Burden and Depression among Empirically-Derived Subgroups of Family Caregivers for Individuals With Dementia

Dementia caregiving experiences are not universal and different factors may influence the risk for burden and depression. This study examined factors such as the relationship with the care recipient, severity of dementia, and relationship satisfaction to uncover different types of caregiver burden profiles using baseline assessment for a telephone-based intervention study for dementia caregivers. Participants (n = 233) completed a battery of psychological and caregiving related surveys. The sample was predominantly White and female. Latent class analysis suggested four class models in subsamples of spousal caregivers and adult children caregivers. The results suggested four distinct classes among samples of spousal and adult child caregivers. Differences in burden emerged across both spouses and adult children, and differences in depression also emerged in the spousal sample. Our findings demonstrate the diversity of the caregiving experience and suggest that future psychosocial interventions may benefit from being tailored to the needs of caregiver subgroups.

Development of a Lived Experience Panel to inform the design of embedded pragmatic trials of dementia care interventions

BACKGROUND

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Imbedded Pragmatic Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Related Dementia Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Collaboratory convened a Lived Experience Panel (LEP) to inform the development of research priorities and provide input on conducting embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) of dementia care interventions. Given the importance of people with lived experience to dementia research, and the unique considerations of engaging people with dementia, we report on our process for the recruitment, selection, and initial convening of the IMPACT LEP.

METHODS

The IMPACT Engaging Partners Team, in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, sought nominations of individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia, care partners of other people living with dementia (PLWD), and proxy representatives for individuals with mid-to-late stage dementia. The 11-member LEP was composed of individuals with diverse personal experiences in part due to their age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, geography, disability, or type of dementia. In its first year, the LEP met with IMPACT's Patient and Caregiver Relevant Outcomes Core and Ethics and Regulation Core.

RESULTS

LEP members provided valuable insights and nuanced discussion of issues relevant to ePCTs in dementia care from a broad range of personal experience. Panelists identified key research priorities and provided insight on outcomes often studied by researchers. The LEP also informed investigators' approaches to waivers and modifications of written informed consent and evaluation of minimal risk. Summary reports of the LEP meetings with each Core are available on the IMPACT website. At the end of the first year, changes were made to the composition of the LEP, and opportunities were identified for expanding panelist engagement with IMPACT investigators, as were priorities and scope for future input.

CONCLUSIONS

The IMPACT LEP provides a model for engaging PLWD and care partners in the research process as collaborators.

Cost effectiveness of non-drug interventions that reduce nursing home admissions for people living with dementia

INTRODUCTION

Six million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD), a major health-care cost driver. We evaluated the cost effectiveness of non-pharmacologic interventions that reduce nursing home admissions for people living with AD/ADRD.

METHODS

We used a person-level microsimulation to model the hazard ratios (HR) on nursing home admission for four evidence-based interventions compared to usual care: Maximizing Independence at Home (MIND), NYU Caregiver (NYU); Alzheimer's and Dementia Care (ADC); and Adult Day Service Plus (ADS Plus). We evaluated societal costs, quality-adjusted life years and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.

RESULTS

All four interventions cost less and are more effective (i.e., cost savings) than usual care from a societal perspective. Results did not materially change in 1-way, 2-way, structural, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Dementia-care interventions that reduce nursing home admissions save societal costs compared to usual care. Policies should incentivize providers and health systems to implement non-pharmacologic interventions.

The Other Dementia Breakthrough-Comprehensive Dementia Care

This Viewpoint describes barriers to comprehensive dementia care and proposes strategies for overcoming them.

Polypharmacy Among Patients With Major Depressive Disorder and Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders in a Psychiatric Hospital Setting: Prevalence and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common among patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital who frequently present with comorbid conditions such as substance use disorders (up to 50%). Polypharmacy (ie, being prescribed 3 or more medications) may be relatively common in dual-diagnosis patients. This study sought to examine prevalence and risk factors associated with psychotropic polypharmacy in hospitalized patients with MDD and co-occurring SUDs.

METHODS

An electronic chart review was conducted with 1315 individuals admitted to a psychiatric hospital; 505 (38.4%) were identified as having co-occurring MDD + SUD. We examined psychotropic polypharmacy and clinical severity to explore risk for concerning drug interactions.

RESULTS

Potentially problematic polypharmacy patterns were identified among those with MDD + SUD and were related to negative clinical outcomes, particularly in terms of increased sedation potential for individuals with an opioid use disorder (OUD). Groups at the highest risk for polypharmacy included patients who were female, older in age, lower in functioning, and presenting with a co-occurring OUD. Having an OUD was associated with particularly risky polypharmacy combinations, while having a cannabis use disorder was associated with the least polypharmacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Results highlight a high prevalence of polypharmacy among a group that has an elevated risk for negative outcomes. There is a continued need to improve identification of complex patient presentations and adjust medications in a hospital setting to improve treatment outcomes and reduce future mortality.

Project MOVE: A randomized controlled trial of Interventions for initiating and maintaining physical activity in depressed individuals

Objective

To test interventions for increasing aerobic exercise in depressed individuals.

Methods

We conducted a 3-arm randomized controlled trial aimed at increasing minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in depressed adults (N = 242). Each successive arm included an added component that might serve to increase and maintain physical activity. Arms were: 1) Brief advice (BA) to aerobic exercise; 2) BA + supervised and home-based aerobic exercise (SHE) + health education (HE); and 3) BA + SHE +cognitive-behavioral sessions focused on increasing and maintaining aerobic exercise (CBEX). HE was intended to serve as a control for CBEX. Assessments were conducted at baseline, Month 1.5, end of intervention (Month 3), Month 6, and Month 9. The primary outcome of MVPA was assessed via accelerometry. Secondary outcomes included self-reported MVPA, depression severity, and other aspects of mood and affect.

