Factors associated with hospitalisations and deaths of residential aged care residents with COVID-19 during the Omicron (BA.1) wave in Queensland.

OBJECTIVE: To identify characteristics associated with the hospitalisation and death of people with COVID-19 living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: All confirmed (polymerase chain reaction testing) or probable SARS-CoV-2 infections (rapid antigen tests) in residents of the 86 RACFs in the Metro South Hospital and Health Service area (southeast Queensland), 13 December 2021 - 24 January 2022. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hospitalisation within 14 days or death within 28 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 1071 RACF residents with COVID-19, 151 were hospitalised within 14 days and 126 died within 28 days of diagnosis. Likelihood of death increased with age (per five years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.57), but not that of hospitalisation. Men were more likely to be hospitalised (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4) or die (aOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.7-3.6) than women. The likelihood of hospitalisation was greater for those with dementia (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0), heart failure (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7), chronic kidney disease (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.5), or asthma (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.8). The likelihood of death was greater for residents with dementia (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.7), diabetes mellitus (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0), heart failure (aOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3), or chronic lung disease (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7). The likelihood of hospitalisation and death were each higher for residents who had received two or fewer vaccine doses than for those who had received three doses. CONCLUSIONS: Most characteristics that influenced the likelihood of hospitalisation or death of RACF residents with COVID-19 were non-modifiable factors linked with frailty and general health status. Having received three COVID-19 vaccine doses was associated with much lower likelihood of hospitalisation or death.

Sensory Devices for Older Adults With Behavioral Disturbance in the Emergency Department: A Descriptive Study.

Nonpharmacological strategies are advocated for the management of behavioral disturbance in older adults due to risk of harm from pharmacological therapy; however, limited evidence supports their use in emergency departments (EDs). The current descriptive study was conducted to investigate the use of sensory devices for nonpharmacological management of behavioral disturbance and their perceived impact. Data were collected from the sensory device registry, electronic medical records, and survey. Patient-level data (N = 33) showed that sensory devices, such as tactile blankets or toys and music, can be used in EDs to alleviate behavioral disturbance among older adults. ED staff (n = 22) expressed an interest to increase device supply. A patient and caregiver (n = 2) suggested that the devices be initiated earlier in ED care. Further research is required to strengthen evidence on the impact of these devices on patient outcomes. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47(4), 22-27.].

Retrospective observational study of aged care facility residents presenting to ED post fall: A case for person-centred shared decision making.

OBJECTIVE: Identify the incidence of intracranial haemorrhage in people from residential aged care facilities following falls who had a CT head performed. The secondary objectives were to identify predictor variables for intracranial haemorrhage to inform person-centred shared decision making. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of aged care residents who presented to ED with a triage of fall. Documented evidence of vomiting, headache, external signs of head injury, deviation from baseline neurology and the presence of anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents was reviewed. The rates of CT head, intracranial haemorrhage, emergent interventions, disposition and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 2546 presentations, 1732 (68.0%) had a CT head and intracranial haemorrhage was found in 76 (4.4%) patients. External signs of head injury and deviation from neurological baseline have a strong association with intracranial haemorrhage in 26 (22.2%) patients, only 4 (0.61%) patients with intracranial haemorrhage had neither. There was a strong association between these clinical features and identification of intracranial haemorrhage on CT head. Anticoagulation and antiplatelet use had no association with intracranial haemorrhage. A 30-day mortality was increased in patients with deviation from neurological baseline. No neurosurgical intervention was performed, and there was inconsistent advice regarding anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents. CONCLUSIONS: Deviation from neurological baseline or external signs of head injury may be predictors of intracranial haemorrhage. Vomiting, headache, anticoagulation or antiplatelets were not associated with intracranial haemorrhage. A person-centred decision-making approach, that is informed by treatment options could better guide clinicians on when to order a CT head after a fall.