Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescribing of benzodiazepines in older nursing home residents.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has raised concerns about high prevalence of drug-related problems, polypharmacy and inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing in nursing homes (NHs) and confirmed lack of studies from Central and South-Eastern Europe. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of polypharmacy, hyperpolypharmacy and inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing in NH residents in Croatia. METHODS: Data from 226 older NH residents from five Croatian NHs were collected using the InterRAI Long-Term Care Facilities assessment form. The prevalence and determinants of polypharmacy/hyperpolypharmacy and patterns of inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing were documented. RESULTS: The prevalence of polypharmacy (49.6%) and hyperpolypharmacy (25.7%) among NH residents was high. In our study, 72.1% of NH residents were prescribed at least one psychotropic agent, 36.7% used 2-3 psychotropics and 6.6% used 4+ psychotropics. Among benzodiazepine users (55.8%), 28% of residents were prescribed benzodiazepines in higher than recommended geriatric doses, 75% used them for the long term and 48% were prescribed concomitant interacting medications. The odds of being prescribed polypharmacy/hyperpolypharmacy were significantly higher for older patients with polymorbidity (6+ disorders, proportional odds ratio (POR) = 19.8), type II diabetes (POR = 5.2), ischemic heart disease (POR = 4.6), higher frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS ≥5); POR = 4.3) and gastrointestinal problems (POR = 4.8). CONCLUSIONS: Our research underscores the persistent challenge of inappropriate medication use and drug-related harms among older NH residents, despite existing evidence and professional campaigns. Effective regulatory and policy interventions, including the implementation of geriatrician and clinical pharmacy services, are essential to address this critical issue and ensure optimal medication management for vulnerable NH populations.

Validation of the Delirium Observation Screening Scale in long-term care facilities in Flanders.

AIM: The aim of this study was to validate the Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS) in a population of long-term care facility (LTCF) residents in Flanders. Currently there is no validated screening tool for delirium available for the population in this setting in Flanders. METHODS: A multisite, cross-sectional study was conducted in six LTCFs. A total of 338 residents aged 65 years and older were included. Sociodemographic and clinical data, including data from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and DOSS, were obtained by three trained nurse researchers. For the DOSS, internal consistency was determined, and inter-rater reliability was calculated. To validate the DOSS, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of the DOSS relative to the CAM were determined through receiver operating characteristic analysis. This article adheres to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies (STROBE) checklist for observational research. RESULTS: For 338 residents, delirium assessments were completed during an early or late shift. The prevalence of delirium was 14.2% as measured with the DOSS. The reliability (α) for the CAM and DOSS was assessed, as was the inter-rater reliability (κ) and the area under the curve. The sensitivity and specificity for a cut-off value of 3 on the DOSS by Youden's index were very high, as was the negative predictive value. The positive predictive value was good. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the DOSS is a reliable and valid instrument to screen for delirium in LTCF residents in Flanders. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 619-625.

Educational interventions to prevent urinary infections in institutionalized elderly people. Quasi-experimental Study / Intervención educativa para prevenir las infecciones urinarias en ancianos institucionalizados. Estudio cuasi-experimental / Intervenção educativa para prevenção de infecções urinárias de idosos institucionalizados. Estudo quase-experimental

Objective. To analyze the effectiveness of an educational intervention among nursing professionals and caregivers to prevent urinary tract infections in institutionalized elderly people. Methods. this is a quasi-experimental study carried out with 20 people (7 nurses and 13 formal caregivers). A questionnaire was applied during the pre-intervention stage, then professional training was carried out and finally, the questionnaire was reapplied 6 months after the intervention. The prevalence profile and factors associated with urinary infections in 116 elderly people was evaluated before and after the educational interventions. Statistical analysis was performed using association and correlation tests, logistic regression model comparison and prevalence rates. Results. The average number of correct answers by the nursing professionals Invest Educ Enferm. 2024; 42(1): e05Educational interventions to prevent urinary infections in institutionalized elderly people. Quasi-experimental Studyand caregivers after the educational intervention increased from the pre to the post-test by 52% regarding signs of urinary infection, 32% regarding its symptoms, 72.5% regarding its treatment, 40% regarding personal/behavioral and morbidity-related risk factors, 59% regarding conditional factors and 43.8% regarding its preventive measures. The team of caregivers showed a greater gain in knowledge compared to the nursing team in almost every question (p<0.05). The length of time working in elderly care showed no positive correlation with any variable (R<1; p>0.05). The prevalence of urinary tract infection in the pre-intervention period was 33.62%, and 20% in the post-intervention period. Conclusion.The educational intervention was effective in preventing urinary tract infections in the elderly. The increased knowledge acquired by nurses and caregivers was associated with a reduction in the infection rate and an improvement in the most prevalent modifiable factors for the development of this type of pathology