Results

At 3 months (the pre-designated primary outcome timepoint), the simple effect of treatment was statistically significant (F2, 569.0 = 4.17, p = .016), with BA+SHE+CBEX being superior to BA. We did not observe differences between BA+SHE+HE and either of the other arms. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups at 6- or 9-months. Treatment effects were not statistically significant for secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Supervised and home-based exercise, when combined with a cognitive-behavioral exercise intervention, is effective in increasing aerobic exercise in depressed adults in the short-term, although the impact diminishes post-intervention period.

Chronic disease management: why dementia care is different

With the rise in the population of older adults, the number of individuals living with chronic diseases that need management will increase dramatically. Successful programs have been developed for chronic conditions (eg, heart failure, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) that use principles of self-management, monitoring, and care coordination. However, because of the effects of dementia on the mind including behavioral complications, the progressive loss of capacity for affected individuals to participate in care or decision-making, the devastating effects on care partners, and the scope of disease management beyond medical issues, the management of dementia is different and demands different approaches. The success of dementia management will depend upon how well the care provided is able to maximize the function, independence, and dignity of the individual living with dementia while minimizing care partner strain and burnout.

Comorbidity and Management of Concurrent Psychiatric and Medical Disorders

Aging increases susceptibility to medical and psychiatric comorbidity via interrelated biological, psychological, and social mechanisms. Mental status changes or other psychiatric symptoms occurring in older adults with medical disorders most often result from delirium, depression, or the onset of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Clinicians can use evidence-based tools to evaluate such symptoms including the 4A's Test for delirium, the Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Innovative models such as collaborative care can improve the outcome of care of older adults with medical disorders requiring treatment for depression or ADRD..

Dissemination of a successful dementia care program: Lessons to facilitate spread of innovations

BACKGROUND

Despite the effectiveness of innovations to improve the care of persons with dementia, there has been limited diffusion of these into widespread clinical practice. We aimed to identify common barriers and address them directly in the initial phase of dissemination of a successful dementia care program.

METHODS

Description of and early experience with a dissemination strategy of the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program to health care systems nationwide. We measured site-identified goals for the program and indicators of success, number of adopting sites, and participants in their programs.

RESULTS

From January 2019 to December 2021, 80 sites expressed interest in adopting the program, 14 (18%) sites adopted it, and 10 of these sites have begun caring for patients. Another 4 sites have implemented the program as part of a randomized clinical trial. To date, over 1690 persons living with dementia and their caregivers have received Alzheimer's and Dementia Care (ADC) care at 14 adopting sites. Key lessons from the early dissemination efforts include the importance of identifying a strong product champion at the adopting site, creating a business case for adoption, training of clinical staff and adapting the model to fit local cultures and workflow, as well as recognizing the likely long length of time needed for the decision to adopt and implementation process.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite many obstacles to dissemination, with local champions and technical assistance, successful innovations in dementia care can be implemented in diverse health systems. The ability to adopt sites to bring the program to full scale and achieve comparable outcomes to the original program remains to be determined.

Dissemination of a successful dementia care program: Lessons from early adopters

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based models for providing effective and comprehensive care for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias exist but have yet to be successfully implemented at scale. The Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program (ADC Program) is an effective comprehensive dementia care model that is being disseminated across the United States. This qualitative study examines barriers and facilitators to implementing the model among early adopting sites.

METHODS

This study included semi-structured interviews with a total of 21 clinical site leaders and Dementia Care Specialists from a total of 11 sites across the US. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded using Dedoose qualitative analysis software. Coding scheme development and data interpretation were informed by Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations framework.

RESULTS

Key themes are organized in line with Rogers' framework. These include: the innovation-decision process, implementation and characteristics of the innovation, and sustainability.

CONCLUSIONS

Across the three overarching themes presented in this manuscript, the importance of engagement from site leaders, the multifaceted nature of the dementia care specialist role, and the value of technical assistance from qualified experts are apparent. However, for this work to continue to be successful, there needs to be more appropriate payment to cover needed services and a mechanism for supporting comprehensive dementia care over time.

Differences in Burden Severity in Adult-Child Family Caregivers and Spousal Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

Researchers are continuing to focus on the nature and sources of burden of family caregivers of persons living with dementia. Caregiving stress and burden are assessed and addressed by social workers, including at high-risk times such as hospitalization. This study tested whether adult-child family caregivers experience greater perceived burden than spousal caregivers, accounting for risks of acute stress which can accompany hospitalization for their care recipient, where social workers may be meeting with family caregivers for the first time. Family caregivers (N = 76; n = 42 adult-child; n = 34 spouse) were recruited during care-recipient clinical treatment. The settings of care included an outpatient memory care program and an inpatient geriatric psychiatry service. Results showed that adult-child caregivers reported greater burden as compared with spousal caregivers, but no differences regarding depressive symptoms, perceived stress, or grief. After controlling for demographics and location of care, being an adult-child caregiver remained a predictor of greater burden severity. Being an adult-child family caregiver may place an individual at increased risk for experiencing high burden. These findings suggest socials workers should consider how adult-child caregivers may benefit from strategies to address and reduce burden, beyond those typically offered to spousal caregivers.

