Summary of best evidence for prevention and management of frailty.

BACKGROUND: Frailty in older people can seriously affect their quality of life and increase the demand for long-term care and health care expenses. Aims of this study are to provide an evidence-based basis for clinical practice of frailty in older people by systematically searching for the best current evidence on interventions for the prevention and management of frailty. METHODS: According to the '6S' evidence resource model, evidence retrieval is searched from the top-down and collected relevant guidelines, best practices, evidence summaries, systematic reviews and expert consensus. The retrieval time limit was from the database establishment to 20 March 2023. Two reviewers independently screened and evaluated the literature, and then extracted and summarised the evidence according to the JBI grading of evidence and recommendation system. RESULTS: A total of 44 publications were finally included, including 12 guidelines, 5 best practices, 4 expert consensus, 5 evidence summaries and 18 systematic reviews. Through the induction and integration of the evidence, the evidence was finally summarised from eight aspects: frailty screening, frailty assessment, exercise intervention, nutrition intervention, multi-domain intervention, drug administration, social support and health education, and 43 best evidences were formed. CONCLUSIONS: This study summarised the best evidence for the prevention and management of frailty from eight aspects, which can provide guidance for clinical or community medical staff to develop and apply frailty intervention and practice programmes for older people and improved the clinical outcome and quality of life of older people.

Effects of prehabilitation on postoperative outcomes in frail cancer patients undergoing elective surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analys is aimed to explore the effects of prehabilitation on postoperative outcomes in frail cancer patients. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete, and other databases from database inception to 15 March 2022. Studies were included if they consisted of a prehabilitation intervention in frail cancer patients undergoing elective surgery. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies encompassing 1313 patients were included in the review. Through meta-analysis, prehabilitation has a positive impact on total complications (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.73 to 0.94, P = 0.004), severe complications (RR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.90, P = 0.01), and the average length of hospital stay (MD = - 1.36, 95% CI = - 2.38 to - 0.35, P = 0.008). But it had no differences in 30-day and 3-month mortality and 30-day and 3-month readmission rates. Through qualitative synthesis, two studies found that prehabilitation had a favorable tendency to promote functional recovery compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Prehabilitation had a positive effect on postoperative complications and the average length of hospital stay in frail cancer patients. A personalized and supervised multimodal prehabilitation program with exercise at its core may be more beneficial for them. More studies with extensive follow-up are needed to confirm and update the findings of these results.

Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and related factors of low anterior resection syndrome management among colorectal surgery nurses: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: With the widespread development of low and ultra-low rectal sphincter-preservation surgery, low anterior resection syndrome, a new clinical challenge, has received increased attention. As the principal practitioners of this syndrome management, colorectal surgery nurses require sufficient relevant knowledge and skills, but few studies have been conducted of their actual ability and practice of managing the syndrome. The study adopted a knowledge, attitude, and practice model to evaluate low anterior resection syndrome management among colorectal surgery nurses. METHOD: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted, in which 361 registered nurses in colorectal surgery from 6 hospitals in 4 cities were enrolled. A structured paper questionnaire was used to collect demographics, scale scores for knowledge, attitudes and management practice, and training needs. RESULTS: Participants scored poorly in knowledge, attitude, and practice. Whether training had been received or not was an important factor affecting the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses, and the majority of participants had not received training. Nurses with lower levels of education had worse knowledge and practice, and contract nurses scored lower than staff nurses in terms of knowledge and attitude. CONCLUSIONS: The critical role of nurses in patient management places high demands on their knowledge, attitude, and practice. However, the present study demonstrated that the current knowledge, attitude, and practice of colorectal surgery nurses regarding the syndrome gave cause for concern, and whether training had been received was a key factor affecting these three aspects. Therefore, training is a key strategy to eliminate the gaps identified.

Management of a Complex Peristomal Fistula: A Case Study.