Objetivo. Analizar la eficacia de una intervención educativa con profesionales de enfermería y cuidadores para prevenir las infecciones urinarias en ancianos institucionalizados. Métodos. Estudio cuasi-experimental realizado con 20 personas (7 enfermeros y 13 cuidadores formales). Se aplicó un cuestionario antes de la intervención, se llevó a cabo la capacitación de los enfermeros y se volvió a aplicar el cuestionario 6 meses después de la intervención. Se evaluó el perfil de prevalencia de las infecciones urinarias y los factores asociados de 116 ancianos antes y después de las intervenciones educativas. En el análisis estadístico se utilizaron pruebas de asociación y correlación, comparación de modelos de regresión logística y tasas de prevalencia. Resultados. El promedio de respuestas correctas del equipo de enfermería y de los cuidadores tras la intervención educativa aumentó del pre al post-test en un 52% con los signos de infección urinaria, un 32% con los síntomas, un 72.5% con el tratamiento, y un 40% con los factores de riesgo personales/conductuales y los relacionados con la morbilidad, un 59% con los factores condicionales y un 43.8% con las medidas preventivas. El equipo de cuidadores mostró una mayor aprehensión de conocimientos en relación al equipo de enfermería en casi todas las preguntas (p<0.05). El tiempo dedicado al cuidado de ancianos no mostró correlación positiva con ninguna variable (R<1; p>0.05). La prevalencia de infección urinaria en el período pre-intervención fue del 33.62% y en el post-intervención del 20%. Conclusión. La intervención educativa fue eficaz en la prevención de las infecciones urinarias en ancianos. El aumento de conocimientos adquiridos por los enfermeros y por los cuidadores se relacionó con la reducción de la tasa de infecciones y el mejoramiento de los factores modificables más prevalentes para desarrollar este tipo de patología.

Objetivo. Analisar a efetividade de intervenção educativa com profissionais de enfermagem e cuidadores para prevenção de infecções do trato urinário de idosos institucionalizados. Métodos. Estudo quase experimental realizado com 20 pessoas (7 enfermeiros e 13 cuidadores formais). Aplicou-se questionário na pré-intervenção, realizou-se capacitação dos profissionais e reaplicação do questionário 6 meses pós-intervenção. O perfil de prevalência de infecções urinárias e fatores associados de 116 idosos foi avaliado antes e após as intervenções educativas. Na análise estatística utilizou-se testes de associação e de correlação, comparação de modelos de regressão logística e de taxas de prevalência. Resultados. A média de acertos da equipe de enfermagem e de cuidadores, após intervenção educativa, aumentou do pré para o pós-teste em 52% com relação aos sinais de infecção urinária, 32% a sintomas, 72.5% tratamento, e 40% sobre fatores de risco pessoais/comportamentais e relacionados a morbidade, 59% a fatores condicionais e 43,8% sobre medidas preventivas. A equipe de cuidadores apresentou maior ganho de conhecimento em relação à equipe de enfermagem em quase todas as questões (p<0.05). O tempo de cuidado com idoso não apresentou correlação positiva com nenhuma variável (R<1; p>0.05). A prevalência de infecção do trato urinário no período pré-intervenção foi de 33.62% e pós intervenção 20%. Conclusão. A intervenção educativa foi efetiva na prevenção às infecções do trato urinário dos idosos. O aumento do conhecimento adquirido por enfermeiros e cuidadores foi associado à redução da taxa de infecções e à melhoria dos fatores modificáveis mais prevalentes para o desenvolvimento desse tipo de patologia.

Medicines Regimens Charted for Older People Living in Residential Aged Care: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study Describing the Number of Medicines, Regimen Complexity, High-Risk Prescribing, and Potential Underprescribing.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore medicines regimens charted for older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). DESIGN: Repeated cross-sectional study using routinely collected data sampled in a cross-sectional manner at 11 time points (day of admission, then at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days, and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post admission). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The cohort is set in 34 RACFs managed by a single Australasian provider. People aged ≥65 years admitted to permanent care between January 1, 2017, and October 1, 2021, with medicines charted on the date of admission. METHODS: Medicines charted were evaluated for potentially suboptimal prescribing including number of medicines, high-risk prescribing (eg, potentially inappropriate medicines, anticholinergic burden), and potential underprescribing. RESULTS: The 3802 residents in the final cohort had a mean age of 84.9 ± 7.2 years at admission. At least 1 example of suboptimal prescribing was identified in 3479 (92%) residents at admission increasing to 1410 (97%) at 24 months. The number of medicines charted for each resident increased over time from 6.0 ± 3.8 regular and 2.8 ± 2.7 as required medicines at admission to 8.9 ± 4.1 regular and 8.1 ± 3.7 as required medicines at 24 months. Anticholinergic drug burden increased from 1.6 ± 2.4 at admission to 3.0 ± 2.8 at 24 months. Half the residents (2173; 57%) used at least 1 potentially inappropriate medicine at admission, which rose to nearly three-quarters (1060; 73%) at 24 months admission. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The total number of medicines charted for older adults living in RACFs increases with length of stay, with charted as required medicines nearly tripling. Effective interventions to optimize medicines use in this vulnerable population are required.

