Translating evidence to patient care through caregivers: a systematic review of caregiver-mediated interventions

Caregiver-centred empowerment for families raising autistic children: A qualitative case study from Argentina

LAY ABSTRACT

Caregivers of children with developmental disabilities, including autism, often struggle to access services, information and resources in Argentina. Little is known about how caregivers can be empowered to support their children as they wish to in the Argentinian setting. We spoke with 32 people online to understand existing and potential practices of supporting caregivers. The people we spoke with included caregivers, health service providers, non-governmental organisations' representatives providing services or technical support, special education teachers and policy representatives. Participants said that poverty, and inequalities in accessing support, impact how caregivers can support their children. They mentioned examples that help caregivers feel empowered, such as peer support groups and caregiver training. Many caregivers spoke about how they became advocates for their children and how they developed initiatives such as advocacy campaigns and well-being support groups. Caregivers in Argentina may be empowered in various ways, and the following strategies can improve empowerment: strengthening collaboration between professionals and caregivers; focusing on caregiver mental health; and addressing the profound impact of poverty on the quality of life of families.

"I'm not the one with cancer but it's affecting me just as much": A qualitative study of rural caregivers' experiences seeking and accessing support for their health and wellbeing while caring for someone with cancer

PURPOSE

Caregivers provide vital support to people with cancer but often report feeling unsupported themselves. This study investigated rural caregivers' experiences seeking support for their health and wellbeing while caring for someone with cancer.

METHODS

Through semi-structured interviews, 20 rural caregivers described their experiences seeking and accessing support for their own health and wellbeing while caring for someone with cancer, including what support was, or would have been, helpful. Interview transcripts were analysed using content analysis to identify the type and source of support sought and what aspects of the support were helpful or unhelpful.

RESULTS

Health and wellbeing support was sought across medical and psychosocial domains. Caregivers' responses reflected both facilitators and barriers to support-seeking and benefits and challenges of accessing support. Facilitators to support-seeking included telehealth options and being involved in patient care discussions, as this helped caregivers know what to expect in their role. Barriers included social isolation while travelling for treatment and caregivers' needs for support not being acknowledged or understood by medical staff or social networks. Benefits of accessing support included help with managing daily responsibilities and being linked with additional services. Challenges included delays in receiving support, inadequate duration of support, and lack of lived experience among care providers.

CONCLUSIONS

To optimise rural caregivers' access to support for their health and wellbeing, support services should be prompt and flexible in delivery, simple to navigate, integrated with patient care, improve caregivers' coping ability, provide access to additional supports, and reduce caregiver burden.

Educational needs and preferences of adult patients with acute pain: a mixed-methods systematic review

ABSTRACT

Many patients experience acute pain, which has been associated with numerous negative consequences. Pain education has been proposed as a strategy to improve acute pain management. However, studies report limited effects with educational interventions for acute pain in adults, which can be explained by the underuse of the person-centered approach. Thus, we aimed to systematically review and synthetize current evidence from quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies describing patients' needs and preferences for acute pain education in adults. We searched original studies and gray literature in 7 databases, from January 1990 to October 2023. Methodological quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A total of 32 studies were included (n = 1847 patients), two-thirds of which were qualitative studies of high methodological quality. Most of the studies were conducted over the last 15 years in patients with postsurgical and posttraumatic pain, identified as White, with a low level of education. Patients expressed the greatest need for education when it came to what to expect in pain intensity and duration, as well how to take the medication and its associated adverse effects. The most frequently reported educational preferences were for in-person education while involving caregivers and to obtain information first from physicians, then by other professionals. This review has highlighted the needs and preferences to be considered in pain education interventions, which should be embedded in an approach cultivating communication and partnership with patients and their caregivers. The results still need to be confirmed with different patient populations.

The Role of Physical Activity in Adjunctive Nursing Management of Neuro-Degenerative Diseases among Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Interventional Studies

Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease pose significant challenges to older adults globally. While pharmacological treatments remain primary, increasing evidence supports the role of non-pharmacological strategies like physical activity in managing these conditions. This systematic review critically evaluates the effectiveness of Nursing based physical activity interventions in improving cognitive function, physical functioning, mobility, and overall quality of life among older adults with neurodegenerative diseases. We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and other relevant databases, focusing on randomized controlled trials and observational studies that examined the impact of structured physical activity. Our findings from nineteen studies involving 1673 participants indicate that interventions ranging from aerobic exercises, resistance training, to mind-body exercises like Tai Chi and yoga have beneficial effects. Specifically, physical activity was consistently found to enhance cognitive performance, increase mobility, and improve balance and daily living activities, contributing to a better quality of life. However, these benefits vary depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the activity performed. Despite promising results, limitations such as small sample sizes, study heterogeneity, and short-term follow-up periods call for more robust, long-term studies to solidify these findings. This review underscores the potential of tailored physical activity programs as adjunctive therapy in the comprehensive management of neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly population.

Use and Impact of Simulation in Family Caregiver Education: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Involving family caregivers in a team-based approach has become increasingly important. Simulation-based interventions in nursing have been effective. However, the effect of simulation on family caregiver education is not widely known and is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the current state of simulation-based interventions in family caregivers of patients with chronic diseases.

METHODS

This systematic review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane with a medical librarian's help. This review included quantitative, primary, peer-reviewed English-written research articles that reported outcomes for family caregivers. We focused on the data about purpose, design, setting, population, intervention characteristics, and outcomes. Before analyzing the selected studies, we evaluated the risk of bias using the revised Cochrane Risk-Of-Bias tool for randomized trials.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 9 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the 9 articles analyzed were designed in a quasi-experimental design. In addition, most studies focused on certain diseases and used low-fidelity simulators. The simulation content mainly focused on technical simulations to help care for patients. Some simulations had a positive influence on family caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

CONCLUSIONS

We expect more simulation-based interventions for caregivers, especially those targeting diverse populations, using appropriate modalities and randomized control designs.

The concept of informal care: ambiguities and controversies on its scientific and political uses

Starting from an analysis of the scientific and political uses of the concept of informal care, this paper raises questions and launches the debate on the causes and effects of its uses. Recognizing the diversity and the contradictions found across the use of the term, it explains how its predominant use in Europe can be problematic. First, although it is widely recognized that care is provided primarily by women, this gender dimension is not emphasized in a concept that obscures the sexual division. Second, it does not render explicit that informal care is work, despite being unpaid. Third, the allusion to informality is likely to generate confusion with informal employment of care workers. Finally, studies often focus exclusively on care provided by family members, without distinguishing the spaces in which the work takes place and the social relationships it involves, namely the family or community. In Europe, where documents from (non)governmental organizations focus mainly on long-term care related to demographic aging, it is the care crisis of formal care provision systems, faced with financial fragility, reduction in funds and insufficient supply to meet the demand, that brings informal care to the political and scientific agendas. This paper argues that it is necessary to define conceptual boundaries that allow international studies on the dimension and value of this care work to be compared. It also advocates the importance of making visible that this is work, unpaid and female-dominated, since this view supports action guidelines more focused on social transformation and empowerment.