Engaging Stakeholders in the Design and Conduct of Embedded Pragmatic Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias

Embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) of nondrug interventions for Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) are conducted in real-world clinical settings and designed to generate an evidence base to inform clinical and policy decisions about care for this vulnerable population. The ePCTs exist within a complex ecosystem of relationships between researchers, payors, policymakers, healthcare systems, direct care staff, advocacy groups, families, caregivers, and people living with dementia (PLWD). Because the rapid increase of the number of Americans with AD/ADRD outpaces curative treatments, there is an urgent need to mobilize the power of these relationships to improve dementia care and address a mounting public health crisis. Stakeholder engagement in ePCTs is essential to generate research questions, establish the relevancy of trials to the intended end users, and understand the factors that influence dissemination and implementation in real-world clinical settings. The process of including stakeholders in ePCTs for dementia is similar to stakeholder engagement in ePCTs for other diseases and conditions; however, the unique nature of embedded research, prevalence of caregiver and provider burden, and the progressive worsening of cognitive impairment in PLWD must be approached with additional strategies. This article presents key considerations of stakeholder engagement for ePCTs in AD/ADRD and main activities of the stakeholder engagement team in the National Institute on Aging IMPACT Collaboratory to move the field forward. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:S62-S67, 2020.

The Role of Medical Comorbidity in the Rapid Psychiatric Readmission of Patients With Schizophrenia-spectrum Disorders

OBJECTIVE

Inpatient admissions are common for individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, and difficulty transitioning from the hospital to the community results in these individuals being at high risk for hospital readmissions. Thus, psychotic disorders account for high rates of rapid readmission within 30 days of discharge. Increasing evidence highlights the role of comorbid medical conditions, such as circulatory and metabolic problems, in contributing to early readmission rates for these patients. This study examined the specific role of circulatory and metabolic problems in predicting psychiatric rehospitalizations while accounting for other medical conditions, psychiatric comorbidities, and preadmission medications.

METHODS

The electronic medical records of 752 patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital were examined, with patients classified as having readmission within 30 days of their index hospitalization (n=79) or no readmission within 30 days (n=673). The 2 groups were compared on multiple variables in univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Male sex [odds ratio (OR)=2.02, P=0.019)], disability status (OR=1.96, P=0.027), and presence of a circulatory (but not a metabolic) condition (OR=3.43, P=0.003) were associated with significantly increased odds of being rehospitalized within 30 days, even when accounting for additional predictors, including age, substance use disorder, race, and other medical conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of considering circulatory, in addition to metabolic disorders, during inpatient stays. This comorbidity pattern may signify a subset of individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders requiring more comprehensive discharge planning and support after an inpatient hospitalization to prevent rapid rehospitalization.

Overlap of Pain and Depression Among Nursing Home Residents With Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia

Physical and psychological suffering are interrelated and should be assessed together as part of palliative care delivery. We aimed to describe the overlap of pain and depressive symptoms among long-stay nursing home (NH) residents with advanced Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD), and to determine the incidence of pain and depressive symptoms. We conducted a retrospective study of a US national sample of fee-for-Service Medicare beneficiaries who became long-stay NH residents in 2014-2015, had two consecutive quarterly Minimum Dataset assessments (90 and 180 days +/- 30 days), and had a diagnosis of ADRD in the Chronic Condition Warehouse and moderate to severe cognitive impairment (N= 92,682). We used descriptive statistics and Poisson regression models to examine the incidence of each symptom controlling for age, sex, and concurrent hospice care. Sub-groups with self-reported and observer-rated symptoms (pain/PHQ-9) were modelled separately, as were those switching between the two. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was low (5.7%), while pain was more common (18.2%). Across various subgroups, 2% to 4% had both pain and depression, but between 20% and 25% were treated with both antidepressants and scheduled analgesia. Depressed residents at baseline had an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of pain of 1.2 at the second assessment, while the residents with pain at baseline had an IRR of depressive symptoms of 1.3 at the second assessment. Our results support the expected relationship between pain and depressive symptoms in a national sample of long-stay NH residents with advanced ADRD, suggesting the need for simultaneous clinical management.

Quality of Post-Acute Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities That Disproportionately Serve Hispanics With Dementia

OBJECTIVES

As the number of Hispanics with dementia continues to increase, greater use of post-acute care in nursing home settings will be required. Little is known about the quality of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that disproportionately serve Hispanic patients with dementia and whether the quality of SNF care varies by the concentration of Medicare Advantage (MA) patients with dementia admitted to these SNFs.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study using 2016 data from Medicare certified providers.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Our cohort included 177,396 beneficiaries with probable dementia from 8884 SNFs.

METHODS

We examined facility-level quality of care among facilities with high and low proportions of Hispanic beneficiaries with probable dementia enrolled in MA and fee-for-service (FFS) using data from Medicare-certified providers. Three facility-level measures were used to assess quality of care: (1) 30-day rehospitalization rate; (2) successful discharge from the facility to the community; and (3) Medicare 5-star quality ratings.

RESULTS

About 20% of residents were admitted to 1615 facilities with a resident population that was more than 15% Hispanic. Facilities with a higher share of Hispanic residents had a lower proportion of 4- or 5-star facilities by an average of 14% to 15% compared with facilities with little to no Hispanics. In addition, these facilities had a 1% higher readmission rate. There were also some differences in the quality of facilities with high (>26.5%) and low (<26.5%) proportions of MA beneficiaries. On average, SNFs with a high concentration of MA patients have lower readmission rates and higher successful discharge, but lower star ratings.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Achieving better quality of care for people with dementia may require efforts to improve the quality of care among facilities with a high concentration of Hispanic residents.

