Improvement in antibacterial use in intensive care units from Argentina: A quality improvement collaborative process evaluation using Normalization Process Theory.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic resistance worsen globally. Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) aim to optimise infection treatment and curb resistance, yet implementation hurdles persist. This study examined ASP challenges in ICUs. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative methodological design to evaluate the implementation process of an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in eight intensive care units (ICUs) across Argentina. Thirty-four semi-structured interviews with healthcare workers (HCWs) were conducted. Interviews were analysed guided by Normalisation Process Theory, examining coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, and reflexive monitoring constructs. RESULTS: Key challenges included insufficient human resources, lack of institutional support, and resistance to change, particularly among staff not initially involved in the study. Despite these challenges, the program saw partial success in improving ICU practices, particularly in antibiotic use and communication across departments. The main strategy implemented in this quality improvement collaborative was the use of improvement cycles, which served as the central component for driving change. However, participation in improvement cycles was inconsistent, and sustainability post-intervention remains uncertain due to workload pressures and the need for continuous education. Concerns about workload and communication barriers persisted. Many participants did not perceive training as a separate component, which led to low engagement. Resistance to change became evident during modifications to clinical guidelines. The intervention had a positive impact on various processes, including communication and record keeping. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the persistent challenges in implementing ASPs in healthcare, emphasising the need for enhanced collaboration, workforce capacity building, and evidence-based practices to overcome barriers and optimize antimicrobial use to improve patient outcomes.

Evaluation of the integration of palliative care in a fragile setting amongst host and refugee communities: Using consecutive rapid participatory appraisals.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care is seldom integrated in healthcare in fragile, conflict affected and vulnerable settings with significant refugee populations. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the integration of palliative care into a fragile, conflict affected and vulnerable community in Northern Uganda. DESIGN: Consecutive Rapid Participatory Appraisals were conducted to evaluate the integration of palliative care in Adjumani District. The first established a baseline and the second, 4 years later, evaluated progress. Data collection included documentary review, key informant interviews and direct observation. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A rural district in Uganda with equal numbers of refugees and host populations living side-by-side. 104 key informants were interviewed, and practice observed in 11 health facilities. RESULTS: At baseline, palliative care was not routinely integrated in the health system. Barriers included health system challenges, cultural beliefs, understanding and trust, mental health issues, gaps in palliative care provision, the role of the community and beliefs about illness impacted care with the village health teams being a trusted part of the health system. Following integration activities including training, mentorship and community sensitisation, the repeat rapid appraisal after 4 years showed a significant increase in palliative care delivery. New themes identified included increased provision of palliative care, the impact of training and community engagement and ownership of palliative care. CONCLUSION: Community engagement and participation, training interventions and referral pathways enabled the integration of palliative care. Rapid Participatory Appraisal provides a useful framework to evaluate activities aimed at integration of palliative care in a community.

Experiences with a national team-based learning program for advance care planning in pediatric palliative care.

BACKGROUND: Advance Care Planning (ACP) enables patients and relatives to define and share values, goals and preferences for future medical treatment and care. The IMplementing Pediatric Advance Care Planning Toolkit (IMPACT), developed in the Netherlands, is a method for conducting ACP in pediatric palliative care. Healthcare professionals who were trained to use IMPACT, indicated their need for ongoing support to practice ACP communication skills optimally over time. Therefore, we developed a team-based learning program aimed at teaching participants how to transfer knowledge on ACP, continue practicing ACP communication skills and reflect on ACP conversations within their own team context. The aim of this study was to evaluate the program's transfer of knowledge as well as the professionals' experience and team reflection on ACP. METHODS: A one-day IMPACT train-the-trainer course was developed and a selection of healthcare professionals (facilitators) from pediatric palliative care teams (PPCTs) from all seven Dutch university hospitals and the specialized Center for Pediatric Oncology were invited to participate. Hereafter, facilitators were asked to transfer their course-acquired knowledge to their team members (learners) by organizing two coaching-on-the-job sessions. A mixed-methods design, combining questionnaires and field notes, was used to evaluate the level of knowledge transfer and team reflection achieved. RESULTS: Eighteen healthcare professionals in the role of facilitator participated in the train-the-trainer course. In seven PPCTs one (n = 3) or two (n = 4) coaching-on-the-job session(s) took place, attended by 29 and 17 learners, respectively. In the questionnaires, 11 facilitators indicated that they had to some extent transferred acquired knowledge to their team members as intended. Sixteen out of 21 learners who participated in at least one coaching-on-the-job session, reported (somewhat) increased self-confidence for conducting ACP conversations. The reported main strength of the program was practicing with/learning from colleagues whereas dealing with workload and variation in existing ACP skills within PPCTs need more attention. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed team-based learning program resulted in intended transfer of knowledge and methodical reflection on ACP in coaching-on-the-job sessions in most participating PPCTs. Planning coaching-on-the-job sessions regarding ACP in pediatric palliative care with multiple healthcare professionals is challenging and needs more emphasis in the training.