Codesigning a user-centred digital psychoeducational tool for youth mental well-being with families in Canada: study protocol for a sequential exploratory mixed methods study

INTRODUCTION

On 11 March 2020, WHO declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease a global pandemic. Governments globally implemented physical distancing measures and closure of public institutions that resulted in varying implications to youth mental well-being (eg, social isolation, reduced extracurricular activities). These impacts may have detrimental short-term and long-term effects on youth mental well-being; care for youth with mental health disorders was already overstretched, underfunded and fragmented before the pandemic and youth are not often considered in mental health initiatives. There is a pressing need to partner with youth and families to target and improve youth mental well-being prior to the onset of a mental health disorder, as well as to conduct research on youth mental well-being needs related to pandemic recovery. Here we present a protocol for partnering with youth and families to codesign a user-centred digital tool for youth mental well-being.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a national research study to develop a catalogue of recommendations specific to supporting youth mental well-being, and a digital tool to support youth mental well-being through three phases of work: (1) expert consultation on data related to supporting youth mental well-being existing within our Pandemic Preparedness Research Program; (2) codesign of an innovative digital tool for youth mental well-being; and (3) assessment of the tool's usability and acceptability.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by the Dalhousie Research Ethics Board (2023-6538) and the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (23-0039). This study will complement ongoing foundational research in youth conducted by our team that involves partnering with youth and families to understand the unique implications of the pandemic on this population.

Socioeconomic Drivers of Outcomes After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Treatment at a Large Comprehensive Stroke Center

BACKGROUND

Sparse data exist on socioeconomic disparities among patients treated for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The authors analyzed factors possibly influencing patient outcomes, including having a primary care physician (PCP) at admission, family/caregiver support, a foreign language barrier, primary payer status, and race.

METHODS

Socioeconomic data were abstracted for patients treated endovascularly or microsurgically for aSAH at a single center (January 1, 2014-July 31, 2019). Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of an unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score >2) and for predictive modeling.

RESULTS

Among 422 patients, the median (interquartile range) follow-up was 2 (1-23) months. Lack of caregiver support was the only socioeconomic factor associated with an unfavorable outcome at discharge. Independent predictors of mRS score >2 at last follow-up included baseline markers of disease severity (P ≤ 0.03), nonwhite race (OR, 1.69; P = 0.047), lack of caregiver support (OR, 5.55; P = 0.007), and lack of a PCP (OR, 1.96; P = 0.007). Adjusting for follow-up mediated the effects of race and PCP, although caregiver support remained significant and PCP was associated with a lower mortality risk independent of follow-up (OR, 0.51; P = 0.047). Predischarge socioeconomic factors, alongside disease severity, predicted a follow-up mRS score >2 with excellent discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.77-0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

At a large, urban, comprehensive stroke center, patients with PCPs, caregiver support, and white race had significantly better long-term outcomes after aSAH. These results reflect disparities in access to healthcare after aSAH for vulnerable populations with extensive lifetime needs.

Experiences and Reported Outcomes of Patients and Caregivers Enrolled in an Integrated Care Program for Thoracic Surgery: A Qualitative Evaluation

Background

Health care delivery is often poorly coordinated and fragmented. Integrated care (IC) programs represent one solution to improving continuity of care. The aim of this study was to understand experiences and reported outcomes of patients and caregivers in an IC Program that coordinates hospital and home care for thoracic surgery.

Methods

A process evaluation was undertaken using qualitative methods. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 patients and 8 caregivers who received IC for thoracic surgery and were discharged between June 2019 and April 2020. A phenomenological approach was used to understand and characterize patient and caregiver experiences. Thematic analysis began with a deductive approach complemented by an inductive approach.

Results

Four major themes evolved from patient and caregiver interviews, including 1) coordination and timeliness of patient care facilitated by an IC lead; 2) the provision of person-centred care and relational continuity fostered feelings of partnership with patients and caregivers; 3) clear communication and one shared digital record increased informational continuity; and 4) impacts of IC on patient and caregiver outcomes.

Conclusions

Patients and caregivers generally reported this IC Program met their health care needs, which may help inform how future IC programs are designed.

Cross-national data on informal caregivers of older people with long-term care needs in the European population: time for a more coordinated and comparable approach

To promote long-term care policies for older adults, accurate mapping of the often invisible and insufficiently recognized role of their informal caregivers is needed. This paper measures the prevalence of informal caregivers in the European population, illustrates current difficulties in gathering unequivocal information on this topic and deals with the scientific and policy implications of the problem. Using the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), the European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) and the Study on Health and Ageing in Europe (SHARE), the current difficulties in gathering unequivocal information on this topic are illustrated. In most countries, the share of informal caregivers varies, sometimes markedly, among the three surveys. As for the sex of caregivers, while confirming the well-known higher prevalence of caregivers among women than among men, large variations emerge across the three surveys in most countries in respect of the two sexes. The takeaway message of the paper is that it is urgent to promote international concerted action in gathering comprehensive informal caregiving information and/or exploring in greater depth the different intercultural understandings of informal care itself.

Promoting Safe Mobility Strategies for partnering with caregivers to maximize older adults' functional ability

This article is the fifth in a series, Supporting Family Caregivers in the 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System, published in collaboration with the AARP Public Policy Institute as part of the ongoing Supporting Family Caregivers: No Longer Home Alone series. The 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility) is an evidence-based framework for assessing and acting on critical issues in the care of older adults across settings and transitions of care. Engaging the health care team, including older adults and their family caregivers, with the 4Ms framework can help to ensure that every older adult gets the best care possible, is not harmed by health care, and is satisfied with the care they receive. The articles in this series present considerations for implementing the 4Ms framework in the inpatient hospital setting and incorporating family caregivers in doing so. Resources for both nurses and family caregivers, including a series of accompanying videos developed by AARP and the Rush Center for Excellence in Aging and funded by The John A. Hartford Foundation, are also provided. Nurses should read the articles first, so they understand how best to help family caregivers. Then they can refer caregivers to the informational tear sheet-Information for Family Caregivers-and instructional videos, encouraging them to ask questions. For additional information, see Resources for Nurses. Cite this article as: Olson,L.M., et al. Promote Safe Mobility. Am J Nurs 2022; 122(7): 46-52.

