A Study on Emotions to Improve the Quality of Life of South Korean Senior Patients Residing in Convalescent Hospitals.

This study examined the occurrence of emotion types and the contents and meanings of individual emotion types to improve the quality of life of South Korean senior patients in convalescent hospitals. This research is a sequential mixed study in which we conducted emotion frequency and content analyses with 20 elderly resident patients in a convalescent hospital. In the emotion frequency analysis, we performed emotion occurrence frequency analysis and clustering to create groups of subjects that showed similar distributions of emotions. The study results found that South Korean senior patients displayed six major emotions: joy, sorrow, anger, surprise, fear, and tranquility, including mixed emotional states. In the emotion content analysis, we used NVivo to categorize and analyze the interview contents based on emotion types. The study results show the characteristics of emotions according to patients' treatment and recovery, life within narrow boundaries, relationships with new people and family, and the appearances of themselves that they could not easily but must accept. In addition, these characteristics appeared in health, environment, relationships, and psychological structures. Ultimately, the study results suggest that improving the quality of life of South Korean senior patients requires understanding of their emotions and examining diverse emotions in multiple dimensions.

Paired sensitivity analysis of four SARS-CoV-2 serological immunoassays in a longitudinal cohort of convalescent hospital staff.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 serological testing has seen extensive academic and clinical use from investigating correlates of immunity to seroprevalence, convalescent plasma and vaccine trials. Interpretation of these studies will depend on robust validation of the longitudinal sensitivities of these assays, especially in the context of mild disease which makes up the majority of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caseload. METHODS: Hospital staff (n = 94) returning to work following polymerase chain reaction confirmed COVID-19 were offered antibody testing to assist with laboratory verification. Initial specimens were collected at median 29 days post-symptom onset and run on the Roche, Abbott, Siemens and DiaSorin platforms. Re-sampling occurred at median 142 days from a subset of the initial cohort (n = 62) that had volunteered to provide further serum samples to assist in longitudinal sensitivity analysis. Samples that were not run across all four platforms were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: Comparative sensitivity analysis was conducted on 89/94 of the initial specimens and 55/62 of the repeat specimens. Sensitivity at initial sampling ranged from 78 to 87% across platforms. At re-sampling, sensitivities were: 100% (Roche), 45% (Abbott), 100% (Siemens), and 80% (DiaSorin). Paired analysis using the longitudinal cohort (n = 55) demonstrated stable or increasing median assay values on three platforms, with a clear reduction seen only on the Abbott platform (4.78 to 1.34) with corresponding sensitivity drop-off (81.8% to 45.4%). CONCLUSION: The Abbott assay demonstrated sensitivity drop-off and decrease in median assay signal below detection threshold at four to five months. This has implications on the interpretation and design of future studies.

"So delightful a temporary home": The Material Culture of Domesticity in Late Nineteenth-century English Convalescent Institutions.

This article examines the material culture of domesticity in late nineteenth-century English convalescent institutions. Convalescent homes drew on powerful Victorian ideas about the physical and moral benefits of "home-like" domestic comfort, which they contrasted with the "institutional" environment of hospitals and the degrading surroundings of urban slums. Administrative records, press accounts, photographs, and patient letters reveal how convalescent homes cultivated temporary home-like environments through architecture, interior decoration, and behavioral expectations and routines. Convalescent homes drew on heterogeneous models of domesticity, including the grand architecture of country estates, the possession-packed spaces of middle-class homes, and the recreational spaces of male social clubs. Nevertheless, they shared a belief in the power of domestic spaces, comforts, and practices to support the recovery of convalescents and to influence their identity and behavior. The material culture and practices of domesticity deployed in convalescent homes encouraged reflection, self-improvement, and self-control-qualities essential to the cultivation of respectable, self-governing, liberal citizens. Nevertheless, the meanings and experiences of these spaces were also shaped by inmates, whose expectations and experiences did not always align with the ideal image of home that authorities wished to create.