A Novel Experiential Quality Improvement Training Program During Residency Improves Quality Improvement Confidence and Knowledge: a Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandates resident quality improvement (QI) training to improve patient safety, cost control, and efficiency. Thus, understanding this topic is crucial for early career physicians. This manuscript describes an enhanced, experiential QI curriculum for psychiatry residents and its outcomes.

METHODS

Two cohorts of 12 third-year residents completed the curriculum, which included didactics, external resources, and expert guidance through small group project design, implementation, and analysis/presentation. A survey on resident confidence in QI principles and the quality improvement knowledge assessment tool-revised (QIKAT-R) was used before and after curriculum participation. Data were analyzed using parametric descriptive tests and repeated measures general linear models with Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Resident confidence in performing seven of the ten steps of QI and QIKAT-R scores significantly improved for both cohorts (p = .011). Eighty-nine percent of residents felt that the curriculum met their goals.

CONCLUSIONS

The QI curriculum effectively improved resident QI confidence and knowledge. Residents reported that experiential engagement in the design, implementation, and analysis/presentation of their project was crucial to these achievements. This experiential QI curriculum with resident-generated QI projects addressed ACGME training requirements while integrating QI training directly into the residents' clinical activities, making the QI efforts relevant and meaningful while also achieving ACGME goals.

The Experiences of Persons Living with Dementia Planning for a Dementia Research Meeting. Lessons Learned From the National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons With Dementia and Their Caregivers

OBJECTIVE

A stakeholder group for persons living with dementia (PLWD) was convened to support the work of a major US dementia research meeting. The objectives of this examination are to present the steps used to implement the Group and guidance for both PLWD and researchers for partnering on research conference planning and participation.

METHODS

PLWD met monthly to provide input into the agenda for the 2017 Research Summit on Dementia Care and some Group members also presented at the Summit. Following the Summit, the Group reviewed their contributions and completed an evaluation of the Group process, identifying best practices to support future efforts.

RESULTS

Group members were initially unsure about participating due to concerns about ability to contribute and concerns about disease progression. Members reported that participation was a positive experience, however, identifying Group-led governance and attention to Group work process as important contributors. In addition to giving input to the Summit and having the opportunity to interact with researchers, sharing personal experiences with each other was part of the value of the Group to members. Careful Group selection and attention to governance were among the Best Practices members.

CONCLUSION

Despite initial uncertainty among members about participating as a Stakeholder Group to inform a national research meeting, members developed a successful process for governance, convening, and providing input to a major national research meeting. Group's self-evaluation yielded specific strategies likely to be useful in formation and implementation of future partnerships between researchers and persons living with dementia.

Combined intervention approaches for initiating and maintaining physical activity in depressed individuals: design and rationale of the Project MOVE randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Regular engagement in physical activity decreases risks for many chronic conditions, and may also improve depression symptoms. However, rates of physical activity and adherence to exercise interventions remain low among depressed individuals relative to non-depressed individuals.

METHODS

This is a study protocol for Project MOVE. This study is a theoretically-driven, 3-arm randomized controlled trial for increasing physical activity with depressed adults. Each successive arm includes an added component that may serve to increase and maintain physical activity. The arms are: 1) Brief advice (BA) to exercise alone (minimal treatment control condition); 2) BA + supervised and home-based exercise (SHE) + health education (HE; serves as contact control for CBEX); and 3) BA + SHE +cognitive-behavioral sessions focused on increasing and maintaining exercise (CBEX). The target sample size is 240. Assessments are conducted at baseline, Month 1.5, end of intervention (month 3), and at 6 and 9 months. The primary outcome is minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, assessed via an accelerometer. Secondary outcomes include cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and depression, and maintenance of moderate-vigorous physical activity through 6 and 9 month follow-ups. Mediators and moderators derived from behavior change theories, including the Health Behavior Model, Self-Determination Theory, and Social Ecological Theory, will be examined.

CONCLUSION

Project MOVE is designed to test primarily whether both a structured exercise program (SHE) and a cognitive-behavioral group (CBEX) increase physical activity in depressed adults during both a 3-month intervention period, and during the 6-months that follow.

Contributions of Persons Living With Dementia to Scientific Research Meetings. Results From the National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons With Dementia and Their Caregivers

OBJECTIVE

Inclusion of patients in research activities has increased in the United States but no guidelines for inclusion of individuals with cognitive impairment exist. The experiences from the Persons Living with Dementia (PLWD) Stakeholder Group that formed to support the first National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers provided a test of feasibility of this type of participation for a major research meeting and an opportunity to understand specific contributions of the Group.

METHODS

The PLWD Stakeholder Group was formed by Summit co-chairs as one of six stakeholder groups charged with providing input into the Summit agenda and meeting recommendations. Members were recruited through clinician/researchers with personal knowledge of potential members. Following the Summit, Group members convened to review Group contributions to the Summit agenda, list of speakers, and Summit research recommendations.

RESULTS

The PLWD Group influenced the content of the Summit agenda and some Group members were invited to contribute through Summit presentations. The Group influenced Summit outcomes: of the 58 research recommendations that emerged, 30 express ideas contributed by the PLWD.

CONCLUSIONS

The Stakeholder Group for PLWD proved feasible to implement and impacted the agenda and output of a major national research meeting on dementia.

