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Harding E, Rossi-Harries S, Gerritzen EV, Zimmerman N, Hoare Z, Proctor D, Brotherhood E, Crutch S, Suárez-González A. "I felt like I had been put on the shelf and forgotten about" - lasting lessons about the impact of COVID-19 on people affected by rarer dementias. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:392. [PMID: 37370011 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-03992-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The public health measures imposed in many countries to contain the spread of COVID-19 resulted in significant suspensions in the provision of support and care for people with dementia. The negative effects of these measures have been extensively reported. However, little is known about the specific impact on people with young onset, non-memory-led and inherited dementias. This group may have experienced different challenges compared to those with late onset dementia given their non-memory phenotypes and younger age. We explored the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on people living with familial Alzheimer's disease, behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, familial frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, posterior cortical atrophy and primary progressive aphasia and their carers in the UK and their self-reported strategies for coping. METHODS This was a mixed methods study. An online survey was administered to people with dementia and family carers recruited via Rare Dementia Support. Free-text responses were analysed using framework analysis to identify key issues and themes. RESULTS 184 carers and 24 people with dementia completed the survey. Overall, people with dementia experienced worsening of cognitive symptoms (70%), ability to do things (62%), well-being (57%) and changes to medication (26%) during lockdown. Carers reported a reduction in the support they received (55%) which impacted their own mental health negatively. Qualitative analysis of free-text responses shed light on how the disruption to routines, changes to roles and responsibilities, and widespread disconnection from friends, family and health and social care support varied according to phenotype. These impacts were exacerbated by a more general sense that precious time was being lost, given the progressive nature of dementia. Despite significant challenges, respondents demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness in reporting unexpected positives and strategies for adapting to confinement. CONCLUSIONS This study has highlighted the specific impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions on people with young onset, non-memory-led and inherited dementias, including behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive aphasia and posterior cortical atrophy, and their carers. The specific challenges faced according to diagnosis and the self-reported strategies speak to the importance of - and may inform the development of - tailored support for these underrepresented groups more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Harding
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, 8-11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sam Rossi-Harries
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, 8-11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Esther Vera Gerritzen
- Institute of Mental Health, Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nikki Zimmerman
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, 8-11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Zoe Hoare
- NWORTH Clinical Trials Unit, School of Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Danielle Proctor
- Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, UCL, London, UK
| | - Emilie Brotherhood
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, 8-11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sebastian Crutch
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, 8-11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Aida Suárez-González
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, 8-11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Gavaldà-Espelta E, Lleixà-Fortuño MDM, Aguilar Martín C, Pozo M, Ferré-Ferraté M, Tomàs-Navarro B, Curto-Romeu C, Lucas-Noll J, Baucells-Lluis J, Gonçalves AQ, Ferré-Grau C. Integrated Care Model Salut+Social Assessment by Professionals, Informal Caregivers and Chronic or Social Dependent Patients: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15467. [PMID: 36497541 PMCID: PMC9739042 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315467] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We explored the views of the professionals (from primary care and social services) and users (caregivers and patients) who participated in the clinical trial of the Salut+Social integrated care model to identify the implementation barriers and facilitators, to assess the impact on health and wellbeing and to obtain an assessment of the program. A qualitative descriptive study with a pragmatic, utilitarian approach was performed. Participants were recruited by purposive and convenience sampling. A focus group (FG) and in-depth interviews were conducted with professionals and users, respectively. Thematic content analysis was employed. A total of 11 professionals and 8 users participated in the FG and interviews, respectively. Seven themes were identified: (1) contextualizing the previous scenario; (2) achievements of the program from the professionals' perspective; (3) facilitators and barriers of the integrated care model; (4) proposals for improving the integrated care model; (5) users' assessment of the care received within the program framework; (6) users' perception of the impact on health and wellbeing; (7) users' demands for better care. Professionals reported improved coordination between services and highlighted the need for a protocol for emergencies and to strengthen community orientation. Users proposed more frequent home visits. This study shows the acceptability of the new model by professionals and the users' satisfaction with the care received.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Gavaldà-Espelta
