ICT Solutions in the D-Sys-Com Research: Analysis of the Needs and Attitudes of the Frail Elderly Person.

The introduction and use of innovative technological devices to support the aging of frail elderly people does not necessarily correspond to an improvement in people's quality of life. The strong technical curvature resulting from the use of telemedicine models often highlights limits in the usability of technologies in responding to the real needs of users. The theoretical framework of special pedagogy allows the assumption of the bio-psycho-social perspective and the constructs of quality of life and participation and opens up to inclusive logics that implement a profound and questioning reflection on all contexts of life, with the goal of exposing the set of disabling processes and indicating a valid support in the use of technological resources. The study, retracing the research phases of the Data System Platform for Smart Communities project (project admitted for funding in the Innolabs 2018-2019 call), completed in 2020, investigates the needs of strategic stakeholders and explores the factors that influence the adoption and diffusion of telemedicine devices by frail elderly people.

Correlação entre funcionalidade e força de preensão manual e a condição de fragilidade física em idosos da atenção primária à saúde / Correlation between functionality and handgrip strength and the condition of physical frailty in elderly people in primary health care

Resumo: Trata-se de estudo quantitativo transversal cujo objetivo foi analisar a correlação entre funcionalidade e força de preensão manual e a condição de fragilidade física em idosos da atenção primária à saúde. Participaram 389 idosos (=60 anos) de ambos os sexos, cadastrados em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Curitiba, Paraná. A coleta de dados ocorreu de janeiro a novembro de 2019, foi precedida pela aplicação do miniexame do estado mental, seguida dos questionários sociodemográfico e clínico, escala da medida de independência funcional (MIF) e avaliação da fragilidade física. Os dados foram organizados no programa Microsoft Excel® 2007 e analisados no software R CORE TEAM, mediante estatística descritiva, análises bivariadas (p<0,05), testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, qui-quadrado e Spearman. Dos 389 idosos, 34 (8,7%) eram frágeis, 186 (47,8%) pré-frágeis, 169 (43,5%) não frágeis, 255 (65,6%) do sexo feminino e 186 (47,8%) na faixa etária entre 60 e 69 anos. A FPM reduzida foi identificada em 82 (21%) idosos e distribuída entre 27 (79,5%) frágeis e 55 (29,5%) pré-frágeis. Houve correlação significativa entre funcionalidade e força de preensão manual segundo à condição de fragilidade física (Pˆ= 0,330; p=<0,001). A média da FPM foi maior no grupo de idosos não frágeis (28,9 Kgf), comparada aos pré-frágeis (24,6 Kgf) e frágeis (17,1 Kgf). A pontuação média da funcionalidade (MIF) foi maior no grupo de idosos não frágeis (122,1 pontos) em relação aos pré-frágeis (120,6pontos) e frágeis (114,2 pontos). Quanto à tarefa da MIF "controle de urina", observou-se elevada frequência idosos frágeis completamente dependentes (n=9; 26,4%) e pré-frágeis moderadamente dependentes (n=52; 27,9%). Para a tarefa "interação social" observou-se expressiva frequência de idosos frágeis moderadamente dependentes(n=12; 35,3%). Para a tarefa "resolução de problemas" evidenciou-se a mesma frequência (n=7; 20,6%) de idosos frágeis completamente dependentes e moderadamente dependentes. Na avaliação da tarefa "memória" destacaram-se os pré-frágeis moderadamente dependentes (n=26; 14%). A correlação entre funcionalidade (MIF) e FPM se mostrou fraca, positiva e significativa entre os idosos da amostra investigada (Pˆ= 0,330; p=<0,001), entre os não frágeis (Pˆ= 0,252;p=<0,001) e entre os pré-frágeis (Pˆ= 0,236; p=0,001). O desempenho nas tarefas "controle de urina" e "subir e descer escadas" correlacionou-se significativamente à FPM (p=<0,005) entre os idosos pré-frágeis. Destacam-se, com maior coeficiente de correlação com a FPM, as tarefas "controle de urina" para os idosos não frágeis (Pˆ=0,309) e "subir e descer escadas" para os pré-frágeis (Pˆ=0,222). Já a tarefa "resolução de problemas" correlacionou-se à FPM entre os idosos pré-frágeis (p=<0,004) e frágeis (p=<0,017), sendo entre esses o maior coeficiente de correlação (Pˆ= 0,408). Verifica-se ainda a correlação entre a tarefa "expressão verbal e não verbal" e a FPM para o grupo de idosos frágeis (p=<0,025; Pˆ= 0,383). Conclui-se que houve correlação positiva entre funcionalidade e FPM entre os idosos não frágeis e pré-frágeis, indicando que quanto maior a FPM, melhor é o desempenho funcional. Destacam-se resultados expressivos para a prática clínica de enfermagem gerontológica, que podem subsidiar estratégias preventivas voltadas à manutenção da FPM e da funcionalidade, principalmente entre os idosos não frágeis e pré-frágeis.

