Diabetes type 2 prevalence is rising among young residents in Malmö, Sweden.

AIM: Type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent in many parts of the world. Malmö's population has increased in recent years mainly because of migration from other parts of Sweden and the world in addition to increased birth rates. We aimed to explore diabetes prevalence in Malmö in 2011-2018 as well as the achieved treatment targets for selected diabetes-related outcomes. METHOD: The current study is a part of the Cities Changing Diabetes Malmö project. Prevalence data were retrieved from the region's primary care and hospital diagnosis register, and data on treatment targets were collected from the National Diabetes Register. The inclusion criteria were either being a resident of Malmö or using a primary healthcare centre located in Malmö. RESULTS: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in 2018 doubled from 2011 in the entire Malmö population. During the same period, the prevalence of type 1 diabetes remained stable at 0.49 %. In 2011, the type 2 diabetes prevalence was 2.46 % (2.76 % for males and 2.28 % for females), and in 2018, it was 4.26 % (4.84 % for males and 3.82 % for females). The increase was 139 % for residents aged 0-29 years, 119.6 % for residents aged 30-39 years, 96.2 % for residents aged 40-49 years, 102 % for residents aged 50-59 years, 98.2 % for residents aged 60-69 years, and 115.5 % for those aged 70-79 years. Finally, the increase was 60.9 % for those aged 80-84 years and 90.7 % for residents 90 years of age and older. The National Diabetes Register reported that during 2019, 58 % of all patients with diabetes using primary care in Malmö reached HbA1c <52 mmol/mol, 20 % had albuminuria, 36 % had retinopathy, and 21 % had not had their feet inspected by a healthcare professional during the last year. The median HbA1c was 52.6 mmol/mol, and 17 % were registered as active smokers. CONCLUSION: Diabetes prevalence in Malmö has increased markedly in recent years, exacerbated by a rise in type 2 diabetes mainly in the younger population. Targets regarding p-glucose lowering treatments were not met by 42 %. One patient out of three had microvascular complications in the eye, one out of five had impaired kidney function, one out of five had not had their feet inspected, and one out of five was an active smoker. Active diabetes treatments need to be improved to reduce the number of younger patients developing microvascular complications. Preventive activities need to target younger populations to counteract even more residents developing type 2 diabetes.

Changes in daily nursing needs and self-care capability of people with diabetes after in-hospital treatment for foot complications: A descriptive study.

AIM: A limited number of studies discuss the changes in patients' self-care skills and needs for assisted self-care after discharge from in-patient treatment due to diabetes foot ulcer-related complications. The aim of this study was to examine the ability to perform self-care and needs for assisted nursing interventions at hospital discharge, compared to pre-admission, for people with diabetes admitted and treated for foot ulcer-related complications. DESIGN: Retrospective patient record study. METHODS: A retrospective assessment was done on the medical records of a total of 134 patients with diabetes consecutively admitted to a specialist in-patient unit due to foot ulcer complications, between 1 November 2017 and 30 August 2018. Data on daily self-care needs and home situations at admission and discharge were recorded. RESULTS: The median age was 72 years (38-94), 103 (76.9%) were men and 101 (73.7%) had diabetes type 2. The median length of admission was 10 days (2-39). Infection was the most common cause of admission (51%), with severe ischaemia in 6%, and a combination of both in 20% of patients. Surgical treatment was performed in 22% and vascular intervention in 19% of patients. The percentage of patients discharged to their home without assistance was 48.1% compared to 57.5% before admission, discharge to home with assistance was 27.4% versus 22.4% before admission and 9.2% were discharged to short-term nursing accommodation versus 6% before admission. Three patients died during their stay in hospital. The need for help with medications increased from 14.9% of patients at admission to 26.7% at discharge and for mobility assistance from 23.1% to 35.9%. Social services at home were increased in 21.4% of patients at discharge.

Development and content validity testing of a colonoscopy-specific patient-reported experience measure: the Patient Experience Colonoscopy Scale (PECS).

