Incidence, prevalence, and medical costs of pressure injuries in Taiwan from 2001 to 2015: Results of a retrospective cohort study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyse the trends in the incidence, prevalence and medical costs of pressure injuries (PIs) among genders in Taiwan. BACKGROUND: The treatment of PIs is complex and costly, often leading to complications and increased mortality. This issue significantly impacts healthcare quality and incurs substantial medical and social costs, warranting attention. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Database to obtain and calculate the incidence, prevalence, and medical costs of PIs in the country between 2001 and 2015 as well as to analyse high-risk groups and the medical care utilisation of patients following the STROBE reporting guidelines. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2015, 15,327 incident case of PIs were diagnosed. During the study period, the prevalence rate of PIs per 100,000 population rose from 26.3 to 189.6, with approximately 11.5%-16.3% of patients undergoing surgical debridement. The PIs prevalence rate increased by 7.2-fold, and hospitalisation costs accounted for 91.7%-96.0% of the total medical costs. Patients with older age, comorbidities, poorer financial status and lower education levels were found to be likely to develop PIs. These predisposing factors differed between males and females. The prevalence of PIs was higher in patients ≥75 years old than in patients from other age groups. Moreover, PI-related medical expenses have been increasing annually. CONCLUSIONS: In Taiwan, the rising incidence of PIs is driving up medical costs. Effective care and prevention of PIs necessitate a comprehensive plan from the entire healthcare system. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This research fills a gap in the available data on the incidence, prevalence, and medical costs of PIs in Taiwan and Asia. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The findings can be used to help develop clinical guidelines for preventive education and treatment of PIs.

[The Policy and Practice of Preventive Care for the Elderly].

Taiwan is projected to become an aged society in 2018. In addition to establishing a comprehensive, long-term care system that is able to deal with the expected impacts of population aging, it is imperative that the government focus on improving the prevention of aging-related conditions. This article introduces the innovative preventive care policy promoted by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare and its preliminary results. Furthermore, the foundational ideas behind this policy and how it is being executed are explained. Medical and related professional groups participated in the research and development of the associated care plan and in the training of community-based trainers. Local governments integrate local resources in order to establish contracted community service bases and to provide professionally reviewed preventive care plans. A network of 850 contracted communities was established in 2017, and 17,117 participants have received services through this network to date. The Kihon checklist (KCL, the basic assessment tool for frailty used by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) was used before and after the intervention. Participants showed noticeably improved scores on the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and in the motor function, nutrition, oral function, socialization, dementia, depression, and lifestyle domains, with scores on the emotional happiness index showing especially strong improvement.

[A Community-Based Experience Model of Mental-Social Health Promotion for Older People in Taichung City].

Active ageing is one of the most important issues taken up by the WHO in regard to ageing societies. "Prolonging Healthy Life Expectance" and "Decreasing the Depression Rate Among Older People" are critical indicators for "2020 Healthy People in Taiwan". This paper conducts a trial run of the program planning and evaluation of mental-social health promotion using focus group research that surveys 29 administrative districts and a depression survey that randomly samples older individuals in Taichung City. We also introduce how we apply local characteristics to develop the 3-level and innovative-action plans to meet the needs of self-identity and social participation for older people. For example, the "Learning Mobile Classroom" program promotes health promotion using activities that are tailored to the lifestyle and culture characteristics of target individuals. Another example is the "Seniors Show", which uses community groups and annual active-ageing shows to promote a positive concept of aging and to promote social participation for older people. Finally, the "Navigator APP of Active Ageing", created using a geographic information system, addresses the resource information needs of older people. This experience in Taichung City uniquely empowers older people, allowing them to take the initiative to make a difference not only for mental-social wellness but also for the hope of life and for graceful ageing.

Pain prediction model based on machine learning and SHAP values for elders with dementia in Taiwan.