Cuidados de enfermagem no banho de aspersão em instituição de longa permanência: revisão integrativa / Nursing care in the spray bath in a long-term care institution: integrative review

Identificar os cuidados de enfermagem necessários para o banho de aspersão seguro para idosos no quotidiano de uma instituição de longa permanência. Método: Revisão Integrativa da literatura, recorte entre 2001 e 2022. Os dados dos estudos incluídos resultaram em uma síntese descritiva, fundamentada na Teoria das Necessidades Humanas Básicas. Resultados: Obteve-se 13 estudos sobre cuidados no banho com e sem auxílio, envolvendo o equilíbrio psicobiológico, psicossocial e psicoespiritual, remoção de barreiras ambientais, adaptação domiciliar, maneiras de abordagem, musicoterapia e cuidados com a integridade da pele, oportunizando segurança e qualidade nas ações prestadas. Conclusões: Os cuidados precisam estar integrados às necessidades humanas básicas, respeitando as peculiaridades do processo de envelhecimento e as fragilidades dos idosos mais vulneráveis. A qualificação dos profissionais de enfermagem/cuidadores formais visa a padronização da execução do procedimento e a redução de ocorrência de desvios de procedimento.(AU)

To identify the nursing care necessary for safe spray baths for elderly people in daily life in a long-term care institution. Method: Integrative literature review, cut between 2001 and 2022. Data from the included studies resulted in a descriptive synthesis, based on the Theory of Basic Human Needs. Results: 13 studies were obtained on bath care with and without assistance, involving psychobiological, psychosocial and psychospiritual balance, removal of environmental barriers, home adaptation, approaches, music therapy and care for the integrity of the skin, providing safety and quality in the actions provided. Conclusions: Care needs to be integrated with basic human needs, respecting the peculiarities of the aging process and the weaknesses of the most vulnerable elderly people. The qualification of nursing professionals/formal caregivers aims to standardize the execution of the procedure and reduce the occurrence of procedural deviations.(AU)

Identificar los cuidados de enfermería necesarios para baños de aspersión seguros para personas mayores en la vida diaria en una institución de cuidados a largo plazo. Método: Revisión integrativa de la literatura, cortada entre 2001 y 2022. Los datos de los estudios incluidos resultaron en una síntesis descriptiva, basada en la Teoría de las Necesidades Humanas Básicas. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 13 estudios sobre cuidados del baño con y sin asistencia, involucrando equilibrio psicobiológico, psicosocial y psicoespiritual, remoción de barreras ambientales, adaptación domiciliaria, abordajes, musicoterapia y cuidado de la integridad de la piel, brindando seguridad y calidad en las acciones. proporcionó. Conclusiones: Los cuidados deben integrarse con las necesidades humanas básicas, respetando las peculiaridades del proceso de envejecimiento y las debilidades de las personas mayores más vulnerables. La calificación de los profesionales de enfermería/cuidadores formales tiene como objetivo estandarizar la ejecución del procedimiento y reducir la ocurrencia de desviaciones procesales.(AU)

Systemic failures in nursing home care-A scoping study.

Nursing homes (also referred to as residential aged care facilities, or long-term care facilities) cater for older people on a respite or long-term basis for those who are no longer able to live independently at home. Globally the sector struggles to meet societal expectations since it is torn between three competing agendas-meeting the needs of residents, meeting the demands of regulators, and meeting the financial imperatives of nursing home proprietors. Competing demands indicate that the system lacks a clear understanding of its purpose-without a clearly understood purpose any system will become dysfunctional overall and across all its levels of organisation. This scoping study aims to summarise and synthesise what is already known about the systemic function and failures in the nursing home system, and the impact this has on the wider health and aged care system. METHOD: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCHINFO, CINAHL and SCOPUS were searched using the terms: (nursing home care OR residential aged care OR nursing home) AND (organisational failure OR institutional failure OR systemic failure), limited to English language articles, including all years up to the end of February 2021. In addition, we used snowballing of article references and Google searches of the grey literature. System-focused articles were defined as those that explored how an issue at one system level impacted other system levels, or how an issue impacted at least two different agents at the same system level. RESULT: Thirty-eight articles addressed systemic issues as defined in four different contexts: United States (14), Canada (2), Australia (11) and European countries (11). Only four studies reported whole-of-system findings, whereas the remaining 34 more narrowly addressed systemic features of specific nursing home issues. The thematic analysis identified 29 key systemic issues across five system layers which consistently appear across every country/health system context. The negative outcomes of these systemic failings include: high rates of regulatory reprimands for unacceptable or unsafe practices; dissatisfaction in care experiences on the part of residents, families, and care staff-including a fear of being sent to a nursing home; and the perception amongst staff that nursing homes are not preferred places to work. CONCLUSIONS: The key issues affecting nursing home residents, and the care home sector more generally, are systemic in nature arising from two key issues: first, the lack of shared agreement on the care home system's purpose; and second, the lack of clear governance and accountability frameworks for system regulation and performance at a national level. Addressing these two key issues must be the starting point for any 'real' nursing home system redesign that can achieve a seamlessly integrated system that delivers the outcomes nursing home residents and their families expect. 'Systems thinking' is required to simultaneously improve care quality and outcomes for residents, strengthen regulation and accountability, and enable financial viability.

