COVID-19 vaccines and adverse events of special interest: A multinational Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) cohort study of 99 million vaccinated individuals

BACKGROUND

The Global COVID Vaccine Safety (GCoVS) Project, established in 2021 under the multinational Global Vaccine Data Network™ (GVDN®), facilitates comprehensive assessment of vaccine safety. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of adverse events of special interest (AESI) following COVID-19 vaccination from 10 sites across eight countries.

METHODS

Using a common protocol, this observational cohort study compared observed with expected rates of 13 selected AESI across neurological, haematological, and cardiac outcomes. Expected rates were obtained by participating sites using pre-COVID-19 vaccination healthcare data stratified by age and sex. Observed rates were reported from the same healthcare datasets since COVID-19 vaccination program rollout. AESI occurring up to 42 days following vaccination with mRNA (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) and adenovirus-vector (ChAdOx1) vaccines were included in the primary analysis. Risks were assessed using observed versus expected (OE) ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. Prioritised potential safety signals were those with lower bound of the 95 % confidence interval (LBCI) greater than 1.5.

RESULTS

Participants included 99,068,901 vaccinated individuals. In total, 183,559,462 doses of BNT162b2, 36,178,442 doses of mRNA-1273, and 23,093,399 doses of ChAdOx1 were administered across participating sites in the study period. Risk periods following homologous vaccination schedules contributed 23,168,335 person-years of follow-up. OE ratios with LBCI > 1.5 were observed for Guillain-Barré syndrome (2.49, 95 % CI: 2.15, 2.87) and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (3.23, 95 % CI: 2.51, 4.09) following the first dose of ChAdOx1 vaccine. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis showed an OE ratio of 3.78 (95 % CI: 1.52, 7.78) following the first dose of mRNA-1273 vaccine. The OE ratios for myocarditis and pericarditis following BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ChAdOx1 were significantly increased with LBCIs > 1.5.

CONCLUSION

This multi-country analysis confirmed pre-established safety signals for myocarditis, pericarditis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Other potential safety signals that require further investigation were identified.

Older people's views on loneliness during COVID-19 lockdowns

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There have been growing concerns that social distancing and stay-at-home mandates have exacerbated loneliness for older people. Empirical evidence about older people's experiences of loneliness and COVID-19 have quantified this phenomena without considering how older people themselves define and understand loneliness. This paper explores how older New Zealanders conceptualized and experienced loneliness under 'lockdown' stay-at-home measures.

METHODS

This multi-methods qualitative study combines data from letters (n = 870) and interviews (n = 44) collected from 914 people aged over 60 and living in Aotearoa, New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis to conceptualise this data.

FINDINGS

We identify three interconnected ways in which older people conceptualised and experienced loneliness: (1) feeling disconnected relating to lack of emotional closeness to another often resulting from being physically separated from others and not being able to touch; (2) feeling imprisoned relating to separation from preferred identities and activities and was frequently associated with boredom and frustration; and (3) feeling neglected which often related to feeling let down by generalised and idealised forms of support, such as one's neighbourhood and health care system.

DISCUSSION

Older New Zealanders experienced lockdown loneliness in three interconnected ways rather than as a stable and homogenous experience. Māori, Pacific, Asian and New Zealand European older people often discussed loneliness in different ways; attesting to loneliness being a culturally-mediated concept shaped by expectations around desirable social interaction. We conclude the paper with implications for research and policy.

Background rates of adverse events of special interest for COVID-19 vaccines: A multinational Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) analysis

BACKGROUND

The Global COVID Vaccine Safety (GCoVS) project was established in 2021 under the multinational Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) consortium to facilitate the rapid assessment of the safety of newly introduced vaccines. This study analyzed data from GVDN member sites on the background incidence rates of conditions designated as adverse events of special interest (AESI) for COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring.

METHODS

Eleven GVDN global sites obtained data from national or regional healthcare databases using standardized methods. Incident events of 13 pre-defined AESI were included for a pre-pandemic period (2015-19) and the first pandemic year (2020). Background incidence rates (IR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for inpatient and emergency department encounters, stratified by age and sex, and compared between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods using incidence rate ratios.

RESULTS

An estimated 197 million people contributed 1,189,652,926 person-years of follow-up time. Among inpatients in the pre-pandemic period (2015-19), generalized seizures were the most common neurological AESI (IR ranged from 22.15 [95% CI 19.01-25.65] to 278.82 [278.20-279.44] per 100,000 person-years); acute disseminated encephalomyelitis was the least common (<0.5 per 100,000 person-years at most sites). Pulmonary embolism was the most common thrombotic event (IR 45.34 [95% CI 44.85-45.84] to 93.77 [95% CI 93.46-94.08] per 100,000 person-years). The IR of myocarditis ranged from 1.60 [(95% CI 1.45-1.76) to 7.76 (95% CI 7.46-8.08) per 100,000 person-years. The IR of several AESI varied by site, healthcare setting, age and sex. The IR of some AESI were notably different in 2020 compared to 2015-19.

CONCLUSION

Background incidence of AESIs exhibited some variability across study sites and between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. These findings will contribute to global vaccine safety surveillance and research.

Short-term risk prediction after major lower limb amputation: PERCEIVE study

BACKGROUND

The accuracy with which healthcare professionals (HCPs) and risk prediction tools predict outcomes after major lower limb amputation (MLLA) is uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of predicting short-term (30 days after MLLA) mortality, morbidity, and revisional surgery.

METHODS

The PERCEIVE (PrEdiction of Risk and Communication of outcomE following major lower limb amputation: a collaboratIVE) study was launched on 1 October 2020. It was an international multicentre study, including adults undergoing MLLA for complications of peripheral arterial disease and/or diabetes. Preoperative predictions of 30-day mortality, morbidity, and MLLA revision by surgeons and anaesthetists were recorded. Probabilities from relevant risk prediction tools were calculated. Evaluation of accuracy included measures of discrimination, calibration, and overall performance.

RESULTS

Some 537 patients were included. HCPs had acceptable discrimination in predicting mortality (931 predictions; C-statistic 0.758) and MLLA revision (565 predictions; C-statistic 0.756), but were poor at predicting morbidity (980 predictions; C-statistic 0.616). They overpredicted the risk of all outcomes. All except three risk prediction tools had worse discrimination than HCPs for predicting mortality (C-statistics 0.789, 0.774, and 0.773); two of these significantly overestimated the risk compared with HCPs. SORT version 2 (the only tool incorporating HCP predictions) demonstrated better calibration and overall performance (Brier score 0.082) than HCPs. Tools predicting morbidity and MLLA revision had poor discrimination (C-statistics 0.520 and 0.679).