Abstract: This is a cross-sectional quantitative study whose objective was to analyze the correlation between functionality and handgrip strength and the condition of physical frailty in elderly people in primary health care. Participants were 389 elderly people (=60 years) of both sexes, registered at a Basic Health Unit in Curitiba, Paraná. Data collection took place from January to November 2019, was preceded by the application of the mini-mental state exam, followed by sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, functional independence measure scale (FIM), and assessment of physical frailty. Data were organized in Microsoft Excel® 2007 program and analyzed in R CORE TEAM software, using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyzes (p<0.05), Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, chi-square, and Spearman tests. Of the 389 elderly, 34 (8.7%) were frail, 186 (47.8%) were pre-frail, 169 (43.5%) were non-frail, 255 (65.6%) were female and 186 (47.8%) in the age group between 60 and 69 years. Reduced HGS was identified in 82 (21%) elderly and distributed among 27 (79.5%) frail and 55 (29.5%) pre-frail. There was a significant correlation between functionality and handgrip strength according to the condition of physical frailty (Pˆ=0.330; p=<0.001). The average HGS was higher in the group of non-frail elderly (28.9 Kgf), compared to pre-frail (24.6 Kgf) and frail (17.1 Kgf). The mean functionality score (MIF) was higher in the group of non-frail elderly (122.1 points) compared to pre-frail (120.6 points) and frail (114.2 points). As for the FIM task "urine control", a high frequency of completely dependent frail elderly (n=9; 26.4%) and moderately dependent pre-frail (n=52; 27.9%) was observed. For the "social interaction" task, there was a significant frequency of moderately dependent frail elderly was observed (n=12; 35.3%). For the "problem solving" task, the same frequency (n=7; 20.6%) of completely dependent and moderately dependent frail elderly individuals was observed. In the evaluation of the "memory" task, the moderately dependent pre-frail stood out (n=26; 14%). The correlation between functionality (MIF) and HGS was weak, positive, and significant among the elderly in the investigated sample (Pˆ= 0.330; p=<0.001), among the nonfrail (Pˆ=0.252; p=<0.001) and among the elderly. pre-fragile (Pˆ= 0.236; p=0.001). The performance in the tasks "urine control" and "going up and down stairs" was significantly correlated with HGS (p=<0.005) among the pre-frail elderly. The tasks "urine control" for the non-frail elderly (Pˆ=0.309) and "going up and down stairs" for the pre-frail stand out, with the highest correlation coefficient with HGS (Pˆ=0.222). The "problem solving" task was correlated with HGS among pre-frail (p=<0.004) and frail (p=<0.017) elderly, with the highest correlation coefficient (Pˆ=0.408) among these. There is also a correlation between the task "verbal and non-verbal expression" and HGS for the frail elderly group (p=<0.025; Pˆ=0.383). It was concluded that there was a positive correlation between functionality and HGS among the non-frail and pre-frail elderly, indicating that the higher the HGS, the better the functional performance. Significant results for the clinical practice of gerontological nursing stand out, which can support preventive strategies aimed at maintaining HGS and functionality, especially among non-frail and pre-frail elderly people.

Integrated health intervention on polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing in elderly people with multimorbidity: Results at the end of the intervention and at 6 months after the intervention

