life Outcomes Among Direct Care Nursing Staff Working in Nursing Home Settings: Protocol for a Systematic Review. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e40390. [PMID: 36853752 PMCID: PMC9976775 DOI: 10.2196/40390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased workload, lack of resources, fear of infection, and the suffering and loss of residents have placed a significant emotional burden on regulated and unregulated direct care nursing staff (eg, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and care aides) in nursing homes (residential long-term care homes). Psychological distress and burnout related to COVID-19 have been cited among direct care staff within nursing homes. Studies have also emphasized the resilience of direct care staff, who, despite the significant challenges created by the pandemic, remained committed to providing quality care. To date, only one nursing home-specific review has synthesized evidence from 15 studies conducted early in the pandemic, which reported anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression among direct care staff. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this systematic review are to (1) synthesize all empirical evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on direct care staffs' mental health, physical health, and work-life outcomes; (2) identify specific risks and protective factors; and (3) examine the effect of strategies or interventions that have been developed to improve these outcomes. METHODS We will include all study designs reporting objective or subjective measurements of direct care staffs' mental health, physical health, and quality of work-life in nursing home settings during the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2020 onward). We will search multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO) and gray literature sources with no language restrictions. Two authors will independently screen, assess data quality, and extract data for synthesis. Given the heterogeneity in research designs, we will use multiple data synthesis methods that are suitable for quantitative and qualitative studies. RESULTS As of December 2022, full text screening has been completed and data extraction is underway. The expected completion date is June 30, 2023. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review will uncover gaps in current knowledge, increase our understanding of the disparate findings to date, identify risks and factors that protect against the sustained effects of the pandemic, and elucidate the feasibility and effects of interventions to support the mental health, physical health, and quality of work-life of frontline nursing staff. This study will inform future research exploring how the health care system can be more proactive in improving quality of work-life and supporting the health and psychological needs of frontline staff amid extreme stressors such as the pandemic and within the wider context of prepandemic conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021248420; https://tinyurl.com/4djk7rpm. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/40390.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yinfei Duan
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sydney Slubik
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Hakimjavadi R, Karunananthan S, Alexander G, Fung C, Gazarin M, Houghton D, Hsu AT, LaPlante J, Levi C, Tanuseputro P, Liddy C. What is the level of information technology maturity in Ontario's long-term care homes? A cross-sectional survey study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e064745. [PMID: 36764709 PMCID: PMC9923326 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of Canadians 75 years and older is expected to double over the next 20 years, putting continuing care systems such as long-term care (LTC) homes under increasing pressure. Health information technology (IT) has been found to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of care in numerous clinical settings and could help optimise LTC for residents. However, the level of health IT adoption in Ontario's LTC homes is unknown and, as a result, requires an accurate assessment to provide a baseline understanding for future planning. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will use a cross-sectional design to investigate the level of IT maturity in Ontario's LTC homes. IT maturity will be assessed with the LTC IT Maturity Instrument, a validated survey examining IT capabilities, the extent of IT use and degree of internal/external IT integration across the domains of resident care, clinical support and administrative activities. All LTC homes in Ontario will be invited to participate. The Director of Care for each home will be directly contacted for recruitment. The survey will be distributed online (or by paper, if preferred) to LTC homes and completed by a staff member designated by the LTC to be knowledgeable about its IT systems. Analyses will consist of descriptive statistics characterising IT maturity across LTC homes and inferential statistics to examine the association between key facility-level characteristics (size, ownership, rurality) and IT maturity. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was reviewed by the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board and was exempt from full ethics review. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and presentations to the scientific community and stakeholders. Dissemination of our findings will not only inform provincial planning for harnessing the potential of technology in LTC but may also enable quality improvement initiatives in individual LTC homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramtin Hakimjavadi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sathya Karunananthan
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Celeste Fung
- St. Patrick's Home of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gazarin
- Centre of Excellence for Rural Health and Education, Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Winchester, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deanne Houghton
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy T Hsu
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - James LaPlante
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl Levi
- Emergency Department Outreach Program, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Hunter P, Ward H, Puurveen G. Trust as a key measure of quality and safety after the restriction of family contact in Canadian long-term care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Policy 2023; 128:18-27. [PMID: 36543694 PMCID: PMC9756649 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Family caregivers in Canadian long-term care homes are estimated to provide 10 h per week of direct care to approximately 30% of residents through roles including mobility support, mealtime assistance, personal care, social interaction, psychological care, care coordination, and advocacy. Despite these contributions, they continue to be viewed as visitors rather than as key participants in the interdependent relationships that support the long-term care sector. Their marginalization was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Canadian public health policy focused on preventing them from entering long-term care, rather than supporting personal risk management, symptom screening, personal protective equipment, and other mechanisms for safe involvement in care. Several iatrogenic resident outcomes have been attributed to this, including decreased cognitive function, decreased mobility, increased incontinence, weight loss, increased depression and anxiety, increased responsive behaviours amongst those living with dementia, and increased delirium. In this commentary article, we argue that family caregiver presence was conflated as a risk when instead, it contributed to unintended harm. We identify nine well-known human social cognitive predispositions that may have contributed to this. We then examine their implications for trust in long-term care, and consider how quality and safety can be further fostered in long-term care by working in partnership with family caregivers to rebuild trust through enquiry and collaboration. We advocate incorporating trust as an essential measure of quality health service.