CONCLUSION

Clinicians predicted mortality and MLLA revision well, but predicted morbidity poorly. They overestimated the risk of mortality, morbidity, and MLLA revision. Most short-term risk prediction tools had poorer discrimination or calibration than HCPs. The best method of predicting mortality was a statistical tool that incorporated HCP estimation.

POS0590 SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF BIOLOGICS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN A REAL WORLD STUDY: USE OF INTRAVENOUS GOLIMUMAB AND INFLIXIMAB IN ADULTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ≥65 YEARS OF AGE

Background:

AWARE is a real-world evidence-based (RWE) study evaluating the safety and efficacy of IV golimumab (GLM) and infliximab (IFX) in adults with RA.

Objectives:

Evaluate safety and efficacy of IV GLM and IFX in elderly AWARE participants.

Methods:

AWARE, a prospective non-interventional study (88 US sites), enrolled patients (pts) initiating either IV GLM or IFX. Pt management was at the discretion of treating rheumatologists. In a post hoc analysis, pts were grouped by age (<65/≥65/≥75 yrs). Adverse events (AEs) were collected through the Week (W) 52 database lock (DBL; completed W52 or discontinued study) and at the end-of-study DBL (W104). The primary endpoint was proportion of pts with ≥1 infusion reaction through W52. Change from baseline in Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores at Months 6 and 12 were secondary endpoints evaluated in bionaïve pts, including those with IFX dose escalation.

Results:

1270 pts were enrolled (685 IV GLM; 585 IFX). 1047 (82%) pts were female; mean age was 60 yrs (57% <65 yrs, 43% ≥65 yrs, and 7% ≥75 yrs). Mean disease durations were 9 yrs (IV GLM) and 7 yrs (IFX). Comorbidities were generally similar between IV GLM and IFX groups but more common among pts ≥65 vs <65 yrs. Through W52, 66% of IV GLM pts and 62% of IFX pts discontinued the study. Discontinuation due to lack of efficacy was generally similar across age groups within treatment groups, although somewhat higher for IV GLM (29%) vs IFX (19%). For both treatments, AEs and discontinuations due to AE through W52 were more common in pts ≥65 vs <65 yrs (Table 1). Consistent with general trends observed in elderly individuals,1 rates of serious AEs (SAEs) and serious infections increased with age for both IV GLM and IFX; however, increases were more notable in IFX- than IV GLM-treated pts ≥65 yrs. The incidence of serious infections was highest in pts ≥75 yrs for both treatments, although small sample size may limit data interpretation. No increase in opportunistic infections, including Varicella, was observed in pts ≥65 vs <65 yrs. Infusion reactions were more common in pts <65 yrs in both treatment groups, and more prevalent in IFX- than IV GLM-treated pts within each age group through W52. Generally similar safety results were seen between W52 and W104 for each treatment group (data not shown). Both IV GLM and IFX in bionaïve pts showed improvement in CDAI scores across age groups, which was maintained over time (Figure 1).

Table 1.

% of pts with ≥1 AE through W52 DBL

IV GLMIFX<65 yrs≥65 yrs≥75 yrs<65 yrs≥65 yrs≥75 yrsPatients, n3513349137021546Discontinued due to AE8.5%12.6%16.5%15.1%17.7%21.7%AE52.4%58.4%57.1%63.5%66.5%71.7%Most common AEs (≥5% of pts in either treatment group)Nausea3.7%3.3%3.3%8.4%6.0%2.2%Worsening of RA5.4%4.5%3.3%7.3%7.0%4.3%Upper respiratory tract infection5.7%5.1%4.4%6.2%5.6%2.2%Pruritis1.4%2.4%3.3%6.8%2.8%2.2%Sinusitis7.1%3.3%0%3.8%3.7%2.2%Urinary tract infection4.8%5.1%5.5%4.3%5.1%6.5%SAE7.7%16.8%20.9%9.7%18.6%26.1%Infection30.5%27.2%27.5%32.2%28.8%32.6%Serious infection3.7%6.3%7.7%3.5%7.9%15.2%Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified0.6%2.7%1.1%0.8%2.3%6.5%Latent tuberculosis0.3%0%00.3%0%0%Opportunistic infection1.4%1.8%4.4%1.9%1.4%4.3%Infusion reaction5.1%2.7%1.1%17.3%8.8%8.7%Death0.3%2.4%2.2%0%2.3%6.5%

Conclusion:

Elderly RA pts receiving IV GLM or IFX in this RWE study demonstrated similar safety and efficacy as reported in Phase 3 trials.2,3 The higher rates of AEs, discontinuations due to AE, and SAEs (mainly serious infections) observed in pts ≥65 yrs are in line with increased safety events seen in elderly vs younger individuals in the general population. Rates of AEs, SAEs, and infusion reactions were higher for IFX vs IV GLM. Infusion reactions were more common in pts <65 vs ≥65 yrs for both GLM and IFX, but more prevalent with IFX.

References:

[1]Castle SC. Clin Infect Dis 2000;31:578–85.

[2]Lipsky PE, et al. N Engl J Med 2000;343:1594-602.

[3]Weinblatt ME, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2013;72:381-9.

Disclosure of Interests:

Joy Schechtman: None declared, Aaron Broadwell Speakers bureau: Amgen, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Horizon, Janssen, Mallinckrodt, Novartis, Pfizer, Radius, Sanofi/Regeneron, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Aurinia, Celegene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and Sandoz, Shelly Kafka Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Shawn Black Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Stephen Xu Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Wayne Langholff Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Sergio Schwartzman Shareholder of: Amgen, Boston Scientific, Gilead, Medtronic, and Pfizer, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Janssen, Eli Lily, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Gilead, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Myriad, Novartis, Regeneron, Samsung, Sanofi, and UCB

POS0607 PROMIS ASSESSMENT OF RESPONSE TO TREATMENT WITH GOLIMUMAB IV OR INFLIXIMAB IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: RESULTS FROM THE PHASE-4 AWARE STUDY

Background:

AWARE is a phase-4 observational study designed to provide real-world assessment of Golimumab (GLM) IV & infliximab (IFX) in patients (pts) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objectives:

To assess patient-reported aspects of social, mental, & physical health through the 8th infusion (≈1 year of treatment) using Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), a validated, disease-agnostic set of health assessment instruments.