BACKGROUND: We describe our experiences caring for a patient with a peristomal fistula (PF), characterized by suppuration from a peristomal abscess. The challenges associated with this case included management of a complex fistula and prevention of abdominal necrotizing fasciitis and peritonitis. CASE: A 63-year-old man presented with severe peristomal swelling and pain resulting from an abscess adjacent to his ileostomy. He was malnourished and depressed. He underwent a low anterior resection (Dixon procedure) for rectal cancer 2 years ago and an abdominoperineal resection (Miles procedure) for the recurrence of rectal carcinoma 1 year later. In addition, he underwent bowel resection with the creation of an ileostomy due to intestinal obstruction caused by a second recurrence approximately 1 month prior to this admission. Following evaluation of the fistula anatomy, incision and drainage of the abscess was performed. Diversion of the effluent was used to control infection and promote fistula closure. A registered dietitian and a psychologist were consulted to optimize nutrition and treat his depression. After 20 days of treatment, the patient recovered and was safely discharged. CONCLUSION: Peristomal fistula management should include anatomical assessment, incision and drainage of the abscess, diversion to control effluent, and skin protection. For complex cases, the coordinated efforts of the interdisciplinary team are imperative.

Peer Support as an Ideal Solution for Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Low implementation of colorectal cancer screening in ethnic minorities is the main reason for racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality. Peer support is widely used for promoting health care in ethnic minorities. However, whether it improves their acceptance to undergo the screening remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: We performed a meta-analysis of the currently available studies to further explore its effectiveness. DATA SOURCES: This meta-analysis was undertaken using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycINFO for randomized controlled trials. STUDY SELECTION: We included studies that compared peer support interventions among ethnic minorities versus other interventions to promote uptake of colorectal cancer screening. RESULTS: Thirteen studies comprising 8090 participants met the eligibility criteria. Peer support intervention can increase colorectal cancer screening implementation and raise awareness and intention to undergo the screening in ethnic minorities more significantly than fecal occult blood test outreach, print, and usual care. Subgroup analysis showed that peer support intervention achieved great results in Asian Americans and intervention of peer counseling. LIMITATIONS: The results of subgroup analysis had substantial heterogeneity, which may decrease the precision of our estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Peer support can significantly improve the awareness about and the intention for receiving colorectal cancer screening in ethnic minorities and is an ideal choice for promoting the screening among ethnic minorities, particularly in a diverse community. Peer support intervention is recommended to promote the implementation of screening in Asian Americans. Peer counseling is worth promoting; however, church-based peer counseling programs require enhanced management to maintain their fidelity.

Systematic review of the efficacy of topical haemoglobin therapy for wound healing.

Hypoxia is a common cause of poor wound healing, for which a variety of oxygen therapies have been developed. In order to overcome the limitations of traditional methods of treatment, namely the type of equipment, its setting, safety and cost, local haemoglobin therapy has been developed, although no reviews have so far been published. Here, we systematically review the current evidence to establish the efficacy, scope, adverse reactions, and required precautions of this new form of therapy. A search of the literature was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of science databases, with 17 studies meeting the eligibility criteria, comprising one animal model study and 16 clinical studies. Local haemoglobin therapy is able to safely and effectively promote the healing of a variety of wounds, especially those that are chronic and non-healing. However, premature discontinuation of this treatment can result in impediment to wound healing and even deterioration of the wound. The distinct benefit of the elimination of slough and relief of pain suggests that this technique may represent a new generation of debridement technology. Furthermore, its ease of use and convenience enables patient self-management, thereby greatly reducing health care costs.

Peer support interventions for breast cancer patients: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Due to the clear efficacy of peer support as a means of improving emotional well-being and healthy behaviors in a highly cost-effective manner, this program is widely used. Controversy remains, however, with regard to its efficacy in breast cancer patients. Given the heterogeneity of peer support interventions, this review aimed to categorize, assess, and synthesize the existing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to clarify the effects of different types of peer support on breast cancer patients. METHODS: We searched Pubmed, EMBase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Data for English and Chinese language RCTs. The Cochrane Collaboration 'risk of bias' tool for systematic reviews was used to assess the methodological quality of each RCT. RESULTS: Of the 1494 studies screened, 15 studies met eligibility criteria for inclusion, comprising 1695 breast cancer patients. Overall, there were more positive effects than invalid or negative effects across peer interventions, with notable exceptions: unmoderated and unstructured group peer support interventions as well as Internet-based models without peer training had no effect or adverse effects on proximal and distal outcomes. However, adding other peer roles to the peer support structure or using one-on-one models could significantly improve the patients' negative emotions. Peer education showed promising effects on stress management, quality of life, and healthy behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review found that different types of peer support have different effects on outcomes for breast cancer patients. Web-based group peer support without peer training must be avoided or used with caution in the future. Peer education is recommended for breast cancer patient support models, given its excellent results and cost-effectiveness.