Application of a new municipal management model of Home Care Service in Barcelona: Assessment of workers' labour conditions, health, and well-being.

BACKGROUND: In 2018, Barcelona City Council implemented a pilot phase of an organisational change in the municipal home care service (HCS) system. Inspired in the Buurtzorg model, the new model promotes the creation of self-managing teams operating in a restricted community setting. OBJECTIVE: To assess the pilot phase of the new model, focusing on employees' working and employment conditions as well as on their health and well-being outcomes. METHODS: Mixed-methods impact evaluation. First, a quantitative evaluation was conducted between October 2018 and October 2020, using a pre-post study design with one pretest and two posttest measurements in an intervention and a comparison group. The intervention group was composed of the members of the work teams implemented in the pilot phase from October 2018 onwards (baseline n = 44). The comparison group consisted of workers from the same districts working under the usual HCS system (baseline n = 72). Next, a qualitative study was conducted in workers from the intervention group in winter 2021-2022 (n = 10). RESULTS: The pre-post study results yielded positive changes for the intervention group in social support and autonomy, as well as in many of the employment conditions. This group also experienced increases in psychological demands, painful positions, fatigue and psychological distress. Two main themes affecting workers' well-being emerged from the interviews: factors inherent to the self-management model and external factors. CONCLUSIONS: Health and well-being outcomes seem to depend on the balance between job demands, resources, and ways of channelling conflicts within teams.

Diabetes misconceptions, seriousness, motivation, self-efficacy and stigma: A cross-sectional comparison of eight Australian diabetes communication campaign videos.

AIM: This study examines potential intended (attitudes, motivation and self-efficacy) and unintended (stigmatisation of diabetes) consequences of past Australian National Diabetes Week campaign videos. Further, outcomes are compared by the extent to which participants perceived their allocated video as stigmatising diabetes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, ten-arm study, participants (adults with or without diabetes; 1:2 ratio) were randomly allocated to view one of eight archival diabetes campaign videos (intervention), or either an active or passive control group. Post-exposure, study-specific scales measured diabetes Misconceptions and Seriousness, General and Diabetes Risk-Reduction Motivation and Self-efficacy, and perceptions of video Stigmatisation of diabetes. Scores were compared by condition (intervention vs. control) and by campaign Stigma (highest vs. lowest tertile score), separately by cohort (with or without diabetes). RESULTS: The sample included n = 1023 without diabetes; and n = 510 with diabetes (79% type 2 diabetes). No significant differences in outcomes were observed between conditions (intervention vs. control), with one exception: a modest effect on General Self-efficacy among those without diabetes only. Those perceiving high campaign Stigma (15%), relative to low Stigma (60%), reported significantly greater diabetes Misconceptions, lower perceived Seriousness and (among those without diabetes only) lower General Motivation but higher Diabetes Risk Reduction Motivation. CONCLUSION: Though limited to a single-exposure, we found little meaningful positive influence of past diabetes campaign videos on diabetes attitudes, behavioural intentions or self-efficacy. Further, campaign videos were perceived as stigmatising by a minority-a potential harmful impact. This novel study has implications for the design, implementation and evaluation of future diabetes campaigns.