Needs and expectations of family caregivers of cancer patients in palliative care: A study protocol

Cancer has an associated burden that continues to grow, affecting patients, family caregivers, and the individual's community. The family caregivers' unmet needs may harmfully jeopardize their well-being and the patient's health outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to understand the needs and expectations of family caregivers of cancer patients to develop and improve care practices. The present study aims to explore the needs and expectations of family caregivers of cancer patients in palliative care. This qualitative, descriptive exploratory study will use purposive sampling to recruit family caregivers and healthcare professionals from the palliative care units of two hospital centers in Lisbon and Tagus Valley. First, the Focus group will be performed until data saturation occurs. Then, a conventional thematic analysis will be applied to analyze data with the help of the coding software QDA Miner Lite database. This study's findings will help identify gaps in care and provide data that can support healthcare professionals in providing evidence-based centered care to family caregivers. It can also generate knowledge that may help stakeholders to develop a comprehensive support system for cancer survivors in palliative care and their family caregivers.

Association of rurality, type of primary caregiver and place of death with end-of-life medical expenditures among the oldest-old population in China

BACKGROUND

Understanding whether the type of primary caregiver and end-of-life (EOL) care location are associated with EOL medical expenditures is crucial to inform global debates on policies for efficient and effective EOL care. This study aims to assess trends in the type of primary caregiver and place of death stratified by rural‒urban status among the oldest-old population from 1998-2018 in China. A secondary objective is to determine the associations between rurality, the type of primary caregiver, place of death and EOL medical expenditures.  METHODS: A total of 20,149 deaths of people aged 80 years or older were derived from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Cochran-Armitage tests and Cuzick's tests were used to test trends in the type of primary caregiver and place of death over time, respectively. Tobit models were used to estimate the marginal associations of rurality, type of primary caregiver, and place of death with EOL medical expenditures because CLHLS sets 100,000 Chinese yuan (approximately US$15,286) as the upper limit of the outcome variable.  RESULTS: Of the 20,149 oldest-old people, the median age at death was 97 years old, 12,490 (weighted, 58.6%, hereafter) were female, and 8,235 lived in urban areas. From 1998-2018, the prevalence of informal caregivers significantly increased from 94.3% to 96.2%, and home death significantly increased from 86.0% to 89.5%. The proportion of people receiving help from informal caregivers significantly increased in urban decedents (16.5%) but decreased in rural decedents (-4.0%), while home death rates significantly increased among both urban (15.3%) and rural (1.8%) decedents. In the adjusted models, rural decedents spent less than urban decedents did (marginal difference [95% CI]: $-229 [$-378, $-80]). Those who died in hospitals spent more than those who died at home ($798 [$518, $1077]). No difference in medical expenditures by type of primary caregiver was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past two decades, the increases in informal caregiver utilization and home deaths were unequal, leading to substantially higher EOL medical expenditures among urban decedents and deceased individuals who died at hospitals than among their counterparts who lived in rural areas and died at home.

Relationships among Demographic, Clinical, and Psychological Factors Associated with Family Caregiver Readiness to Participate in Intensive Care Unit Care

Rationale: There has been a paradigm shift to partner with family caregivers by actively involving them in the direct care of the patient throughout the critical illness trajectory. Before effectively engaging family members in patient care, clinicians must assess characteristics and circumstances that may affect caregiver readiness to assume a caregiving role in the intensive care unit (ICU). Objectives: To determine how demographic, clinical, and psychological factors are related to characteristics of family caregiver readiness to engage in ICU patient care. Methods: A convenience sample of ICU family caregivers of both adult and pediatric patients in the ICU was recruited for this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the following measures: PROMIS-29 (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement and Information System); HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale); CaSES (Caregiver Self-Efficacy Scale); Prep Scale (Preparedness for Caregiving Scale); Patient Activation Measure for Caregivers; and FCMFHS (Family Caregiver's Motives for Helping Scale). Data were collected via self-report at a single time point while the caregiver was visiting the critically ill patient in the ICU. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations. Results: Caregivers (N = 127) were primarily White (82.7%), females (77.2%), with a mean age of 51.8 (standard deviation [SD], 15.6). Most were either spouses (37.8%) or parents (32.3%) of the patient in the ICU. Patients were primarily adult (76.4%) with a mean APACHE (Acute Physiology, Age, Chronic Health Evaluation) III of 45.9 (SD, 22.5). There were significant (P < 0.05) negative correlations between depression, anxiety, and fatigue and all subscales of self-efficacy (resilience r = -0.18 to -0.30; self-maintenance r = -0.44 to -0.63; emotional connectivity r = -0.27 to -0.41; instrumental giving r = -0.34 to -0.46). Caregiver depression was negatively correlated with caregiver activation (r = -0.199) and caregiver preparedness (r = -0.300). Social satisfaction was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with caregiving preparedness, motivation, and all subscales of self-efficacy (preparedness r = 0.19; motivation r = 0.24; resilience r = 0.21; self-maintenance r = 0.49; emotional connectivity r = 0.29; instrumental giving r = 0.36). Conclusions: We found that caregiver symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue are inversely related to caregiver preparation, motivation, and self-efficacy. To develop effective interventions for ICU family caregivers, further research is needed to understand the relationship between caregiver well-being, caregiving readiness, and caregiver involvement in patient care.

Occupational Therapy Practitioner Perspectives of the Role of Caregivers in Video Telehealth

The current article examines the role of caregivers to support patient participation in video telehealth, using data from interviews with occupational therapy practitioners at Veterans Health Administration. We found that caregiver participation allowed patients who might otherwise not be able to access video telehealth to do so, with patient factors, such as low technical literacy, contributing to caregiver involvement. In addition, caregiver participation varied by type of task performed. There were also benefits and barriers to caregiver participation. This study enhances our understanding of caregivers' role enabling patients to access video telehealth, which has implications for nursing professionals. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(10), 15-20.].

Strategies to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child and youth well-being: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Children and youth are often more vulnerable than adults to emotional impacts of trauma. Wide-ranging negative effects (eg, social isolation, lack of physical activity) of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and youth are well established. This scoping review will identify, describe and categorise strategies taken to mitigate potentially deleterious impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children, youth and their families.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a scoping review following the Arksey-O'Malley five-stage scoping review method and the Scoping Review Methods Manual by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Well-being will be operationalised according to pre-established domains (health and nutrition, connectedness, safety and support, learning and competence, and agency and resilience). Articles in all languages for this review will be identified in CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, ERIC, Education Research Complete, MEDLINE and APA PsycINFO. The search strategy will be restricted to articles published on or after 1 December 2019. We will include primary empirical and non-empirical methodologies, excluding protocols, reports, opinions and editorials, to identify new data for a broad range of strategies to mitigate potentially deleterious impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on child and youth well-being. Two reviewers will calibrate screening criteria and the data abstraction form and will independently screen records and abstract data. Data synthesis will be performed according to the convergent integrated approach described by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not applicable as this review will be conducted on published data. Findings of this study will be disseminated at national and international conferences and will inform our pan-Canadian multidisciplinary team of researchers, public, health professionals and knowledge users to codesign and pilot test a digital psychoeducational health tool-an interactive, web-based tool to help Canadian youth and their families address poor mental well-being resulting from and persisting beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patient and family involvement in Choosing Wisely initiatives: a mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Patients are important stakeholders in reducing low-value care, yet mechanisms for optimizing their involvement in low-value care remain unclear. To explore the role of patients in the development and implementation of Choosing Wisely recommendations to reduce low-value care and to assess the likelihood that existing patient resources will change patient health behaviour.