Convalescent Hospital Use among Young and Older Female Cancer Survivors.

This study analyzed national health data to assess convalescent hospital use among female cancer survivors according to age group. This retrospective study collected data from women recovering from breast, colon, and stomach cancer, based on health insurance claim data over 5 years (2013-2017), from the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (KHIRA). Interestingly, the number of young and older women who were treated in convalescent hospitals increased every year. In addition, total medical expenses increased in both groups. The annual rate of convalescent hospitalization was higher in older women (8.29~16.39%) than in younger women (4.01~7.46%). The total yearly medical expenses of cancer survivors in convalescent hospitals increased in both age groups and all cancer types, and the range of increase rate was from 7.7% in young breast cancer survivors to 32.2% in young colon cancer survivors. Visit days and days of medication increased noticeably in young colon cancer survivors. Taken together, these data have confirmed the importance of developing standard guidelines for inpatient management in convalescent hospitals and the health management of women cancer survivors by cancer type. This includes establishing a health management system and medical policies.

[Association of rehabilitation time with activities of daily living using data from a hospital bed function report system].

Objectives　The main purpose of rehabilitation is to improve the activities of daily living (ADL). Although convalescent wards are required to provide intensive rehabilitation to patients to improve their ADL, they have not been verified sufficiently. With a focus on the rehabilitation time, this study investigated the association of the amount of rehabilitation with ADL using a complete enumeration survey of a hospital bed function report system.Methods　This retrospective cohort study focusing on convalescent wards nationwide was conducted using the panel data from hospital bed function reports between 2014 and 2017. We used a fixed effects regression analysis with the improvement rate of ADL as the outcome measure and the number of rehabilitation units as the exposure variable.Results　The study sample included 2,003 wards, which were identified as having convalescent care functions from the report in 2014; a total of 437 wards (317 hospitals) were analyzed. The mean annual improvement rates of ADL were 0.601, 0.613, and 0.627 points in 2014, 2015, and 2017, respectively. The mean annual numbers of rehabilitation units provided were 6.302, 6.477, and 6.642 units in 2014, 2015, and 2017, respectively. The panel data analysis showed that the improvement rate of ADL was associated with an increase in the number of rehabilitation units (coefficient for an increase of one unit: 0.015, P=0.015).Conclusion　In the study of ward units using a national-level survey, a longer rehabilitation time was significantly associated with improvements in ADL.

Etiologies and outcomes of emergency surgery for acute abdominal pain: an audit of 1456 cases in a single center.

PURPOSE: There are few studies that have reported the details of emergency surgery for acute abdominal pain. This study aimed to clarify the etiologies and outcomes of emergency abdominal surgery among patients in different age categories. METHODS: Between January 2014 and December 2016, 1456 patients aged 7 years or older who underwent emergency surgery for acute abdominal pain at our institution were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into three age groups: 7-17 years (n = 146), 18-64 years (n = 628), and 65 years or older (n = 682). The clinical characteristics, etiology of abdominal emergency surgery, and surgical outcomes were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with comorbid conditions significantly increased with increasing ages. In patients in between 7 and 17 and in those between 18 and 64 years, acute appendicitis was the most frequent etiology, followed by bowel obstruction. Conversely, the most frequent etiology was bowel obstruction, followed by biliary disease in patients 65 years or older. The morbidity and mortality rate were 12% and 0.2% in patients 18-64 years, and 25% and 1.8% in patients 65 years or older (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). In the group of patients 65 years or older, more patients were transferred to different hospitals for rehabilitation or recovery. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated significant differences among patients in different age categories in terms of the etiologies and outcomes of emergency abdominal surgery.

Cliveden: The Canadian Red Cross Hospital, William Osler and the 'Taplow Affair'.