- Direcció d’Atenció Primària Terres de l’Ebre, Gerència Territorial Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut, 43500 Tortosa, Spain
- Departament d’Infermeria, Programa de Doctorat Infermeria i Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43002 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Maria del Mar Lleixà-Fortuño
- Departament d’Infermeria, Programa de Doctorat Infermeria i Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43002 Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d’Igualtat i Feminismes a les Terres de l’Ebre, Direcció de Serveis Territorials a les Terres de l’Ebre, Generalitat de Catalunya, 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Carina Aguilar Martín
- Unitat d’Avaluació, Direcció d’Atenció Primària Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut, 43500 Tortosa, Spain
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Macarena Pozo
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Maria Ferré-Ferraté
- Gerència Territorial Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut, 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Begoña Tomàs-Navarro
- Equip d’Atenció Primària Amposta, Gerència Territorial Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut, 43870 Amposta, Spain
| | - Claudia Curto-Romeu
- Equip d’Atenció Primària Amposta, Gerència Territorial Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut, 43870 Amposta, Spain
| | - Jorgina Lucas-Noll
- Direcció d’Atenció Primària Terres de l’Ebre, Gerència Territorial Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut, 43500 Tortosa, Spain
- Departament d’Infermeria, Programa de Doctorat Infermeria i Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43002 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jordi Baucells-Lluis
- Direcció de Sistemes d’Informació i Comunicació, Gerència Territorial Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut, 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Alessandra Queiroga Gonçalves
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain
- Unitat Docent de Medicina de Familia i Comunitària, Tortosa-Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut, 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Carmen Ferré-Grau
- Departament d’Infermeria, Programa de Doctorat Infermeria i Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43002 Tarragona, Spain
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Goodwin I, Lea E, Bindoff A, Doherty K. Exploring perceptions of eating with dementia: Findings from a massive open online course. Appetite 2022; 177:106126. [PMID: 35697154 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106126] [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: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
People with dementia are at high risk of malnutrition as a result of progressive symptoms that affect eating. Maximising opportunities to enhance nutrition and strategies to encourage eating are a crucial part of providing care. Caregiver knowledge and a person-centred approach to eating is essential to reduce symptom burden and maintain quality of life. There is currently limited research investigating first person perceptions of eating with dementia, particularly beyond small sample sizes. Therefore, this paper aims to explore community perceptions of how best to encourage eating for people with dementia using findings from an online course. Within the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course, responses to the following statement were collected: 'If I had dementia, the things that might help me to eat include…'. A total of 3,651 participant responses were collected from the 2018 and 2019 course enrolments and analysed using structural topic modelling and secondary thematic analysis. The majority of participants were female, tertiary educated Australians over 50 years old. A third were paid caregivers. Thirteen topics were isolated from topic modelling that can be reduced into six broad categories: food type personalisation, meal choice, meal presentation, eating environment, eating assistance and end of life nutrition. Participant responses demonstrated diverse awareness of important aspects to encourage eating in dementia. Findings support the need for improved uptake of nutritional strategies in practice and education on eating with dementia to support caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Goodwin
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia; Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Emma Lea
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Aidan Bindoff
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kathleen Doherty
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Tasmania, Australia
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Garattini L, Badinella Martini M, Nobili A. Integrated care in Western Europe: a wise solution for the future? Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2022; 22:717-721. [PMID: 35196951 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2022.2046465] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION IC is a term commonly adopted across the world underpinning a positive attitude against fragmentation of healthcare service provision. While the principles supporting IC are simple, their implementation is more controversial. AREAS COVERED The growing number of IC definitions is related to the increasing domains of applications, which reflect the increasing demand induced by aging multi-morbid patients. A comprehensive definition of IC should now include the coordination of health and social services useful to deliver continuous care across organizational boundaries. The recent debate on IC is largely influenced by the mismatch between the increasing burden of health and social needs for chronic conditions from the demand side, and the design of health-care systems still focused on acute care from the supply side. EXPERT OPINION The major reasons of persisting IC weakness in European countries stem from arguable choices of health policy taken in the recent past. The political creed in 'market competition' is probably the most emblematic. All initiatives encouraging health-care providers to compete with each other are likely to discourage IC. Since most European GPs are still self-employed professionals working in their own cabinets, the anachronistic professional status of GPs is another historically rooted reason of IC weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Garattini