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Affiliation(s)
- P.V. Hunter
- St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan, 1437 College Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W6, Canada,Corresponding author
| | - H.A. Ward
- University of Saskatchewan, 105 Administration Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2, Canada
| | - G. Puurveen
- University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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Estabrooks CA, Duan Y, Cummings GG, Doupe M, Hoben M, Keefe J, Poss JW, Song Y, Squires JE, Wagg A, Norton PG. Changes in Health and Well-Being of Nursing Home Managers from a Prepandemic Baseline in February 2020 to December 2021. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:148-155. [PMID: 36584970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in mental health and well-being (eg, quality of work life, health, intention to leave) among nursing home managers from a February 2020 prepandemic baseline to December 2021 in Alberta, Canada. DESIGN Repeated cross-sectional survey. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A random sample of nursing homes (n = 35) in urban areas of Alberta was selected on 3 strata (region, size, ownership). Care managers were invited to participate if they (1) managed a unit, (2) worked there for at least 3 months, and (3) worked at least 6 shifts per month. METHODS We measured various mental health and well-being outcomes, including job satisfaction (Michigan Organizational Assessment Questionnaire Job Satisfaction Subscale), burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory-exhaustion, cynicism, efficacy), organizational citizenship behaviors (constructive efforts by individuals to implement changes to improve performance), mental and physical health (Short Form-8 Health Survey), burden of worry, and intention to leave. We use mixed effects regression to examine changes at the survey time points, controlling for staffing and resident acuity. RESULTS The final sample included 181 care managers (87 in the pre-COVID survey; 94 in the COVID survey). Response rates were 66.9% and 82.5% for the pre-COVID and COVID surveys, respectively. In the regression analysis, we found statistically significant negative changes in job satisfaction (mean difference -0.26, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.06; P = .011), cynicism (mean difference 0.43, 95% CI 0.02-0.84; P = .041), exhaustion (mean difference 0.84, 95% CI 0.41-1.27; P < .001), and SF-8 mental health (mean difference -6.49, 95% CI -9.60 to -3.39; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Mental health and well-being of nursing home managers worsened during the pandemic, potentially placing them at risk for leaving their jobs and in need of improved support. These findings should be a major concern for policy makers, particularly given serious prepandemic workforce shortages. Ongoing assessment and support of this understudied group are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole A Estabrooks
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Yinfei Duan
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Greta G Cummings
- College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Malcolm Doupe
- Max Rady College of Medicine, Community Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Matthias Hoben
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; School of Health Policy & Management, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janice Keefe
- Department of Family Studies & Gerontology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jeffrey W Poss
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yuting Song
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Janet E Squires
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrian Wagg
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Peter G Norton
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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MacLean R, Durepos P, Gibbons C, Morris P, Witherspoon R, Taylor N, Keeping-Burke L, McCloskey R. Education and training for infection prevention and control provided by long-term care homes to family caregivers: a scoping review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2023:02174543-990000000-00124. [PMID: 36647898 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-22-00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to map the infection prevention and control education and training that long-term care homes use with families during a pandemic or infectious outbreak. INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were imposed on visits to long-term care homes to decrease the risk of virus transmission. These restrictions had negative consequences for both residents and families. A scoping review of infection prevention and control education and training used with families will inform family visitation practices and policies during future infectious outbreaks. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review will examine literature describing infection prevention and control education and training provided to families in long-term care homes. Research and narrative papers, including experimental, quasi-experimental, descriptive observational quantitative and qualitative studies, reviews, text, policy, and opinion papers, will be considered for inclusion. METHODS A 3-step approach will be followed, in line with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Published literature will be searched for in databases including CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, MEDLINE, and AgeLine. Published and unpublished papers will be considered from 1990 to the present, in English or in French. The World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the Public Health Agency of Canada websites will be searched for unpublished and gray literature. Two authors will independently review and assess studies for inclusion and extract the data. The findings will be charted in a narrative summary and tables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel MacLean
- Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Pamela Durepos
- Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | | | - Patricia Morris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada.,Horizon Health Network, NB, Canada
| | | | - Natasha Taylor
- University of New Brunswick, Department of Nursing & Health Sciences, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Lisa Keeping-Burke
- University of New Brunswick, Department of Nursing & Health Sciences, Saint John, NB, Canada.,The University of New Brunswick (UNB) Saint John Collaboration for Evidence-Informed Healthcare: A JBI Centre of Excellence, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Rose McCloskey
- University of New Brunswick, Department of Nursing & Health Sciences, Saint John, NB, Canada.,The University of New Brunswick (UNB) Saint John Collaboration for Evidence-Informed Healthcare: A JBI Centre of Excellence, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
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36
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Gandhi P, Petropanagos A, Popescu A, Bugaresti D, Nitti T, Chauhan N, Chidwick P, Oliver J. Ethical Issues in Long-term Care in Low-, Middle- and High-Income Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2023; 9:23337214221146660. [PMID: 36644688 PMCID: PMC9836839 DOI: 10.1177/23337214221146660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term care (LTC) centers experienced an unprecedented emergency involving exponential mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals residing in long-term care were particularly vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, placing residents, staff, families, and organizations in a precarious position. Complex issues surrounding how to manage vulnerable populations during the pandemic have highlighted the importance of gathering information on ethical issues that require effective policy and decision-making. This project sought to identify the ethical issues faced in long-term care by residents, families, staff, and organizations from stakeholders themselves. A total of 305 participants from 45 countries responded, highlighting numerous ethical issues in long-term care during COVID-19. While numerous issues were mentioned, there was an overlap in the themes of responses between stakeholders. Visitation, isolation, harm, staff well-being, and the overall enforcement of policies during the pandemic represented the most often discussed issues. As a preliminary study of this issue, future research is necessary in order to effectively guide pandemic policymaking moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preet Gandhi
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada,Preet Gandhi, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | - Nipa Chauhan
- William Osler Health System, Brampton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jill Oliver
- William Osler Health System, Brampton, ON, Canada
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37
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Armstrong P, Armstrong H, Bourgeault IL. Teaming up for long-term care: Recognizing all long-term care staff contribute to quality care. Healthc Manage Forum 2023; 36:26-29. [PMID: 36112848 DOI: 10.1177/08404704221115811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
When looking to promising international approaches to improve quality care in long-term care, it is necessary to avoid cherry-picking specific dimensions ignoring the integrated nature of what makes these approaches promising in the first place. In looking at promising Scandinavian or Green House models, attention is often paid to the size of facility. This often overlooks the importance of higher level of staffing, mix, and compensation of direct care staff and the integration of dietary, laundry, and housekeeping staff to care teams. Other overlooked considerations include recognition of family and friends and policies supporting care continuity.