Methods:

AWARE enrolled 1270 RA pts initiating treatment with GLM/IFX. The 52 week analysis set included pts with ≥1-year treatment or those discontinued and, while enrolled, completed PROMIS-29 or PROMIS short form (SF) questionnaires. PROMIS instruments were administered at baseline & prior to infusions 2, 5, & 8. The raw score was converted into a standardized T-score with a mean of 50 and SD of 10.

Results:

At baseline, treatment groups were balanced on demographics & medical characteristics. Most pts were white (87.0% GLM, 86.2% IFX) & female (83.4% GLM, 82.4% IFX). Mean ages were 58.5 ±12.96 years for GLM & 59.6 ±13.24 years for IFX. Overall, 35.3% GLM & 42.9% IFX pts were bio-naïve. The proportion of GLM & IFX pts with prior exposure to 1 or 2 biologics was similar; however, 20.1% GLM pts vs 10.8% IFX pts had exposure to ≥3 biologics. Methotrexate use was similar between GLM (76.4%) & IFX pts (75.0%). Based on mean PROMIS T-scores at baseline (Table 1), Fatigue, Pain Interference, & Physical Function domains approached or exceeded 1 SD worse than those of general US population. Through the 8th infusion, GLM- & IFX-treated pts achieved meaningful improvement based on mean changes from baseline in most PROMIS-29 domains & respective SFs with no significant difference between GLM and IFX. The percentage of GLM or IFX pts with improvements of ≥3, ≥5, or ≥10 units change in T-scores increased from infusion 2 through infusion 8.

Conclusion:

RA pts treated with GLM or IFX achieved comparable improvements across PROMIS-assessed social, mental, & physical health. PROMIS-29 was able to detect change to subsequent anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapies.

Table 1.

Mean (SD) Change from Baseline PROMIS-29 Domain and Short Form T-Scores: 52 Week Analysis Set

GLMIFXLSM difference (95% CI)*Anxiety (4-item)N=6N=570Baseline53.4 (10.13)54.6 (10.53)Change from baseline at infusion 8N=223 -2.6 (8.10)N=286-3.7 (7.86)-0.29 (-1.54, 0.97)Depression (4-item)BaselineN=67451.9 (9.83)N=57452.5 (10.21)Change from baseline at infusion 8N=225-2.1 (7.56)N=287-2.3 (7.89)0.49 (-0.72, 1.70)Fatigue (4-item)BaselineN=67158.4 (9.91)N=57459.4 (9.99)Change from baseline at infusion 8N=225-3.4 (8.72)N=281-3.1 (7.77)0.69 (-0.64, 2.03)Short form Fatigue 7aBaselineN=68159.1 (8.51)N=57659.7 (8.25)Change from baseline at infusion 8N=228-3.2 (7.40)N=287-2.4 (6.35)1.01 (-0.11, 2.14)Pain interference (4-item)BaselineN=67963.0 (7.56)N=57463.9 (7.80)Change from baseline at infusion 8N=227-4.2 (8.23)N=284-3.1 (7.77)1.84 (0.55, 3.13)Short form Pain interference 6bBaselineN=68061.9 (7.45)N=57662.8 (7.54)Change from baseline at infusion 8N=228-3.8 (7.88)N=287-3.2 (6.67)1.31 (0.15, 2.48)Physical function (4-item)BaselineN=67838.2 (6.79)N=57138.0 (6.90)Change from baseline at infusion 8N=2242.2 (5.64)N=2831.9 (5.85)-0.76 (-1.73, 0.21)Sleep disturbance (4-item)BaselineN=67154.6 (8.72)N=569N=55.5 (8.61)Change from baseline at infusion 8N=221-1.4 (7.45)N=281-1.7 (7.61)0.23 (-0.96, 1.42)Social participation (4-item)BaselineN=67343.7 (8.40)N=57442.9 (8.77)Change from baseline at infusion 8N=2253.2 (8.15)N=2833.4 (7.48)-0.10 (-1.36, 1.16)

*Least squares mean (LSM) difference & confidence interval (CI) are based on analysis of covariance controlling for baseline PROMIS score using inverse probability of treatment weighted propensity score.

Disclosure of Interests:

Clifton Bingham Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Pfizer, Regeneron/Sanofi, Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Shelly Kafka Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Shawn Black Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Stephen Xu Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Wayne Langholff Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Jeffrey Curtis Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Janssen, Lilly, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Janssen, Lilly, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, UCB

'People haven't got that close connection': meanings of loneliness and social isolation to culturally diverse older people

Objectives: Social isolation and loneliness among older people are known to have negative effects on health and wellbeing. Few studies, however, have enabled older people to define these concepts in their own terms. This paper based on research in Aotearoa, New Zealand is the first to comparatively outline the meanings of loneliness and social isolation from the perspective of four ethnically diverse groups of older adults (Māori, Pacific, Asian, and NZ European).Method: We interviewed 44 older people and conducted three focus groups with 32 older people. We used thematic and narrative analyses.Results: Loneliness and social isolation were conceptualized as interconnected concepts described as a 'look and feel', a 'state of mind' and as a 'lack of desired companionship'. Participants conveyed sophisticated understandings of the structural underpinnings of both loneliness and social isolation as multi-dimensional, complex, and situated.Conclusions: Older people describe complex and culturally- nuanced understanding and experience of social isolation and loneliness. More culturally appropriate services, greater mental-health support and more service provision on weekends and evenings are needed.

Inequalities between Māori and non-Māori men with prostate cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand

Māori experience poorer health statistics in terms of cancer incidence and mortality compared to non-Māori. For prostate cancer, Māori men are less likely than non-Māori men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but those that are diagnosed are much more likely to die of the disease than non-Māori men resulting in an excess mortality rate in Māori men compared with non-Māori. A review of the literature included a review of the epidemiology of prostate cancer; of screening; of access to healthcare and of treatment modalities. Our conclusion was that there are a number of reasons for the disparity in outcomes for Māori including differences in staging and characteristics at diagnosis; differences in screening and treatment offered to Māori men; and general barriers to healthcare that exist for Māori men in New Zealand. We conclude that there is a need for more culturally appropriate care to be available to Māori men.

Zygomaticus major muscle bony attachment site: a Thiel-embalmed cadaver study

OBJECTIVE

Thezygomaticus major is a principal muscle of facial expression which is engaged when smiling. The zygomaticus major origin of the zygomatic bone is often discussed relevant to its importance in the field of plastic surgery. In addition, the zygomaticus major attachment site is also significant for forensic craniofacial reconstruction, separating the cheek into frontal and lateral surfaces. However, there are discrepancies amongst published articles regarding the precise origin of the zygomaticus major muscle. The aim of this study is to investigate more distinctive and palpable landmarks as the bony attachment of the zygomaticus major.

