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Hayes C, Fitzgerald C, O'Shaughnessy Í, Condon B, Leahy A, O'Connor M, Manning M, Griffin A, Glynn L, Robinson K, Galvin R. Exploring stakeholders' experiences of comprehensive geriatric assessment in the community and out-patient settings: a qualitative evidence synthesis. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:274. [PMID: 38093176 PMCID: PMC10717956 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02222-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional interdisciplinary process that addresses an older adult's biopsychosocial capabilities to create an integrated and co-ordinated plan of care. While quantitative evidence that demonstrates the positive impacts of CGA on clinical and process outcomes has been synthesised, to date qualitative research reporting how older adults and service providers experience CGA has not been synthesised. This study aimed to systematically review and synthesise qualitative studies reporting community-dwelling older adults', caregivers' and healthcare professionals' (HCP) experiences of CGA in the primary care and out-patient (OPD) setting. METHOD We systematically searched five electronic databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and Social Sciences Full Text targeting qualitative or mixed methods studies that reported qualitative findings on older adults', caregivers' and HCPs' experiences of CGA in primary care or out-patient settings. There were no language or date restrictions applied to the search. The protocol was registered with the PROSPERO database (Registration: CRD42021283167). The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research. Results were synthesised according to Noblit and Hare's seven-step approach to meta-ethnography, which involves an iterative and inductive process of data synthesis. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included where CGA was completed in the home, general practice, out-patient setting in acute hospitals and in hybrid models across the community and hospital-based OPD settings. Synthesis generated four key themes: (1) CGA is experienced as a holistic process, (2) The home environment enhances CGA, (3) CGA in the community is enabled by a collaborative approach to care, and (4) Divergent experiences of the meaningful involvement of older adults, caregivers and family in the CGA process. CONCLUSION Findings demonstrate that CGA in a home-based or OPD setting allows for a holistic and integrated approach to care for community-dwelling older adults while increasing patient satisfaction and accessibility of healthcare. Healthcare professionals in the community should ensure meaningful involvement of older adults and their families or caregivers in the CGA process. Further robustly designed and well reported trials of different models of community-based CGA informed by the findings of this synthesis are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Hayes
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Christine Fitzgerald
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Íde O'Shaughnessy
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Brian Condon
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Aoife Leahy
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Ageing and Therapeutics, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Margaret O'Connor
- Department of Ageing and Therapeutics, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Molly Manning
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Anne Griffin
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Liam Glynn
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network Ireland, Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network Ireland, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Katie Robinson
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rose Galvin
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Donaghy E, Still F, Frost H, Lutte J, Shenkin SD, Jones HE, Mercer SW. GP-led adapted comprehensive geriatric assessment for frail older people: a multi-methods evaluation of the 'Living Well Assessment' quality improvement project in Scotland. BJGP Open 2023; 7:BJGPO.2022.0184. [PMID: 36564081 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2022.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence to support comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in primary care for frail older people is limited. AIM To evaluate a GP-led adapted CGA quality improvement project. DESIGN & SETTING Multi-methods evaluation in a large practice in Midlothian in Scotland. METHOD The intervention was conducted by 10 GPs in a practice of approximately 11 000 patients, initially in the patient's home, and then remotely (by telephone or video consultation) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evaluation included a patient questionnaire, and qualitative interviews with GPs delivering the Living Well Assessment (LWA), analysed by thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 165/220 (75%) patients responded to the survey, of which 86% reported a 'very good experience' of the LWA. The method of delivery did not significantly influence this although most (58%) stated a preference for face-to-face consultation. For the 31% who preferred remote LWA, most (23%) preferred telephone to video consultation (8%). Problems in remote consultations related to technical issues (video), poor vision (video), or deafness (telephone or video). GPs felt that home-based LWAs had real benefits but switching to remote during the pandemic had proven feasible. Concerns included potential increase in GP workload owing to the LWA and whether it was an efficient use of GPs' time. CONCLUSION GP-led adapted CGA was feasible in a large practice, even during the pandemic, and highly valued by frail patients. Questions regarding efficient use of GPs' time, effectiveness in terms of important patient outcomes and impact, and cost-effectiveness, requires further investigation in a larger study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddie Donaghy
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Franca Still
- Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Helen Frost
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Julia Lutte
- Penicuik Medical Practice, Midlothian, Penicuik, UK
| | | | - Helen E Jones
- Department of Medicine of the Elderly, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Stewart W Mercer
- Advanced Care Research Centre, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Sarwar T, Jimeno Yepes AJ, Zhang X, Chan J, Hudson I, Evans S, Cavedon L. Development and validation of retrospective electronic frailty index using operational data of aged care homes. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:922. [DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03616-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Although elderly population is generally frail, it is important to closely monitor their health deterioration to improve the care and support in residential aged care homes (RACs). Currently, the best identification approach is through time-consuming regular geriatric assessments. This study aimed to develop and validate a retrospective electronic frailty index (reFI) to track the health status of people staying at RACs using the daily routine operational data records.