Monitoring, assessing, and responding to suicide risk in clinical research

It is essential that investigators in clinical research settings follow ethical guidelines for monitoring, assessing, and responding to suicide risk. Given the unique considerations associated with suicide risk assessment in a research context, resources informing the development of research-specific suicide risk management procedures are needed. With decades of collective experience across heterogeneous contexts, we discuss approaches to monitoring, assessing, and responding to suicide risk as a function of study sample (e.g., students, psychiatric inpatients), data collection methodologies (e.g., interview, self-report, or ecological momentary assessment), and study design (e.g., treatment research). Additional considerations include training and supervision of staff to identify suicide risk, coordination of others to respond to risk, and documentation of procedures. Finally, we attend to the impact of these procedures on the external validity of outcome data. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Emerging Collaborative Care Models for Dementia Care in the Primary Care Setting: A Narrative Review

The rapidly increasing population living with dementia presents a unique economic and public health challenge. However, primary care physicians, despite their position as first-line providers, often lack the time, support, and training to systematically screen for, diagnose, and treat dementia, as well as provide adequate psychosocial support to unpaid caregivers. Models of collaborative care, which have found success in reducing symptom severity and increasing quality of life for other chronic illnesses, have been studied for feasibility, efficacy, and cost effectiveness in treating individuals with dementia and supporting caregivers. A review of initial data from several models suggests that enrollment in a collaborative care program for dementia is associated with benefits such as reduction in behavioral symptoms of dementia, improved functioning and quality of life, less frequent utilization of acute medical services, and decrease in caregiver burden. These evidence-based models, if implemented widely, stand to facilitate delivery of highly effective dementia care while reducing associated total medical expense. In this narrative review, we examine the key components of collaborative care teams, summarize outcomes of prior studies and discuss barriers and opportunities for wider dissemination of collaborative care models that are partnered with and/or based within primary care settings.

Predictors of 30-day rehospitalization in a sample of hospitalized patients with Bipolar I disorder

The transition from psychiatric hospitalization to home is marked by high clinical vulnerability, characterized by risk of symptom rebound, exposure to preexisting stressors, and challenges with outpatient treatment linkage. Rates of rehospitalization during this post-discharge period, particularly for those with bipolar disorder, are reported to be high. This study evaluated demographic and clinical predictors of early rehospitalization (within 30 days) in a sample of hospitalized adults with Bipolar I disorder (BD-I). A chart review was conducted for 215 patients with BD-I admitted to an academically-affiliated psychiatric hospital within one calendar year. A computer algorithm was used to extract relevant demographic, clinical, and treatment information. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine predictors of early rehospitalization. Overall, 12% of participants were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Controlling for other clinical and demographic variables, patient functioning and pre-admission psychiatric polypharmacy, but not comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, predicted early readmission in patients with BD-I. Findings highlight the relative importance of considering low psychosocial functioning, and medication regimens containing multiple psychiatric medications, during hospitalizations. These features may indicate a subset of patients with BD-I who require more comprehensive discharge planning and support to transition to the community following a psychiatric hospitalization.

Measurement validity of the Patient-Health Questionnaire-9 in US nursing home residents

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess the measurement properties of the self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and its 10-item observer version (PHQ-10OV) among nursing home residents.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of Minimum Data Set 3.0 assessments for national cohorts of Medicare Fee-for-Service beneficiaries who were newly admitted or incident long-stay residents in 2014-2015 at US nursing homes (NHs) certified by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Statistical analyses included examining internal reliability with McDonald's omega, structural validity with confirmatory factor analysis, and hypothesis testing for expected gender differences and criterion validity with descriptive statistics. The Chronic Condition Warehouse depression diagnoses were used as an administrative reference standard.

RESULTS

Both the PHQ-9 and PHQ-10OV had good internal reliability with omega values above 0.85. The self-reported scale yielded good model fit for a one-factor solution, while the PHQ-10OV had slightly poorer fit and a lower standardized factor loading on the additional irritability item. Both scales appear sufficiently one-dimensional given that somatic items had higher factor loading on a general depression factor than on a somatic subfactor. We were unable to obtain expected gender differences on the PHQ-10OV scale. The PHQ-9 and PHQ-10OV were both highly specific but had poor sensitivity compared with an administrative reference standard.

CONCLUSIONS

The PHQ-9 appears to be a valid and promising measurement instrument for research about depression among NH residents, while the validity of the PHQ-10OV should be examined further with a structured psychiatric interview as a stronger criterion standard.

Comorbid Cannabis and Tobacco Use Disorders in Hospitalized Patients with Psychotic-Spectrum Disorders

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with psychotic-spectrum disorders use tobacco and cannabis at higher rates than the general population and individuals with other psychiatric disorders, which may contribute to increased rates of medical problems and mortality. The present study examined whether individuals with psychosis and comorbid tobacco and/or cannabis use disorders exhibit differing clinical characteristics in terms of their sociodemographic, mental health, substance use, physical health, and medication use patterns. Elucidation of these profiles, and determining their relative severity, has important implications for treatment, including offering more targeted interventions based on type of comorbidity pattern.

METHODS

We examined the electronic medical records of 829 patients with psychotic-spectrum disorders admitted to a psychiatric hospital and categorized them as having: (1) cannabis use disorder (CUD); (2) tobacco use disorder (TUD); (3) comorbid cannabis and tobacco use disorders (CUD + TUD); or (4) neither disorder (no CUD/TUD). Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare the aforementioned groups on multiple variables controlling for age and sex.

RESULTS

Alcohol and stimulant use disorder diagnoses were each related to higher odds of having a CUD and CUD + TUD, relative to no CUD/TUD. Stimulant and polysubstance use disorder diagnoses were each related to higher odds of having a TUD compared to no CUD/TUD. Greater number of prescribed psychotropic medications was related to higher odds of a TUD compared to no CUD/TUD.