BACKGROUND: In endoscopic care, favourable patient experiences before, during and after a colonoscopy are essential for the patient's willingness to repeat the procedure. To ensure that significant experiences are measured, patients should be involved in creating the measurement instruments. Thus, the aim of the present study was to develop a colonoscopy-specific PREM by (1) operationalising patient experiences before, during and after a colonoscopy procedure and (2) evaluating its content validity. METHODS: The colonoscopy-specific PREM was developed in two stages: (1) operationalisation with item generation and (2) content validity testing. A previously developed conceptual model, based on a systematic literature review that illustrates patients' (n = 245) experiences of undergoing a colonoscopy, formed the theoretical basis. To assess the degree to which the PREM reflected patients' experiences before, during and after a colonoscopy procedure, content validity was tested-through face validity with healthcare professionals (n = 4) and cognitive interviews with patients (n = 14) having experienced a colonoscopy. Content validity index (CVI) was calculated to investigate the relevance of the items. RESULTS: The Patient Experience Colonoscopy Scale (PECS) is a colonoscopy-specific PREM consisting of five different constructs: health motivation, discomfort, information, a caring relationship and understanding. Each construct was defined and generated into a pool of items (n = 77). After face-validity assessment with healthcare professionals, a draft 52-item version of the PECS was ready for content validity testing by the patients. During cognitive interviews the patients contributed valuable insights that led to rewording and removal of items. Results from the CVI suggest that the PECS and its content are relevant (I-CVI range 0.5-1, S-CVI/Ave = 0.86). The final PECS consists of 30 items representing a colonoscopy-specific PREM. CONCLUSION: The PECS is a new 30-item PREM instrument designed for adult elective colonoscopy patients after they have undergone the procedure. Each item in the PECS derives from a conceptual model based on a systematic literature review. Patients and healthcare professionals were involved in developing the PECS, which measures colonoscopy-specific patient experiences before, during and after the procedure. The content validity testing positively contributed to the development of the PECS. Psychometric properties need to be evaluated further.

Nurse assistants' perception of caring for older persons who are dying in their own home : An interview study.

BACKGROUND: As the proportion of older persons in society increases, there is a growing trend towards providing end-of-life care in their homes. Palliative care is a complex and knowledge-demanding form of care, and nurse assistants are those who work closest to the older person at the end-of-life in their own homes. However, nurse assistants sometimes have low educational and insufficient levels of knowledge in palliative care, which can affect the quality of care they provide. Moreover, nurse assistants' experiences are relatively unexplored in this context. The purpose of the study was to illuminate nurse assistants' experiences in caring for dying older persons at home. METHOD: An empirical, qualitative interview study was conducted with 14 nurse assistants with experience of palliative care in homecare. The material was analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: From the nurse assistant's experiences, one main theme emerged: doing everything possible for the dying older person despite challenges. Moreover, three sub-themes emerged: making a difference at a crucial time, death awakens emotions, and balancing personal and professional relationships. The nurse assistants' saw their role primarily as relieving symptoms but also focusing on next of kin. The following are described as essential parts of their role: carrying out practical nursing tasks, focusing on the physical environment, working alone and seeking help from colleagues due to a physical distance to the other members of the multidisciplinary team. The nurse assistants experienced a lack of support as there was no structured guidance or debriefing available in difficult emotional situations. Furthermore, they disclosed that they were left alone to deal with their feelings. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that nurse assistants strive to provide comprehensive care for dying older persons despite facing obstacles from their working conditions and work organization. They lack supervision and education in palliative care, but they rely on their experience-based knowledge to a large extent and provide care according to the four cornerstones of palliative care.