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38
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Boamah SA, Weldrick R, Havaei F, Irshad A, Hutchinson A. Experiences of Healthcare Workers in Long-Term Care during COVID-19: A Scoping Review. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 42:1118-1136. [PMID: 36541274 PMCID: PMC9780558 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221146252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although healthcare workers (HCWs) in long-term care (LTC) have experienced significant emotional and psychological distress throughout the pandemic, little is known about their unique experiences. Objective: This scoping review synthesizes existing research on the experiences of HCWs in LTC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework, data published between March 2020 to June 2022, were extracted from six databases. Results: Among 3808 articles screened, 40 articles were included in the final analysis. Analyses revealed three interrelated themes: carrying the load (moral distress); building pressure and burning out (emotional exhaustion); and working through it (a sense of duty to care). Conclusion: Given the impacts of the pandemic on both HCW wellbeing and patient care, every effort must be made to address the LTC workforce crisis and evaluate best practices for supporting HCWs experiencing mental health concerns during and post-COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila A. Boamah
- School of Nursing, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada,Sheila A. Boamah, School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton Faculty of Health Sciences, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Rachel Weldrick
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Farinaz Havaei
- University of British Columbia School of Nursing, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ahmed Irshad
- McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Hutchinson
- McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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39
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McAlister FA, Parikh H, Lee DS, Wijeysundera HC. Health Care Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Cardiovascular Practitioner. Can J Cardiol 2022:S0828-282X(22)01051-0. [PMID: 36481398 PMCID: PMC9721374 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been substantial excess morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, not all of which was directly attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and many non-COVID-19 deaths were cardiovascular. The indirect effects of the pandemic have been profound, resulting in a substantial increase in the burden of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors, both in individuals who survived SARS-CoV-2 infection and in people never infected. In this report, we review the direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease burden in COVID-19 survivors as well as the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cardiovascular health of people who were never infected with SARS-CoV-2. We also examine the pandemic effects on health care systems and particularly the care deficits caused (or exacerbated) by health care delayed or foregone during the COVID-19 pandemic. We review the consequences of: (1) deferred/delayed acute care for urgent conditions; (2) the shift to virtual provision of outpatient care; (3) shortages of drugs and devices, and reduced access to: (4) diagnostic testing, (5) cardiac rehabilitation, and (6) homecare services. We discuss the broader implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for cardiovascular health and cardiovascular practitioners as we move forward into the next phase of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finlay A. McAlister
- The Division of General Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,The Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Support Unit, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,Corresponding author: Dr Finlay A. McAlister, 5-134C Clinical Sciences Building, University of Alberta, 11350 83 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada. Tel.: +1-780-492-9824; fax: +1-780-492-7277
| | - Harsh Parikh
- Peter Munk Cardiac Center, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas S. Lee
- Peter Munk Cardiac Center, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harindra C. Wijeysundera
- ICES (formerly Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences), Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Schulich Heart Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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40
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Ng SL, Forsey J, Boyd VA, Friesen F, Langlois S, Ladonna K, Mylopoulos M, Steenhof N. Combining adaptive expertise and (critically) reflective practice to support the development of knowledge, skill, and society. ADVANCES IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION : THEORY AND PRACTICE 2022; 27:1265-1281. [PMID: 36350488 PMCID: PMC9645329 DOI: 10.1007/s10459-022-10178-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive expertise (AE) and reflective practice (RP), two influential and resonant theories of professional expertise and practice in their own right, may further benefit health professions education if carefully combined. The current societal and systemic context is primed for both AE and RP. Both bodies of work position practitioners as agentive, learning continually and thoughtfully throughout their careers, particularly in order to manage unprecedented situations well. Similar on the surface, the roots and practices of AE and RP diverge at key junctures and we will focus on RP's movement toward critically reflective practice. The roots of AE and RP, and how they relate to or diverge from present-day applications matter because in health professions education, as in all education, paradigmatic mixing should be undertaken purposefully. This paper will explore the need for AE and RP, their shared commitments, distinctive histories, pedagogical possibilities both individually and combined, and next steps for maximizing their potential to positively impact the field. We argue that this exploration is urgently needed because both AE and RP hold much promise for improving health care and yet employing them optimally-whether alone or together-requires understanding and intent. We build an interprofessional education case situated in long-term care, throughout the paper, to demonstrate the potential that AE and RP might offer to health professions education individually and combined. This exploration comes just in time. Within the realities of uncertain practice emphasized by the pandemic, practitioners were also called to act in response to complex and urgent social movements. A combined AE and RP approach, with focus on critically reflective practice in particular, would potentially prepare professionals to respond effectively, compassionately, and equitably to future health and social crises and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella L Ng
- Centre for Advancing Collaborative Healthcare and Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Jacquelin Forsey
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Victoria A Boyd
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Farah Friesen
- Centre for Advancing Collaborative Healthcare and Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Kori Ladonna
- Department of Innovation in Medical Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Maria Mylopoulos
- The Wilson Centre, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Naomi Steenhof
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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41
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“We’ve All Lost So Much”: The Long-Term Care Home Experiences of Essential Family Caregivers During COVID-19. Can J Aging 2022; 42:284-296. [PMID: 36384854 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980822000496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, long-term care homes (LTCHs) imposed visitor restrictions that prevented essential family caregivers (EFCs) from entering the homes. Under these policies, EFCs had to engage in virtual, window, and outdoor visits, prior to the re-initiation of indoor visits.