Methods
We have access to patient records from the Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution RACs (Australia) over the age of 65, spanning 2010 to 2021. The reFI was developed using the cumulative deficit frailty model whose value was calculated as the ratio of number of present frailty deficits to the total possible frailty indicators (32). Frailty categories were defined using population quartiles. 1, 3 and 5-year mortality were used for validation. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimate. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox regression analyses and the association was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results
Two thousand five hundred eighty-eight residents were assessed, with an average length of stay of 1.2 ± 2.2 years. The RAC cohort was generally frail with an average reFI of 0.21 ± 0.11. According to the Kaplan-Meier estimate, survival varied significantly across different frailty categories (p < 0.01). The estimated hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.12 (95% CI 1.09–1.15), 1.11 (95% CI 1.07–1.14), and 1.1 (95% CI 1.04–1.17) at 1, 3 and 5 years. The ROC analysis of the reFI for mortality outcome showed an area under the curve (AUC) of ≥0.60 for 1, 3 and 5-year mortality.
Conclusion
A novel reFI was developed using the routine data recorded at RACs. reFI can identify changes in the frailty index over time for elderly people, that could potentially help in creating personalised care plans for addressing their health deterioration.
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Jung I, Bloomfield K, Hikaka J, Tatton A, Boyd M. "Making an effort for the very elderly": The acceptability of a multidisciplinary intervention to retirement village residents. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e5356-e5365. [PMID: 35913001 PMCID: PMC10087237 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13957] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The retirement village (RV) population is a growing one, with many residents having unmet healthcare needs. Despite this, there is a relative paucity of research in the RV community. We previously performed a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a multidisciplinary (MD) nurse-led community intervention versus usual care within 33 RVs in Auckland, New Zealand. Participant acceptability is an important aspect in assessing intervention feasibility and effectiveness. The aim of this current qualitative study was to assess the acceptability of the intervention in participating residents. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews designed around the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Thematic analysis was undertaken using a general inductive approach. Of the 199 participants in the intervention arm of the original RCT, 27 were invited to take part in this qualitative study. Fifteen participants were recruited with a median age of 89 years, 10 were female and all were of European ethnicity. Participants were generally positive about the intervention and research processes. Three themes were identified: (1) participants' understanding of intervention aims and effectiveness; (2) the importance of older adult involvement and (3) level of comfort in the research process. Despite the MD intervention being deemed acceptable across several domains, results provided learning points for the future design of MD interventions in RV residents and older adults more generally. We recommend that future intervention studies incorporate co-design methodologies which may improve the likelihood of intervention success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Jung
- Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Katherine Bloomfield
- Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Waitematā District Health BoardAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Joanna Hikaka
- Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Annie Tatton
- Waitematā District Health BoardAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Michal Boyd
- Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
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Health outcomes and implementation barriers and facilitators of comprehensive geriatric assessment in community settings: a systematic integrative review [PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42021229953]. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:379. [PMID: 35488198 PMCID: PMC9052611 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) addresses the bio-psycho-social needs of older adults through multidimensional assessments and management. Synthesising evidence on quantitative health outcomes and implementation barriers and facilitators would inform practice and policy on CGA for community-dwelling older adults. Methods We systematically searched four medical and social sciences electronic databases for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies published from 1 January 2000 to 31 October 2020. Due to heterogeneity of articles, we narratively reviewed the synthesis of evidence on health outcomes and implementation barriers and facilitators. Results We screened 14,151 titles and abstracts and 203 full text articles, and included 43 selected articles. Study designs included controlled intervention studies (n = 31), pre-post studies without controls (n = 4), case-control (n = 1), qualitative methods (n = 3), and mixed methods (n = 4). A majority of articles studied populations aged ≥75 years (n = 18, 42%). CGAs were most frequently conducted in the home (n = 25, 58%) and primary care settings (n = 8, 19%). CGAs were conducted by nurses in most studies (n = 22, 51%). There was evidence of improved functional status (5 of 19 RCTs, 2 of 3 pre-post), frailty and fall outcomes (3 of 6 RCTs, 1 of 1 pre-post), mental health outcomes (3 of 6 RCTs, 2 of 2 pre-post), self-rated health (1 of 6 RCTs, 1 of 1 pre-post), and quality of life (4 of 17 RCTs, 3 of 3 pre-post). Barriers to implementation of CGAs involved a lack of partnership alignment and feedback, poor acceptance of preventive work, and challenges faced by providers in operationalising and optimising CGAs. The perceived benefits of CGA that served to facilitate its implementation included the use of highly skilled staff to provide holistic assessments and patient education, and the resultant improvements in care coordination and convenience to the patients, particularly where home-based assessments and management were performed. Conclusion There is mixed evidence on the quantitative health outcomes of CGA on community-dwelling older adults. While there is perceived positive value from CGA when carried out by highly skilled staff, barriers such as bringing providers into a partnership, greater acceptance of preventive care, and operational issues could impede its implementation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03024-4.