METHODS

Three phased mixed-methods study: 1) content analysis of all publicly available Choosing Wisely clinician lists and patient resources from the United States of America and Canada. Quantitative data was summarized with frequencies and free text comments were analyzed with qualitative thematic content analysis; 2) semi-structured telephone interviews with a purposive sample of representatives of professional societies who created Choosing Wisely clinician lists and members of the public (including patients and family members). Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and two researchers conducted qualitative template analysis; 3) evaluation of Choosing Wisely patient resources. Two public partners were identified through the Calgary Critical Care Research Network and independently answered two free text questions "would this change your health behaviour" and "would you discuss this material with a healthcare provider". Free text data was analyzed by two researchers using thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

From the content analysis of 136 Choosing Wisely clinician lists, six reported patient involvement in their development. From 148 patient resource documents that were mapped onto a conceptual framework (Inform, Activate, Collaborate) 64% described patient engagement at the level of Inform (educating patients). From 19 interviews stakeholder perceptions of patient involvement in reducing low-value care were captured by four themes: 1) impact of perceived power dynamics on the discussion of low-value care in the clinical interaction, 2) how to communicate about low-value care, 3) perceived barriers to patient involvement in reducing low-value care, and 4) suggested strategies to engage patients and families in Choosing Wisely initiatives. In the final phase of work in response to the question "would this change your health behaviour" two patient partners agreed 'yes' on 27% of patient resources.

CONCLUSIONS

Opportunities exist to increase patient and family participation in initiatives to reduce low-value care.

Co-development of a transitions in care bundle for patient transitions from the intensive care unit: a mixed-methods analysis of a stakeholder consensus meeting

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing transitions in care are at increased risk of adverse events and gaps in medical care. We evaluated existing patient- and family-centered transitions in care tools and identified facilitators, barriers, and implementation considerations for the application of a transitions in care bundle in critically ill adults (i.e., a collection of evidence-based patient- and family-centred tools to improve outcomes during and after transitions from the intensive care unit [ICU] to hospital ward or community).

Methods

We conducted a concurrent mixed methods (quan + QUAL) study, including stakeholders with experience in ICU transitions in care (i.e., patient/family partners, researchers, decision-makers, providers, and other knowledge-users). First, participants scored existing transitions in care tools using the modified Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation (AGREE-II) framework. Transitions in care tools were discussed by stakeholders and either accepted, accepted with modifications, or rejected if consensus was achieved (≥70% agreement). We summarized quantitative results using frequencies and medians. Second, we conducted a qualitative analysis of participant discussions using grounded theory principles to elicit factors influencing AGREE-II scores, and to identify barriers, facilitators, and implementation considerations for the application of a transitions in care bundle.

Results

Twenty-nine stakeholders attended. Of 18 transitions in care tools evaluated, seven (39%) tools were accepted with modifications, one (6%) tool was rejected, and consensus was not reached for ten (55%) tools. Qualitative analysis found that participants’ AGREE-II rankings were influenced by: 1) language (e.g., inclusive, balance of jargon and lay language); 2) if the tool was comprehensive (i.e., could stand alone); 3) if the tool could be individualized for each patient; 4) impact to clinical workflow; and 5) how the tool was presented (e.g., brochure, video). Participants discussed implementation considerations for a patient- and family-centered transitions in care bundle: 1) delivery (e.g., tool format and timing); 2) continuity (e.g., follow-up after ICU discharge); and 3) continuous evaluation and improvement (e.g., frequency of tool use). Participants discussed existing facilitators (e.g., collaboration and co-design) and barriers (e.g., health system capacity) that would impact application of a transitions in care bundle.

Conclusions

Findings will inform future research to develop a transitions in care bundle for transitions from the ICU, co-designed with patients, families, providers, researchers, decision-makers, and knowledge-users.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07392-2.

Patient and family engagement in patient care and research in Canadian intensive care units: a national survey

PURPOSE

While patient and family engagement may improve clinical care and research, current practices for engagement in Canadian intensive care units (ICUs) are unknown.

METHODS

We developed and administered a cross-sectional questionnaire to ICU leaders of current engagement practices, facilitators, and barriers to engagement, and whether engagement was a priority, using to an ordinal Likert scale from 1 to 10.

RESULTS

The response rate was 53.4% (124/232). Respondents were from 11 provinces and territories, mainly from medical surgical ICUs (76%) and community hospitals (70%). Engagement in patient care included bedside care (84%) and bedside rounds (66%), presence during procedures/crises (65%), and survey completion (77%). Research engagement included ethics committees (36%), protocol review (31%), and knowledge translation (30%). Facilitators of engagement in patient care included family meetings (87%), open visitation policies (81%), and engagement as an institutional priority (74%). Support from departmental (43%) and hospital (33%) leadership was facilitator of research engagement. Time was the main barrier to engagement in any capacity. Engagement was a higher priority in patient care vs research (median [interquartile range], 8 [7-9] vs 3 [1-7]; P < 0.001) and in pediatric vs adult ICUs (10 [9-10] vs 8 [7-9]; P = 0.003). Research engagement was significantly higher in academic vs other ICUs (7 [5-8] vs 2 [1-4]; P < 0.001), and pediatric vs adult ICUs (7 [5-8] vs 3 [1-6]; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Organizational strategies and institutional support were key facilitators of engagement. Engagement in patient care was a higher priority than engagement in research.

Evaluation of Family Caregivers' Use of Their Adult Care Recipient's Patient Portal From the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey: Secondary Analysis

Background

Patient engagement is critical for realizing the value of telehealth modalities such as the patient portal. Family caregiver engagement may also be critical for facilitating the use of the patient portal among adult patients, including older adults.

Objective

This study aims to analyze the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey to characterize family caregivers’ use of their care recipient’s patient portal in terms of sociodemographic, health, and caregiving characteristics and caregivers’ use of their own portal.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey 5 Cycle 3. This survey was administered to 5438 US adults between January and May 2019. We analyzed data from 320 respondents who were identified as family caregivers. We created measures to reflect family caregivers’ use of their care recipient’s and their own portal, caregiver demographic and caregiving characteristics, and care recipient health characteristics.