The prevention school diary: Evaluability assessment of a widely adopted intervention in Ile-de-France.

OBJECTIVES: The prevention school diary is distributed each year to children aged between 10 and 11 years old by La Ligue contre le cancer, a French association promoting prevention and research against cancer. While they write their homework in the diary, children can learn about a range of health determinants. This diary promotes health in a fun and educational way, as it integrates drawings made by children about the different themes covered by the diary. This paper aims to present the evaluability assessment of this intervention in Ile-de-France (Paris area), where it is already widely deployed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have traced the history of the prevention school diary and assessed how it is currently used in Ile-de-France by leading interviews with county committees of La Ligue contre le cancer. Successive versions of the diary and results of teacher satisfaction surveys were examined. All information collected was integrated into a logic model, which characterizes the main components, actors, and effects of the intervention. RESULTS: The prevention school diary was created in the West of France in the late 90s. It was then implemented in Paris and extended to other counties of Ile-de-France. Currently, six counties collaborate on the production of a common diary. Whereas it only dealt with tobacco consumption at the beginning, the prevention school diary now covers nutrition, physical activity, sun exposure, sleep and screen use, addiction, as well as safety in some counties. Three levels of intervention have been identified, depending on whether or not the distribution of the diary is followed by the production of drawings for the next edition or health education sessions. The expected effects of the prevention school diary have been integrated into a logic model emphasizing children, school, and family level. Outcomes include Capabilities (knowledge and skills), Opportunities, and Motivation to adopt healthy Behaviours, according to the theoretical model of behaviour change COM-B. CONCLUSION: The evaluability assessment phase enabled us to gain a better understanding of the conditions under which the intervention is deployed, and thus to identify the factors to be considered for a broad assessment of its effectiveness. It is especially important since the intervention is already well established in Ile-de-France.

Leveraging Machine Learning to Develop Digital Engagement Phenotypes of Users in a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program: Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: Digital diabetes prevention programs (dDPPs) are effective "digital prescriptions" but have high attrition rates and program noncompletion. To address this, we developed a personalized automatic messaging system (PAMS) that leverages SMS text messaging and data integration into clinical workflows to increase dDPP engagement via enhanced patient-provider communication. Preliminary data showed positive results. However, further investigation is needed to determine how to optimize the tailoring of support technology such as PAMS based on a user's preferences to boost their dDPP engagement. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates leveraging machine learning (ML) to develop digital engagement phenotypes of dDPP users and assess ML's accuracy in predicting engagement with dDPP activities. This research will be used in a PAMS optimization process to improve PAMS personalization by incorporating engagement prediction and digital phenotyping. This study aims (1) to prove the feasibility of using dDPP user-collected data to build an ML model that predicts engagement and contributes to identifying digital engagement phenotypes, (2) to describe methods for developing ML models with dDPP data sets and present preliminary results, and (3) to present preliminary data on user profiling based on ML model outputs. METHODS: Using the gradient-boosted forest model, we predicted engagement in 4 dDPP individual activities (physical activity, lessons, social activity, and weigh-ins) and general activity (engagement in any activity) based on previous short- and long-term activity in the app. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, the area under the precision-recall curve, and the Brier score metrics determined the performance of the model. Shapley values reflected the feature importance of the models and determined what variables informed user profiling through latent profile analysis. RESULTS: We developed 2 models using weekly and daily DPP data sets (328,821 and 704,242 records, respectively), which yielded predictive accuracies above 90%. Although both models were highly accurate, the daily model better fitted our research plan because it predicted daily changes in individual activities, which was crucial for creating the "digital phenotypes." To better understand the variables contributing to the model predictor, we calculated the Shapley values for both models to identify the features with the highest contribution to model fit; engagement with any activity in the dDPP in the last 7 days had the most predictive power. We profiled users with latent profile analysis after 2 weeks of engagement (Bayesian information criterion=-3222.46) with the dDPP and identified 6 profiles of users, including those with high engagement, minimal engagement, and attrition. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results demonstrate that applying ML methods with predicting power is an acceptable mechanism to tailor and optimize messaging interventions to support patient engagement and adherence to digital prescriptions. The results enable future optimization of our existing messaging platform and expansion of this methodology to other clinical domains. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04773834; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04773834. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/26750.