Who's Involved? Case Reports on Older Adults' Alcohol and Tobacco Use in Dutch Residential Care Facilities.

Residential care facilities (RCFs) provide 24/7 care to older adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities and aim to provide person-centered care (PCC). Maintaining residents' autonomy is important to provide PCC, for example, with shared decision-making (SDM). Residents are largely dependent on multiple stakeholders, which could jeopardize their autonomy, especially regarding unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol. This case study explores the dynamics of multiple stakeholders around four RCF residents regarding their alcohol and/or tobacco use. Four RCF residents who smoke tobacco and/or drink alcohol were selected from a previous study, and their (in)formal caregivers were additionally invited to participate. A qualitative research design was chosen, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The Ethics Review Board from the Tilburg University School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Reference: RP39) and the executive boards of the two participating organizations granted approval. Narrative portraiture resulted in four case descriptions. Two cases focused mostly on tobacco use, and two cases focused mostly on alcohol use. Multiple stakeholders were involved on different levels: family bought alcohol or cigarettes, and team managers supported care professionals. However, little interaction was found between stakeholders. In these cases, limited interaction between the stakeholders, including the resident, jeopardizes SDM and, in this way, PCC regarding residents' alcohol and/or tobacco use. SDM on this topic could enhance interaction between all stakeholders involved, which could increase PCC. Finally, the cases indicate a constant struggle between protecting residents from adverse outcomes of alcohol and tobacco use and enhancing their autonomy.

Making a "home" into a home: How design of aged-care homes impacts residents.

The move into residential aged care is a difficult transition for many people. The place may be called an aged-care or nursing "home", but for many residents it does not feel like a home at all. This paper explores issues experienced by older people who are trying to make themselves at home in aged care. The authors present two studies examining residents' perceptions of the aged-care environment. The findings suggest that residents experience significant challenges. Residents' identities are influenced by their ability to keep treasured objects and personalise their rooms, and the design and accessibility of communal areas influences residents' willingness to spend time in them. For many residents, their private spaces are more appealing than communal areas, resulting in extended time alone in their rooms. However, personal items have to be discarded due to space issues and/or private rooms can become cluttered with personal items and become difficult to use. The authors suggest that much can be done to improve the design of aged-care homes and enable residents to feel more at home. Of particular importance is providing ways for residents to personalise their living space and make it feel homelike.

Exploring Australian pharmacists' views toward reducing the risk of medicines-related harm in aged care residents.

Medicines-related harm is common in older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Pharmacists offering services in the aged care sector may play a key role in reducing medicines-related injury. This study aimed to explore Australian pharmacists' views toward reducing the risk of medicines-related harm in older residents. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Pharmacists across Australia providing services (e.g., through the provision of medication reviews, supplying medications, or being an embedded pharmacist) to RACFs identified via convenience sampling. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach. Medicines-related harm was thought to occur due to polypharmacy, inappropriate medicines, anticholinergic activity, sedative load, and lack of reconciliation of medicines. Pharmacists reported that strong relationships, education of all stakeholders, and funding for pharmacists were facilitators in reducing medicines-related harm. Pharmacists stated that renal impairment, frailty, staff non-engagement, staff burnout, family pressure, and underfunding were barriers to reducing medicines-related harm. Additionally, the participants suggested pharmacist education, experience, and mentoring improve aged care interactions. Pharmacists believed that the irrational use of medicines increases harm in aged care residents, and medicines-specific (e.g., sedative load) and patient-specific risk factors (e.g., renal impairment) are associated with injuries in residents. To reduce medicines-related harm, the participants highlighted the need for increased funding for pharmacists, improving all stakeholders' awareness about medicines-associated harms through education, and ensuring collaboration between healthcare professionals caring for older residents.

Deprescribing to optimise health outcomes for frail older people: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial-outcomes of the Opti-med study.