Results

Over half of the caregivers (179/320, 55.9%) reported using their own portal at least once, whereas only one-third (105/320, 32.8%) reported using their care recipient’s record in the previous 12 months. Caregivers using their own portal were significantly more likely to use their care recipient’s portal (odds ratio 11.18; P<.001).

Conclusions

Policies should enable patients to designate family caregivers who can access their patient portal. Providers could screen caregivers for challenges in their caregiving responsibilities that may be addressed through the portal so they can better support their adult relatives. Interventions to support family caregivers, especially older caregivers, in using their own portal may facilitate their use of their care recipient’s portal.

Natural language processing to measure the frequency and mode of communication between healthcare professionals and family members of critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE

To apply natural language processing (NLP) techniques to identify individual events and modes of communication between healthcare professionals and families of critically ill patients from electronic medical records (EMR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 280 randomly selected adult patients admitted to 1 of 15 intensive care units (ICU) in Alberta, Canada from June 19, 2012 to June 11, 2018. Individual events and modes of communication were independently abstracted using NLP and manual chart review (reference standard). Preprocessing techniques and 2 NLP approaches (rule-based and machine learning) were evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC).

RESULTS

Over 2700 combinations of NLP methods and hyperparameters were evaluated for each mode of communication using a holdout subset. The rule-based approach had the highest AUROC in 65 datasets compared to the machine learning approach in 21 datasets. Both approaches had similar performance in 17 datasets. The rule-based AUROC for the grouped categories of patient documented to have family or friends (0.972, 95% CI 0.934-1.000), visit by family/friend (0.882 95% CI 0.820-0.943) and phone call with family/friend (0.975, 95% CI: 0.952-0.998) were high.

DISCUSSION

We report an automated method to quantify communication between healthcare professionals and family members of adult patients from free-text EMRs. A rule-based NLP approach had better overall operating characteristics than a machine learning approach.

CONCLUSION

NLP can automatically and accurately measure frequency and mode of documented family visitation and communication from unstructured free-text EMRs, to support patient- and family-centered care initiatives.

Just-in-time postnatal education programees to improve newborn care practices: needs and opportunities in low-resource settings

Worldwide, many newborns die in the first month of life, with most deaths happening in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Families’ use of evidence-based newborn care practices in the home and timely care-seeking for illness can save newborn lives. Postnatal education is an important investment to improve families’ use of evidence-based newborn care practices, yet there are gaps in the literature on postnatal education programmes that have been evaluated to date. Recent findings from a 13 000+ person survey in 3 states in India show opportunities for improvement in postnatal education for mothers and families and their use of newborn care practices in the home. Our survey data and the literature suggest the need to incorporate the following strategies into future postnatal education programming: implement structured predischarge education with postdischarge reinforcement, using a multipronged teaching approach to reach whole families with education on multiple newborn care practices. Researchers need to conduct robust evaluation on postnatal education models incorporating these programee elements in the LMIC context, as well as explore whether this type of education model can work for other health areas that are critical for families to survive and thrive.

An Agile Digital Platform to Support Population Health-A Case Study of a Digital Platform to Support Patients with Delirium Using IoT, NLP, and AI

For an organization to be customer centric and service oriented requires that it use each encounter with a customer to create value, leverage advanced technologies to design digital services to fulfill the value, and assess perceived value-in-use to continue to revise the value as customer expectations evolve. The adaptation of value cycles to address the rapid changes in customer expectations requires agile digital platforms with dynamic software ecosystems interacting with multiple actors. For public health agencies focused on population health, these agile digital platforms should provide tailored care to address the distinct needs of select population groups. Using prior research on aging and dynamic software ecosystems, this paper develops a template for the design of an agile digital platform to support value cycle activities among clinical and non-clinical actors, including population groups. It illustrates the design of an agile digital platform to support clients that suffer from delirium, using digital services that leverage Internet of Things, natural language processing, and AI that uses real-time data for learning and care adaption. We conclude the paper with directions for future research.

Bereavement interventions to support informal caregivers in the intensive care unit: a systematic review

Background

Informal caregivers of critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICUs) experience negative psychological sequelae that worsen after death. We synthesized outcomes reported from ICU bereavement interventions intended to improve informal caregivers’ ability to cope with grief.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO from inception to October 2020.

Study selection

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of bereavement interventions to support informal caregivers of adult patients who died in ICU.

Data extraction

Two reviewers independently extracted data in duplicate. Narrative synthesis was conducted.

Data synthesis

Bereavement interventions were categorized according to the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence three-tiered model of bereavement support according to the level of need: (1) Universal information provided to all those bereaved; (2) Selected or targeted non-specialist support provided to those who are at-risk of developing complex needs; and/or (3) Professional specialist interventions provided to those with a high level of complex needs. Outcome measures were synthesized according to core outcomes established for evaluating bereavement support for adults who have lost other adults to illness.

Results

Three studies of ICU bereavement interventions from 31 ICUs across 26 hospitals were included. One trial examining the effect of family presence at brain death assessment integrated all three categories of support but did not report significant improvement in emotional or psychological distress. Two other trials assessed a condolence letter intervention, which did not decrease grief symptoms and may have increased symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and a storytelling intervention that found no significant improvements in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, or complicated grief. Four of nine core bereavement outcomes were not assessed anytime in follow-up.

Conclusions

Currently available trial evidence is sparse and does not support the use of bereavement interventions for informal caregivers of critically ill patients who die in the ICU.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-021-00763-w.

LEAP Motion Technology and Psychology: A Mini-Review on Hand Movements Sensing for Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders

Technological advancement is constantly evolving, and it is also developing in the mental health field. Various applications, often based on virtual reality, have been implemented to carry out psychological assessments and interventions, using innovative human-machine interaction systems. In this context, the LEAP Motion sensing technology has raised interest, since it allows for more natural interactions with digital contents, via an optical tracking of hand and finger movements. Recent research has considered LEAP Motion features in virtual-reality-based systems, to meet specific needs of different clinical populations, varying in age and type of disorder. The present paper carried out a systematic mini-review of the available literature using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The inclusion criteria were (i) publication date between 2013 and 2020, (ii) being an empirical study or project report, (iii) written in English or Italian languages, (iv) published in a scholarly peer-reviewed journal and/or conference proceedings, and (v) assessing LEAP Motion intervention for four specific psychological domains (i.e., autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment), objectively. Nineteen eligible empirical studies were included. Overall, results show that protocols for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder can promote psychomotor and psychosocial rehabilitation in contexts that stimulate learning. Moreover, virtual reality and LEAP Motion seem promising for the assessment and screening of functional abilities in dementia and mild cognitive impairment. As evidence is, however, still limited, deeper investigations are needed to assess the full potential of the LEAP Motion technology, possibly extending its applications. This is relevant, considering the role that virtual reality could have in overcoming barriers to access assessment, therapies, and smart monitoring.