A Most Significant Change evaluation of a new co-designed tool to measure holistic well-being in consumers of community aged care services.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a Wellbeing Check-in tool and process for use with BlueCare's home care package (HCP) clients by care and well-being practitioners. The tool had been co-designed with HCP clients and trialled with 15 clients. METHODS: The Most Significant Change (MSC) methodology was used to gather stories from five practitioners, five HCP staff and seven clients. A workshop with senior staff was held to determine themes and whether the tool met its aims. RESULTS: Out of 22 MSC stories, 18 were judged in scope by workshop participants. Eight themes were then identified. Four themes reflected the content of the narratives (i.e. what was discussed): Isolation and connection; Grief; Faith/explicit spirituality; and Client preference. The other four themes reflected the process (i.e. what the discussions meant to participants): Being there/Meaningful conversations; Impact on significant others; New insight; and Purpose of the check-in. These eight themes largely reflected the aims of the Wellbeing Check-in tool in terms of providing a means to optimise connectedness, well-being and spiritual care in accordance with the client's needs, goals and preferences. Unanticipated findings included its benefits for family members and uncertainty about the aim or value of the tool, which highlighted the need for BlueCare to be clear about the purpose of the tool in promoting it to clients and their informal carers. CONCLUSIONS: The Wellbeing Check-in tool was found to be fit for purpose. A tool used flexibly to prompt discussion about well-being can be helpful to clients and pastoral care staff.

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement in the Development of a Platform Clinical Trial for Parkinson's Disease: An Evaluation Protocol.

Background: Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in the design of trials is important, as participant experience critically impacts delivery. The Edmond J Safra Accelerating Clinical Trials in PD (EJS ACT-PD) initiative is a UK consortium designing a platform trial for disease modifying therapies in PD. Objective: The integration of PPIE in all aspects of trial design and its evaluation throughout the project. Methods: PwP and care partners were recruited to a PPIE working group (WG) via UK Parkinson's charities, investigator patient groups and participants of a Delphi study on trial design. They are supported by charity representatives, trial delivery experts, researchers and core project team members. PPIE is fully embedded within the consortium's five other WGs and steering group. The group's terms of reference, processes for effective working and PPIE evaluation were co-developed with PPIE contributors. Results: 11 PwP and 4 care partners have supported the PPIE WG and contributed to the development of processes for effective working. A mixed methods research-in-action study is ongoing to evaluate PPIE within the consortium. This includes the Patient Engagement in Research Scale -a quantitative PPIE quality measure; semi-structured interviews -identifying areas for improvement and overall impressions of involvement; process fidelity- recording adherence; project documentation review - identifying impact of PPIE on project outputs. Conclusions: We provide a practical example of PPIE in complex projects. Evaluating feasibility, experiences and impact of PPIE involvement in EJS ACT-PD will inform similar programs on effective strategies. This will help enable future patient-centered research.

Public Dental Service Access Policies for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: A Pre-Evaluation Study.

This study sought to carry out a systematic and preliminary evaluation of the policies on access to public dental services for people with ASD in a Brazilian city. The study, conducted between November/2019 and February/2020, was developed through document analysis, the design of the theoretical logical model of the policies, and seven semi-structured interviews with key informants. The sample was intentionally selected. We also considered the answers to 108 questionnaires from a pilot study on the access of people with ASD to dental services applied to caregivers, dentists, and non-dental professionals. No refusals were recorded. The availability study showed that the policies' objectives were not being achieved in terms of care network organization: there were no institutional flows, personal contacts were used between professionals to guarantee access to secondary attention, there was no specific training for the dentists about ASD, and the oral health care network was unknown to non-dentist professionals and caregivers. Most people with ASD have visited the dentist at least once in their lives, but a large percentage of those within this study did not do so in the last year. This study identified difficulties in implementing policies and suggested possible strategies for overcoming them as dimensions and subdimensions for evaluation.