Supportive Care Needs of Patients With Temporary Ostomy in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), a global surgical quality improvement initiative, reduces the length of stay in the hospital. Temporary stoma care for rectal cancer is complex, and patients require prolonged care services to adjust to the stoma. The shorter stay durations in the new model challenge the conventional care pathways and create new patient needs. PURPOSE: This study was designed to explore the supportive care needs of patients under the new surgical model to provide a reference for the design of ERAS nursing care plans. METHODS: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used in this study. Patients with temporary stomas for rectal cancer were recruited using a convenience sampling method in gastrointestinal surgery wards and wound & stoma clinics in two public tertiary care hospitals in China. Standardized questionnaires were administered to 140 patients to collect quantitative data, and semistructured interviews were conducted individually with 13 patients to collect qualitative data. The questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: "Health system and information needs" and "care and support needs" were identified in both the qualitative and quantitative analyses as the most significant unmet needs of the participants. In addition, the qualitative analysis identified receiving focused stoma care instructions and easily understandable information as essential to fulfilling health system and information needs. Care and support needs included access to continued postdischarge services and attention from medical professionals. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The participants in this study experienced a variety of unmet supportive care needs under the ERAS protocol, with gaps particularly notable in two categories: "health system and information needs" and "care and support needs." Increased perioperative care and shorter hospital stays under the ERAS protocol reduce opportunities for patients to receive targeted instruction and shift much of the ostomy education and care workload out of the hospital, requiring greater attention from clinical nurses to ensure quality of care.

Exploration of frailty trajectories and their associations with health outcomes in older gastric cancer survivors undergoing radical gastrectomy: A prospective longitudinal observation study.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is commom among gastric cancer survivors and increases the burden of care. AIMS: Our aims were to identify the frailty trajectories and investigate their associations with health outcomes in older gastric cancer survivors. METHODS: We finally recruited 381 patients aged ≧60 who underwent radical gastrectomy and recorded frailty at discharge from the hospital, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Growth mixture modeling was used to investigate the frailty trajectories and linear regression models were used to examine their associations with health outcomes. RESULTS: Three classes of frailty trajectories were identified: the "improving frailty", "maintaining frailty" and "deteriorating frailty". Compared with class 1, patients who followed class 2 and class 3 frailty trajectories were more likely to have more severe disability (ß = -14.22, 95 % CI: -17.92, -10.61, P < 0.001; ß = -48.34, 95 % CI: -52.25, -44.42, P < 0.001), worse quality of life (ß = 10.89, 95 % CI: 7.71,14.08, P < 0.001; ß = 34.82, 95 % CI: 31.46, 38.19, P < 0.001), and more frequency readmission within 1 year (ß = 1.02, 95 % CI: 0.98, 1.06, P < 0.001; ß = 2.10, 95 % CI: 2.01, 2.14, P < 0.001) after controlling potential confounders. However, class 2 and class 3 have no significant difference from class 1 in the total hospitalization costs (ß = 1672.12, 95 % CI: -7145.95, 10496.19, P = 0.709; ß = 7651.60, 95 % CI: -1670.28, 16793.47, P = 0.107). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested the significant prognostic heterogeneity in frailty trajectories, and what we need to do is to identify patients with heterogeneous trajectory and intervene in them to reduce adverse outcomes, promote rational use of resources, and reduce the burden of care.

A web-based calculator combining Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) predicts postoperative complications among young elderly patients with gastric cancer.