BACKGROUND: potentially harmful polypharmacy is very common in older people living in aged care facilities. To date, there have been no double-blind randomised controlled studies of deprescribing multiple medications. METHODS: three-arm (open intervention, blinded intervention and blinded control) randomised controlled trial enrolling people aged over 65 years (n = 303, noting pre-specified recruitment target of n = 954) living in residential aged care facilities. The blinded groups had medications targeted for deprescribing encapsulated while the medicines were deprescribed (blind intervention) or continued (blind control). A third open intervention arm had unblinded deprescribing of targeted medications. RESULTS: participants were 76% female with mean age 85.0 ± 7.5 years. Deprescribing was associated with a significant reduction in the total number of medicines used per participant over 12 months in both intervention groups (blind intervention group -2.7 medicines, 95% CI -3.5, -1.9, and open intervention group -2.3 medicines; 95% CI -3.1, -1.4) compared with the control group (-0.3, 95% CI -1.0, 0.4, P = 0.053). Deprescribing regular medicines was not associated with any significant increase in the number of 'when required' medicines administered. There were no significant differences in mortality in the blind intervention group (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.50, 1.73, P = 0.83) or the open intervention group (HR 1.47, 95% CI 0.83, 2.61, P = 0.19) compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: deprescribing of two to three medicines per person was achieved with protocol-based deprescribing during this study. Pre-specified recruitment targets were not met, so the impact of deprescribing on survival and other clinical outcomes remains uncertain.

Quality and safety in residential aged care: an evaluation of a national quality indicator programme.

BACKGROUND: In Australia, 243 000 individuals live in approximately 2700 residential aged care facilities yearly. In 2019, a National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator programme (QI programme) was implemented to monitor the quality and safety of care in facilities. AIM: To examine the validity of the QI programme indicators using explicit measure review criteria. METHODS: The QI programme manual and reports were reviewed. A modified American College of Physicians Measure Review Criteria was employed to examine the QI programme's eight indicators. Five authors rated each indicator on importance, appropriateness, clinical evidence, specifications and feasibility using a nine-point scale. A median score of 1-3 was considered to not meet criteria, 4-6 to meet some criteria and 7-9 to meet criteria. RESULTS: All indicators, except polypharmacy, met criteria (median scores = 7-9) for importance, appropriateness and clinical evidence. Polypharmacy met some criteria for importance (median = 6, range 2-8), appropriateness (median = 5, range 2-8) and clinical evidence (median = 6, range 3-8). Pressure injury, physical restraints, significant unplanned weight loss, consecutive unplanned weight loss, falls and polypharmacy indicators met some criteria for specifications validity (all median scores = 5) and feasibility and applicability (median scores = 4 to 6). Antipsychotic use and falls resulting in major injury met some criteria for specifications (median = 6-7, range 4-8) and met criteria for feasibility and applicability (median = 7, range 4-8). CONCLUSIONS: Australia's National QI programme is a major stride towards a culture of quality promotion, improvement and transparency. Measures' specifications, feasibility and applicability could be improved to ensure the programme delivers on its intended purposes.

Oral health conditions of institutionalized older adults and associated factors / Condições de saúde bucal de idosos institucionalizados e seus fatores associados

INTRODUCTION: The growth of the Brazilian older adult population has influenced the increased demand for institutionalization for this public, which usually has poor oral health conditions such as edentulism. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the oral health conditions and verify the variables related to the edentulism of institutionalized older adults and verify the relation of the time of institutionalization with oral health. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted with 512 institutionalized older adults in which the sociodemographic profile, general health conditions, and oral health care and conditions were evaluated by clinical exams, consultations of medical records, and structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences using the Pearson Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests and a logistic regression model using a 95% confidence level. RESULTS: A high DMFT (29.4), high prevalence of complete edentulism (61.3%), high need for maxillary (73.6%), and mandibular oral rehabilitation (56.8%) were observed. Edentulism was associated with older age (p<0.001), lower schooling (p<0.001) and non-retirement (p=0.031). It was found that longer institutionalization time remained associated with edentulism even when adjusted by sociodemographic and general health variables (p=0.013). It was also associated with the absence of brushing (p=0.024) and a lower frequency of tooth, gum, and prosthesis brushing (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: It is suggested to establish oral health care routines within long-term institutions for the effective maintenance of oral health throughout the institutionalization time.

INTRODUÇÃO: O crescimento da população idosa brasileira tem influenciado no aumento da procura por institucionalização para esse público, que costuma apresentar precárias condições de saúde bucal como o edentulismo. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar as condições de saúde bucal e verificar as variáveis relacionadas ao edentulismo de idosos institucionalizados, além verificar a relação do tempo de institucionalização com a saúde bucal. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 512 idosos institucionalizados em que o perfil sociodemográfico, as condições gerais de saúde e os cuidados e condições de saúde bucal foram avaliados por meio de exames clínicos, consultas a prontuários e questionários estruturados. Os dados foram analisados no Statistical Package for the Social Sciences por meio dos testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher e um modelo de regressão logística com nível de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: Observou-se alto CPOD (29,4), alta prevalência de edentulismo total (61,3%), alta necessidade de reabilitação oral maxilar (73,6%) e mandibular (56,8%). O edentulismo esteve associado a maior idade (p<0,001), menor escolaridade (p<0,001) e ausência de aposentadoria (p=0,031). Verificou-se que o maior tempo de institucionalização permaneceu associado ao edentulismo mesmo quando ajustado por variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde geral (p=0,013). Além disso, também esteve associado à ausência de escovação (p=0,024) e menor frequência de escovação de dentes, gengivas e próteses (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se estabelecer rotinas de atenção à saúde bucal nas instituições de longa permanência para a manutenção efetiva da saúde bucal ao longo do tempo de institucionalização.