- Institute for Pharmacological Research Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Nobili
- Institute for Pharmacological Research Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Zheng Y, Xu X, Zheng B. Clinical Observation on the Effect of Systematic Nursing Intervention on Cognitive Function, Life Activity Ability, and Quality of Life of Senile Dementia Patients. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:2839142. [PMID: 34675980 PMCID: PMC8526248 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2839142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the influence of systematic nursing intervention on the life ability and quality of senile dementia patients. METHODS Total of 82 senile dementia patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were divided into two groups according to the random number table, and the nursing intervention was analyzed. 41 patients in the control group were given routine nursing care, and 41 patients in the observation group were given systematic nursing intervention. Patients were assessed cognitively using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). The Barthel index and SF-36 were used to evaluate the patients' daily activity function and quality of life. A Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) was used to assess mental distress. The Social-Adaptive Function Rating Scale (SAFE) and Social Skills Inventory (SSC) were used to evaluate the patients' social interaction ability before and after nursing intervention. Nursing satisfaction was distributed to patients in the form of a self-prepared nursing satisfaction questionnaire for scoring. RESULTS After the nursing intervention, the MoCA scores of patients in the two groups were higher than those before the nursing intervention, and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After the nursing intervention, the Barthel index scores of patients in the two groups were higher than those before the nursing intervention, and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After the nursing intervention, the SF-36 scores of patients in the two groups were higher than those before the nursing intervention, and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After nursing intervention, the SCL-90-R scores of patients in the two groups were lower than those before nursing intervention, and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After the nursing intervention, the SAFE scores of patients in the two groups were lower than those before the nursing intervention, and the safe scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). After the nursing intervention, the SSC scores of patients in the two groups were lower than those before the nursing intervention, and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After nursing intervention, the total satisfaction degree of the control group (80.49%) was lower than that of the observation group (97.56%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The implementation of systematic nursing intervention is conducive to improve the cognitive function, activity of life, and quality of life of senile dementia patients who have a positive effect, and nursing satisfaction is higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zheng
- Xi'an Health School, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Department of General Practice, Jiangdong Branch of Zhuji People's Hospital, Zhuji, Zhejiang 311800, China
| | - Birong Zheng
- Department of General Practice, Jiangdong Branch of Zhuji People's Hospital, Zhuji, Zhejiang 311800, China
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Donnellan WJ, Warren JG. Emotional word use in informal carers of people living with dementia: A linguistic analysis of online discussion forums (Preprint). JMIR Aging 2021; 5:e32603. [PMID: 35713942 PMCID: PMC9250063 DOI: 10.2196/32603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Informal dementia care is uniquely stressful and necessitates effective methods of identifying and understanding the needs of potentially at-risk carers so that they can be supported and sustained in their roles. One such method is examining carers’ engagement in online support platforms. Research has explored emotional word use on online discussion forums as a proxy for underlying emotional functioning. We are not aware of any research that has analyzed the content of posts on discussion forums specific to carers of people living with dementia in order to examine their emotional states. Objective We addressed the following research questions: (1) To what extent does emotional language use differ between carers of people living with dementia and noncarers? (2) To what extent does emotional language use differ between spousal and parental carers? (3) To what extent does emotional language use differ between current and former carers? Methods We used the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) program to examine emotional word use on a UK-based online forum for informal carers of people living with dementia and a discussion forum control group. Carers were separated into different subgroups for the analysis: current and former, and spousal and parental. Results We found that carers of people living with dementia used significantly more negative, but not positive, emotion words than noncarers. Spousal carers used more emotion words overall than parental carers, specifically more negative emotion words. Former carers used more emotional words overall than current carers, specifically more positive words. Conclusions The findings suggest that informal carers of people living with dementia may be at increased risk of negative emotional states relative to noncarers. Greater negativity in spousal carers may be explained by increased caregiver burden, whereas greater positivity in former carers may be explained by functional relief of caregiving responsibilities. The theoretical/applied relevance of these findings is discussed.