AIM: Nutritional status and frailty are significant indicators reflecting physiological reserve. We sought to establish and validate a web-based calculator containing the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) together with general clinical information to predict total complications among elderly patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 582 elderly patients with gastric cancer in a tertiary hospital in China. Nutritional status and frailty were assessed by the GNRI and the TFI, respectively. The nomogram was built and further converted into a web-based calculator. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the discrimination of the nomogram. Calibration was assessed using the calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test via the bootstrap resampling procedure. The decision curve analyses (DCAs) were employed to quantify the net benefits of a certain threshold probability for assessing the clinical values. RESULTS: The GNRI (odds ratio [OR], 0.921; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.895-0.949; P < 0.001), the TFI (OR, 1.243; 95% CI, 1.113-1.386; P < 0.001), surgical approach (OR, 1.913; 95% CI, 1.073-3.408; P = 0.028) and comorbidity (OR = 1.599, 95%CI = 1.028-2.486, P = 0.037) were independently associated with total complications. The nomogram demonstrated good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: training cohort, 0.735; validation cohort, 0.777) and calibration (P = 0.135). The DCA curves of the nomogram also showed good positive net benefits. CONCLUSIONS: The web-based calculator incorporating the GNRI, the TFI, surgical approach, and comorbidity could successfully predict total complications among elderly patients with gastric cancer with good accuracy in a convenient manner. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 205-212.

Adverse outcomes and health-ecological influencing factors of preoperative frailty among elderly patients with gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: Frailty is defined as a state of decreased physiologic reserves arising from cumulative deficits in multiple homeostatic systems, which is important in the field of clinical oncology. We aimed to explore the relationship between preoperative frailty and adverse outcomes, and systematically analyze the factors influencing frailty based on the health ecology model among elderly gastric cancer patients. METHODS: A observational study was conducted to select 406 elderly patients who would undergo gastric cancer surgery at a tertiary hospital. The logistic regression model was used to examine the relationship between preoperative frailty and adverse outcomes, including total complications, prolonged length of stay (PLOS), and 90-day hospital readmission. Based on the health ecology model, the factors which may influence frailty were collected from four levels. Univariate and multivariate analysis were utilized to determine the factors influencing preoperative frailty. RESULTS: Preoperative frailty was associated with total complications (odds ratio [OR] 2.776, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.588-4.852), PLOS (OR 2.338, 95%CI 1.342-4.073), and 90-day hospital readmission (OR 2.640, 95% CI 1.275-5.469). Besides, nutritional risk (OR 4.759, 95% CI 2.409-9.403), anemia (OR 3.160, 95% CI 1.751-5.701), number of comorbidity ≥ 2 (OR 2.318, 95% CI 1.253-4.291), low physical activity level (OR 3.069, 95% CI 1.164-8.092), apathetic attachment (OR 2.656, 95% CI 1.457-4.839), personal monthly income ≤ 1000 yuan (OR 2.033, 95% CI 1.137-3.635) and anxiety (OR 2.574, 95% CI 1.311-5.053) were independent risk factors for frailty. High physical activity level (OR 0.413, 95% CI 0.208-0.820) and improved objective support (OR 0.818, 95% CI 0.683-0.978) were independent protective factors for frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative frailty was associated with multiple adverse outcomes and could be affected by factors of different dimensions from the health ecology perspective, including nutrition, anemia, comorbidity, physical activity, attachment style, objective support, anxiety, and income, which can guide the formation of a comprehensive prehabilitation for frailty among elderly gastric cancer patients.

Preoperative low handgrip strength (HGS) with HGS asymmetry is associated with adverse outcomes among older adults with gastric cancer.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to explore the associations of low hand grip strength (HGS), HGS asymmetry, their combinations, and frailty on hospital readmissions, total complications, and prolonged length of stay (PLOS) among older adults with gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 342 patients with gastric cancer aged ≥60 years who were scheduled to undergo radical surgery. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) was used to collect information on frailty. HGS was measured twice for each hand using an electronic handgrip dynamometer. The highest HGS readings on each hand were used for calculating the HGS asymmetry ratio: non-dominant HGS (kg)/dominant HGS (kg). The Fine and Gray proportional subdistribution hazard model and the logistic regression model were used for the analyses, with covariates adjusted. RESULTS: Low HGS (subdistribution hazard ratios [SHR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-3.93, P = 0.036) and low HGS with HGS asymmetry (SHR = 3.95, 95% CI = 1.50-10.36, P = 0.005) were significantly associated with hospital readmissions. Frailty was associated with total complications (odds ratio [OR] = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.61-5.13, P < 0.001) and PLOS (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.19-3.29, P < 0.001). Low HGS, HGS asymmetry, and their combinations were not significantly associated with total complications and PLOS. DISCUSSION: Preoperative low HGS and low HGS with HGS asymmetry were associated with hospital readmissions, while frailty was associated with total complications and PLOS among older adults with gastric cancer. In the future, more rigorously designed studies are needed to verify our results further to improve preoperative clinical assessment and frailty evaluation among older adults with gastric cancer.