METHODS

This project is the first zygomaticus major dissection study utilising Thiel embalmed cadavers. Fifty-two facial dissections were investigated in 26 Thiel embalmed bodies, bequeathed to the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at The University of Dundee between 2013 and 2015.

RESULTS

This study found that the origin of zygomaticus major muscle was located at the superior margin of the temporal process on the lateral surface of zygomatic bone. Moreover, the zygomaticus major muscle overlapped the anterosuperior border of the masseter muscle. One out of 52 zygomaticus major muscles presented bifurcation.

CONCLUSION

The origin site of zygomaticus major is considered important to increase resemblance in forensic craniofacial reconstruction. Furthermore, since zygomaticus major is a salient muscle involved in facial expression, the potential effects for cosmetic/surgical procedures are also relevant to the medical field and successful surgical outcomes. The current study provided easily palpable landmarks of zygomaticus major origin site which is beneficial for both surgeons and forensic craniofacial reconstruction practitioners.

FRI0567 CONSTRUCT VALIDATION OF PROMIS SHORT FORM AND PROFILE-29 T-SCORES WITH SF-36 IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED FOR 1 YEAR: RESULTS FROM A REAL‑WORLD EVIDENCE-BASED STUDY IN THE UNITED STATES

Background:

Use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to assess health-related quality of life in clinical practice, research studies, and clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains an ongoing area of research. SF-36 is commonly used in RA trials but is not feasible for routine use in clinical practice settings. ThePatientReportedOutcomesMeasurementInformationSystem (PROMIS) may address this gap but has not been widely assessed in RA patients starting therapy in a real-world comparative effectiveness study, nor examined in that setting in relation to the SF36 and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI).

Objectives:

To assess validity of PROMIS based on Comparative and Pragmatic Study of Golimumab Intravenous (IV) Versus Infliximab in Rheumatoid Arthritis (AWARE), an ongoing Phase 4 study providing real-world assessment of IV tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) medications in RA patients.

Methods:

AWARE is a prospective, non-interventional, 3-year study conducted at 88 US sites. RA patients were enrolled when initiating TNFi treatment. Treatment decisions were made by treating rheumatologists. We report baseline PROMIS-29 (7 domains and pain intensity), PROMIS Pain Interference (PI) Short Form (SF) 6b (PI6b) and PROMIS Fatigue (F) Short Form 7a (F7a), domain T-Scores, and SF-36 subdomain and Component Scores (CS) in AWARE patients. Here we report baseline data obtained from the final 1-year AWARE dataset. Correlations between PROMIS measures and comparable SF-36 component scores were calculated using Pearson correlations. Data is shown as mean ± standard deviation (SD).

Results:

At baseline, mean CDAI of all patients (n=1262) was 32.3±15.6, with 70.4% in high disease activity (HDA, CDAI>22), 22.8% in moderate disease activity (MDA, CDAI: >10 and ≤22), 6.1% in low disease activity (LDA, CDAI: >2.8 and ≤10), and 0.7% in remission (CDAI ≤2.8). Mean PROMIS scores were >0.5 SD worse than population means for Physical Function (PF, 38.1±6.84), PI (63.4±7.68), F (58.8±9.95), Sleep Disturbance (55.1±8.68); and Ability to Participate in Social Roles/Activities (PSRA, 43.4±8.58). Baseline Depression and Anxiety were within 0.5 SD of population T-scores. PI6b, F7a, and P29 domain T-scores correlated with the comparable SF-36 subdomain and component scores (r’s >0.58), except sleep for which no comparable SF-36 element was applicable. Examples include: P6b (r=-0.80) and P29-PI (0.81) with SF-36 Bodily Pain; F7a (-0.77) and P29-F (-0.77) with SF-36 Vitality; P29-PF with SF-36 PF (0.77), Role-Physical (0.69), and Physical CS (0.73); P29 Anxiety with SF-36 Mental Health (-0.72), Role-Emotional (-0.56), Mental CS (-0.70); and P29-PRSA with SF-36-Social Functioning (0.71). Mean PROMIS-29 T-scores (except Anxiety and Sleep Disturbance) among patients with HDA were significantly different from patients with MDA, LDA or remission (p < 0.001 for all). Further, mean PROMIS T-scores of PF, F, PSRA, PI, Pain Intensity, PI6b and P7a among patients with MDA were significantly different from patients with more or less active RA (by CDAI category).

Conclusion:

Analysis of baseline results from a large cohort of RA patients indicates high correlations between individual P29 domain T-scores and SF-36 component scores, as well as categorical CDAI, providing strong evidence of PROMIS construct validity in a real-world population of RA patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

Clifton Bingham Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Consultant of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Shelly Kafka Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Shawn Black Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Stephen Xu Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Wayne Langholff Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Jeffrey Curtis Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Janssen, Lilly, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Janssen, Lilly, Myriad, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, UCB

SAT0120 UNITED STATES RHEUMATOLOGY PRACTICE-BASED REAL-WORLD EVIDENCE OF INFUSION REACTIONS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH INTRAVENOUS GOLIMUMAB OR INFLIXIMAB: IMPACT OF PRIOR BIOLOGIC EXPOSURE AND METHOTREXATE UTILIZATION

Background:

AWARE (Comparative and Pragmatic Study of Golimumab IV Versus Infliximab in Rheumatoid Arthritis) is an ongoing Phase 4 comparator study designed to provide a real-world assessment of intravenous golimumab (GLM) and intravenous infliximab (IFX) in patients (pts) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study recently reached its primary endpoint (comparison of overall incidence of infusion reactions in GLM- vs IFX-treated pts after 52 weeks) with the last patient reaching 52 weeks of treatment or discontinuation from the study. AWARE also records prior use of biologic medications and concomitant use of methotrexate (MTX).

Objectives:

To assess the incidence of infusion reactions among GLM and IFX pts reported at baseline by examining the influence of prior biologic exposure or concurrent use of MTX.

Methods:

AWARE is a prospective, noninterventional, observational, multicenter, 3-year study conducted in the US. RA patients (1,270 adults) were enrolled at the time of initiating treatment with GLM or IFX. All treatment decisions were made at the discretion of the treating rheumatologist. An infusion reaction was any adverse event that occurred during an infusion or within 1 hour after the infusion of either GLM or IFX. Imputations were not performed on these AWARE data. Data shown are mean ± standard deviation.