At the start of the First World War, the estate of Cliveden was offered as a hospital to the Canadian Government by its owner William Astor. This article describes its history, Sir William Osler's involvement in the hospital, and the involvement of other doctors and some of their research. The rehabilitation programs to help the injured soldiers are described, including the physical, occupational, sporting and social activities undertaken in order to help them towards their return to civilian life. Political ambitions in Canada and friction between the owner of Cliveden, Nancy Astor, and the medical/military establishment led to turmoil which engulfed Osler and is known as the 'Taplow Affair'. The hospital was dismantled after the war but became re-activated in the Second World War and is now a National Trust property.

Relationship between the state of tongue hygiene and the number of residual teeth in convalescent-ward inpatients, cross- sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The changed disease landscape in Japan because of an increasing aging population has contributed to an increase in convalescent inpatients, warranting important considerations of their oral care needs. However, information on the oral state of these inpatients is scarce. We evaluated the correlation between the number of residual teeth and tongue hygiene state in these inpatients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included convalescent-ward inpatients, aged 34-100 years. The study was conducted between April 2017 and March 2018 in Kitakyushu, Japan. Data regarding age, sex, number of residual teeth, odontotherapy requirement, medications with oral side effects, and the reason for hospitalization, were collected. Oral hygiene level was assessed using the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT). The correlation between each element of OHAT and the number of residual teeth was analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis. The risk of a remarkable tongue state was analyzed using binominal logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Correlations were observed between the number of residual teeth and OHAT subscales, including tongue, saliva, and dentures. A significantly higher percentage of inpatients with ≤19 teeth had a tongue state score of 1 or higher, compared with those with ≥20 teeth. (78.6% vs 57.7%, p = 0.047). In inpatients with ≥20 teeth, the remarkable saliva state significantly increased the risk of the remarkable tongue state by 10.49-fold (95% confidence interval = 2.86-38.51), after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: Poor tongue hygiene is associated with the number of teeth and salivary state in convalescent-ward inpatients. Inpatients with ≤19 teeth had a higher risk of poor tongue hygiene, regardless of the salivary condition, as assessed using OHAT.

University of Alberta Hospital Acute and Convalescent Polio Care and the Reintegration of Polio Patients into Albertan Communities, 1953-80.

Following Canada's largest polio epidemic in 1953, Station 67 at the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) in Edmonton became home to patients who contracted the virus. As young as nine years old, some of these patients lived at the UAH for more than three decades. Akin to wartime services, the epidemic banded together families, patients, doctors, nurses, community members, and later respiratory, physical, and occupational therapists. The nature of the disease, the government response, and the social and economic climate dramatically affected the lived experiences of patients in Alberta's fight against polio. Drawing on archival research and oral interviews, this article argues that it was the agency and resilience of patients, the contributions of healthcare providers to rapid developments in acute and convalescent care, and the dedication of families that were primarily responsible for the recovery and reintegration of polio patients back into the community.