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Improving Detection of Client Complexity in the Community (Impact): A Study Protocol of a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods Protoc 2021; 4:mps4040070. [PMID: 34698219 PMCID: PMC8544575 DOI: 10.3390/mps4040070] [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: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Community-dwelling older clients are becoming increasingly complex. Detecting this complexity in clinical practice is limited, with greater reliance on community nurses’ clinical judgment and skills. The lack of a consistent approach to complexity impacts the level of care and support for older clients to remain in their homes for longer. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of the Patient Complexity Instrument (PCI) in addition to nurses’ clinical judgment to enhance detection of complexity, and subsequent older clients’ resource allocation compared to usual nursing assessment. Design: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial will be conducted within a community nursing service in regional Victoria, Australia. Clients 65 years and over referred to the service who are eligible for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) funding will be randomized into Control group: usual nursing assessment or Intervention group: usual nursing assessment plus the PCI. Nurse participants are Registered Nurses currently employed in the community nursing service. Results: This study will explore whether introducing the PCI in a community nursing service enhances detection of complexity and client care resource allocation compared to nurses’ clinical judgment based on usual nursing assessment. Conclusion: This protocol outlines the study to enhance the detection of complexity by nurses delivering care for community-dwelling older people in the regional Australian context. The findings will inform the use of a standardized tool to detect complexity among community-dwelling older Australians.
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Blomaard LC, Olthof M, Meuleman Y, de Groot B, Gussekloo J, Mooijaart SP. Experiences with and attitudes towards geriatric screening among older emergency department patients: a qualitative study. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:198. [PMID: 33743607 PMCID: PMC7981953 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02144-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The patient perspective on the use of screening for high risks of adverse health outcomes in Emergency Department (ED) care is underexposed, although it is an important perspective influencing implementation in routine care. This study explores the experiences with, and attitudes towards geriatric screening in routine ED care among older people who visited the ED. METHODS This was a qualitative study using individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted in older patients (≥70 years) who completed the 'Acutely Presenting Older Patient' screener while visiting the ED of a Dutch academic hospital. Purposive convenience sampling was used to select a heterogeneous sample of participants regarding age, disease severity and the result from screening. Transcripts were analyzed inductively using thematic analysis. RESULTS After 13 interviews (7 women, median age 82 years), data saturation was reached. The participants had noticed little of the screening administration during triage and screening was considered as a normal part of ED care. Most participants believed that geriatric screening contributes to assessing older patients holistically, recognizing geriatric problems early and comforting patients with communication and attention. None of the participants had a negative attitude towards screening or thought that screening is discrimination on age. Care providers should communicate respectfully with frail older patients and involve them in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS Older patients experienced geriatric screening as a normal part of ED care and had predominantly positive attitudes towards its use in the ED. This qualitative study advocates for continuing the implementation of geriatric screening in routine ED practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Blomaard
- Department of Internal Medicine, section Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300, RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Mareline Olthof
- Department of Internal Medicine, section Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300, RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yvette Meuleman
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bas de Groot
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobijn Gussekloo
- Department of Internal Medicine, section Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300, RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Simon P Mooijaart
- Department of Internal Medicine, section Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300, RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Evidence-Based Medicine in Old Age | IEMO, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Rietkerk W, de Jonge-de Haan J, Slaets JPJ, Zuidema SU, Gerritsen DL. Increasing Older Adult Involvement in Geriatric Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation. J Aging Health 2021; 33:482-492. [PMID: 33625262 PMCID: PMC8236665 DOI: 10.1177/0898264321993321] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Goal setting and motivational interviewing (MI) may increase well-being by promoting healthy behavior. Since we failed to show improved well-being in a proactive assessment service for community-dwelling older adults applying these techniques, we studied whether implementation processes could explain this. Methods: Goals set during the comprehensive geriatric assessment were evaluated on their potential for behavior change. MI and goal setting adherence wasassessed by reviewing audiotaped interactions and interviewing care professionals. Results: Among the 280 goals set with 230 frail older adults (mean age 77 ± 6.9 years, 59% women), more than 90% had a low potential for behavior change. Quality thresholds for MI were reached in only one of the 11 interactions. Application was hindered by the context and the limited proficiency of care professionals. Discussion: Implementation was suboptimal for goal setting and MI. This decreased the potential for improved well-being in the participating older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Rietkerk
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, 3647University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joris P J Slaets
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, 3647University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.,443696Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sytse U Zuidema
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, 3647University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Debby L Gerritsen
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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