Results:

Demographics are shown in Table 1 and the incidence of infusion reactions in different AWARE cohorts is shown in Table 2. GLM and IFX pts were comparable in sex and utilization of MTX at baseline. Both age and disease duration of GLM pts was greater than IFX pts by ~2 years. There was a higher proportion of bionaïve pts in IFX-treated group compared to GLM-treated group. Overall, infusion reactions occurred more frequently among IFX-treated pts compared to GLM-treated pts. The difference in infusion reaction rates between IFX- and GLM-treated pts was also evident among subgroups of bionaïve vs non-bionaïve pts, and among MTX non-users vs MTX users (characteristics reported at baseline). GLM pts did not report any serious or severe infusion reactions. These were reported rarely (3/585 pts) in IFX-treated pts. Among GLM and IFX pts with an infusion reaction, 55.6% of GLM and 77.1% of IFX pts had at least one medication for infusion reaction. Infusion reactions accounted for 9.7% and 35.1% of discontinuations due to adverse events in GLM and IFX pts, respectively.

Table 1.

Baseline Characteristics in the AWARE Study

GLM (n=685)IFX (n=585)Age (years)60.9 ± 13.4358.0 ± 12.85Sex (% female)85.0 %79.5 %Disease Duration (years)9.16 ± 9.9757.20 ± 9.716Bionaïve (%)33.0%48.6%MTX plus (%)75.4%75.1%

MTX=methotrexate

Table 2.

Infusion Reactions in AWARE in Subsets of Patients ± Prior Biologic Use or ± Concurrent MTX

GLM (n=685)IFX (n=585)GLM (n=685)IFX (n=585)BionaïveNon-BionaïveBionaïveNon-BionaïveNo MTX UseMTXUseNo MTX UseMTX UseInfusion Reactions6/242(2.5%)21/443(4.7%)36/251(14.3%)47/334(14.1%)15/265(5.7%)12/420(2.9%)44/229(19.2%)39/356(11.0%)Medication for Infusion Reactions33.3%59.1%78.9%73.6%50.%58.3%73.6%77.6%

MTX=methotrexate

Conclusion:

Whether bionaïve, non-bionaïve, MTX non-user or MTX user at baseline, the incidence of infusion reactions was notably lower among GLM- vs IFX-treated pts. Serious and/or severe infusion reactions did not occur among GLM pts and were rare among IFX pts. IFX was more commonly administered mediation for an infusion reaction compared to GLM. Infusion reactions accounted for almost four times the number of discontinuations related to adverse events in IFX pts compared to GLM pts.

Disclosure of Interests: :

Sergio Schwartzman Grant/research support from: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Consultant of: AbbVie, Crescendo Bioscience, Dermtech, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Myriad Genetics, Novartis, Regeneron, Samsung, Sanofi, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, UCB, Aaron Broadwell Grant/research support from: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, GSK, Horizon, Janssen, Mallinckrodt, Novartis, Pfizer, Radius, Sanofi-Regeneron, UCB, Alan Kivitz Shareholder of: AbbVie, Amgen, Gilead, GSK, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim,,Flexion, Genzyme, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, Sanofi, SUN Pharma Advanced Research, UCB, Paid instructor for: Celgene, Genzyme, Horizon, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Flexion, Genzyme, Horizon, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, Sanofi, Shawn Black Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Stephen Xu Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Wayne Langholff Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Shelly Kafka Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC

Optimising compassionate nursing care at the end of life in hospital settings

BACKGROUND

An urgent need to improve palliative care in hospital has been identified. Moreover, service users consistently report care delivered by nurses in hospital as lacking compassion. Compassion is a fundamental component of nursing care, and promoting compassionate care has been identified as a policy priority in many countries. To help address this within the hospital context, we recently completed research exploring bereaved family experiences of good end of life care in hospital. We found that family accounts of good care aligned with Nolan and Dewar's compassionate care framework and subsequently extended the framework to the bi-cultural context of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

In this discussion paper, we explore synergies between our newly developed Kapakapa Manawa Framework: a bi-cultural approach to providing compassionate care at the end of life and the Fundamentals of Care. We argue that our framework can be used to support the implementation of the relational component of the Fundamentals of Care and the delivery of compassionate nursing practice in hospitals in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

DESIGN

Discussion paper.

METHODS

Review of relevant literature and construction of two vignettes describing good end of life care from the perspectives of bereaved family-one Māori and one non-Māori. The vignettes provide practical examples of how the values of the Kapakapa Manawa Framework can be enacted by nurses to provide compassionate care in alignment with the relationship component of the Fundamentals of Care.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst the Kapakapa Manawa bi-cultural compassionate care framework has grown out of research conducted with people nearing the end of their lives, it has the potential to improve nursing care for all hospital inpatients.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Addressing the wider policy and health system factors detailed in the Fundamentals of Care will support its implementation in the clinical setting.

Befriending Services for Culturally Diverse Older People

Befriending services may address loneliness and social isolation amongst older people. However social diversity is rarely reported in investigations of befriending services. The views of non-users are also rarely explored. In this research, we explored older adults' experiences of, and attitudes towards, a befriending service, among service users and non-service users, drawing on interviews and focus groups with 76 older adults, 10 volunteer visitors, and 20 service providers. Participants agreed that the befriending service helped alleviate social isolation and loneliness and that supportive services to foster connection are needed. Barriers to engagement included lack of knowledge, appropriateness of services and feeling undeserving. The befriending service was most successful when a match went beyond a transactional 'professional-client' relationship to resemble genuine friendship, underpinned by mutual interests and norms of reciprocity and reliability. We also identified five clear ideas about what characterizes an ideal supportive service; supported opportunities for getting out, genuine and reciprocal relationships, reliability, visitor characteristics, and connecting people to their culture. Befriending adds to social networks, and enhances connectedness to the community. Loneliness is alleviated when mutually beneficial and genuinely reciprocal relationships develop. However, group interventions or connections to community groups may be more appropriate for some.

'It was peaceful, it was beautiful': A qualitative study of family understandings of good end-of-life care in hospital for people dying in advanced age

BACKGROUND

Hospitals are important sites of end-of-life care, particularly for older people. A need has been identified to understand best practice in hospital end-of-life care from the service-user perspective.

AIM

The aim of this study was to identify examples of good care received in the hospital setting during the last 3 months of life for people dying in advanced age from the perspective of bereaved family members.

DESIGN

A social constructionist framework underpinned a qualitative research design. Data were analysed thematically drawing on an appreciative enquiry framework.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Interviews were conducted with 58 bereaved family carers nominated by 52 people aged >80 years participating in a longitudinal study of ageing. Data were analysed for the 21 of 34 cases where family members were 'extremely' or 'very' satisfied with a public hospital admission their older relative experienced in their last 3 months of life.