Sarcopenia is associated with worse recovery of physical function and dysphagia and a lower rate of home discharge in Japanese hospitalized adults undergoing convalescent rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sarcopenia on functional outcomes, including activities of daily living (ADLs); dysphagia status; and the rate of home discharge, among hospitalized adults receiving convalescent rehabilitation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 898 patients newly admitted to in-hospital convalescent rehabilitation wards at a single rehabilitation hospital in Japan. Baseline sarcopenia was diagnosed using muscle mass index and handgrip strength according to the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, with the cutoff values of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The primary outcome was ADLs, assessed by Functional Independence Measure motor (FIM-motor) score at hospital discharge. The secondary outcomes included dysphagia, assessed by the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS), at discharge, and the rate of home discharge. Three multivariate analyses revealed an association between sarcopenia and the clinical outcomes. Each analysis adjusted for the following confounders: age, sex, time from onset, premorbid ADLs, comorbidities, cognitive level, nutritional status, major drugs, and admission diagnoses. RESULTS: After enrollment, 795 patients (mean age 74.9 ± 13.2 y; 59% women) were included in the final analysis. Admission diagnoses included stroke (n = 276; 34.7%), musculoskeletal disorders (n = 382; 48.1%), and hospital-associated deconditioning (n = 137; 17.2%). Of the 795 patients examined, 402 (50.6%) had sarcopenia. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that sarcopenia was independently associated with FIM motor score at discharge in patients with all disease types (ß = -0.189 [stroke], -0.240 [musculoskeletal disorders], -0.230 [hospital-associated deconditioning]; all P < 0.05), with FILS score at discharge only in patients with musculoskeletal disorders (ß = -0.271, P < 0.001), but not in patients with stroke (ß = -0.061, P = 0.375) or those with hospital-associated deconditioning (ß = -0.131, P = 0.070). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sarcopenia was associated with rate of home discharge in all disease types (odds ratio [OR], 0.201; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.067-0.597 for stroke; OR, 0.242; 95% CI, 0.076-0.772 for musculoskeletal disorders; OR, 0.121; 95% CI, 0.110-0.347 for hospital-associated deconditioning; all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is associated with worse recovery of ADLs and dysphagia and a lower rate of home discharge in hospitalized adults undergoing convalescent rehabilitation. Early detection of sarcopenia and treatment by rehabilitation nutrition should be implemented in this population.

Change in number of potentially inappropriate medications impacts on the nutritional status in a convalescent rehabilitation setting.

AIM: The association between potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) use and nutritional status is unclear in Japan. The aim of the present study was to establish whether PIM use during hospitalization affects the nutritional status among geriatric patients in the convalescing stage. METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal cohort study included consecutive geriatric patients admitted and discharged from convalescent rehabilitation wards between 2010 and 2016. Participants were divided based on the presence or absence of increased PIM from admission to discharge. Demographic data, laboratory data and the Functional Independence Measure were analyzed between groups. We used the 2015 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria to screen for PIM, and the primary outcome was the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index at discharge. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine whether Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index at discharge was independently associated with increased PIM. RESULTS: In total, 643 participants (220 men, 423 women; interquartile range 73-85 years) were included in the present study. Multiple linear regression analysis for increased PIM, adjusting for confounding factors, showed that PIM use was independently and negatively correlated with Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index at discharge. In particular, first-generation antihistamine, antipsychotic, benzodiazepine, proton pump inhibitor and non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drug use increased significantly from admission to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Increased PIM might be a predictor of nutritional status in geriatric patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 44-50.

Relationship between anxiety/depression and oral health-related quality of life in inpatients of convalescent hospitals.

The aim of this study is to examin the association between anxiety/depressive tendency and oral health-related quality of life in inpatients of convalescent wards. This cross-sectional study included inpatients of convalescent wards (age range 34-100 years). Data on age, sex, functional independence measure, number of teeth, odontotherapy status, and primary disease for which hospitalization was required were collected. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess emotional distress. The oral health-related quality of life was evaluated by the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Oral hygiene level was assessed by the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT). We performed a multiple regression analysis to assess relationships among HADS, GOHAI, and OHAT. Following the analysis, causal connections of these factors were evaluated with structural equations modeling. The scores of GOHAI and OHAT in the caseness cohort (HADS score > 11) were significantly worse than those in the non-caseness cohort (HADS score < 7). Multiple regression analysis revealed that GOHAI was a statistically significant predictor of HADS score (p = 0.012), and that HADS and OHAT scores were predictors of GOHAI (p = 0.012 and < 0.001, respectively), adjusted by sex and age. We found that a model connected from OHAT to HADS through GOHAI was a good fit for the data of inpatients. Oral health-related quality of life, affected by oral hygiene status, was strongly associated with emotional distress in inpatients of convalescent wards. Daily oral care and assessment by healthcare professionals can reduce the emotional distress of inpatients in convalescent wards.