INTRODUCTION: Pain conditions are common in elderly individuals, including those with dementia. However, symptoms associated with dementia may lead to poor recognition, assessment and management of pain. In this study, we incorporated the variables based on questionnaires into a machine learning algorithm to build a prediction model for the pain index of elderly individuals with dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 113 cases were collected through questionnaires and used to build prediction models for the patient's pain index. Three machine learning algorithms were incorporated for comparison in this study. To interpret the prediction model, SHapley additive explanations values were used to depict the ranking importance of variables and the relationship between features and pain index. RESULTS: In the comparison of models, random forests with feature selection outperformed in terms of root mean square error and mean absolute error. A total of 11 features were selected based on embedded method. The results showed that the Karnofsky scale played a key role in predicting pain index for elderly individuals with dementia and was positively associated with pain index. Arthritis is the most important disease to predicting the pain index. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provided the key insights to predict the pain index of elderly patients with dementia. In the future, it can be used to develop an application system or webpage, which can reduce the use of labour and improve the efficiency.

The experiences of adult ventilator-dependent patients: a meta-synthesis review.

Studies exploring the perceptions of patients whose lives are maintained by mechanical ventilation highlight the stressful nature of this type of experience. The objective of this meta-synthesis study was to describe the nature of the experience of adult ventilator-dependent patients. A systematic literature search of English and Chinese databases was undertaken, covering the period between 1970 and 2012. Qualitative research findings were extracted and pooled using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. A total of 1004 papers were identified from various database and hand searches. Nineteen papers were critically appraised and 16 met inclusion criteria. Five meta-synthesis themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the feelings of fear due to being dependent on a ventilator and the loss of control of life; (2) disconnection with reality; (3) impaired embodiment; (4) construction of coping patterns; (5) trust and caring relationship. Suggested implications for practice include enhancing the trust relationship with health professionals, as well as nursing actions throughout the suction procedure relating to release of patient's psychological distress and empowering their resilience factors.

Decreasing the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection in a medical intensive care unit: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bloodstream infections are common in critically ill patients using central venous access devices (CVAD) in intensive care units (ICU). This project aimed to decrease the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) by using evidence-based strategies. METHODS: The project applied the JBI audit and feedback methods. Thirty-two nurses and five resident physicians from the medical ICU of a medical center participated in the project. Preintervention compliance was measured for the 11 key evidence-based criteria (six audit criteria of central venous catheter insertion and five audit criteria of dressing and catheter securement). Strategies were implemented to overcome the barriers identified in the baseline assessment. Impact evaluation and sustainability were conducted to change the CLABSI rate and the competence of healthcare professionals in providing CVAD care. The JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit tools were used for the data collection, analysis, and implementation planning. RESULTS: Barriers included insufficient knowledge among nurses and physicians, poor compliance with the standard CVAD insertion procedure by physicians, inadequate cooperation among the CVAD care team members, and lack of CVAD-related equipment. The strategies included education and training in CVAD care, the establishment of a team resource management program, and the provision of appropriate equipment. Following project implementation, the CLABSI rate decreased from 8.38 to 3.9 BSIs/1000 CVAD-days. CONCLUSIONS: The project successfully decreased the CLABSI rate and increased the competence of healthcare professionals. Implementation of best practices in clinical care should focus on leadership, team resource management, education, monitoring, and innovation.

Enhancing bladder management for intrapartum/postpartum women at a maternity hospital in Taiwan: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Voiding dysfunction is a common perinatal condition. Appropriate bladder management and monitoring during labor and postpartum improves bladder function and reduces the incidence of infections and complications. This project aimed to promote evidence-based bladder management strategies for perinatal women at a maternity hospital in Taiwan. METHODS: The project was implemented using the JBI framework and the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System. Implementation audits were conducted by examining nurses and intrapartum and postpartum women. Ten criteria were applied in the baseline audit, and two follow-up audits were conducted to assess actual compliance with best-practice recommendations. Through a Getting Research into Practice analysis, we identified three barriers to changing practice. RESULTS: A comparison of the audit outcomes revealed that all criteria had improved by the second follow-up audit cycle. Specifically, the compliance rate increased from 37% and 50% to 100% for criteria 1 and 2, respectively; from 0% to 100% for criteria 3, 5, and 10; and from 7%, 28%, 50%, and 17% to 100%, 100%, 97%, and 100% for criteria 4, 6, 8, and 9, respectively. Following implementation, the frequency of intrapartum intermittent catheterization (53.44-38.30%) and the postpartum incidence of urinary retention (9.09-8.51%) decreased. The time to first voiding after vaginal delivery and between the first and the second voiding decreased from 5.51 and 4.01 h to 2.32 and 2.29 h, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This evidence-based implementation project achieved substantial improvements in bladder management. Relational leadership theory, which integrates empowerment, purposefulness, ethical behaviors, and process orientation, underpinned the project.