Objective
To understand EFCs’ visitation experiences with LTCH residents during COVID-19.
Methods
Seven virtual focus groups with EFCs were conducted and analysed using a thematic approach.
Findings
Six themes were identified: (a) inconsistent and poor communication; (b) lack of staffing and resources; (c) increasing discord between EFCs and staff during COVID-19; (d) shock related to reunification; (e) lack of a person-centred or family-centred approach; and, (f) EFC and resident relationships as collateral damage.
Discussion
Our findings reflect how EFCs’ visitation experiences were affected by factors at the individual, LTCH, and health-system levels. Future sectoral responses and visitation guidelines should recognize EFCs as an integral part of the care team.
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42
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Culture Change in Long-Term Care-Post COVID-19: Adapting to a New Reality Using Established Ideas and Systems. Can J Aging 2022; 42:351-358. [PMID: 36349718 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980822000344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic in long-term care (LTC) has threatened to undo efforts to transform the culture of care from institutionalized to de-institutionalized models characterized by an orientation towards person- and relationship-centred care. Given the pandemic’s persistence, the sustainability of culture-change efforts has come under scrutiny. Drawing on seven culture-change models implemented in Canada, we identify organizational prerequisites, facilitatory mechanisms, and frontline changes relevant to culture change that can strengthen the COVID-19 pandemic response in LTC homes. We contend that a reversal to institutionalized care models to achieve public health goals of limiting COVID-19 and other infectious disease outbreaks is detrimental to LTC residents, their families, and staff. Culture change and infection control need not be antithetical. Both strategies share common goals and approaches that can be integrated as LTC practitioners consider ongoing interventions to improve residents’ quality of life, while ensuring the well-being of staff and residents’ families.
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43
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Ma H, Yiu KCY, Baral SD, Fahim C, Moloney G, Darvin D, Landsman D, Chan AK, Straus S, Mishra S. COVID-19 Cases Among Congregate Care Facility Staff by Neighborhood of Residence and Social and Structural Determinants: Observational Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e34927. [PMID: 35867901 PMCID: PMC9534317 DOI: 10.2196/34927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Disproportionate risks of COVID-19 in congregate care facilities including long-term care homes, retirement homes, and shelters both affect and are affected by SARS-CoV-2 infections among facility staff. In cities across Canada, there has been a consistent trend of geographic clustering of COVID-19 cases. However, there is limited information on how COVID-19 among facility staff reflects urban neighborhood disparities, particularly when stratified by the social and structural determinants of community-level transmission. Objective This study aimed to compare the concentration of cumulative cases by geography and social and structural determinants across 3 mutually exclusive subgroups in the Greater Toronto Area (population: 7.1 million): community, facility staff, and health care workers (HCWs) in other settings. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study using surveillance data on laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases (January 23 to December 13, 2020; prior to vaccination rollout). We derived neighborhood-level social and structural determinants from census data and generated Lorenz curves, Gini coefficients, and the Hoover index to visualize and quantify inequalities in cases. Results The hardest-hit neighborhoods (comprising 20% of the population) accounted for 53.87% (44,937/83,419) of community cases, 48.59% (2356/4849) of facility staff cases, and 42.34% (1669/3942) of other HCW cases. Compared with other HCWs, cases among facility staff reflected the distribution of community cases more closely. Cases among facility staff reflected greater social and structural inequalities (larger Gini coefficients) than those of other HCWs across all determinants. Facility staff cases were also more likely than community cases to be concentrated in lower-income neighborhoods (Gini 0.24, 95% CI 0.15-0.38 vs 0.14, 95% CI 0.08-0.21) with a higher household density (Gini 0.23, 95% CI 0.17-0.29 vs 0.17, 95% CI 0.12-0.22) and with a greater proportion working in other essential services (Gini 0.29, 95% CI 0.21-0.40 vs 0.22, 95% CI 0.17-0.28). Conclusions COVID-19 cases among facility staff largely reflect neighborhood-level heterogeneity and disparities, even more so than cases among other HCWs. The findings signal the importance of interventions prioritized and tailored to the home geographies of facility staff in addition to workplace measures, including prioritization and reach of vaccination at home (neighborhood level) and at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiting Ma
- St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kristy C Y Yiu
- St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christine Fahim
- St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gary Moloney
- St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dariya Darvin
- St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Landsman
- St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adrienne K Chan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Sunnybrook Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sharon Straus
- St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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44