RESULTS

Participants' accounts of good care aligned with Dewar and Nolan's relation-centred compassionate care model: (1) a relationship based on empathy; (2) effective interactions between patients/families and staff; (3) contextualised knowledge of the patient/family; and (4) patients/families being active participants in care. We extended the model to the bicultural context of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

CONCLUSION

We identify concrete actions that clinicians working in acute hospitals can integrate into their practice to deliver end-of-life care with which families are highly satisfied. Further research is required to support the implementation of the relation-centred compassionate care model within hospitals, with suitable adaptations for local context, and explore the subsequent impact on patients, families and staff.

Toku toa, he toa rangatira: A qualitative investigation of New Zealand Māori end of life care customs

Informal end of life caregiving will increase over the next 30 years in line with the anticipated increase in older Māori deaths. Of concern, New Zealand’s neo-colonial trajectory (loss of lands, cultural disenfranchisement, urban migration, ethnic diversity, global diaspora and changing whānau (family, including extended family) compositions) has restricted some indigenous whānau from retaining their end of life care customs. This article reports on a qualitative pilot study on Māori whānau end of life care customs undertaken to explore how those care customs contribute towards strengthening whānau resilience and bereavement. Five whānau, including thirteen individuals from diverse iwi (tribes), took part in one of six face to face interviews. Kaupapa Māori research methods informed the analysis. The findings report a high level of customary caregiving knowledge among older whānau carers as well as a cohesive whānau collective support system for this group. Tribal care customs were handed down via 1) enculturation with tribal principles, processes and practices 2) observing kaumātua processes and practices and 3) being chosen and prepared for a specific care role by kaumātua. Younger participants had strong cultural care values but less customary care knowledge. The pilot concluded the need for a larger systematic qualitative study of Māori tikanga (customs) and kawa (guidelines) as well as the development of participant digital stories to support a free online educational resource to increase understanding among whānau, indigenous communities and the health and palliative care sectors.

Health service provider responses to indigenous peoples with cancer: An integrative review

Indigenous populations around the world have a higher burden of cancer incidence, severity and mortality. This integrative review aims to identify and appraise the evidence of health providers' responses to the issue of indigenous peoples with cancer. A surprisingly small number of studies were found (n = 9) that reported on programmes and interventions for indigenous people with cancer, the majority of which were from the USA. Our review shows that a service delivery approach that is focused on the indigenous population and includes culturally appropriate activities, resources and environments resulted in an increase in cancer knowledge, reduction in treatment interruption, improved access to cancer care and enrolment in clinical cancer trials, and increased satisfaction with health care. However, the question of why there are so few published studies needs further consideration.

Caregivers for people at end of life in advanced age: knowing, doing and negotiating care

Background

the need for palliative and end of life care for the oldest old is growing rapidly. Family carers often report they do not feel well supported; for better practice and policy, we need better understanding of their experiences and how to support them.

Design and setting

people in the LiLACS NZ longitudinal study of advanced age identified a carer to be interviewed after their death. Nominated caregivers were contacted 3-6 months after an older person's death and invited to take part in the current study.

Subjects

fifty-eight interviews were conducted with carers of 52 people in advanced age, 20 Māori and 32 non-Māori. The majority of the 58 carers were in their 60 s and were women.

Methods

guided-conversation interviews covered end of life preferences and experiences, needs and gaps in support, arrangements after death, and experiences of bereavement. Rigorous data analysis included multiple researchers identifying and interrogating themes across and within the transcripts, and feedback and discussion with participants.

Results

we identify a typology of nine categories of care, and argue that the support and care provided by family should be understood as going beyond simple task-based transactions. We present a model of end of life care describing and explaining inter-related aspects of knowing, doing and negotiating care tasks.

Conclusions

this work furthers current understandings of care, as multifaceted and negotiated. This has very practical implications for thinking about how best to support the complex end of life caregiving work of people caring for a person in advanced age.

How family caregivers help older relatives navigate statutory services at the end of life: A descriptive qualitative study

Background:

A key challenge in meeting the palliative care needs of people in advanced age is the multiple healthcare and social service agencies typically involved in their care. The ‘patient navigator’ model, originally developed in cancer care, is the professional solution most often recommended to address this challenge. However, little attention has been paid, or is known, about the role that family carers play in enabling their dying relatives to negotiate service gaps.

Aim:

To explore the role family caregivers play in helping people dying in advanced old age navigate health services at the end of life.

Design:

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and analysed via thematic analysis.

Setting/participants:

A total of 58 interviews were conducted in New Zealand with the family caregivers of 52 deceased older relatives who had been participants in Life and Living in Advanced Age: a Cohort Study in New Zealand.

Results:

Fragmentation of services was the key concern, causing distress both for the older person and their family caregivers. Carers identified and engaged with appropriate services in order to facilitate care and treatment. Their involvement was not always met by healthcare professionals with respect or regard to their knowledge of the older person’s needs.

Conclusion:

Family caregivers are trying to help their older relatives overcome the limitations of fragmented health systems at the end of life. They are doing so at times by stepping in to perform patient navigator tasks usually conceptualised as a role for statutory services to carry out. Programmes and services need to be implemented that will better support family carers who are acting as care navigators.

Cultural health literacy: the experiences of Māori in palliative care

Health literacy is a concept that is frequently applied to the patient's ability to find and comprehend health information. However, recent literature has included the skill of the health professional and the accessibility of health resources as important factors in the level of health literacy achieved by individuals and populations. In 2014 a qualitative study undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand, investigated the context of health literacy for Māori in a palliative care setting (Māori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand). The study included the experiences of patients, whānau (families), and health professionals.

METHOD

Individual semi-structured interviews were held with 21 patients, whānau and six key informants: a medical specialist, a service leader involved in developing culturally specific responses to patients, two Māori service managers, and two Māori health team leaders. Focus groups were held with a total of 54 health professionals providing palliative care services.

DATA ANALYSIS

A thematic analysis was undertaken using a general inductive approach. The trustworthiness and reliability of the analysis was supported by sharing analysis of the transcripts among the research team. Member checking or respondent validation was used in seeking confirmation of the interim findings at five hui (meetings) with the research communities involved.

FINDINGS

This study found that the shock and grief that attends a life-limiting illness made hearing and processing health information very difficult for patients and whānau. Further, 'hard conversations' about moving from active treatment to palliative care were often avoided by health professionals, leaving patients and whānau distressed and confused about their choices and prognosis. Finally, poor cultural health literacy on the part of organisations has likely impacted on late access to or avoidance of palliative care for Māori.