Comparison of Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, and Comfort between Buckwheat and Latex Pillows

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate differences in neck pain, shoulder pain, and comfort between buckwheat and latex pillows in elderly sanatorium residents. METHODS: The crossover experimental study was performed with 30 elderly patients in a convalescent hospital for seniors. The buckwheat and latex pillows were used for 2 weeks, the 7 day was assigned as the washout between each one week intervention, respectively. Pre- and posttest visual analog scale (VAS) scores for neck and shoulder pains and the neck disability index (NDI) were investigated. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t test, and their correlations were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 21.0 (IBM Corp., New York, NY, USA). RESULTS: After the 2-week intervention, results showed that the use of buckwheat pillows decreased the VAS scores for neck and shoulder pains and NDI. Further, the use of latex pillows decreased the VAS score for neck pain and NDI, but the VAS score for shoulder pain showed no statistically significant differences (t=1.887, P=0.069). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, using latex and buckwheat pillows is the best option for reducing neck pain. Between the buckwheat and latex pillows, the buckwheat pillow is a better option for decreasing neck and shoulder pains.

Rehabilitation and convalescent hospital stay in New South Wales: an analysis of 3,979 women aged 75.

OBJECTIVES: With a rapidly ageing population, it is imperative to examine health service costs and plan appropriately for the future. This paper determines the factors related to extended hospital stay for 'Rehabilitation' or 'Convalescence', as defined by ICD-10 coding, in acute hospital settings for older women in New South Wales, Australia. METHODS: Participants were from the 1921-26 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. For this analysis, self-reported survey data were linked to the NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection and the National Death Index. RESULTS: Of the 3,979 participants, 88% had a hospitalisation in the 13-year observation period, and 37% had either a rehabilitation or convalescence admission in an acute hospital setting. In the multivariate model, living in a regional or remote area was the only variable positively associated with having a rehabilitation or convalescence hospitalisation (AOR=1.58 [1.33, 1.87]). CONCLUSIONS: Area of residence is the determining factor for rehabilitation or convalescence hospital admissions. These long stay admissions are not necessarily inappropriate, but due to a lack of other non-acute care options. Implications for public health: Increased availability of rehabilitation and respite care in non-acute settings will not only improve older patient care, but will also reduce the burden on acute hospitals.

Incidencia y características de las caídas en un hospital de cuidados intermedios de Barcelona / Incidence and characteristics falls in a hospital intermediate care of Barcelona

Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia y las características de las caídas en los ancianos ingresados en el Hospital de Cuidados Intermedios Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili (PSPV). Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. Sujetos de estudio: Pacientes mayores de 65 años ingresados en el PSPV que han sufrido alguna caída en el primer trimestre del año 2014. Recogida de datos a través de un registro de caídas del centro. Resultados y discusión: El 6,3% de los ancianos ingresados han sufrido una caída, 99 en total. No hay diferencias significativas según el sexo, excepto en mayores de 75 años que es mayor en las mujeres. Mayor incidencia en los mayores de 75 años; en el turno de mañana y de tarde, y en ancianos con patologías cardiovasculares. En el momento previo a la caída, mayoritariamente estaban en bipedestación, con desorientación y sin acompañamiento. El 75% de los que se cayeron tomaban tres o más medicamentos de riesgo. Sin lesión en más del 60% de las caídas. Conclusiones: El perfil de anciano frágil ingresado en el PSPV podría justificar la mayor incidencia de caídas frente a otros estudios a nivel hospitalario. Las consecuencias son menores y no ha habido lesión en la mayoría de ellas. Las intervenciones de enfermería en el HSPV se orientarán hacia un refuerzo de la prevención de caídas en los pacientes con patología cardiovascular y a los pacientes polimedicados y durante el turno de mañana y tarde y en aquellos momentos en que no se dispone de soporte del familiar/cuidador