[Dementia Care Nurses in the networked care of people with dementia: a qualitative evaluation study]. / Dementia Care Nurses in der vernetzten Versorgung von Menschen mit Demenz.

Dementia Care Nurses in the networked care of people with dementia: A qualitative evaluation study Abstract: Background: To coordinate networked dementia care counselling concepts with case management (CM) structures are recommended. This approach has been explored and evaluated within the Dementia Care Nurse project in Saxony-Anhalt. Studies on the implementation of CM are mostly limited to cooperation between case managers and medical and nursing professional groups. Networking processes with all stakeholders involved in dementia care have hardly been described so far. Objective: The aim was to describe the experienced collaboration with Dementia Care Nurses (DCNs) from the perspective of the participating cooperation partners and to derive approaches for the continuation of the DCNs in routine care. Method: Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with cooperation partners from the health and social care sector who participated in the DCN project. The interviews were analysed for content. Results: The interviews were evaluated by content analysis. Results: Overall, the interviewed cooperation partners rated the collaboration with the DCNs in the project as positive, especially the proactive approach and the continuous support of people with dementia. The continuation in routine care depends on the institutional location and the qualification of the DCNs. Conclusion: The commitment of DCNs enables a more demand-oriented involvement of relevant stakeholders in the individual planning of dementia care.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Health App Platform Providing Individuals With a Budget to Purchase Preselected Apps to Work on Their Health and Well-Being: Quantitative Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: The potential of health apps for health promotion and disease prevention is widely recognized. However, uptake is limited due to barriers individuals face in finding suitable and trustworthy apps, such as the overwhelming amount of available health apps. Therefore, the health app platform "FitKnip" was developed, enabling individuals to purchase preselected, trustworthy health apps with a budget of 100 euros (a currency exchange rate of EUR €1=US $1.0831 is applicable). The platform aimed to empower individuals to improve their health and vitality, ultimately supporting a more healthy society. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the health app platform in terms of feasibility and acceptability. Potential effects on health empowerment and health outcomes were secondarily explored. METHODS: This quantitative study was part of a mixed methods study with a prospective pre-post interventional design. We collected web-based user data, and self-reported web-based questionnaires were collected over 5 measurements over an 8-month period. Use statistics were tracked on the platform, including the number of purchased apps and euros spent per user registered within the health app platform. We measured the user-friendliness of the health app platform using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and satisfaction using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8) and several 10-point Likert items. We asked participants to indicate, on a scale from 1 (not at all) to 10 (completely), how much the health app platform contributed to various areas related to health empowerment. We assessed health-related quality of life by the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and one's perceived level of stress by the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). RESULTS: A total of 1650 participants were included, of whom 42% (685/1650) bought at least 1 app. The majority of those purchased one app (244/685, 35.6%). The health app platform was rated as user-friendly (SUS mean 66.5, SD 20.7; range 66.5-70.0), and the acceptability of the health app platform was moderate (CSQ-8 mean 20.0, SD 1.5; range 19.6-20.0). Results furthermore showed that participants were generally satisfied to highly satisfied with the ease of the payment system to purchase apps on the platform (median 8, IQR 7-10), the look and feel of the platform (median 7, IQR 6-8), as well as the provided budget of 100 euros (median 9, IQR 7-10). Participants were less satisfied with the amount (median 6, IQR 4-7) and diversity (median 6, IQR 4-7) of apps offered on the platform. CONCLUSIONS: A health app platform is a promising initiative to enhance public health. Feasibility and acceptability are critical for success, as they ensure that such a platform is accessible, user-friendly, and meets end users' needs and preferences. This can help to increase uptake, engagement, and ultimately the platform's adoption and effectiveness.