Re-Ulceration Is Common in Persons with Diabetes and Healed Foot Ulcer After Participant-Driven Education in Group: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To compare the number of ulcer-free days during 24 months in persons with diabetes and a healed foot ulcer below the ankle provided with adjusted therapeutic shoes who were given standard information and participated in participant-driven group education compared with standard information alone. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the number of ulcer-free days after participant-driven group education in addition to standard information compared with standard information alone. The number needed to treat (N = 174) was not met, as only 138 persons with diabetes and previously healed foot ulcer were recruited (age median 63 years [34-79], 101 men/37 women). Results: A total of 138 persons were recruited, of whom 107 (77.5%) completed the study, 7 (5%) dropped out, and 12 (9%) deceased. No statistically significant difference was found between the intervention group compared with the control group after 6, 18, or 24 months. After 12 months, more patients in the intervention group had developed ulcers. Seventy-seven participants (56%) developed new foot ulcers, irrespective of side and site. Development of one ulcer appeared in 36 participants, two ulcers in 19, and 22 participants developed three ulcers. Forty-eight participants remained ulcer-free (35%) during the 24-month follow-up. Median ulcer-free days until first ulceration were 368 (4-720); until second ulceration, 404 (206-631); and until third ulceration, 660 (505-701). The participants wore prescribed therapeutic shoes during 88% of the follow-up visits. Conclusions: One-third of the participants remained ulcer-free for 24 months. Patient-driven education in groups did not give better results than standard information in this underpowered study. This study illustrates the challenges to perform comparative preventive studies in this group of patients with extensive comorbidity. Further studies are needed to evaluate interventions on ulceration in persons with a healed foot ulcer.

Patients' Expectations of Evidence-Based Service at the Pharmacy Regarding Information on Self-Care of the Feet for Persons with Diabetes at Risk of Developing Foot Ulcers - A Cross-Sectional Observational Study in Sweden.

Purpose: Self-care of the feet is one of the cornerstones in the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Often, individuals with diabetes seek help at the pharmacy, but it is still unclear whether the service meets their expectations and needs. The aims were to explore patients' expectations of support from the pharmacy regarding self-care of their feet and explore how patients with diabetes felt that they managed the self-care of their feet. Patients and Methods: The included participants (n = 17), aged 70 ± 9 years, answered surveys regarding their expectations of support from the pharmacy related to self-care of the feet and how they felt that they managed the self-care of their feet. By using software, MyFoot Diabetes, they assessed their risk of developing DFU (ranging from 1 = no risk to 4 = DFU). In addition, a healthcare professional assessed the risk grade. Results: Sixteen patients had not received any information from the pharmacy regarding how to take care of their feet. Several suggestions for ways the pharmacy could help patients with diabetes to take care of their feet were registered. They included having the necessary skills and competence, giving advice regarding self-care, giving information regarding the products they market and have for sale and giving advice on ointments/creams. The participants gave several examples of how they self-managed their feet: by wearing shoes indoors and outdoors, wearing socks and compression stockings as often as possible, being physically active, inspecting their feet, being aware of the fact that their feet have no problems, washing, moisturising their feet, cutting their nails and finally seeking help to prevent DFU. Conclusion: The participants thought that they should receive competent information from the personnel at the pharmacy to improve the self-care of their feet, eg, being given information about which ointments/creams to use. Clinical Trial: NCT05692778.

Research priorities to prevent and treat diabetic foot ulcers-A digital James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership.

AIM: To establish outcomes of a priority setting partnership between participants with diabetes mellitus and clinicians to identify the top 10 research priorities for preventing and treating diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). METHODS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership process was adapted into a digital format which involved a pilot survey to identify understandable uncertainties with high relevance for participants tested by calculating the content validity index; a main survey answered by 53 participants living with diabetes and 49 clinicians; and a final digital workshop to process and prioritise the final top 10 research priorities. RESULTS: The content validity index was satisfactory for 20 out of 25 uncertainties followed by minor changes and one additional uncertainty. After we processed the 26 uncertainties from the main survey and seven current guidelines, a list of 28 research uncertainties remained for review and discussion in the digital workshop. The final top 10 research priorities included the organisation of diabetes care; screening of diabetes, impaired blood circulation, neuropathy, and skin properties; vascular surgical treatment; importance of self-care; help from significant others; pressure relief; and prevention of infection. CONCLUSION: The top 10 research priorities for preventing and treating DFUs represent consensus areas from persons living with diabetes and clinicians to guide future research. These research priorities can justify and inform strategic allocation of research funding. The digitalisation of James Lind Alliance methodology was feasible.