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Smith R, Martin A, Wright T, Hulbert S, Hatzidimitriadou E. Integrated dementia care: A qualitative evidence synthesis of the experiences of people living with dementia, informal carers and healthcare professionals. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2021; 97:104471. [PMID: 34289415 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to provide improved care provision, integrated care services are being developed. However, little is known about how people living with dementia, their families and healthcare professionals experience integrated care. Therefore, the purpose of this review of the qualitative literature was to examine the experiences and perceptions of integrated dementia care. METHODS This qualitative review synthesised findings from included studies identified from a comprehensive literature search. Searches included: five electronic databases, journal handsearching, and reference list searching of relevant literature reviews and the final included studies. FINDINGS Three overarching themes were identified: 1) Ways of working which facilitate the delivery of integrated dementia care; 2) Informal carers as equal partners in care provision and decision making; and 3) Challenges leading to fragmented and disjointed integrated dementia care. For integrated care to be successful, communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals, and the involvement of informal carers is needed. Multidisciplinary teams and employing case managers to coordinate care provision can improve communication and collaboration. However, distrust between healthcare professionals and a lack of a central database to access and share information often hinders the development of integrated dementia care service provision. CONCLUSION Integrated dementia care can be successful and well received by people living with dementia and their families when certain conditions are met. However, given the negative consequences fragmented and disjointed care can have on people living with dementia and their families, action is needed to further support the development of integrated dementia care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Smith
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU, UK.
| | - Anne Martin
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU, UK.
| | - Toni Wright
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU, UK.
| | - Sabina Hulbert
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU, UK.
| | - Eleni Hatzidimitriadou
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU, UK.
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Robertshaw D, Cross A. Roles and responsibilities in integrated care for dementia. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED CARE 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/jica-05-2018-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Purpose
Effective integrated healthcare systems require capable, trained workforces with leadership, shared governance and co-ordination. The purpose of this paper is to characterise roles and responsibilities in relation to integrated care from the perspective of massive open online course (MOOC) participants.
Design/methodology/approach
MOOC discussion board posts were analysed using framework analysis consisting of transcription, familiarisation, coding, developing an analytical framework and application of the framework.
Findings
Boundaries and key issues surrounding roles and responsibilities were highlighted and participants suggested a number of enablers which could enhance integrated care in addition to barriers to consider and overcome.
Originality/value
Enablers included introduction of shared communication and IT systems to support continuity of care. Awareness and understanding of dementia was seen as crucial to promote person-centred care and care planning. The roles of education and experience were highlighted. Barriers preventing effective roles and suitable responsibility include funding, role conflicts, time constraints and time-consuming paperwork.