Background and objective: To analyse the impact of an integrated health intervention focused on polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing (IP) in elderly people with multimorbidity.Material and methodsPatients were referred for assessment and intervention from primary care or hospital to an interdisciplinary team composed of primary and hospital medical staff and nurses. Pharmacological assessment was centred on polypharmacy and IP using the STOPP/START criteria. Changes in polypharmacy and in IP were analysed at the end of the intervention and at 6 months.ResultsOne hundred consecutive patients (mean (SD) age 81.5(8.0) years, 54(54%) male) were analysed. Mean prescribed medicines at baseline was > 10. There were no significant changes at the end of the intervention and at 6 months. The proportion of patients with two or more STOPP criteria reduced from 37% at the beginning of the intervention to 18% at the end (p< .001), and the proportion of those with START criteria from 13% to 6% (p = .004). These differences persisted at 6 months. The number of STOPP and START criteria before the intervention was associated with a decrease in the STOPP and START criteria at the end of the intervention and at 6 months. A reduction in polypharmacy (p= .041) and in falls (p= .034) was observed at 6 months in those with a decrease in the STOPP criteria at the end of the intervention.ConclusionsAn integrated health intervention centred on polypharmacy and IP in elderly people improves inappropriate prescribing that persists beyond the intervention. (AU)

Fundamento y objetivo: Analizar el impacto de una intervención sanitaria integrada centrada en la polifarmacia y la prescripción inapropiada (PI) en pacientes de edad avanzada con multimorbilidad.Material y métodosLos pacientes fueron remitidos desde la atención primaria o el hospital a un equipo interdisciplinar compuesto por médicos y enfermeras de atención primaria y del hospital para la valoración e intervención. La valoración farmacológica se centró en la polifarmacia y en la PI utilizando los criterios STOPP/START. Se analizaron cambios en la polifarmacia y en la PI al final de la intervención y a los 6 meses.ResultadosSe analizaron 100 pacientes consecutivos con una edad media de 81,5 (8,0) años de los cuales el 54% fueron varones. La media de medicamentos basales fue >10. No hubo diferencias significativas al finalizar la intervención ni a los 6 meses. La proporción de pacientes con 2 o más criterios STOPP se redujo del 37% al comienzo de la intervención al 18% al final (p<0,001), y la proporción de aquellos con criterios START del 13 al 6% (p=0,004). Estos resultados se mantuvieron a los 6 meses. El número de criterios STOPP y START antes de la intervención se asoció a un descenso de los criterios STOPP y START, al final de la intervención y a los 6 meses. En aquellos con una disminución de los criterios STOPP al finalizar la intervención, se observó a los 6 meses una disminución en la polifarmacia (p=0,041) y en las caídas (p=0,034).ConclusionesUna intervención sanitaria integrada centrada en la polifarmacia y en la PI en pacientes de edad avanzada mejora la prescripción inapropiada, y dichas mejoras persisten después de la intervención. (AU)

Integrated health intervention on polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing in elderly people with multimorbidity: Results at the end of the intervention and at 6 months after the intervention.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To analyse the impact of an integrated health intervention focused on polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing (IP) in elderly people with multimorbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were referred for assessment and intervention from primary care or hospital to an interdisciplinary team composed of primary and hospital medical staff and nurses. Pharmacological assessment was centred on polypharmacy and IP using the STOPP/START criteria. Changes in polypharmacy and in IP were analysed at the end of the intervention and at 6 months. RESULTS: One hundred consecutive patients (mean (SD) age 81.5(8.0) years, 54(54%) male) were analysed. Mean prescribed medicines at baseline was > 10. There were no significant changes at the end of the intervention and at 6 months. The proportion of patients with two or more STOPP criteria reduced from 37% at the beginning of the intervention to 18% at the end (p< .001), and the proportion of those with START criteria from 13% to 6% (p = .004). These differences persisted at 6 months. The number of STOPP and START criteria before the intervention was associated with a decrease in the STOPP and START criteria at the end of the intervention and at 6 months. A reduction in polypharmacy (p= .041) and in falls (p= .034) was observed at 6 months in those with a decrease in the STOPP criteria at the end of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: An integrated health intervention centred on polypharmacy and IP in elderly people improves inappropriate prescribing that persists beyond the intervention.

Challenges in Using IT Systems for Collaboration in Healthcare Services.

Frail elderly people refer to multi-diseased and vulnerable patients in need of medication and healthcare. These patients require healthcare from several different healthcare organizations, including hospital care, primary care, and municipal care services. This situation is challenging the capacity of healthcare organizations to manage inter-professional collaboration for person-centered care. This paper aims to identify challenges associated with collaboration between different healthcare organizations, related to the use of IT systems in the daily work practice. The paper was based on a qualitative study, which included three focus group interviews, each lasting for two hours. Each focus group consisted of a hospital physician, a primary care physician, a hospital nurse, a primary care nurse, a municipal home care nurse or an assistant officer, a physical or occupational therapist, and a family member representative. The interviews were analyzed with thematic analysis. Challenges identified in the study include insufficient information exchange, inconsistencies in communication, differences in the use of IT systems, and deficient coordination. The work processes that aim to promote collaboration between different healthcare organizations need to be better organized, and the use of IT systems needs to be better aligned.