Mental Health Interventions to Improve Psychological Outcomes in Informal Caregivers of Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Determine effect of mental health interventions on psychologic outcomes in informal caregivers of critically ill patients.

Patients, family members and providers perceive family-administered delirium detection tools in the adult ICU as feasible and of value to patient care and family member coping: a qualitative focus group study

PURPOSE

While studies report on perceptions of family participation in delirium prevention, little is known about the use of family-administered delirium detection tools in the care of critically ill patients. This study sought the perspectives of patients, their family members, and healthcare providers on the use of family-administered delirium detection tools to detect delirium in critically ill patients and barriers and facilitators to using family-administered delirium detection tools in patient care.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, critical care providers (five physicians, six registered nurses) and participants from the Family ICU Delirium Detection Study (seven past patients and family members) took part in four focus groups at one hospital in Calgary, Alberta.

RESULTS

Key themes identified following thematic analysis from 18 participants included: 1) perceptions of acceptability of family-administered delirium detection (e.g., family feels valued, intensive care unit (ICU) care team may not use a family member's results, intensification of work load), 2) considerations regarding feasibility (e.g., insufficient knowledge, healthcare team buy-in), and 3) overarching strategies to support implementation into routine patient care (e.g., value of family-administered delirium detection for patients and families is well understood in the clinical context, regular communication between the family and ICU providers, an electronic version of the tool).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients, family members and healthcare providers who participated in the focus groups perceived family participation in delirium detection and the use of family-administered delirium detection tools at the bedside as feasible and of value to patient care and family member coping.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03379129); registered 15 December 2017.

Effectiveness of health consumer representative involvement in implementation of interventions to change health professional behaviour

BACKGROUND

The adoption of research evidence to improve client outcomes may be enhanced using the principles of implementation science. This systematic review aimed to understand the effect of involving consumers to change health professional behaviours and practices. The barriers and enablers to consumer engagement will also be examined.

METHODS

We searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PDQ-Evidence from 2004 to February 2019. Implementation studies involving consumers in at least one phase (development, intervention or facilitation) of an intervention that aimed to change health professional behaviour to align with evidence-based practice were included. Studies in the areas of paediatrics and primary care were excluded. Two review authors independently screened studies for inclusion, and one author extracted data and conducted quality assessments with review of a second author. Knowledge translation interventions were categorized using the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care taxonomy. The primary outcome was measures of change in health professional behaviour.

RESULTS

Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of three studies found support for consumer involvement in changing healthcare professionals' behaviour (Hedges' g = 0.41, 95% CI [0.27, 0.57], P < 0.001). Most knowledge translation studies involved consumers during the development phase only (n = 12). Most studies (n = 9) included one type of knowledge translation intervention. Professional interventions (including education of health professionals, educational outreach, and audit and feedback) were described in 13 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumer involvement rarely moves beyond the design phase of knowledge translation research in healthcare settings. Further research of the barriers to and effect of increased consumer engagement across all stages of knowledge translation interventions is needed.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42019119179.

"You Feel Very Isolated": Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Caregiver Social Connections

One in five individuals in the United States provides care and support to ill, disabled, and aging family members in the home, leading to feelings of burden, stress, and poor health and well-being. Social support represents an important buffer for family caregivers that allows them to feel less isolated and more positive about their caregiving role. This sequential mixed-methods study aimed to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on family caregivers' social connections. Eighty-two caregivers completed a web-based survey which comprised of fixed-choice and open-ended questions. Survey data showed that the majority of caregivers (83%) reported an increase in stress and feeling lonely (77%) during the pandemic. Qualitative interviews with a subsample of caregivers (n=27) further explored social connections during the pandemic. Three themes echoed the quantitative findings and centered around defining boundaries, intentionality in social interactions, and loss of social resources. Although caregivers were often strained by new or increased caregiving demands, many experienced positive changes such as feeling a deeper connection with the care-recipient. Findings from this study highlight the need for further consideration of the impact of social isolation on the well-being of caregivers.

How Many Older Informal Caregivers Are There in Europe? Comparison of Estimates of Their Prevalence from Three European Surveys

Informal caregivers are people providing some type of unpaid, ongoing assistance to a person with a chronic illness or disability. Long-term care measures and policies cannot take place without taking into account the quantitatively crucial role played by informal caregivers. We use the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), the European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS), and the Study on Health and Ageing in Europe (SHARE) to measure the prevalence of informal caregivers in the European population, and analyze associated socio-demographic factors. This rate ranges between about 13 percent in Portugal and Spain, and more than 22 percent in Luxembourg, Belgium, and Denmark. It declines in older age groups and, on average, is lower in men than in women in all countries studied, and lower among the poorly educated compared to those with higher levels of education. However, large variance was observed in the average share of informal caregivers for most countries between the three surveys. Our findings, estimated through the three surveys, reveal common trends, but also a series of disparities. Additional research will be needed to enable policy makers to access a richer and more harmonized body of data, allowing them to adopt truly evidence-based and targeted policies and interventions in this field.

Caregiver's Recall of Stroke Discharge Education Exceeds Patients and Is Associated With Greater Satisfaction

Stroke survivors and their caregivers report not receiving enough information at discharge. To identify strengths and weaknesses of stroke discharge education, we delivered questionnaires that assessed patient and caregiver recall, perceived utility, and satisfaction at discharge as well as 1- and 3-month follow-up. Categorical data of responses were compared between time periods using Fischer exact test. Recall significantly differed between discharge (86%) and 1-month follow-up (54%, P < .05), but not discharge and 3-month follow-up (69%). Patient perceived utility at both 1 month (69%) and 3 months (64%) was lower than at discharge (92%, P < .05). Patient satisfaction was lower at 1 month (69%) and 3 months (54%) than discharge (92%, P < .05). Caregiver recall declined from discharge (81%) to 1 month (65%) but improved from 1 to 3 months (82%, P < .05). Caregiver satisfaction and perceived utility remained positive through the study. The results suggest stroke patients and their caregivers suffer from education recall failure over time that is associated with worse satisfaction and perceived utility by patients. Reinforcement at 1 month may improve caregiver recall. We conclude that education for caregivers may be more reliably reinforced, suggesting a role in continued patient education.