CONCLUSIONS

Although several differences between groups were accounted for by age of cannabis versus tobacco users, findings point to the importance of considering comorbid alcohol and substance use disorders among those with psychosis and CUD/TUD, as these comorbidities have important implications for screening and treatment selection during and following acute hospitalization.

Disparities in Nursing Home Use and Quality Among African American, Hispanic, and White Medicare Residents With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

Objective: This article examines differences in nursing home use and quality among Medicare beneficiaries, in both Medicare Advantage and fee-for-service, newly admitted to nursing homes with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Method: Retrospective, national, population-based study of Medicare residents newly admitted to nursing homes with ADRD by race and ethnic group. Our analytic sample included 1,302,099 nursing home residents-268,181 with a diagnosis of ADRD-in 13,532 nursing homes from 2014. Results: We found that a larger share of Hispanic Medicare residents that are admitted to nursing homes have ADRD compared with African American and White beneficiaries. Both Hispanics and African Americans with ADRD received care in segregated nursing homes with fewer resources and lower quality of care compared with White residents. Discussion: These results have implications for targeted efforts to achieve health care equity and quality improvement efforts among nursing homes that serve minority patients.

Association between anxious symptoms and sleeping medication use among US older adults

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between anxiety symptoms and sleeping medication use among a nationally representative sample of US older adults.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional design using data from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study to examine the relationship between anxiety symptoms as rated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 and self-reported sleeping medication use. Survey weights were applied to account for complex survey design. Logistic regression was used to measure the association between anxiety symptoms and sleeping medication use after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, physical health, and other sleep-related issues.

RESULTS

In 2011, 13.1% of respondents experienced high anxiety symptoms and 29.0% reported taking a sleeping medication at least once a week during the last 30 days. Results estimate that approximately 4 million US older adults have clinically significant anxiety symptoms and approximately 10 million US older adults used a sleeping medication in the last 30 days. Adjusted results revealed that high anxiety symptoms are significantly associated with sleeping medication use compared to low anxiety symptoms (AOR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.29-1.91). Depression symptoms were also associated with sleeping medication (AOR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08-1.55).

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrated that anxiety symptoms are significantly associated with sleeping medication use among US older adults. We also found that depressive symptoms, chronic conditions, and worse self-rated health are associated with sleeping medication use. As sleeping medications are associated with adverse health events, these results have clinical implications for treating anxiety symptoms among older patients.

Adjunctive yoga v. health education for persistent major depression: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine whether hatha yoga is an efficacious adjunctive intervention for individuals with continued depressive symptoms despite antidepressant treatment.

METHOD

We conducted a randomized controlled trial of weekly yoga classes (n = 63) v. health education classes (Healthy Living Workshop; HLW; n = 59) in individuals with elevated depression symptoms and antidepressant medication use. HLW served as an attention-control group. The intervention period was 10 weeks, with follow-up assessments 3 and 6 months afterwards. The primary outcome was depression symptom severity assessed by blind rater at 10 weeks. Secondary outcomes included depression symptoms over the entire intervention and follow-up periods, social and role functioning, general health perceptions, pain, and physical functioning.

RESULTS

At 10 weeks, we did not find a statistically significant difference between groups in depression symptoms (b = -0.82, s.e. = 0.88, p = 0.36). However, over the entire intervention and follow-up period, when controlling for baseline, yoga participants showed lower levels of depression than HLW participants (b = -1.38, s.e. = 0.57, p = 0.02). At 6-month follow-up, 51% of yoga participants demonstrated a response (⩾50% reduction in depression symptoms) compared with 31% of HLW participants (odds ratio = 2.31; p = 0.04). Yoga participants showed significantly better social and role functioning and general health perceptions over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we did not see a difference in depression symptoms at the end of the intervention period, yoga participants showed fewer depression symptoms over the entire follow-up period. Benefits of yoga may accumulate over time.

Perceptions of hatha yoga amongst persistently depressed individuals enrolled in a trial of yoga for depression

OBJECTIVES

To understand depressed individuals' experiences in a 10-week hatha yoga program.

DESIGN

In a randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to either 10 weeks of hatha yoga classes or a health education control group. This report includes responses from participants in yoga classes. At the start of classes, average depression symptom severity level was moderate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

After 10 weeks of yoga classes, we asked participants (n=50) to provide written responses to open-ended questions about what they liked about classes, what they did not like or did not find helpful, and what they learned. We analyzed qualitative data using thematic analysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Elements of yoga classes that may increase acceptability for depressed individuals include having instructors who promote a non-competitive and non-judgmental atmosphere, who are knowledgeable and able to provide individualized attention, and who are kind and warm. Including depression-related themes in classes, teaching mindfulness, teaching breathing exercises, and providing guidance for translating class into home practice may help to make yoga effective for targeting depression. Participants' comments reinforced the importance of aspects of mindfulness, such as attention to the present moment and acceptance of one's self and one's experience, as potential mechanisms of action. Other potential mechanisms include use of breathing practices in everyday life and the biological mechanisms that underlie the positive impact of yogic breathing. The most serious concern highlighted by a few participants was the concern that the yoga classes were too difficult given their physical abilities.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Inpatients with Psychosis (the REACH Study): Protocol for Treatment Development and Pilot Testing

Patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders frequently require treatment at inpatient hospitals during periods of acute illness for crisis management and stabilization. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a “third wave” cognitive-behavioral intervention that employs innovative mindfulness-based strategies, has shown initial efficacy in randomized controlled trials for improving acute and post-discharge outcomes in patients with psychosis when studied in acute-care psychiatric hospitals in the U.S. However, the intervention has not been widely adopted in its current form because of its use of an individual-only format and delivery by doctoral-level research therapists with extensive prior experience using ACT. The aim of the Researching the Effectiveness of Acceptance-based Coping during Hospitalization (REACH) Study is to adapt a promising acute-care psychosocial treatment for inpatients with psychosis, and to pilot test its effectiveness in a routine inpatient setting. More specifically, we describe our plans to: (a) further develop and refine the treatment and training protocols, (b) conduct an open trial and make further modifications based on the experience gained, and (c) conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial in preparation for a future fully-powered clinical trial testing the effectiveness of ACT.