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Estabrooks C, Song Y, Anderson R, Beeber A, Berta W, Chamberlain S, Cummings G, Duan Y, Hayduk L, Hoben M, Iaconi A, Lanham H, Perez J, Wang J, Norton P. The Influence of Context on Implementation and Improvement: Protocol for a Mixed Methods, Secondary Analyses Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e40611. [PMID: 36107475 PMCID: PMC9523530 DOI: 10.2196/40611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caring for the well-being of older adults is one of the greatest challenges in modern societies. Improving the quality of care and life for older adults and the work lives of their care providers calls for effective knowledge translation of evidence-based best practices. Objective This study’s purpose is to contribute to knowledge translation by better understanding the roles of organizational context (workplace environment) and facilitation (process or role) in implementation and improvement success. Our study has 2 goals: (1) to advance knowledge translation science by further developing and testing the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework (which outlines how implementation relies on the interplay of context, facilitation, and evidence) and (2) to advance research by optimizing implementation success via tailoring of modifiable elements of organizational context and facilitation. Methods This is secondary analyses of 15 years of longitudinal data from the Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) program’s multiple data sources. This research is ongoing in long-term care (LTC) homes in western Canada. TREC data include the following: 5 waves of survey collection, 2 clinical trials, and regular ongoing outcome data for LTC residents. We will use a sequential exploratory and confirmatory mixed methods design. We will analyze qualitative and quantitative data holdings in an iterative process: (1) comprehensive reanalysis of qualitative data to derive hypotheses, (2) quantitative modeling to test hypotheses, and (3) action cycles to further refine and integrate qualitative and quantitative analyses. The research team includes 4 stakeholder panels: (1) system decision- and policy makers, (2) care home managers, (3) direct care staff, and (4) a citizen engagement group of people living with dementia and family members of LTC residents. A fifth group is our panel of external scientific advisors. Each panel will engage periodically, providing their perspectives on project direction and findings. Results This study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Alberta (Pro00096541). The results of the secondary analyses are expected by the end of 2023. Conclusions The project will advance knowledge translation science by deepening our understanding of the roles of context, the interactions between context and facilitation, and their influence on resident and staff quality outcomes. Importantly, findings will inform understanding of the mechanisms by which context and facilitation affect the success of implementation and offer insights into factors that influence the implementation success of interventions in nursing homes. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/40611
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuting Song
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruth Anderson
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Anna Beeber
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Whitney Berta
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Greta Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yinfei Duan
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Leslie Hayduk
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthias Hoben
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alba Iaconi
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Holly Lanham
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Janelle Perez
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Peter Norton
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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45
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Berlinger N, de Medeiros K, Girling L. Bioethics and Gerontology: The Value of Thinking Together. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 62:1097-1103. [PMID: 34951632 PMCID: PMC9451011 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The interdisciplinary field of bioethics focuses on what it means to be a person, flourish as a person, and be respected as a person in different conditions of health, illness, or disability. Bioethics and policy research considers normative questions such as how a good society, through its priorities and investments, should demonstrate its commitments to the lives of different populations. Bioethics and humanities scholarship, often known as "health humanities," shares affinities with age studies and disability studies and with narrative-based approaches to the study of human experience. Gerontology is concerned with the many aspects of life that affect how people age, including social structures and values that influence the experience of growing old. In this article, we briefly explore the evolution of bioethics, from a discourse that emerged in relation to developments in biomedicine, bioscience, and biotechnology; to research ethics; to broader ethical questions emerging from real-world conditions, with attention to how bioethics has considered the experience of aging. Until recently, most age-focused work in bioethics has concerned age-associated illness, particularly end-of-life decision making. Given the reality of population aging and the ethical concerns accompanying the shift in age for most places in the world, the further evolution of bioethics involves greater attention to the support of flourishing in late life and to social justice and health equity in aging societies. We argue that the discourses of bioethics and critical gerontology, in dialogue, can bring a new understanding of privilege and preference, disparity and disadvantage, and reflection and respect for aging individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Berlinger
- Research Department, The Hastings Center, Garrison, New York, USA
| | - Kate de Medeiros
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Laura Girling
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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46
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Taddio A, McGilton KS, Zheng N, Yeung L, Lafleur B, Fung JS, MacDonald NE, Andrew MK, Verschoor CP. COVID-19 Vaccination Delivery in Long-Term-Care using the CARD (Comfort Ask Relax Distract) System: Mixed Methods study of Implementation Drivers. Can J Pain 2022; 6:173-184. [PMID: 36278249 PMCID: PMC9586631 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2022.2115880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Methods Results Discussion