Feeding Support Team for Frail, Disabled, or Elderly People during the Early Phase of a Disaster.

Japan was struck by two catastrophic disasters on March 11, 2011 and on April 16, 2016. The former was the Great East Japan Earthquake (M9.0) and the latter was the Kumamoto Earthquake (M7.0). Most inhabitants in the affected areas of both disasters were forced to live in evacuation centers right after the earthquake. Poor oral hygiene, inactivity, malnourishment, appetite loss, eating problems, and swallowing problems due to lack of support for frail, disabled, or elderly evacuees occur during the early phases after a disaster. Disaster-related sequelae, such as pneumonia and disuse syndrome, may also occur as a result of inappropriate nutritional and physical support. Adequate oral intake and physical activity are important to the quality of life for evacuees. We learned lessons from our experiences of evacuee support after the two disasters, focused on feeding support, which consisted of nutritional and physical care. Our experiences revealed that more rapid intervention is necessary, particularly for frail, disabled, or elderly people. In this study, based on our experiences from the two dreadful disasters in Japan, we propose a new concept of medical assistance after a disaster, the Disaster Feeding Support Team (D-FST). The D-FST is composed of multidisciplinary professionals and provides comprehensive nutritional, physical, and health support. The D-FST also performs interventions for swallowing exercises, activity, health condition, and cognition that are related to eating circumstances. We suggest that D-FSTs are organized nationwide and initiate support activities immediately after the onset of a disaster.

Actual use of and satisfaction associated with rollators and "shopping carts" among frail elderly Japanese people using day-service facilities.

Purpose This study aimed at clarifying the actual use of and satisfaction with rollators and "shopping carts" (wheeled walkers with storage) among frail elderly people, who were certified by a long-term care insurance system as users of facilities that provide day-service nursing care and rehabilitation. Methods We identified 1247 frail elderly people who used day-service facilities, and evaluated their actual use of, and satisfaction with, rollators and shopping carts. Results Forty-four (3.5%) individuals used rollators, and 53 (4.3%) used shopping carts. The shopping cart group contained more individuals who were certified as care level 1 (26.4%), than the rollator group (20.5%), and 52.8% of the shopping cart group was certified as care levels 1-3. The scores for "repairs and services" and "follow-up" from the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology second version (QUEST 2.0) survey were significantly higher in the rollator group than in the shopping cart group. Conclusions The QUEST 2.0 scores revealed that shopping cart users exhibit insufficient "repairs and services" and "follow-up" scores. As frail elderly people with poor care status accounted for >50% of the shopping cart group, these individuals urgently need walking aids that are tailored to their care status. Implications for Rehabilitation We conclude that walking aid fitting must be tailored to each persons care status, and suggest that a system should be established to allow occupational or physical therapists to provide this fitting Moreover, our analysis of the QUEST2.0 service scores revealed that repairs, services, and follow-up are insufficient to meet the needs of shopping cart users.

Complex health problems and mortality among the oldest old in Sweden: decreased risk for men between 1992 and 2002.

Although mortality in older ages generally declined in most countries during the past decades less is known about mortality trends among the most vulnerable subset of the oldest old. The aim of this study was to investigate possible changes between 1992 and 2002 in the relation of complex health problems and mortality in two representative samples of the Swedish population aged 77+ (1992: n = 537; 2002: n = 561). Further, it was examined if trends differed by sex, education, and age. Serious problems in three health domains were identified (diseases/symptoms, mobility, cognition/communication). People with serious problems in two or three domains were considered to have complex health problems. Four-year mortality was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regressions. Controlled for age, sex, education, and health status mortality risk decreased by 20% during the 10-year period. Complex health problems strongly predicted 4-year mortality in both 1992 and 2002. No single dimension explained the decrease. Men with complex health problems accounted for most of the decrease in mortality risk, so much that the gender difference in mortality risk was almost eliminated among elderly people with complex health problems 2002. A considerable decrease in the mortality risk among men with complex health problems has implications for the individual who may face longer periods of complex health problems and dependency. It will also place increasing demands upon medical and social services as well as informal caregivers.