Clinical characteristics and medication use patterns among hospitalized patients admitted with psychotic vs nonpsychotic major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

In routine practice, major depressive disorder (MDD) with psychotic features often goes under-recognized and undertreated. Previous research has specified several demographic and clinical differences in MDD patients with psychotic features compared with those without psychosis in routine outpatient practice, but there is little systematic research in modern routine hospital settings.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective electronic medical records chart review of 1,314 patients diagnosed with MDD who were admitted consecutively to a major psychiatric hospital over a 1-year period. We examined the prevalence of psychotic features in the sample and investigated the differences in demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and medication use patterns among patients with and without psychosis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of psychotic features was 13.2% in the current hospital sample. Patients with psychotic depression were more likely to be older, male, a member of a racial/ethnic minority, and have more medical comorbidities and certain Axis I disorders compared with nonpsychotic patients. In addition, patients with psychotic depression were more likely to be prescribed antipsychotics and hypnotics before admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Several demographic and clinical characteristics differentiate MDD patients with psychosis from those without psychosis in hospital settings that may be helpful in identifying these patients. Comparisons with outpatient samples and treatments implications are discussed.

Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with comorbid cannabis use disorders (CUDs) in hospitalized patients with bipolar I disorder

BACKGROUND

Published data suggest that cannabis use is associated with several negative consequences for individuals with bipolar disorder (BD), including new manic episode onset, psychosis, and functional disability. Yet much less is known about cannabis use disorders (CUDs) in this population, especially in more acutely symptomatic groups.

METHODS

To evaluate correlates of CUD comorbidity in BD, a retrospective chart review was conducted for 230 adult patients with bipolar I disorder (BDI) who were admitted to a university-affiliated private psychiatric hospital. Using a computer algorithm, a hospital administrator extracted relevant demographic and clinical data from the electronic medical record for analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-six (16%) had a comorbid CUD. CUD comorbidity was significantly associated with younger age, manic/mixed episode polarity, presence of psychotic features, and comorbid nicotine dependence, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and other substance use disorders, but was associated with decreased likelihood of anxiety disorder comorbidity. With the exception of manic/mixed polarity and AUD comorbidity, results from multivariate analyses controlling for the presence of other SUDs were consistent with univariate findings.

CONCLUSION

Patients with BD and comorbid CUDs appear to be a complex population with need for enhanced clinical monitoring. Given increasing public acceptance of cannabis use, and the limited availability of evidenced-based interventions targeted toward CUDs in BD, psychoeducation and other treatment development efforts appear to be warranted.

Development of a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is introducing a longitudinal integrated clerkship for third year students in the Primary Care-Population Medicine Program as an alternative to more traditional clerkship models. In developing the longitudinal integrated clerkship, program faculty incorporated a historical perspective of medical education, modern knowledge about students' development of clinical skills, and educational science as it relates to faculty development and learner evaluation. The longitudinal integrated clerkship is being tailored to the fit the Brown University system; as such, it will be unique in its attention to population medicine, including its exposure of students to several distinct health care systems within a single geographic region, and integration of clinical training with completion of a Master's in Population Medicine.

A family disease: witnessing firsthand the toll that dementia takes on caregivers

A geriatric psychiatrist recounts the life-changing stress experienced by relatives who care for loved ones with dementia.

Caregiver presence and patient completion of a transitional care intervention

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between family caregiver presence and patient completion of the Care Transitions Intervention (CTI), a patient activation model that provides transitional care coaching for 30 days following hospital discharge.

STUDY DESIGN

A convenience sample of 2747 fee-for-service Medicare patients recruited for the CTI during inpatient medical hospitalizations at 6 hospitals in Rhode Island between January 1, 2009 and June 31, 2011.

METHODS

As part of an effectiveness trial of the CTI, Transitions Coaches recruited patients prior to hospital discharge. When a family caregiver was present during recruitment, the patient and family caregiver were coached together or the family caregiver was coached independently.

RESULTS

We hypothesized that CTI participation would be equivalent for the 2265 coached patients without a family caregiver present at recruitment, versus the 482 patients with a family caregiver. After adjusting for significant covariates, patients with family caregivers were more than 5 times as likely to complete the intervention as patients without family caregivers (AOR = 5.48; 95% CI = 4.22-7.12). Men with family caregivers were nearly 8 times as likely to complete the intervention as men without family caregivers (AOR = 7.94; 95% CI = 5.26-11.98).

CONCLUSIONS

The inclusion of a family caregiver is associated with a greater rate of completing the CTI for post discharge coaching, particularly among men; the inclusion of a family caregiver is a feasible modification to the CTI program.