BMI trajectories, associations with outcomes and predictors in elderly gastric cancer patients undergoing radical gastrectomy: a prospective longitudinal observation study.

OBJECTIVES: Elderly gastric cancer patients undergoing radical gastrectomy are prone to experience unexpected weight loss. Preoperative weight risk prediction may be a promising way to prevent weight loss and improve prognosis. The objectives of this study were to explore the BMI trajectory of elderly gastric cancer patients one year after surgery, evaluate theirs the association with outcomes, and explore their related predictors, so as to provide evidence for weight management and prognosis improvement. METHODS: 412 gastric cancer patients were included and recorded BMI at 6 time points. The trajectories of BMI were analyzed by growth mixture modeling, and the associations of BMI trajectories with outcomes as well as their predictors were investigated by regression models. RESULTS: We identified 3 classes of BMI trajectories: the "slow-decreasing BMI", "rapid-decreasing BMI" and "maintaining BMI". Compared with class1, patients in class 2 were more likely to have a higher frequency of readmission within 1-year(ß = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.89, P < 0.001) and a higher rate of mortality within 1-year(ß = 24.74, 95%CI: 9.60, 63.74, P < 0.001) ; patients in class 3 were more likely to have a higher quality of life (ß=-10.46, 95%CI: -17.70, -3.22, P = 0.005) and fewer readmission times within one year (ß=-0.43, 95%CI: -0.77, -0.09, P = 0.015). Predictors of decreasing BMI trajectories were TNM stage, comorbidity, anxiety, family cohesion and social support(P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings can provide a basis for screening high-risk elderly gastric cancer patients with poor prognosis, implementing risk stratification, formulating accurate weight management programs and improving prognosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The results of our study can provide gastric cancer survivors with preoperative risk screening based on predictive factors so that nutritional support and weight management can be implemented in a timely manner to improve prognosis.

Comparison of five sarcopenia screening tools in preoperative patients with gastric cancer using the diagnostic criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of five sarcopenia screening tools in preoperative patients with gastric cancer, including strength, assistance with walking, rise from a chair, climb stairs, and falls; strength, assistance with walking, rise from a chair, climb stairs, falls, and calf circumference (SARC-CalF); Ishii score chart; short version of the mini sarcopenia risk assessment; and full version of the mini sarcopenia risk assessment. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients undergoing a gastrectomy between May 2020 and October 2020. Sarcopenia was diagnosed per the diagnostic criteria proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2). Data on the five sarcopenia screening tools, patient characteristics, nutrition risk screening 2002, and diagnostic indicators of sarcopenia were collected preoperatively, and pathological characteristics of the tumor were collected postoperatively. Based on the EWGSOP2 criteria, the clinical validity of the sarcopenia tools was measured using sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value. A receiver operator characteristic curve and area under curve were applied to compare the overall screening accuracy, and a Youden index was calculated to determine the optimal cutoff value of each tool. RESULTS: We included 260 participants age 62.38 ± 11.21 y. Based on the EWGSOP2 criteria, the prevalence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were 8.46% and 4.62%, respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of sarcopenia risk ranged from 3.46% to 73.85% based on the five screening tools. Of these tools, SARC-CalF had the largest area under the curve (0.896) with moderate-to-high sensitivity (86.36%) and high specificity (92.86%). For SARC-CalF, the cutoff value of 10 reached the highest Youden index, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 81.82% and 93.44%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Among the above five screening tools, SARC-CalF appeared to be the optimal choice to screen sarcopenia in preoperative patients with gastric cancer.