Objective: To determine the incidence and characteristics of falls in the elderly admitted to the Intermediate Care Hospital Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili (PSPV). Methodology: descriptive and retrospective study. Study subjects: Patients over 65 years PSPV admitted to have been dropped in the first quarter of 2014. Data collection through a record of Middle Falls. Results and discussion: 6.3% of hospitalized elderly have been dropped, 99 in total. No significant differences by gender, except in over 75 years is higher in women. Higher incidence of over 75 years; in the morning shift and afternoon; and the elderly with cardiovascular diseases. In the run up to the fall time they were mostly in standing, with disorientation and without accompaniment. 75% of those who fell were taking 3 or more medications risk. No injury almost 60% of falls. Conclusions: the profile of frail elderly entered PSPV could justify the higher incidence of falls compared to other studies in hospitals. The consequences are lower, there being injury most of them. Nursing interventions in HSPV be geared towards strengthening the prevention of falls in patients with cardiovascular disease and patients with polypharmacy and during the morning shift and afternoon and in those times when you do not have the family / caregiver support

A Panel Study on the Determinants of the Regional Variation in the Rate of Certification in Long-Term Care Insurance / 보건행정학회지

BACKGROUND: There have been deviations in the regional rate of certification in Korean long-term care insurance (LTCI). This study aimed to explore the determinants of the rate of certification in LTCI. METHODS: The panel data of the year 2010–2014 of the 227 National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) regional office were used. Making use of 26 explanatory variables (socio-demographic factors, access to the long-term care services, etc.), we estimated the random effects model using STATA SE ver. 13.0 program (Stata Corp., College Station, TX, USA) and tried to find out the determinants of the regional rate of certification. RESULTS: Estimation results showed that the most important determinants of the regional rate of certification in LTCI are the long-term care infrastructure such as capacity or number of the homecare service institution, sanatorium, or convalescent hospital. The number of the elderly who lives alone and the dimentia patients were positively related to the regional rate of certification in LTCI. CONCLUSION: The estimation results implied that the regional variation in the rate of certification in LTCI has nothing to do with the NHIS regional offices or their employees. To alleviate the deviation in the regional rate of certification in LTCI, we suggested the analysis of the deviation in the survey checklist. We also proposed to found the regional comprehensive support center to prevent the geriatric illness and to improve the residents' health, etc.

The Colour Treatment: A Convergence of Art and Medicine at the Red Cross Russell Lea Nerve Home.

When the Red Cross opened its new convalescent home at Russell Lea in Sydney in 1919, it contained a coloured room designed for treating 'nerve cases'. This room was painted by Roy de Maistre, a young artist, and was modelled on the Kemp Prossor colour scheme trialled at the McCaul Convalescent Hospital in London for the treatment of shell shock. Dubbed the 'colour cure' by the popular press, this unconventional treatment was ignored by the Australian medical profession. The story of de Maistre's colour experiment is not widely known outside the specialist field of Australian art history. Focusing on the colour room as a point of convergence between art and medicine in the context of the First World War, this article investigates Red Cross activities and the care of soldiers suffering from nervous conditions.

Effects of Hand Massage on Depression, Self-esteem and Vitality of the Elderly Patients in Convalescent Hospital / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of hand massage on depression, self-esteem and vitality in elderly patients in convalescent hospitals. METHODS: This study employed a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The subjects were 24 elderly patients in the experimental group and 25 in a control group in a convalescent hospital located in G city. Data were collected using a questionnaire that relied on the geriatric depression scale (short form) by Sheikh and Yesavage; the self-esteem scale by Rosenberg; and the vitality scale used by Johnson and revised by Oh. The experimental group were treated with a general hand massage using only carrier oil on both hands for 10 minutes a day for seven days. The control group was given no treatment. The collected data were analyzed using t-test, χ2-test, and Fisher's exact test with SPSS Win Version 18.0. RESULTS: The results are as follows: The experimental group showed a significant improvement in depression, self-esteem and vitality than the control group. CONCLUSION: The results showed that hand massage was an effective intervention program for depression, self-esteem and vitality of elderly patients in convalescent hospitals.