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Taddio
- MSc, PhD, Professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto (UofT); and Senior Associate Scientist, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON
| | - Katherine S. McGilton
- PhD, KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network (UHN); Professor, Lawrence S Bloomberg, Faculty of Nursing, UofT, Toronto, ON
| | - Nancy Zheng
- BScN, KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, UHN, Toronto, ON
| | - Lydia Yeung
- BSc, KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, UHN, Toronto, ON
| | - Benoit Lafleur
- MD, Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), Sudbury, ON
| | | | - Noni E. MacDonald
- MD, MSc FRCP Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University (DU), Halifax, NS
| | - Melissa K. Andrew
- MD, PhD, Professor, Faculty of Medicine, DU; Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Halifax, NS
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Giosa JL, Saari M, Holyoke P, Hirdes JP, Heckman GA. Developing an evidence-informed model of long-term life care at home for older adults with medical, functional and/or social care needs in Ontario, Canada: a mixed methods study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060339. [PMID: 35953249 PMCID: PMC9379487 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing challenges within the Canadian healthcare system and reinforced the need for long-term care (LTC) reform to prioritise building an integrated continuum of services to meet the needs of older adults. Almost all Canadians want to live, age and receive care at home, yet funding for home and community-based care and support services is limited and integration with primary care and specialised geriatric services is sparse. Optimisation of existing home and community care services would equip the healthcare system to proactively meet the needs of older Canadians and enhance capacity within the hospital and residential care sectors to facilitate access and reduce wait times for those whose needs are best served in these settings. The aim of this study is to design a model of long-term 'life care' at home (LTlifeC model) to sustainably meet the needs of a greater number of community-dwelling older adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS An explanatory sequential mixed methods design will be applied across three phases. In the quantitative phase, secondary data analysis will be applied to historical Ontario Home Care data to develop unique groupings of patient needs according to known predictors of residential LTC home admission, and to define unique patient vignettes using dominant care needs. In the qualitative phase, a modified eDelphi process and focus groups will engage community-based clinicians, older adults and family caregivers in the development of needs-based home care packages. The third phase involves triangulation to determine initial model feasibility. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has received ethics clearance from the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board (ORE #42182). Results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and local, national and international conferences. Other forms of knowledge mobilisation will include webinars, policy briefs and lay summaries to elicit support for implementation and pilot testing phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine L Giosa
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- SE Research Centre, SE Health, Markham, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret Saari
- SE Research Centre, SE Health, Markham, Ontario, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Holyoke
- SE Research Centre, SE Health, Markham, Ontario, Canada
| | - John P Hirdes
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - George A Heckman
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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This was my Crimean War: COVID-19 Experiences of Nursing Home Leaders. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022; 23:1827-1832. [PMID: 36084690 PMCID: PMC9371982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective To describe professional and personal experiences of nursing home care leaders during early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design Qualitative interpretive description. Setting and Participants Eight sites across 2 Canadian provinces. Sites varied by COVID-19 status (low or high), size (<120 or ≥120 beds), and ownership model (for-profit or not-for-profit). We recruited 21 leaders as participants: 14 managers and 7 directors of care. Methods Remote Zoom-assisted semi-structured interviews conducted from January to April 2021. Concurrent data generation and inductive content analysis occurred throughout. Sampling ceased once we reached sufficient analytic variation and richness to answer research questions. Results Most participants were female, ≥50 years of age, and born in Canada. We found 4 major themes. (1) Responsibility to protect: Extreme precautions were employed to protect residents, staff, and leaders’ families. Leaders experienced profound distress when COVID-19 infiltrated their care homes. (2) Overwhelming workloads: Changing public health orders and redeployment to pandemic-related activities caused administrative chaos. Leaders worked double shifts to cope with pandemic demands and maintain their usual work. (3) Mental and emotional toll: All participants reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, leading to ongoing exhaustion. Shifting staff focus from caring to custodial enforcement of isolation caused considerable distress, guilt, and grief. (4) Moving forward: The pandemic spotlighted deficiencies in the nursing home context that lead to inadequate quality of resident care and staff burnout. Some leaders indicated their pandemic experience signaled an unanticipated end to their careers. Conclusions and Implications Nursing home leaders faced mental distress and inordinate workloads during the pandemic. This is an urgent call for systemic change to improve working conditions for leaders and quality of care and quality of life for residents. Nursing home leaders are at increased risk of burnout, which must be addressed to mitigate attrition in the sector.