Patient-Reported Experience Measures for Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnography.

Patient experience is defined as a major quality indicator that should be routinely measured during and after a colonoscopy, according to current ESGE guidelines. There is no standard approach measuring patient experience after the procedure and the comparative performance of the different colonoscopy-specific patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) is unclear. Therefore, the aim was to develop a conceptual model describing how patients experience a colonoscopy, and to compare the model against colonoscopy-specific PREMs. A systematic search for qualitative research published up to December 2021 in PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PsycINFO was conducted. After screening and quality assessment, data from 13 studies were synthesised using meta-ethnography. Similarities and differences between the model and colonoscopy-specific PREMs were identified. A model consisting of five concepts describes how patients experience undergoing a colonoscopy: health motivation, discomfort, information, a caring relationship, and understanding. These concepts were compared with existing PREMs and the result shows that there is agreement between the model and existing PREMs for colonoscopy in some parts, while partial agreement or no agreement is present in others. These findings suggest that new PREMs for colonoscopy should be developed, since none of the existing colonoscopy-specific PREMs fully cover patients' experiences.

Registered Nurses' experiences of caring for persons with dementia expressing their sexuality.

BACKGROUND: Sexuality is an integral part of human beings and persons living with dementia still perceive negative attitudes from caregivers in this regard. AIM: This study aimed to explore registered nurses' experiences of caring for persons with dementia living in nursing homes and expressing their sexuality. METHODS: A qualitative inductive design was adopted; data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed through content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis reflected three categories. (1) Dealing with different reactions and responding to nursing staff and relatives: The registered nurses experienced discomfort, insecurity, frustration, distress and embarrassment when confronted with sexual expressions in people with dementia. (2) Caring with a focus on the person: The registered nurses expressed the importance of protecting the integrity of the person and consequently their right to sexual expressions. (3) Needing more competence development: The registered nurses expressed the need to educate and inform not only themselves but also the nursing staff and relatives.

Patients' Experiences Before, During, and After a Colonoscopy Procedure: A Qualitative Study.

Although colonoscopy is a common examination, there is limited research focusing on how patients experience this procedure. It is important that a colonoscopy is tolerated, as it may lead to lifesaving diagnostics and treatment. This study aims to explore adult patients' experience of undergoing a colonoscopy regarding the time prior to, during, and after the procedure. This was a qualitative study with individual interviews (n = 24) and a purposeful sample that was analyzed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed four themes. The first, "making up one's mind," describes how the participants gathered information and reflected emotionally about the forthcoming procedure. The hope of clarification motivated them to proceed. In the theme "getting ready," self-care was in focus while the participants struggled to follow the instructions and carry out the burdensome cleansing. The next theme, "going through," illuminates' experiences during the colonoscopy and highlights the importance of feeling involved and respected. The last theme, "finally over," is characterized by experiences of relief, tiredness, and a desire for clarity. The healthcare professionals' ability to meet the participants' needs is vital, given that the experiences are highly individual. These findings contribute to a variegated image of how patients experience the process of undergoing a colonoscopy.

Healing below the ankle is possible in patients with diabetes mellitus and a forefoot gangrene.

