Validity and test-retest reliability of the Swedish version of the Geriatric Depression Scale among very old adults.

BACKGROUND: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) has shown good validity and reliability, but few studies have examined the GDS among very old adults or the Swedish translation. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the validity and reliability of the Swedish version of GDS-15 among very old adults. METHODS: In the Umeå85 + /GErontological Regional DAtabase (GERDA) study, 387 participants were assessed with both the GDS-15 and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). The mean age was 91 years. Concurrent validity between the scales was calculated using Spearman's correlation. We used the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) V symptom criteria for depression based on MADRS item scores to define depression. We calculated the Area Under the Curve (AUC) and found an optimal cut-off. A convenience sample with 60 individuals was used to calculate test-retest reliability with Cohen's kappa and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Spearman's correlation coefficients between total scores for GDS-15 and MADRS were 0.60. Cronbach's alpha for the whole scale was 0.73. The AUC was 0.90 for distinguishing major depression, and the recommended cut-off of ≥ 5 showed a sensitivity of 95.2% and specificity of 65.8%. The test-retest showed that Cohen's kappa was substantial (0.71) and the ICC was excellent (0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The Swedish version of the GDS-15 showed good validity and reliability among very old adults. The generally recommended cut-off of ≥ 5 seems reasonable to use with the Swedish version and among very old adults.

Perioperative patient safety indicators-A Delphi study.

AIM: To identify, define and achieve consensus on perioperative patient safety indicators within a Swedish context. DESIGN: A modified Delphi method. METHODS: A purposeful sample of 22 experts, all experienced operating room nurse specialists, was recruited for this study. A questionnaire was constructed incorporating statements derived from a preceding study. The experts were asked to rate the importance of each statement concerning patient safety during the perioperative phase. The data collection occurred through an online survey platform between November 2022 and April 2023. The CREDES checklist guided the reporting of this study. RESULTS: The three-round Delphi study resulted in consensus on 73 statements out of 103, encompassing 74% process indicators and 26% structure indicators. Key areas of consensus included the use of the Surgical Safety Checklist and optimizing the operating room environment. CONCLUSION: Consensus was reached on perioperative safety indicators, underscoring the intricate challenges involved in ensuring patient safety in the operating room. It emphasizes the important integration of both structure and process indicators for comprehensive safety assessment during surgical procedures. Recognizing the difficulty in measuring factors like teamwork and communication, essential for patient safety, the study offers practical guidance. It underlines a balanced approach and specific consensus areas applicable in clinical practice to enhance perioperative patient safety. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE: This study provides concrete practice guidance and establishes a structured framework for evaluating perioperative care processes. It emphasizes the critical role of professionals having the necessary skills and being present during surgical procedures. Additionally, the study underscores the paramount importance of effective communication and teamwork within the operating room team, substantively contributing to overall patient safety enhancement. IMPACT: The study focused on addressing the challenge of ensuring patient safety in operating rooms, acknowledging the persistent complications related to surgery despite global efforts to eliminate avoidable harm in healthcare. Consensus was reached on 73 crucial indicators for perioperative patient safety, emphasizing a balanced approach integrating both process and structure indicators for a comprehensive assessment of safety during surgical procedures. The study has a broad impact on professionals and healthcare systems, providing concrete guidance for practice and offering a structured process for evaluating perioperative care. REPORTING METHOD: The study is reported informed by 'Guidance on Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies (CREDES) in palliative care: Recommendations derived from a methodological systematic review'. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Having Plans for the Future in Very Old People.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of having plans for the future among very old people and the factors associated with having such plans. A longitudinal population-based study with home visits for 85-, 90-, and ≥95-year-old participants in Sweden and Finland was used. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazards regression models with a maximum 5-year follow-up period were used. The prevalence of having plans for the future was 18.6% (174/936). More men than women and more people living in Sweden than in Finland had plans for the future. In multivariate models, having plans for the future was associated with speaking Swedish, being dentate, and living in the community in the total sample; speaking Swedish and being dentate among women; and speaking Swedish, having a lower Geriatric Depression Scale score, and urban residence among men. Having plans for the future was associated univariately, but not multivariately, with increased survival.

Is a hyperosmolar pump prime for cardiopulmonary bypass a risk factor for postoperative delirium? A double blinded randomised controlled trial.