Body image of children and adolescents with cancer: a metasynthesis on qualitative research findings.

Children and adolescents with cancer are confronted with many challenges. This review considered studies that used qualitative methods to examine the body image experience of children and adolescents with cancer. A systematic literature search of English and Chinese databases was undertaken, covering the period between 1960 and October 2010. Qualitative research findings were extracted and pooled using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. Eight papers met the inclusion criteria. The derived four metasyntheses included being distanced from the body, loss of self-identity, self-protective strategies and support, and getting rid of the shackles of the body. In conclusion, children and adolescents with cancer also experience various problems associated with changes in their body image. Repeated courses of treatment lead to loss of a normal, orderly life, and might even result in changes in interpersonal interactions. In response to body image change, individuals with cancer develop self-protective, coping strategies. Children and adolescents who experience life-threatening cancer come to face body image change positively, and might hold a confident attitude toward their future.

[Age-friendly cities, ideals and practice: the experience of Taichung City].

Many city authorities around the world are enhancing infrastructures and services to make their cities age-friendly, a process that aims to make city services and facilities more accessible to an ageing population and increase opportunities available to older residents. The process of creating age-friendly environments is a key challenge for international policy makers. The purpose of the paper is to introduce age-friendly city ideals and practices and share the age-friendly city planning experience of Taichung city.

[The opportunities and challenges of nursing professional development: celebrating 100 years of nursing in Taiwan].

This article used both retrospective and prospective perspectives to rethink and reflect upon the opportunities and challenges of nursing professional development in Taiwan. The authors conducted a literature review on the 2011-2015 Strategic Directions for Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery Services (SDNM) initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and on analyses of nursing related polices and programs from done by Taiwan health administrative offices. It is important to record the contribution of nursing to Taiwan's healthcare delivery system. Such is especially in light of the Taiwan's centenary celebrations in 2011 and of the Department of Health's consolidation into the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2012 due to central government reforms.

Determinants of Successful Nursing Home Accreditation.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the factors associated with better accreditation outcomes among nursing homes. METHOD: A total of 538 nursing homes in Taiwan were included in this study. Measures included accreditation scores, external factors (household income, Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, old-age dependency ratio, population density, and number of older adult households), organizational factors (hospital-based status, chain-affiliated status, occupancy rate, the number of registered nurses or nurse aides per bed, and bed size), and internal factors (accountability, deficiencies, person-centered care, nursing skills, quality control, and integrated care). RESULTS: Bed size, hospital-based status, accountability, deficiencies, person-centered care, nursing skills, quality control, and integrated care were found to predict accreditation. CONCLUSION: Among all variables in this study, the quality indicators contributed to the most variation, followed by organizational factors. External environmental factors played a minor role in predicting accreditation. A focus on quality of care would benefit not only the residents of a nursing home but also facilitate its accreditation.

Develop and validate family nurse practitioner transition program in Taiwan by using modified Delphi method.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that family nurse practitioners (FNPs) provide an important contribution to health promotion and disease management in primary care. Nevertheless, the position of FNP does not exist in Taiwan. In Taiwan, the leading cause of most disability and death is diabetes, for which an FNP has great potential to fulfill healthcare needs. Therefore, establishing how to cultivate competent FNPs is an important issue. It is feasible to train current acute care nurse practitioners (NPs) to become FNPs through enrollment in a transition program. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to develop an FNP transition program, including the necessary competencies and curriculum. DESIGN: A modified Delphi method (use of an expert panel) is used to validate the preliminary curriculum of an FNP transition program. SETTINGS: The Delph method conducted through email and physical meetings. PARTICIPANTS: Four expert panel groups involve in this project with different group has its own mission. Totally, there were 14 experts completed the transition program. METHODS: A modified Delphi method was used to validate the competencies and curriculum. Descriptive data analysis was used to evaluate the target consensus of 80%. RESULTS: This study provided the first FNP transition program design in Taiwan, based on the global literature and a local gap analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing faculty, healthcare delivery system administration leaders, and policymakers can use the curriculum to train current NPs to become competent FNPs to provide optimal quality of care in the community.