Supporting In-Home Caregivers in Symptom Assessment of Frail Older Adults with Serious Illness: A Pilot Study

Background: Many older adults with serious illness who depend on others for care have symptoms that are difficult to manage. Supporting caregivers in symptom assessment (SA) may reduce suffering. Objective: Pilot an SA-Toolkit for caregivers to assess older adults' symptoms at home. Design: Pilot study. Setting/Subjects: English-speaking patients ≥65 years of age and their caregivers from a home-based geriatrics program in San Francisco. Measurements: With multiple stakeholder input, we created a SA-Toolkit consisting of illustrations depicting symptoms, validated Faces Scale, and easy-to-use tracking system with phone numbers of family/friends/clinicians. At baseline and one week, we assessed change in patients' symptoms and caregivers' self-efficacy with SA (5-point scale) using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. We assessed acceptability at one week. Results: Eleven patient/caregiver dyads participated in the study. Patients were 84.7 years old (SD 5.7), 81.8% women, 27.3% non-white. From baseline to one week, mean number of symptoms decreased (3.7 [1.5] to 2.6 [1.8], p = 0.03). Specifically, patients with pain decreased from 63.6% to 36.4%, anxiety 54.6% to 18.2%, depression 45.5% to 27.3%, and loneliness 36.4% to 18.2%. Caregiver self-efficacy increased (4.6 [0.3] to 4.8 [0.3], p = 0.09). Patients found the symptom illustrations easy to use (8.7 on 10-point scale), but the Faces Scale less so (7.3/10) because it provided "too many choices." Caregivers liked the SA-Toolkit because it was easy to use; nearly all (10/11, 90%) would recommend it to others. Conclusions: The SA-Toolkit resulted in decreased symptom burden among patients and higher caregiver self-efficacy in SA. The SA-Toolkit is acceptable and may help reduce suffering in frail, older patients.

The Effect of Caregiver-Facilitated Pain Management Interventions in Hospitalized Patients on Patient, Caregiver, Provider, and Health System Outcomes: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Alternative pain management interventions involving caregivers may be valuable adjuncts to conventional pain management interventions.

OBJECTIVES

Use systematic review methodology to examine caregiver-facilitated pain management interventions in a hospital setting and whether they improve patient, caregiver, provider, or health system outcomes.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus databases from inception to April 2020. Original research on caregiver-facilitated pain management interventions in hospitalized settings (i.e., any age) were included and categorized into three caregiver engagement strategies: inform (e.g., pain education), activate (e.g., prompt caregiver action), and collaborate (encourage caregiver's interaction with providers).

RESULTS

Of 61 included studies, most investigated premature (n = 27 of 61; 44.3%) and full-term neonates (n = 19 of 61; 31.1%). Interventions were classified as activate (n = 46 of 61; 75.4%), inform-activate-collaborate (n = 6 of 61; 9.8%), inform-activate (n = 5 of 61; 8.2%), activate-collaborate (n = 3 of 61; 4.9%), or inform (n = 1 of 61; 1.6%) caregiver engagement strategies. Interventions that included an activate engagement strategy improved pain outcomes in adults (18-64 years) (e.g., self-reported pain, n = 4 of 5; 80%) and neonates (e.g., crying, n = 32 of 41; 73.0%) but not children or older adults (65 years and older). Caregiver outcomes (e.g., pain knowledge) were improved by inform-activate engagement strategies (n = 3 of 3). Interventions did not improve provider (e.g., satisfaction) or health system (e.g., hospital length of stay) outcomes. Most studies were of low (n = 36 of 61; 59.0%) risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

Caregiver-facilitated pain management interventions using an activate engagement strategy may be effective in reducing pain of hospitalized neonates. Caregiver-facilitated pain management interventions improved pain outcomes in most adult studies; however, the number of studies of adults is small warranting caution pending further studies.

Impact of social media interventions and tools among informal caregivers of critically ill patients after patient admission to the intensive care unit: A scoping review

Background

The use of social media in healthcare continues to evolve. The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize existing research on the impact of social media interventions and tools among informal caregivers of critically ill patients after patient admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This review followed established scoping review methods, including an extensive a priori-defined search strategy implemented in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials databases to July 10, 2020. Primary research studies reporting on the use of social media by informal caregivers for critically ill patients were included.

Results

We identified 400 unique citations and thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine were interventional trials–four randomized controlled trials (RCTs)–and a majority (n = 14) were conducted (i.e., data collected) between 2013 to 2015. Communication platforms (e.g., Text Messaging, Web Camera) were the most commonly used social media tool (n = 17), followed by social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) (n = 6), and content communities (e.g., YouTube, SlideShare) (n = 5). Nine studies’ primary objective was caregiver satisfaction, followed by self-care (n = 6), and health literacy (n = 5). Nearly every study reported an outcome on usage feasibility (e.g., user attitudes, preferences, demographics) (n = 30), and twenty-three studies reported an outcome related to patient and caregiver satisfaction. Among the studies that assessed statistical significance (n = 18), 12 reported statistically significant positive effects of social media use. Overall, 16 of the 31 studies reported positive conclusions (e.g., increased knowledge, satisfaction, involvement) regarding the use of social media among informal caregivers for critically ill patients.

Conclusions

Social media has potential benefits for caregivers of the critically ill. More robust and clinically relevant studies are required to identify effective social media strategies used among caregivers for the critically ill.

The Effect of Caregiver-Mediated Mobility Interventions in Hospitalized Patients on Patient, Caregiver, and Health System Outcomes: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize the evidence examining caregiver-mediated mobility interventions in a hospital setting and whether they improve patient, caregiver, or health system outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus databases from inception to September 7, 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

Two reviewers independently selected original research in inpatient settings that reported on an intervention delivered by a caregiver (eg, family, friend, paid worker) and directed to the patient's mobility. Mobility interventions were categorized based on the level of caregiver engagement using a 3-category framework: inform (provision of education on patient's condition and management), activate (prompting caregivers to take action in patient care), and collaborate (encouraging interaction with providers or other caregivers).

DATA EXTRACTION

One reviewer extracted data, and another checked the data. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Forty studies met the inclusion criteria; most were randomized controlled trials (n=16/40, 40.0%) and investigated older adults (n=18/40, 45.0%) with stroke (n=20/40, 50.0%). Inform (n=2) and activate (n=4) interventions and combined inform-activate (n=5/6, 83.3%) and inform-activate-collaborate (n=6/10, 60.0%) interventions were reported to improve patient mobility. Inform-activate and inform-collaborate interventions were reported to improve caregiver outcomes (eg, burden) (n=13/19, 68.4%). Studies that engaged caregivers in all 3 strategies (inform-activate-collaborate) were reported to improve health system outcomes (eg, hospital readmission) (n=4/6, 66.7%). Most studies were of unclear (n=22/40, 55.0%) or low risk of bias (n=11/40, 27.5%) for most domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Engaging caregivers in mobility of hospitalized patients may improve patient mobility as well as caregiver and health system outcomes.