Putting guidelines into practice: Using co-design to develop a complex intervention based on NG48 to enable care staff to provide daily oral care to older people living in care homes.

OBJECTIVES: (1) Explore the challenges of providing daily oral care in care homes; (2) understand oral care practices provided by care home staff; (3) co-design practical resources supporting care home staff in these activities. METHODS: Three Sheffield care homes were identified via the "ENRICH Research Ready Care Home Network," and three to six staff per site were recruited as co-design partners. Design researchers led three co-design workshops exploring care home staff's experiences of providing daily oral care, including challenges, coping strategies and the role of current guidelines. New resources were prototyped to support the use of guidelines in practice. The design researchers developed final resources to enable the use of these guidelines in-practice-in-context. FINDINGS: Care home staff operate under time and resource constraints. The proportion of residents with dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions is rapidly increasing. Care home staff face challenges when residents adopt "refusal behaviours" and balancing daily oral care needs with resident and carer safety becomes complex. Care home staff have developed many coping strategies to navigate "refusal behaviours." Supporting resources need to "fit" within the complexities of practice-in-context. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of daily oral care practices in care homes is complex and challenging. The co-design process revealed care home staff have a "library" of context-specific practical knowledge and coping strategies. This study offers insights into the process of making guidelines usable for professionals in their contexts of practice, exploring the agenda of implementing evidence-based guidelines.

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the questionnaire on Palliative Care for Advanced Dementia (qPAD) using a large sample of staff from Australian residential aged care homes.

BACKGROUND: The Questionnaire on Palliative Care for Advanced Dementia (qPAD) is increasingly being used to assess residential aged care workers' knowledge and attitudes about palliative care for people with dementia. The qPAD developers performed an exploratory factor analysis and assessed the internal consistency using a small sample. AIM: The aim of this study was to further assess the structural validity of the qPAD using a large sample of qPAD responses from staff who work in residential aged care homes in Australia. METHODS: Data from 727 care staff who participated in an Australian dementia palliative care training project were used for exploratory factor analyses, assessment of internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis of the knowledge test and attitude scale components of the qPAD. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis of the knowledge test produced a four-factor solution. One item loaded weakly, and four items had cross-loadings. Factor labels for the knowledge test were difficult to define. Factor analysis of the attitude scale produced a three-factor structure with good internal consistency-Feeling valued and part of the care team (α = 0.88), Family and team engagement (α = 0.75) and Perceptions and beliefs (α = 0.83). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated improvements in model fit were needed for both the knowledge test and attitude scale. CONCLUSION: The findings of this factor analysis differed from the original study. The attitude scale produced a three-factor structure, but the knowledge test requires further development due to weak and cross-loadings of several items, inadequate internal consistency of factors and poor model fit.

Deprescribing for older people living in residential aged care facilities: Pharmacist recommendations, doctor acceptance and implementation.

BACKGROUND: Deprescribing is an intervention to address the high prevalence of inappropriate polypharmacy in older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Many deprescribing interventions are complex and involve several stages including initial pharmacist recommendation, subsequent acceptance of the recommendations by a prescriber and the patient, and then actual implementation. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate pharmacist deprescribing recommendations for residents within RACFs, general practitioner (GP) acceptance, and the actual implementation of the accepted recommendations at 12-month. METHODS: The intervention occurred as part of a randomised controlled trial and comprised a pharmacist-led medication review using an evidence-based algorithm, with the focus on identifying medications to potentially deprescribe. Consent to participate was obtained from residents (or surrogate decision-makers), RACF nursing staff and the resident's GP. Deprescribing recommendations were reviewed by GPs before implementation as part of the intervention and control arms of the trial, although control group participants continued to receive their usual medications in a blinded manner. RESULTS: There were 303 participants enrolled in the study, and 77% (941/1222) of deprescribing recommendations suggested by the pharmacists were accepted by GPs. Of the recommendations accepted by GPs, 74% (692/ 941) were successfully implemented at the end of the follow-up visit at 12 months. The most common reason for deprescribing was because medications were no longer needed (42%, 513/ 1231). CONCLUSION: Pharmacist-led deprescribing recommendations arising from an algorithm-based medication review are acceptable to doctors and can have a significant impact on reducing the number of inappropriate medications consumed by older people in RACFs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613001204730.