Evaluating a Future-Oriented Positive Youth Development Intervention to Reduce Sexual Risk Among Highly Mobile Youth: Results and Challenges.

PURPOSE: Youth experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness need tailored prevention programming to prevent unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. This study evaluated the efficacy of a small-group, future-oriented positive youth development (PYD) intervention to reduce sexual risk behaviors. METHOD: Youth aged 14-19 (n = 483) experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness were recruited at youth-serving agencies and in alternative schools. Each cohort enrolled was randomized either to a 10-session, 5-week group future-oriented intervention to support them in adopting health-promoting behaviors such as using contraception, including condom use (n = 244) or to a no-treatment condition where they received usual services/schooling (n = 239). We assessed at baseline and 3-month and 9-month follow-up (1) vaginal intercourse without consistent contraception use, (2) vaginal and anal intercourse without consistent condom use, and (3) sexual risk behaviors, including current (last 3 months) effective contraception use by females who did not report current use at baseline. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between treatment and control conditions for most outcomes. However, among females not currently using contraception at baseline, 34% in the treatment condition compared to 12.9% in the control condition reported using contraception in the 3 months before the 9-month survey, a statistically significant difference. DISCUSSION: This sexual risk reduction intervention, grounded in PYD theory and tailored to address the needs of marginalized groups of youth, demonstrated efficacy at increasing contraceptive uptake among females. The need for PYD interventions that can be delivered in a variety of nontraditional school and service settings are discussed.

The Purpose of Internet Use and Face-To-Face Communication With Friends and Acquaintances Among Older Adults: A JAGES Longitudinal Study.

Internet use influences social interactions in society. However, there is no consensus on whether and what kind of Internet use increases face-to-face communication (FFC). This study investigated the mode of Internet use that increases FFC among older adults after three years. Participants were 8734 adults aged 65 or older who responded to the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) surveys in 2016 and 2019. The exposures were the purposes of Internet use in 2016. The outcome was the frequency of FFC with friends or acquaintances in 2019. The confounders included 13 demographic, socioeconomic, and psychological variables. We performed modified Poisson regression analyses and found that Internet use for communication in 2016 increased FFC in 2019, especially for low-frequency FFC in 2016. Internet-based non-FFC may help promote FFC and prevent social isolation among older adults who are less likely to interact with others.

Novel Approach for Detecting Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Pediatric Patients Using Machine Learning Models Based on Patient-Reported Symptoms: Model Development and Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects children, causing serious infections, particularly in high-risk groups. Given the seasonality of RSV and the importance of rapid isolation of infected individuals, there is an urgent need for more efficient diagnostic methods to expedite this process. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the performance of a machine learning model that leverages the temporal diversity of symptom onset for detecting RSV infections and elucidate its discriminatory ability. METHODS: The study was conducted in pediatric and emergency outpatient settings in Japan. We developed a detection model that remotely confirms RSV infection based on patient-reported symptom information obtained using a structured electronic template incorporating the differential points of skilled pediatricians. An extreme gradient boosting-based machine learning model was developed using the data of 4174 patients aged ≤24 months who underwent RSV rapid antigen testing. These patients visited either the pediatric or emergency department of Yokohama City Municipal Hospital between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2015. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of the machine learning model for RSV infection, as determined by rapid antigen testing, measured using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by calculating the discriminative performance based on the number of days elapsed since the onset of the first symptom and exclusion rates based on thresholds of reasonable sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Our model demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.811 (95% CI 0.784-0.833) with good calibration and 0.746 (95% CI 0.694-0.794) for patients within 3 days of onset. It accurately captured the temporal evolution of symptoms; based on adjusted thresholds equivalent to those of a rapid antigen test, our model predicted that 6.9% (95% CI 5.4%-8.5%) of patients in the entire cohort would be positive and 68.7% (95% CI 65.4%-71.9%) would be negative. Our model could eliminate the need for additional testing in approximately three-quarters of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our model may facilitate the immediate detection of RSV infection in outpatient settings and, potentially, in home environments. This approach could streamline the diagnostic process, reduce discomfort caused by invasive tests in children, and allow rapid implementation of appropriate treatments and isolation at home. The findings underscore the potential of machine learning in augmenting clinical decision-making in the early detection of RSV infection.