Factors Affecting the Competence of Nursing Assistants in Taiwan Long-Term Care Institutions.

With the increasing number of people with disabilities caused by an aging global population, the need for long-term care is gradually increasing. Nursing assistants (NAs) are the primary providers of direct care services to older adults with disabilities, whose knowledge, skills, and beliefs affect the quality of care provided. This study aimed to investigate the influential factors affecting NAs' current competences. A total of 255 NAs' valid questionnaires were collected from 20 long-term care institutions in Taiwan through convenience sampling. The questionnaire comprised dimensions of demographics and care competence. The study results indicated that NAs had the greatest care competence in the domain of recognition of patient rights (4.64 ± 0.54 points). The multiple regression indicated that age, religion, job category, disability care experience, the receiving of performance bonuses, and the receiving of year-end bonuses significantly affected the level of care competence (p < 0.05). With the aforementioned findings, the results of this study serve as references for the government in employing long-term care NAs and developing management policies. Training programs for NAs should be developed to improve the quality of care provided to older adults with disabilities.

A modified Mini Nutritional Assessment without BMI can effectively assess the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a modified version of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) without body mass index (BMI) can effectively identify individuals at risk of malnutrition among patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. BACKGROUND: Neuropsychiatric patients have an additional risk of nutritional disorder due to functional impairments and drug effects. However, their nutritional status is generally neglected. It is important to find a tool that is simple, easy to use and non-invasive. DESIGN: The study involved 105 patients in the acute phase of confirmed neuropsychiatric disorders in an area hospital. All subjects were cognitively able to have effective verbal communication. METHOD: The study included serum biochemical and anthropometric measurements and an on-site, in-person interview using a structured questionnaire to elicit personal data, health condition and answers to questions in the MNA. Subjects' nutritional statuses were graded with a MNA that adopted population-specific anthropometric cut-off points or one further with the BMI question removed and its assigned score redistributed to other anthropometric questions. RESULTS: Both versions of the modified MNA effectively graded the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients and showed good correlations with the major nutritional indicators such as BMI, calf circumference and the length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The MNA can effectively assess the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients and enhance timely detection and intervention of their nutritional disorders. A modified MNA without the BMI question can maintain the full functionality of the tool. The version does not require weight and height measurements and thus will enhance the usefulness of the instrument. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Neuropsychiatric patients are a high-risk group of nutritional disorders. The MNA, especially the one without BMI, has the potential to improve professional efficiency of the primary care workers.

Analysis of nurse practitioner scope of practice in Taiwan using the Longest policy cycle model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To date, there has been no policy analysis or review of the effectiveness of the current nurse practitioner (NP) scope of practice regulations in Taiwan. The purpose is of this article was to provide a policy analysis of NP scope of practice regulations in Taiwan. METHODS: The Longest policy cycle model was used to analyze the NP scope of practice regulations. Policy formation, policy implementation, and policy modification are three steps in this model. Policy formation and policy implementation are described in the first two sections. Regarding policy modification, we used the data collected from a research grant to evaluate the implementation of the NP scope of practice regulations to present the effectiveness of the policy endorsement in Taiwan. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of health care services provided by NPs was positive from the viewpoint of the hospital. The top-ranking impact was reducing physicians' workload and increasing the effectiveness of communication and coordination among the team. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The economic value of advanced practice nurses needs to be identified, as it can result in optimal professional growth. The Taiwan Association of Nurse Practitioners can design the metrics to measure NPs' contribution and to analyze the financial benefits bestowed by the NP profession based on the study results.

[The development of policies related to long-term care services in Taiwan].

The purpose of this article was to elaborate on the development of policies related to long-term care services in Taiwan and the current status of such. Using the framework of the Department of Health's long-term care projects, issues regarding how to assist nursing professionals cope with the demands of Taiwan's aging society and participate in the planning and implementation of long-term care services were raised and discussed. The demands of long-term care services are complex and multifaceted. An ideal long-term care services system should deliver care that is continuous and comprehensive. Recent developments and demands on long-term care services in Taiwan and supply issues related to nursing services have spurred significant discussion regarding the innovative potential and possibilities for the nursing profession. It is our belief that the commitment of Taiwan's nursing professionals will help secure the critical role of nursing in the national long-term care services system and quality healthcare.