Association of dementia with early rehospitalization among Medicare beneficiaries

Preventable hospital readmissions have been recognized as indicators of hospital quality, a source of increased healthcare expenditures, and a burden for patients, families, and caregivers. Despite growth of initiatives targeting risk factors associated with potentially avoidable hospital readmissions, the impact of dementia on the likelihood of rehospitalization is poorly characterized. Therefore, the primary objective of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate whether dementia was an independent predictor of 30-day readmissions. Administrative claims data for all admissions to Rhode Island hospitals in 2009 was utilized to identify hospitalizations of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or other dementias. Demographics, measures of comorbid disease burden, and other potential confounders were extracted from the data and the odds of 30-day readmission to any United States hospital was calculated from conditional logistic regression models. From a sample of 25,839 hospitalizations, there were 3908 index admissions of Medicare beneficiaries who fulfilled the study criteria for a dementia diagnosis. Nearly 20% of admissions (n=5133) were followed by a readmission within thirty days. Hospitalizations of beneficiaries with a dementia diagnosis were more likely to be followed by a readmission within thirty days (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08, 1.29), compared to hospitalizations of those of without dementia. Controlling for discharge site of care did not attenuate the association (AOR 1.21; 95% CI, 1.10, 1.33).

Hospice referral after inpatient psychiatric treatment of individuals with advanced dementia from a nursing home

This report addresses the discharge disposition following inpatient psychiatric treatment for advanced dementia. The total population included 685 305 Medicare fee-for-service decedents with advanced cognitive and functional impairment, with a mean age of 85.9 years who had resided in a nursing home. In the last 90 days of life, 1027 (0.15%) persons received inpatient psychiatry treatment just prior to the place of care where the individual died. Discharge dispositions included 132 (12.9%) persons to a medical hospital, 728 (70.9%) to nursing home without hospice services, 73 (7.1%) to hospice services in a nursing home, 32 (3.1%) to home without hospice services, and 16 (1.6%) to hospice services at home. Overall, the rate of referral to hospice services for advanced dementia was relatively low.

Medication burden in bipolar disorder: a chart review of patients at psychiatric hospital admission

Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) often receive complex polypharmacy regimens as part of treatment, yet few studies have sought to evaluate patient characteristics associated with this high medication burden. This retrospective chart review study examined rates of complex polypharmacy (i.e., ≥4 psychotropic medications), patterns of psychotropic medication use, and their demographic and clinical correlates in a naturalistic sample of adults with bipolar I disorder (BDI; N=230) presenting for psychiatric hospital admission. Using a computer algorithm, a hospital administrator extracted relevant demographic, clinical, and community treatment information for analysis. Patients reported taking an average of 3.31 (S.D.=1.46) psychotropic medications, and 5.94 (S.D.=3.78) total medications at intake. Overall, 82 (36%) met criteria for complex polypharmacy. Those receiving complex polypharmacy were significantly more likely to be female, to be depressed, to have a comorbid anxiety disorder, and to have a history of suicide attempt. Women were significantly more likely than men to be prescribed antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, even after controlling for mood episode polarity. Study data highlight the high medication burden experienced by patients with BD, especially those who are acutely symptomatic. Data also highlight the particularly high medication burden experienced by women with BD; a burden not fully accounted for by depression.

Predictors of depressive symptoms at hospital discharge in patients with major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVE

Often patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) leave the hospital with continued significant symptomatology. This study sought to evaluate demographic, clinical, and psychosocial predictors of the presence of clinically significant depressive symptoms, defined as a Modified Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of ≥ 14, immediately following hospitalization for MDD.

METHODS

The study enrolled 135 patients with MDD as part of a larger clinical trial investigating the efficacy of post-hospitalization pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments for depressed inpatients. Structured clinical interview and self-report data were available from 126 patients at hospital admission and discharge.

RESULTS

Despite the significant decreases in depressive symptoms over the course of hospitalization, 91 (72%) displayed clinically significant depressive symptoms at discharge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex, earlier age of onset, and poorer social adjustment were unique predictors of symptom outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that a large proportion of patients leave the hospital with continued significant symptomatology, and the presence of such symptoms following hospitalization for MDD is likely to be explained by a combination of factors.

Research to reduce the suicide rate among older adults: methodology roadblocks and promising paradigms

The National Institute of Mental Health and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention have requested input into the development of a national suicide research agenda. In response, a working group of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry has prepared recommendations to ensure that the suicide prevention dialogue includes older adults, a large and fast-growing population at high risk of suicide. In this Open Forum, the working group describes three methodology roadblocks to research into suicide prevention among elderly persons and three paradigms that might provide directions for future research into suicide prevention strategies for older adults.

An open trial of a new acceptance-based behavioral treatment for major depression with psychotic features

Research suggests that cognitive and behavioral therapies produce significant benefits over medications alone in the treatment of severe, nonpsychotic major depression or primary psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. However, previous research has not demonstrated the efficacy of psychotherapy for major depression with psychotic features. In this initial treatment development study, we conducted an open trial of a new behavioral intervention that combines elements of behavioral activation and acceptance and commitment therapy for depression and psychosis. Fourteen patients with major depressive disorder with psychotic features were provided with up to 6 months of Acceptance-Based Depression and Psychosis Therapy (ADAPT) in combination with pharmacotherapy. Patients reported a high degree of treatment credibility and acceptability. Results showed that patients achieved clinically significant and sustained improvements through posttreatment follow-up in depressive and psychotic symptoms, as well as psychosocial functioning. In addition, the processes targeted by the intervention (e.g., acceptance, mindfulness, values) improved significantly over the course of treatment, and changes in processes were correlated with changes in symptoms. Results suggest that ADAPT combined with pharmacotherapy is a promising treatment approach for psychotic depression that should be tested in a future randomized trial.