Psychometric Evaluation of a Tablet-Based Tool to Detect Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: With the rapid aging of the global population, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia is anticipated to surge worldwide. MCI serves as an intermediary stage between normal aging and dementia, necessitating more sensitive and effective screening tools for early identification and intervention. The BrainFx SCREEN is a novel digital tool designed to assess cognitive impairment. This study evaluated its efficacy as a screening tool for MCI in primary care settings, particularly in the context of an aging population and the growing integration of digital health solutions. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to assess the validity, reliability, and applicability of the BrainFx SCREEN (hereafter, the SCREEN) for MCI screening in a primary care context. We conducted an exploratory study comparing the SCREEN with an established screening tool, the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Qmci) screen. METHODS: A concurrent mixed methods, prospective study using a quasi-experimental design was conducted with 147 participants from 5 primary care Family Health Teams (FHTs; characterized by multidisciplinary practice and capitated funding) across southwestern Ontario, Canada. Participants included health care practitioners, patients, and FHT administrative executives. Individuals aged ≥55 years with no history of MCI or diagnosis of dementia rostered in a participating FHT were eligible to participate. Participants were screened using both the SCREEN and Qmci. The study also incorporated the Geriatric Anxiety Scale-10 to assess general anxiety levels at each cognitive screening. The SCREEN's scoring was compared against that of the Qmci and the clinical judgment of health care professionals. Statistical analyses included sensitivity, specificity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability assessments. RESULTS: The study found that the SCREEN's longer administration time and complex scoring algorithm, which is proprietary and unavailable for independent analysis, presented challenges. Its internal consistency, indicated by a Cronbach α of 0.63, was below the acceptable threshold. The test-retest reliability also showed limitations, with moderate intraclass correlation coefficient (0.54) and inadequate κ (0.15) values. Sensitivity and specificity were consistent (63.25% and 74.07%, respectively) between cross-tabulation and discrepant analysis. In addition, the study faced limitations due to its demographic skew (96/147, 65.3% female, well-educated participants), the absence of a comprehensive gold standard for MCI diagnosis, and financial constraints limiting the inclusion of confirmatory neuropsychological testing. CONCLUSIONS: The SCREEN, in its current form, does not meet the necessary criteria for an optimal MCI screening tool in primary care settings, primarily due to its longer administration time and lower reliability. As the number of digital health technologies increases and evolves, further testing and refinement of tools such as the SCREEN are essential to ensure their efficacy and reliability in real-world clinical settings. This study advocates for continued research in this rapidly advancing field to better serve the aging population. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/25520.

Acceptance of Telepresence Robotics, Telecare and Teletherapy Among Stroke Patients, Relatives and Therapy Staff.

BACKGROUND: Stroke as a cause of disability in adulthood causes an increasing demand for therapy and care services, including telecare and teletherapy. OBJECTIVES: Aim of the study is to analyse the acceptance of telepresence robotics and digital therapy applications. METHODS: Longitudinal study with a before and after survey of patients, relatives and care and therapy staff. RESULTS: Acceptance of the technology analysed is high in all three groups. Although acceptance among patients declined in parts of the cases in the second survey after having used telerobotics, all in all approval ratings remained high. With regard to patients no significant correlation was found between the general technology acceptance and the acceptance of use of telerobotics. CONCLUSION: Accepted new telecare and teletherapies can be offered with the help of telepresence robotics. This requires knowledge of and experience with the technology.

[Bedside-teaching on dementia and delirium: Development, implementation, and evaluation in an acute care hospital]. / Bedside-Teaching zum Thema Demenz und Delir.