Live and let live: Residents' perspectives on alcohol and tobacco (mis)use in residential care facilities.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol and tobacco use could cause health problems in older adults. Older adults who become in need of 24/7 care due to physical and/or neurological disabilities may need to move to a Residential Care Facility (RCF). RCFs aim to provide person-centred care (PCC) to enhance quality of life (QoL) of residents. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore perspectives of residents on alcohol and tobacco use, which is essential to provide PCC. METHODS: A qualitative research design was chosen, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Residents who use alcohol and/or tobacco and those who do not use these substances were purposively selected in two organisations on two types of units: psychogeriatric units and units providing care for residents with mainly physical disabilities. The results were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thematic analysis resulted in five themes: Current use and self-reflection, knowledge and attitudes, addiction or habit, policies and availability, dependency versus autonomy. CONCLUSION: Residents in this study value their autonomy regarding alcohol and tobacco use. They experience dependency on their (in)formal caregivers to use these substances and acknowledge that their use could cause a nuisance to others, challenging the ability of caregivers to implement PCC. Future research could assess how to integrate providing PCC to residents by offering choices and autonomy, while considering the addictive component of these substances, health and safety risks for all. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study could help care professionals to become aware of the habits and wishes of residents regarding alcohol and tobacco use and to discuss the possibilities and limitations within RCFs.

Long-term care facilities for older people and the COVID-19 pandemic: epidemiological data and preventive measures / Instituições de longa permanência para idosos e a pandemia de COVID-19: dados epidemiológicos e medidas preventiva

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged society, especially residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF). This study investigated rates of infection, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 among LTCF residents and staff in Minas Gerais, Brazil and identified strategies to control the spread of the disease.Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 164 LTCF (6017 older adults). The owners or managers were invited to answer an electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire included 55 items, divided into 3 sections.Results: Of the participating LTCF, 48.7%, 39.6%, and 32.3% reported COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, respectively, among residents, while 68.9%, 7.3%, and 1.2% reported COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, respectively, among staff. Preventive measures were identified and classified as organizational, infrastructural, hygiene items/personal protective equipment, and staff training.Conclusion: The strategies used in the daily routines of LTCF during the pandemic were classified. The challenges experienced in Brazilian facilities were similar to those observed worldwide. The results highlight the importance of continuity and the need to improve protective measures for LTCF residents, especially in low- and middle-income countries

Objetivos: A pandemia da COVID-19 tem sido desafiadora para a sociedade, principalmente para aqueles que residem em Instituições de Longa Permanência (ILPI). Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever as taxas de infecção, hospitalização e óbito por COVID-19 entre idosos e funcionários de ILPI de Minas Gerais/Brasil e identificar estratégias de prevenção e controle da disseminação da doença.Metodologia: Este estudo transversal foi realizado com 164 ILPI (6.017 idosos). Os gestores ou proprietários foram convidados a responder ao questionário eletrônico. O questionário incluiu 55 itens, divididos em três seções.Resultados: Entre as ILPI estudadas, 48,7% confirmaram a infecção por COVID-19 em idosos, resultando em 39,6% de internação e 32,3% de óbito entre os infectados. Além disso, 68,9% das ILPI confirmaram infecção por COVID-19 na equipe, com 7,3% de internação e 1,2% de óbito. As medidas preventivas foram identificadas e classificadas como organizacionais, infraestrutura, itens de higiene e equipamentos de proteção individual e treinamento de pessoal contra a COVID-19.Conclusão: Essas medidas revelaram estratégias e barreiras vivenciadas no cotidiano das ILPI durante a pandemia. As ILPI no Brasil passaram por desafios semelhantes aos observados mundialmente. Os resultados destacaram a importância da continuidade e melhoria das medidas de proteção para idosos em ILPI, especialmente em países de baixa e média renda

Cobertura vacinal contra covid-19 em instituições de longa permanência para idosos / Cobertura vacunal contra covid-19 en instituciones de larga estancia para personas mayores / Covid-19 vaccination coverage in long-term institutions for the elderly

Objetivo: analisar a cobertura vacinal contra COVID-19 em Instituições de Longa Permanência para idosos. Método: estudo transversal com dados agregados fornecidos pela Comissão Intersetorial de Acompanhamento das Instituições de Longa Permanência da Bahia. Foram incluídas as instituições identificadas em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, com pelo menos um residente idoso (60 ou mais anos) que responderam ao inquérito de vacinação realizado entre maio a julho de 2021. Resultados: a amostra foi composta por 83 estabelecimentos, com predomínio de instituições privadas (50,1%) e filantrópicas (32,5%). A cobertura vacinal da COVID-19 atingiu 94,7% dos idosos residentes e 75,2% dos trabalhadores. Conclusão: o estudo mostra alta cobertura vacinal em idosos residentes nestas instituições, porém, menor cobertura entre os trabalhadores. A maximização da cobertura vacinal entre os cuidadores e residentes é fundamental, devido à extrema vulnerabilidade da população idosa institucionalizada à COVID-19.