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Parsons C, Gamble S. Caregivers' perspectives and experiences of withdrawing acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine in advanced dementia: a qualitative analysis of an online discussion forum. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:6. [PMID: 30654782 PMCID: PMC6337775 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0387-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the medications used to delay the progression of dementia, especially their long-term efficacy and when to withdraw treatment with these agents. Current research regarding the optimal use of antidementia medication is limited, contributing to variability in practice guidelines and in clinicians' prescribing practices. Little is currently known about the experiences encountered by caregivers of people with dementia after antidementia medication is withdrawn. AIM To investigate the experiences and perspectives of carers and family members when antidementia medications (cholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine) are stopped, by analysing archived threads and posts of an online discussion forum for people affected by dementia. METHODS Archived discussions from Talking Point, an online discussion forum hosted by the Alzheimer's Society UK, were searched for threads discussing antidementia medication withdrawal and relevant threads were analysed thematically using the Framework method. Participant demographics were not established due to usernames which ensured anonymity. RESULTS Four key themes emerged: (1) expectations about withdrawal, (2) method of withdrawal, (3) clinical condition on withdrawal, and (4) the effect of withdrawal on caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Online discussion forums such as Talking Point provide dementia carers with an outlet to seek help, offer advice and share experiences with other members. The study findings highlight the complexity surrounding optimising dementia pharmacotherapy and antidementia medication withdrawal, highlighting the need for treatment to be person-centred and highly individualised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Parsons
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Sarah Gamble
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
- Present Address: Clear Pharmacy, Block D, 17 Heron Road, Belfast, BT3 9LE, Northern Ireland
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Jacobsohn GC, Hollander M, Beck AP, Gilmore-Bykovskyi A, Werner N, Shah MN. Factors Influencing Emergency Care by Persons With Dementia: Stakeholder Perceptions and Unmet Needs. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 67:711-718. [PMID: 30624765 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES People with dementia (PwD) frequently use emergency care services. To mitigate the disproportionately high rate of emergency care use by PwD, an understanding of contributing factors driving reliance on emergency care services and identification of feasible alternatives are needed. This study aimed to identify clinician, caregiver, and service providers' views and experiences of unmet needs leading to emergency care use among community-dwelling PwD and alternative ways of addressing these needs. DESIGN Qualitative, employing semistructured interviews with clinicians, informal caregivers, and aging service providers. SETTING Wisconsin, United States. PARTICIPANTS Informal caregivers of PwD (n = 4), emergency medicine physicians (n = 4), primary care physicians (n = 5), geriatric healthcare providers (n = 5), aging service providers (n = 6), and community paramedics (n = 3). MEASUREMENTS Demographic characteristics of participants and data from semistructured interviews. FINDINGS Four major themes were identified from interviews: (1) system fragmentation influences emergency care use by PwD, (2) informational, decision-making, and social support needs influence emergency care use by PwD, (3) emergency departments (EDs) are not designed to optimally address PwD and caregiver needs, and (4) options to prevent and address emergency care needs of PwD. CONCLUSION Participants identified numerous system and individual-level unmet needs and offered many recommendations to prevent or improve ED use by PwD. These novel findings, aggregating the perspectives of multiple dementia-care stakeholder groups, serve as the first step to developing interventions that prevent the need for emergency care or deliver tailored emergency care services to this vulnerable population through new approaches. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:711-718, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen Costa Jacobsohn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Matthew Hollander
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Aaron P Beck
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | | | - Nicole Werner
- College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Manish N Shah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Medicine (Geriatrics and Gerontology), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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McInerney F, Doherty K, Bindoff A, Robinson A, Vickers J. How is palliative care understood in the context of dementia? Results from a massive open online course. Palliat Med 2018; 32:594-602. [PMID: 29235386 PMCID: PMC5851129 DOI: 10.1177/0269216317743433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A palliative approach to the care of people with dementia has been advocated, albeit from an emergent evidence base. The person-centred philosophy of palliative care resonates with the often lengthy trajectory and heavy symptom burden of this terminal condition. AIM To explore participants' understanding of the concept of palliative care in the context of dementia. The participant population took an online course in dementia. DESIGN The participant population took a massive open online course on 'Understanding Dementia' and posted answers to the question: 'palliative care means …' We extracted these postings and analysed them via the dual methods of topic modelling analysis and thematic analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS A total of 1330 participants from three recent iterations of the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course consented to their posts being used. Participants included those caring formally or informally for someone living with dementia as well as those with a general interest in dementia Results: Participants were found to have a general awareness of palliative care, but saw it primarily as terminal care, focused around the event of death and specialist in nature. Comfort was equated with pain management only. Respondents rarely overtly linked palliative care to dementia. CONCLUSIONS A general lack of palliative care literacy, particularly with respect to dementia, was demonstrated by participants. Implications for dementia care consumers seeking palliative care and support include recognition of the likely lack of awareness of the relevance of palliative care to dementia. Future research could access online participants more directly about their understandings/experiences of the relationship between palliative care and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fran McInerney
- Faculty of Health, Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Kathleen Doherty
- Faculty of Health, Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Aidan Bindoff
- Faculty of Health, Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Andrew Robinson
- Faculty of Health, Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - James Vickers
- Faculty of Health, Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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