Objective: Postoperative delirium (POD) is common after cardiac surgery. We have previously identified plasma sodium concentration and the volume of infused fluids during surgery as possible risk factors. Both are linked to the selection and composition of the pump prime used for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Present study aims to examine whether hyperosmolality increases the risk for POD. Design: Patients ≥65 years (n = 195) scheduled for cardiac surgery were prospectively enrolled into this double blinded randomised clinical trial. Study group received a pump prime containing mannitol and ringer-acetate (966 mOsmol) (n = 98) vs. ringer-acetate (388 mOsmol) (n = 97) in the control group. Postoperative delirium was defined according to DSM-5 criteria based on a test-battery pre- and postoperatively (days 1-3). Plasma osmolality was measured on five occasions and coordinated with the POD assessments. The primary outcome was the POD incidence related to hyperosmolality as the secondary outcome. Results: The incidence of POD was 36% in the study group and 34% in the control group, without intergroup difference (p=.59). The plasma osmolality was significantly higher in the study group, both on days 1 and 3 and after CPB (p<.001). Post hoc analysis indicated that high osmolality levels increased the risk for delirium on day 1 by 9% (odds ratio (OR) 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.15) and by 10% on day 3 (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16). Conclusions: Use of a prime solution with high osmolality did not increase the incidence of POD. However, the influence of hyperosmolality as a risk factor for POD warrants further investigation.

Association of depressive disorders and dementia with mortality among older people with hip fracture.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture (HF) is a significant cause of mortality among older people. Almost half of the patients with HF have dementia, which increases the mortality risk further. Cognitive impairment is associated with depressive disorders (DDs) and both dementia and DDs are independent risk factors for poor outcome after HF. However, most studies that evaluate mortality risk after HF separate these conditions. AIMS: To investigate whether dementia with depressive disorders (DDwD) affects the mortality risk at 12, 24, and 36 months after HF among older people. METHODS: Patients with acute HF (n = 404) were included in this retrospective analysis of two randomized controlled trials performed in orthopedic and geriatric departments. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. A consultant geriatrician made final depressive disorder and dementia diagnoses using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria, with support from assessments and medical records. The 12-, 24- and 36-month mortality after HF was analyzed using logistic regression models adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: In analyses adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, pre-fracture walking ability, and fracture type, patients with DDwD had increased mortality risks at 12 [odds ratio (OR) 4.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75-12.51], 24 (OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.71-7.60), and 36 (OR 4.53, 95% CI 2.24-9.14) months. Similar results were obtained for patients with dementia, but not depressive disorders, alone. CONCLUSION: DDwD is an important risk factor for increased mortality at 12, 24, and 36 months after HF among older people. Routinely assessments after HF for cognitive- and depressive disorders could identify patients at risk for increased mortality, and enable early interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RCT2: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register, trial registration number: ISRCTN15738119.

A focus groups study of staff team experiences of providing interdisciplinary rehabilitation for people with dementia and their caregivers-a co-creative journey.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization claims that rehabilitation is important to meet the needs of persons with dementia. Rehabilitation programmes, however, are not routinely available. Person-centred, multidimensional, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation can increase the opportunities for older adults with dementia and their informal primary caregivers to continue to live an active life and participate in society. To our knowledge, staff team experiences of such rehabilitation programmes, involving older adults with dementia and their informal caregivers has not been previously explored. METHODS: The aim of this qualitative focus group study was to explore the experiences of a comprehensive staff team providing person-centred multidimensional, interdisciplinary rehabilitation to community-dwelling older adults with dementia, including education and support for informal primary caregivers. The 13 staff team members comprised 10 professions who, during a 16-week intervention period, provided individualised interventions while involving the rehabilitation participants. After the rehabilitation period the staff team members were divided in two focus groups who met on three occasions each (in total six focus groups) and discussed their experiences. The Grounded Theory method was used for data collection and analysis. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in four categories: Achieving involvement in rehabilitation is challenging, Considering various realities by acting as a link, Offering time and continuity create added value, and Creating a holistic view through knowledge exchange, and the core category: Refining a co-creative process towards making a difference. The core category resembles the collaboration that the staff had within their teams, which included participants with dementia and caregivers, and with the goal that the intervention should make a difference for the participants. This was conducted with flexibility in a collaborative and creative process. CONCLUSIONS: The staff team perceived that by working in comprehensive teams they could provide individualised rehabilitation in creative collaboration with the participants through interaction, knowledge exchange, time and continuity, coordination and flexibility, and a holistic view. Challenges to overcome were the involvement of the person with dementia in goal setting and the mediating role of the staff team members. The staff pointed out that by refinement they could achieve well-functioning, competence-enhancing and timesaving teamwork.

The association between leisure engagement and loneliness before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Nordic population-based study.