Objetivo: analizar la cobertura vacunal contra COVID-19 en Instituciones de Larga Permanencia para ancianos. Método: estudio transversal con datos agregados proporcionados por la Comisión Intersectorial de Seguimiento de las Instituciones de Larga Permanencia de Bahía. Se incluyeron las instituciones identificadas en Salvador, Bahía, Brasil, con al menos un residente de edad avanzada (60 o más años) que respondieron a la encuesta de vacunación realizada entre mayo y julio de 2021. Resultados: la muestra fue compuesta por 83 establecimientos, con predominio de instituciones privadas (50,1%) y filantrópicas (32,5%). La cobertura vacunal de COVID-19 alcanzó el 94,7% de los ancianos residentes y el 75,2% de los trabajadores. Conclusión: el estudio muestra alta cobertura vacunal en ancianos residentes en estas instituciones, sin embargo, menor cobertura entre los trabajadores. La maximización de la cobertura vacunal entre cuidadores y residentes es fundamental debido a la extrema vulnerabilidad de la población de edad avanzada institucionalizada a COVID-19.

Objective to analyze vaccination coverage against COVID-19 in long-term care institutions for the elderly. Method: cross-sectional study with aggregated data provided by the Intersectoral Monitoring Commission of Long-Term Institutions of Bahia. We included the institutions identified in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, with at least one elderly resident (60 years or older) who responded to the vaccination survey conducted between May and July 2021. Results: the sample consisted of 83 establishments, with a predominance of private (50.1%) and philanthropic (32.5%) institutions. Vaccination coverage for COVID-19 reached 94.7% of elderly residents and 75.2% of workers. Conclusion: the study shows high vaccination coverage in elderly residents of these institutions, but lower coverage among workers. Maximizing vaccination coverage among caregivers and residents is essential, due to the extreme vulnerability of the elderly population institutionalized to COVID-19.

Risco de quedas e seus fatores associados na pessoa idosa hospitalizada / Risk of falls and its associated factors in hospitalized older adults

Resumo Objetivo analisar o risco de queda e sua associação com as variáveis demográficas, clínicas, estado cognitivo, risco de sarcopenia e fragilidade da pessoa idosa hospitalizada em uma clínica médica de um hospital universitário. Método Estudo quantitativo, observacional, transversal e analítico realizado com 60 pessoas idosas hospitalizadas na clínica médica de um hospital universitário da cidade de São Paulo - SP, Brasil, com o uso dos seguintes questionários: perfil demográfico, dados clínicos, Mini Exame do Estado Mental, Escala de Morse, Escala SARC-F e Índice de Fragilidade Tilburg. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e teste de normalidade de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Para as variáveis quantitativas foi utilizado o teste de correlação de Spearman e para categóricas, o teste U Mann-Whitney. Para identificar a associação, foi utilizada a regressão linear múltipla e adotado um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Predomínio do sexo feminino, entre 60-79 anos e sem companheiro (a). Ademais, 80% apresentavam comprometimento cognitivo, 88,3% foram categorizados como frágeis, 60% apresentavam risco para sarcopenia e 75% possuíam alto risco de queda durante a hospitalização. Verificou-se associação do comprometimento cognitivo, ser frágil e ter risco de sarcopenia com o risco de queda na pessoa idosa hospitalizada. Conclusão o elevado risco de quedas em idosos hospitalizados está diretamente relacionado com a presença de deficit cognitivo, síndrome da fragilidade e o risco para sarcopenia, afirmando que esses fatores merecem atenção dos gestores e profissionais de enfermagem.

Abstract Objective To analyze the risk of falls and its association with demographic and clinical variables, cognitive status, risk of sarcopenia and frailty among older adults hospitalized in a medical clinic of a university hospital. Method A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional analytical study of 60 older adults hospitalized in the medical clinic of a university hospital in São Paulo city, São Paulo state, Brazil, was carried out. Questionnaires collecting demographic profile and clinical data, the Mini-Mental State Examination, Morse Scale, SARC-F Scale and Tilburg Frailty Indicator were applied. Descriptive analyses and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test were performed. Spearman's correlation test was used for quantitative variables and the Mann-Whitney U-test for categorical variables. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the associations and a significance level of 5% was adopted. Results The study sample comprised predominantly individuals that were female, aged 60-79 years and without a partner. Overall, 80% had cognitive impairment, 88.3% were diagnosed as frail, 60% were at risk for sarcopenia, and 75% had a high risk of falls during hospitalization. Cognitive impairment, frailty and sarcopenia risk were associated with risk of falls in the hospitalized older adults. Conclusion High risk of falls in the hospitalized older adults was directly associated with the presence of cognitive impairment, frailty syndrome and sarcopenia risk, confirming that these factors warrant attention from managers and nursing professionals.