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Thirsk LM, Stahlke S, Perry B, Gordon B. #Morethanavisitor: Experiences of COVID-19 visitor restrictions in Canadian long-term care facilities. FAMILY RELATIONS 2022; 71:FARE12712. [PMID: 35936016 PMCID: PMC9347746 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of families, residents, and staff around visitor restriction policies in long-term care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Background Beginning in March 2020, public health orders across Canada restricted visitors to long-term care facilities to curb the spread of the infection. This included family caregivers who provide significant support to residents to meet their physical, psychological, social, and safety needs. Method We collected data from publicly available news and social media. News articles, blogs, and tweets from Canada were collected from March 2020 to April 2021. In total, 40 news articles, eight blogs, and 23 tweets were analyzed using generic qualitative description. Results Reports from family members indicate that some residents may have died from malnutrition, dehydration, and isolation, rather than from COVID-19, because of the sudden and prolonged absence of family caregivers. There are long-term impacts on family suffering and long-term care worker burnout. Policy and structural issues were identified. Conclusion Experiences in long-term care reflected not only impacts of pandemic-related visitor restrictions, but also long-standing funding and workforce issues. Implications Involvement of family, and specifically family caregivers, is crucial in policy decisions, even in unusual circumstances, such as the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Stahlke
- Department of SociologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Beth Perry
- Faculty of Health DisciplinesAthabasca UniversityAthabascaAlbertaCanada
| | - Brogan Gordon
- Faculty of Health DisciplinesAthabasca UniversityAthabascaAlbertaCanada
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50
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Kirkham J, Shorey CL, Iaboni A, Quirt H, Grigorovich A, Astell A, Lin E, Maxwell CJ. Staff perceptions of the consequences of COVID-19 on quality of dementia care for residents in Ontario long-term care homes. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 37:10.1002/gps.5725. [PMID: 35510483 PMCID: PMC9087411 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated extensive infection control measures in long-term care (LTC) and had a significant impact on staffing and services. Anecdotal reports indicate that this negatively affected LTC residents' quality of care and wellbeing, but there is scarce evidence on the effects of COVID-19 on quality of dementia care in LTC. METHODS From December 2020 to March 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey among staff who worked in LTC homes in Ontario, Canada. Survey questions examined staffs' perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on dementia quality of care during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (beginning 1 March 2020). RESULTS There were a total of 227 survey respondents; more than half reported both worsened overall quality of care (51.3%) and worsening of a majority of specific quality of care measures (55.5%). Measures of cognitive functioning, mobility and behavioural symptoms were most frequently described as worsened. Medical and allied/support staff had the highest odds of reporting overall worsened quality of care, while specialized behavioural care staff and those with more experience in LTC were less likely to. LTC home factors including rural location and smaller size, staffing challenges, higher number of outbreaks and less COVID-19 preparedness were associated with increased odds of perceived worsening of quality of dementia care outcomes. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and related effects such as inadequate staffing may have contributed to poor quality of care and outcomes for those with dementia in LTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kirkham
- Department of PsychiatryCumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Carrie L. Shorey
- School of Public Health SciencesUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Andrea Iaboni
- KITE‐Toronto Rehabilitation InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of PsychiatryTemerty Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Hannah Quirt
- KITE‐Toronto Rehabilitation InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Alisa Grigorovich
- Recreation and Leisure StudiesBrock UniversitySt CatharinesOntarioCanada
| | - Arlene Astell
- KITE‐Toronto Rehabilitation InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of PsychiatryTemerty Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Esther Lin
- Department of PsychiatryCumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Colleen J. Maxwell
- School of Public Health SciencesUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada,School of PharmacyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
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