Engaging patients in de-implementation interventions to reduce low-value clinical care: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many decisions regarding health resource utilization flow through the patient-clinician interaction. Thus, it represents a place where de-implementation interventions may have considerable effect on reducing the use of clinical interventions that lack efficacy, have risks that outweigh benefits, or are not cost-effective (i.e., low-value care). The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to determine the effect of de-implementation interventions that engage patients within the patient-clinician interaction on use of low-value care.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched from inception to November 2019. Gray literature was searched using the CADTH tool. Studies were screened independently by two reviewers and were included if they (1) described an intervention that engaged patients in an initiative to reduce low-value care, (2) reported the use of low-value care with and without the intervention, and (3) were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental designs. Studies describing interventions solely focused on clinicians or published in a language other than English were excluded. Data was extracted independently in duplicate and pertained to the low-value clinical intervention of interest, components of the strategy for patient engagement, and study outcomes. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs and a modified Downs and Black checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Random effects meta-analysis (reported as risk ratio, RR) was used to examine the effect of de-implementation interventions on the use of low-value care.

RESULTS

From 6736 unique citations, 9 RCTs and 13 quasi-experimental studies were included in the systematic review. Studies mostly originated from the USA (n = 13, 59%), targeted treatments (n = 17, 77%), and took place in primary care (n = 10, 45%). The most common intervention was patient-oriented educational material (n = 18, 82%), followed by tools for shared decision-making (n = 5, 23%). Random effects meta-analysis demonstrated that de-implementation interventions that engage patients within the patient-clinician interaction led to a significant reduction in low-value care in both RCTs (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.66-0.84) and quasi-experimental studies (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.43-0.87). There was significant inter-study heterogeneity; however, intervention effects were consistent across subgroups defined by low-value practice and patient-engagement strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

De-implementation interventions that engage patients within the patient-clinician interaction through patient-targeted educational materials or shared decision-making tools are effective in decreasing the use of low-value care. Clinicians and policymakers should consider engaging patients within initiatives that seek to reduce low-value care.

REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/6fsxm).

In the pursuit of partnership: patient and family engagement in critical care medicine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patient and family partnership in critical care medicine research and clinical care is essential to achieve patient and family-centered care. Although there is an increasing interest in patient and family engagement, research is lacking to direct clinicians and researchers on how to provide opportunities for meaningful engagement. We review the recent literature and provide examples from our own experiences to guide all parties in this important and emerging area.

RECENT FINDINGS

Though the literature is relatively nascent, studies suggest that there is a desire to engage patients and families in critical care medicine research and clinical care, however, uncertainty exists on how to achieve this goal. Engagement exists on a spectrum from presence to shared decision-making and direct contributions to care; most engagement in critical care medicine involves participation in research and presence at the bedside. Expectation management is essential for meaningful engagement and true partnership. Challenges to patient and family engagement exist, including determining appropriate compensation, aligning engagement with needs and skills, and recruitment, training and retention. These challenges can be mitigated with thoughtful planning and management.

SUMMARY

Patient and family engagement in critical care medicine is an emerging field that requires further study to support definitive conclusions. Until then, it is important to match interested patients and family members with appropriate opportunities and provide training and support to ensure meaningful engagement.

Health practices in Europe towards families of older patients with cancer: a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

In Europe, cancer is one of the predominant causes of mortality and morbidity among older people aged over 65. A diagnosis of cancer can imply a negative impact on the quality of life of the older patients and their families. Despite research examining the impact of cancer on the family, it is unclear what kind of information is available about the types of clinical practice towards older patients with cancer and their families. The aim is to determine the extent, range and variety of research in Europe describing health practices towards families of older patients with cancer and to identify any existing gaps in knowledge.

METHODS

Scoping review.

RESULTS

A total of 12 articles were included, showing that family interventions are generally based on end-of-life care. Most studies used a qualitative approach and involved different types of family member as participants. Most studies were conducted in the UK.

CONCLUSIONS

Review findings revealed limited knowledge about health practices in Europe towards families with an older patient with cancer. This review indicates a need to increase family-focused research that examines health practices that meet the needs of families of older patients with cancer. Seeing cancer as a chronic disease, there is an urgent need for the implementation of family-focused interventions.

Preferences for End-of-Life Care and Decision Making Among Older and Seriously Ill Inpatients: A Cross-Sectional Study

CONTEXT

Older and seriously ill Australians are often admitted to hospital in the last year of their life. The extent to which these individuals have considered important aspects of end-of-life (EOL) care, including location in which care is provided, goals of care, and involvement of others in decision making, is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine, in a sample of older and seriously ill Australian inpatients, preferences regarding location in which they receive EOL care and reasons for their choice; who is involved in EOL decisions; disclosure of life expectancy; goals of care; and voluntary-assisted dying.

METHODS

Cross-sectional face-to-face survey interviews conducted with 186 (80% consent) inpatients in a tertiary referral center aged 80 years and older; or aged 55 years and older with progressive chronic disease(s); or with physician-estimated life expectancy of less than 12 months.

RESULTS

Home care was preferred (69%), given the perceived availability of family/friends, familiarity of environment, and likelihood of having wishes respected. If unable to make decisions themselves, inpatients wanted family to decide care alone (31%) or with a doctor (49%). Of those who had not discussed life expectancy, 23% wished to. Most (76%) preferred care that maintained quality of life and relieved symptoms. There was some agreement for being sedated at the EOL (63%) and able to access medication to end life (43%).

CONCLUSION

Most inpatients would prefer EOL care that maintains quality and relieves suffering compared with life extension and to receive this care at home. Family involvement in resolution and documentation of EOL decisions should be prioritized.

Working together to learn new oral hygiene techniques: Pilot of a carepartner-assisted intervention for persons with cognitive impairment

We pilot tested a carepartner-assisted intervention to improve oral hygiene in persons with cognitive impairment (participants) and help carepartners become leaders who can adapt approaches that foster participants' ability to develop new skills for oral hygiene care. Following the intervention, we conducted interviews with participants and carepartners to understand their challenges in working together to learn new oral hygiene skills. Participants reported challenges such as frustration using the electric toothbrush correctly, lack of desire to change, uncertainty about correctness of technique, and difficulty sustaining two minutes of toothbrushing. Carepartners reported challenges such as learning a new way of toothbrushing, learning new communication techniques, switching from instructing to working together, learning to balance leading with being too bossy, and being mindful of word choices. Findings suggested that despite challenges, participants were able to learn adaptive strategies to support new oral hygiene behaviors with support of the carepartner as the adaptive leader.