Complex contradictions in conceptualisations of 'dignity' in palliative care

BACKGROUND

Internationally, increasing attention is being paid to understanding patient experiences of health care. Within palliative care, the Views of Informal Carers - Evaluation of Services (VOICES) questionnaire is commonly used for this purpose. Among its objectives is to ask family members if their relatives were treated with dignity at the end of life. This is regarded as useful for understanding the quality of the health care received.

AIM

To highlight the differences between family members' reports of dignity in the care provided to their relatives at the end of life, as reported in the VOICES questionnaire, and their narratives about the care their relatives received.

METHODS

A total of 21 cognitive interviews were conducted during a New Zealand pilot of the VOICES questionnaire.

RESULTS

Discrepancies between ratings of dignity and the lived experience of care suggest that lay understandings of dignity may not be congruent with that of health care providers.

CONCLUSIONS

Bereaved family members' self-reports of dignity in end-of-life care captured using survey methods alone are inadequate to understand the complex ways in which individuals conceptualise and experience dignity within a health care context. The authors advocate consideration of multiple, complementary approaches to gathering consumer experiences of end-of-life care, as well as research which enables service users to interrogate what dignity in care means in an end-of-life context.

Nga Whenu Raranga/Weaving Strands in the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court of Aotearoa/New Zealand

This article reports findings from an ethnographic study that explored the meaning of therapeutic in the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment (AODT) Court in New Zealand. Descriptions are provided of the therapeutic framework called ngā whenu raranga/weaving strands that resulted from interviews with court team members (n = 25), courtroom observations (200 hours), and document analysis. This includes the details of four strands; Law, United States Best Practice, Recovery and Lore that compose the framework. We argue that the therapeutic framework is simultaneously a philosophical and practical accomplishment and we provide brief examples of how the four strands are woven together, with each strand shaping the other, as the court team, participants and wider community interact together. The article concludes by considering the implications of the study's findings, focusing on challenges that come with the widening of therapeutic discourse in the AODT Court.

Quality Assessments of HMO Diagnosis Databases Used to Monitor Childhood Vaccine Safety

Objective: To assess the quality of automated diagnoses extracted from medical care databases by the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) study.

Methods: Two methods are used to assess quality of VSD diagnosis data. The first method compares common automated and abstracted diagnostic categories (“outcomes”) in 1-2% simple random samples of study populations. The second method estimates positive predictive values of automated diagnosis codes used to identify potential cases of rare conditions (e.g., acute ataxia) for inclusion in nested case-control medical record abstraction studies.

Results: There was good agreement (64-68%) between automated and abstracted outcomes in the 1-2% simple random samples at 3 of the 4 VSD sites and poor agreement (44%) at 1 site. Overall at 3 sites, 56% of children with automated cerebella ataxia codes (ICD-9 = 334) and 22% with “lack of coordination” codes (ICD-9 = 781.3) met objective clinical criteria for acute ataxia.

Conclusions: The misclassification error rates for automated screening outcomes substantially reduce the power of screening analyses and limit usefulness of screening analyses to moderate to strong vaccine-outcome associations. Medical record verification of outcomes is needed for definitive assessments.

Anorexia nervosa: service consumption and outcome of local patients in the Leicester service

Aims and Method

A retrospective case note study provided data on the service consumption and outcome of treatment for a cohort of adult anorexia nervosa sufferers treated in a specialised secondary service.

Results

A cohort of 106 patients was studied. Only just over a quarter were ever admitted. Of a subset of 78 patients, first seen before 1994, nearly one-fifth failed to engage in treatment. Those who were admitted spent on average a total of 10 months in hospital, were in touch for four years and had over 100 therapy sessions. The majority who were treated solely as out-patients remained in touch with the service on average for over two years.

Clinical Implications

Services for anorexia nervosa sufferers need to plan for prolonged contact with their patients and high rates of service consumption.

What is the role of community at the end of life for people dying in advanced age? A qualitative study with bereaved family carers

BACKGROUND

New public health approaches to palliative care prioritise the role of community at end of life. However, little is known about community support for the increasing numbers of people dying in advanced age.

AIM

To explore the role of community at end of life for people dying in advanced age from the perspective of their bereaved family caregivers.

DESIGN

A constructionist framework underpinned a qualitative research design. Data were analysed using critical thematic analysis.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

A total of 58 participants (19 Māori and 39 non-Māori) who cared for 52 family members who died at >80 years of age participated in semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

A reduction in the social networks and community engagement of the older person was identified in the end-of-life period. Numerous barriers to community engagement in advanced age were identified, including poor health (notably dementia), moving into an aged care facility and lack of access due to transport difficulties. An active withdrawal from community at end of life was also noted. Carers felt limited support from community currently, but identified that communities could play a particular role in reducing social isolation and loneliness among people of advanced age prior to death.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides strong support for public health approaches to palliative care that advocate building social networks around people who are dying and their family carers. However, it also indicates that strategies to do so must be flexible enough to be responsive to the unique end-of-life circumstances of people in advanced age.

Can digital stories go where palliative care research has never gone before? A descriptive qualitative study exploring the application of an emerging public health research method in an indigenous palliative care context

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for global approaches to palliative care development. Yet it is questionable whether one-size-fits-all solutions can accommodate international disparities in palliative care need. More flexible research methods are called for in order to understand diverse priorities at local levels. This is especially imperative for Indigenous populations and other groups underrepresented in the palliative care evidence-base.

Digital storytelling (DST) offers the potential to be one such method. Digital stories are short first-person videos that tell a story of great significance to the creator. The method has already found a place within public health research and has been described as a useful, emergent method for community-based participatory research.

Methods

The aim of this study was to explore Māori participants’ views on DST’s usefulness, from an Indigenous perspective, as a research method within the discipline of palliative care. The digital storytelling method was adapted to include Māori cultural protocols. Data capturing participant experience of the study were collected using participant observation and anonymous questionnaires. Eight participants, seven women and one man, took part. Field notes and questionnaire data were analysed using critical thematic analysis.

Results

Two main themes were identified during analyses: 1) issues that facilitated digital storytelling’s usefulness as a research method for Māori reporting on end of life caregiving; and 2) issues that hindered this process. All subthemes identified: recruitment, the pōwhiri process, (Māori formal welcome of visitors) and technology, related to both main themes and are presented in this way.