Bedside-teaching on dementia and delirium: Development, implementation, and evaluation in an acute care hospital Abstract: Background: Demographic change and the accompanying increase in people with dementia and delirium in acute care hospitals pose growing challenges for nurses in acute care wards. Objective: Pilot implementation and evaluation of knowledge gain and implementation of previously defined critical behaviors. Method: Implementation of the training by APNs. Parallel evaluation of the training along the New World Kirkpatrick model using questionnaires and non-participant observation. Analysis of the data using descriptive statistics. Results: The training itself was well evaluated by the participants. It showed an increase in knowledge of the participants in the main topic categories. The targeted critical behaviors were implemented for the most part. There are deficiencies in the mapping of interventions in the nursing care process. Conclusion: The training concept is suitable to give nurses confidence in dealing with people with dementia and delirium. Continuous support in practice is needed to maintain the interventions in the long term and sustainably in everyday life.

Association between social support and ambulance use among older people in Japan: an empirical cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Ambulance service demand and utilization are increasing worldwide. To address this issue, the factors that affect ambulance use must be identified. Few studies have examined factors that can intervene and thus reduce the frequency of ambulance use. This study aimed to examine the association between social support and ambulance use among older adults in Japan. We hypothesize that social support is associated with reduced ambulance use. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. In December 2019 and January 2020, we collaborated with individuals aged 65 years or above with no long-term care needs. A total of 24,581 participants were included in the analysis. The objective and explanatory variables were ambulance use and social support, respectively. Binomial regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Social support was associated with ambulance use. People who had no one to listen to their complaints or worries were significantly more likely to use ambulance services than those who did (OR [95% CI] = 1.26 [1.03-1.53]). People with no one to take care of them when they were ill were also significantly more likely to use ambulance services than those who had someone to provide care (1.15 [1.01-1.31]). Moreover, the results of binomial logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals who called an ambulance but were not hospitalized had significantly lower social support compared to those who did not call an ambulance. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the presence and quality of social support play a significant role in ambulance use among older adults in Japan. Our findings can help policymakers to plan and implement strategies for reducing the burden on emergency medical care.

Affordable blood culture systems from China: in vitro evaluation for use in resource-limited settings.

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections (BSI) pose a significant threat due to high mortality rates and the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In 2019, an estimated 4.95 million deaths were linked to bacterial AMR. The highest impact was seen in resource-limited settings (RLS). For diagnosis of BSI, performant continuously-monitoring blood culture systems (CMBCS) have been optimized. However, in RLS, the implementation of CMBCS is hindered by budget constraints and unsuitable environmental conditions. Manufacturers from growing economies are currently producing affordable in vitro diagnostics, which could fill the gap in capacity, but so far these are not established outside their domestic markets. METHODS: This study evaluated the performance, usability, and interchangeability of Chinese CMBCS in a laboratory setting using simulated blood cultures with a panel of 20 BSI-associated strains. Four systems were selected for the assessment: Autobio BC60, Mindray TDR60, Scenker Labstar50, and DL-biotech DL-60. FINDINGS: Overall, all evaluated CMBCS demonstrated good performance with high yield (96.7-100%) and specificity (97.5-100%), comparable to the reference system (bioMérieux 3D). In addition, when used as "manual" blood cultures in a conventional incubator with visual growth detection, performance was also satisfactory: yield was between 90 and 100% and specificity was 100% for all BCBs. Both the CMBCS and the BCBs were easy to use and lot-to-lot variability in BCBs was minimal. The interchangeability testing indicated that the BCBs from different brands (all except Scenker) were compatible with the various automates, further highlighting the potential for a harmonized "universal BCB." INTERPRETATION: Based on this in vitro study, we recommend the use of these systems in settings with challenging environments and limited resources. The Autobio system performed best for automatic detection and DL-Biotech BCBs for manual cultures respectively (combination of performance, price, usability). The appropriateness for use in RLS should still be confirmed in a field study. FUNDING: The study was funded by FIND.