BACKGROUND: Forefoot gangrene in patients with diabetes is a severe form of foot ulcers with risk of progress and major amputation. No large cohort studies have examined clinical characteristics and outcome of forefoot gangrene in patients with diabetes. The aim was to examine clinical characteristics and outcome of forefoot gangrene in patients with diabetes admitted to a diabetic foot centre. METHODS: Patients with diabetes and foot ulcer consecutively presenting were included if they had forefoot gangrene (Wagner grade 4) at initial visit or developed forefoot gangrene during follow-up at diabetic foot centre. Patients were prospectively followed up until final outcome, either healing or death. The median follow-up period until healing was 41 (3-234) weeks. RESULTS: Four hundred and seventy-six patients were included. The median age was 73 (35-95) years and 63% were males. Of the patients, 82% had cardiovascular disease and 16% had diabetic nephropathy. Vascular intervention was performed in 64%. Fifty-one patients (17% of surviving patients) healed after auto-amputation, 150 after minor amputation (48% of surviving patients), 103 had major amputation (33% of surviving patients) and 162 patients deceased unhealed. Ten patients were lost at follow-up. The median time to healing for all surviving patients was 41 (3-234) weeks; for auto-amputated, 48 (10-228) weeks; for minor amputated, 48 (6-234) weeks; and for major amputation, 32 (3-116) weeks. CONCLUSION: Healing without major amputation is possible in a large proportion of patients with diabetes and forefoot gangrene, despite these patients being elderly and with extensive co-morbidity.

Elderly individuals with diabetes and foot ulcer have a probability for healing despite extensive comorbidity and dependency.

BACKGROUND: Limited scientific evidence for prevention and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in elderly with comorbidities. AIM: To explore patient-related factors and outcomes in patients ≥75 years with diabetes and a foot ulcer. METHOD: Sub-analysis of consecutively presenting patients ≥75 years (N = 1008) from a previous study on 2,480 patients with diabetic foot ulcer treated in a multidisciplinary system until healing. Patient characteristics: age - 81(75-96); diabetes type 2-98.7%; male/female - 49/51%; living with a spouse - 47%; nursing home 16%; or with home nursing 64%. RESULT: Primary healing was achieved in 54%, minor amputation 8%, major amputation 9%, auto-amputation 2%, and 26% of the patients died unhealed. Among the oldest (88-96 years), 31% healed without any amputation. Extensive comorbidities were frequent: neuropathy 93%, visual impairment 73%, cardiovascular disease 60%, cerebrovascular disease 34%, and severe peripheral disease in 29% of the patients. Out of patients (80%) living in institutions or dependent on home nursing, 56% healed without amputation, compared to 44% of patients living in their own home without any support from social services or home nursing. CONCLUSION: Healing without major amputation was achieved in 84% of surviving patients ≥75 years, despite extensive comorbidity and dependency.

Documentation of diabetes care in home nursing service in a Swedish municipality: a cross-sectional study on nurses' documentation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess what was documented by Registered Nurses regarding diabetes care in a Swedish municipality's home nursing service; to what extent diabetes-related nursing actions were planned for, performed and evaluated according to the goals of metabolic control, treatment and prevention of complications. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Registered Nurses' documentation of patients with diabetes mellitus (n=172). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of recorded different nursing actions planned, performed and evaluated. RESULT: The overall standard of records was insufficient. Evaluation of blood glucose levels and metabolic control was documented in 61% of the records; weight was documented in 4% of the records. Blood pressure was recorded in 10%. Ongoing foot ulcers were documented in 21%. Patient education or actions to prevent foot ulcers was not recorded. Tablet and insulin administration were well recorded. The nursing process was not followed. STUDY LIMITATION: Updated medicine lists were missing in many files, this might have resulted in an underestimation of the number of included records. CONCLUSION: The Registered Nurses are responsible for a vulnerable patient group suffering from multi-organ disease unable to maintain their own diabetes self-care. Insufficient documentation may lead to impaired quality of care. We suggest that improved documentation routines include a structure of planning, performing and evaluation of metabolic control (blood glucose measurements, Hba1c, weight and nutrition status), complications (regular blood pressure measurements, protective foot care) and education of health care assistants in assisted diabetes self-care.