Conclusion

Digital storytelling is an emerging method useful for exploring Indigenous palliative care issues. In line with a Health Promoting Palliative Care approach that centres research in communities, it helps meet the need for diverse approaches to involve underrepresented groups.

Emergency medical service provider decision-making in out of hospital cardiac arrest: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND

There are approximately 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) in the United Kingdom (UK) each year. Within the UK there are well-established clinical practice guidelines that define when resuscitation should be commenced in OHCA, and when resuscitation should cease. Background literature indicates that decision-making in the commencement and cessation of resuscitation efforts in OHCA is complex, and not comprehensively understood. No relevant research from the UK has been published to date and this research study seeks to explore the influences on UK Emergency Medical Service (EMS) provider decision-making when commencing and ceasing resuscitation attempts in OHCA. The aim of this research to explore the influences on UK Emergency Medical Services provider decision-making when commencing and ceasing resuscitation attempts in OHCA.

METHODS

Four focus groups were convened with 16 clinically active EMS providers. Four case vignettes were discussed to explore decision-making within the focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcripts.

RESULTS

This research found that there are three stages in the decision-making process when EMS providers consider whether to commence or cease resuscitation attempts in OHCA. These stages are: the call; arrival on scene; the protocol. Influential factors present at each of the three stages can lead to different decisions and variability in practice. These influences are: factual information available to the EMS provider; structural factors such as protocol, guidance and research; cultural beliefs and values; interpersonal factors; risk factors; personal values and beliefs.

CONCLUSIONS

An improved understanding of the circumstantial, individual and interpersonal factors that mediate the decision-making process in clinical practice could inform the development of more effective clinical guidelines, education and clinical decision support in OHCA. These changes have the potential to lead to greater consistency. and EMS provider confidence, with the potential for improved patient outcome from OHCA.

Home or hospital for people with dementia and one or more other multimorbidities: What is the potential to reduce avoidable emergency admissions? The HOMEWARD Project Protocol

INTRODUCTION

Older people with multimorbidities frequently access 999 ambulance services. When multimorbidities include dementia, the risk of ambulance use, accident and emergency (A&E) attendance and hospital admission are all increased, even when a condition is treatable in the community. People with dementia tend to do poorly in the acute hospital setting and hospital admission can result in adverse outcomes. This study aims to provide an evidence-based understanding of how older people living with dementia and other multimorbidities are using emergency ambulance services. It will also provide evidence of how paramedics make decisions about taking this group of patients to hospital, and what resources would allow them to make more person-focused decisions to enable optimal patient care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Phase 1: retrospective data analysis: quantitative analysis of ambulance service data will investigate: how often paramedics are called to older people with dementia; the amount of time paramedics spend on scene and the frequency with which these patients are transported to hospital. Phase 2: observational case studies: detailed case studies will be compiled using qualitative methods, including non-participant observation of paramedic decision-making, to understand why older people with multimorbidities including dementia are conveyed to A&E when they could be treated at home or in the community. Phase 3: needs analysis: nominal groups with paramedics will investigate and prioritise the resources that would allow emergency, urgent and out of hours care to be effectively delivered to these patients at home or in a community setting.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Approval for the study has been obtained from the Health Research Authority (HRA) with National Health Service (NHS) Research Ethics Committee approval for phase 2 (16/NW/0803). The dissemination strategy will include publishing findings in appropriate journals, at conferences and in newsletters. We will pay particular attention to dissemination to the public, dementia organisations and ambulance services.

Te Pākeketanga: living and dying in advanced age--a study protocol

BACKGROUND

The number of people dying in advanced old age is increasing rapidly and building the evidence base regarding end - of - life care for older people has been identified as an international policy priority. The unique opportunity to link longitudinal studies of ageing with studies exploring the end of life circumstances of older people remains under-exploited internationally. Very little is known about the specific circumstances, cultural needs and care preferences of indigenous older people, including Māori, at end - of - life and the needs of their whānau/ extended family carers.

METHODS

We will use rigorous qualitative methods to conduct post-bereavement interviews with bereaved whānau and family of 50-60 people who died >80 years; approximately half of participants will be Maori. The older decedents were participants in the first longitudinal study of older people involving a specific indigenous cohort internationally: Te Puāwaitanga O Ngā Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu, Life and Living in Advanced Age: a Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ). Prior to death, they completed a questionnaire regarding their end-of-life preferences and nominated a family or whānau member to participate in this separate study exploring end-of-life circumstances of those in advanced age.

DISCUSSION

Recommendations to improve care will be formulated in collaboration with participants and their local hapū (sub-tribe). Ultimately this study has the potential to inform better outcomes for the growing numbers of people dying in advanced old age both in New Zealand and internationally, as well as their whānau and family caregivers. It also highlights the ability to generate an in-depth understanding of end-of-life circumstances by appending studies of palliative and end-of-life care onto existing longitudinal studies.

PA12 Is digital storytelling ka pai for new zealand m&amacr;ori? using digital storytelling as a method to explore wh&amacr;nau end of life caregiving experiences: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

M&amacr;ori regard stories as a preferred method for imparting knowledge through waiata (song), moteatea (poetry), kauwhau (moralistic tale), pakiwaitara (story) and purakau (myths). Storytelling is also an expression of tinorangatiratanga (self-determination); M&amacr;ori have the right to manage their knowledge, which includes embodiment in forms transcending typical western formulations. Digital storytelling is a process by which 'ordinary people' create short autobiographical videos. It has found application in numerous disciplines including public health and has been used to articulatethe experiences of those often excluded from knowledge production.

AIM

To explore the use of digital storytelling as a research method for learning about wh&amacr;nau (family) experiences providing end of life care for kaum&amacr;tua (older people).

METHODS

Eight M&amacr;ori and their nominated co-creators attended a three-day digital story telling workshop led by co-researchers Shuchi Kothari and Sarina Pearson. They were guided in the creation of first-person digital stories about caring for kaum&amacr;tua. The videos were shared at a group screening, and participants completed questionnaires about the workshop and their videos. A Kaupapa M&amacr;ori narrative analysis was applied to their stories to gain new perspectives on M&amacr;ori end of life caregiving practices. (Kaupapa Maori research privileges Maori worldviews and indigenous knowledge systems.)

RESULTS

Digital storytelling is an appropriate method as M&amacr;ori is an oral/aural society. It allows M&amacr;ori to share their stories with others, thus promoting community support at the end of life, befitting a public health approach.

CONCLUSION

Digital storytelling can be a useful method for M&amacr;ori to express their experiences providing end of life caregiving.