AIM: The main aim of this study was to examine leisure engagement and loneliness among older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic by analysing population-based data from western Finland and northern Sweden. METHODS: The data originated from the Gerontological Regional Database (GERDA) postal questionnaire study conducted in 2016 (n=7996) and 2021 (n=8148) among older adults aged 65, 70, 75, 80 and 85 years. Associations between loneliness and leisure engagement were analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 10% and 9% of the older adults reported loneliness in 2016 and 2021, respectively. The results showed that a lack of engagement in socialising and pleasure was independently associated with loneliness in both study years, while a lack of engagement in cultural activities was associated with loneliness in 2016 only. In 2021, the likelihood of experiencing loneliness was higher in the Finnish region than in the Swedish region. In addition, those reporting a decrease in hobby and socialising leisure activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to report loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: Most leisure activities decreased during the pandemic, suggesting an increase in social isolation. However, this did not reflect an increase in loneliness in the studied regions. The evidence suggests that leisure engagement, especially socialising activities, continued to be important for well-being among older adults during the pandemic. Further, loneliness was affected by contextual factors as well as individual-level characteristics. Thus, according to the measures reported here, the pandemic seemed to have a slightly weakened well-being impact in Finland.

Physical Activity in Late Middle- to Older-Aged People and Dementia, Cognitive, and Physical Function Two Decades Later.

INTRODUCTION: Low physical activity (PA) is a potential risk factor for dementia and cognitive impairment. However, few studies have focused on very old people (aged ≥80 years), the age group with highest prevalence of dementia. The aim was to investigate if PA associated with subsequent dementia, cognitive function, and gait speed (GS), in very old people. METHODS: A population-based survey was conducted in 1999 and followed-up between 2016 and 2019 in participants ≥80 years. Altogether 541 individuals (56.2% women), 64.9 ± 4.2 years of age at baseline participated. Self-rated baseline PA was categorized into low, medium, or high. Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), executive function with the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and GS (in meters/second) was measured over 2.4 m at follow-up. RESULTS: During a mean of 19.0 ± 1.1 years, 175 (32.3%) developed dementia. Low or medium PA compared to high PA did not associate with subsequent dementia, and PA did not associate with future cognitive function (MMSE). PA associated with executive function (FAB) (unstandardized beta [95% confidence interval]) (0.67 [0.07-1.27]), but not after adjustments. PA associated with subsequent GS in the unadjusted model and after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, and education (0.06 [0.02-0.09], and 0.04 [0.01-0.08], respectively), but not after adding adjustment for hypertension, obesity, and glucose intolerance. CONCLUSION: No support was found for the hypothesis that low PA is a potential risk factor for dementia in very high age. However, PA and executive function were associated in unadjusted analyses which indicate that PA may be important for at least one aspect of cognitive function. The association between PA and GS around 2 decades later seems attenuated by cardiometabolic risk factors. Future investigations regarding PA, dementia, and cognitive decline may consider cardiometabolic risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and glucose intolerance, and include repeated measures of PA over the life course.

Older adults' perspectives on rehabilitation and recovery one year after a hip fracture - a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: In order to improve quality of care and recovery after hip fracture we need to include the perspectives of the individual older adults when evaluating different rehabilitation interventions. The aim of this study was therefore to explore older adults' experiences of their rehabilitation after a hip fracture and of the recovery process during the 12 months following the fracture. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 older adults (70-91 years of age) who had participated in a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effects of early discharge followed by geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation compared to in-hospital care according to a multifactorial rehabilitation program. Ten participants from each group were interviewed shortly after the one-year follow-up when the study was completed. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in four themes: Moving towards recovery with the help of others; Getting to know a new me; Striving for independence despite obstacles; and Adapting to an altered but acceptable life. The participants emphasised the importance of having access to rehabilitation that was provided by skilled staff, and support from family members and friends for well-being and recovery. They experienced a change in their self-image but strove for independence despite struggling with complications and functional limitations and used adaptive strategies to find contentment in their lives. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation interventions provided by competent health care professionals, as well as support from family members and friends, were emphasised as crucial for satisfactory recovery. Participants' experiences further highlight the importance of targeting both physical and psychological impacts after a hip fracture. To improve recovery, rehabilitation providers should customise future interventions to suit each individual´s wishes and needs and provide rehabilitation in various settings throughout the recovery process. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at Current Controlled Trials Ltd, ICRCTN 15738119 . Date of registration 16/06/2008, retrospectively registered.

Obesity may increase survival, regardless of nutritional status: a Swedish cohort study in nursing homes.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the associations between the body mass index (BMI), Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) scores, and 2-year mortality. METHODS: A nationwide cohort study using data from a national quality register of older (age ≥ 65 years) nursing home residents (N = 47,686). Individuals were categorized according to BMI as underweight (< 18.5 kg/m2), normal-weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (class I, 30.0-34.9 kg/m2; class II, 35.0-39.9 kg/m2; class III, ≥ 40.0 kg/m2). Participants' nutritional status were categorized as good (MNA-SF score 12-14), at risk of malnutrition (MNA-SF score 8-11), or malnutrition (MNA-SF score 0-7). Associations with mortality were analysed using Cox proportional-hazards models. RESULTS: At baseline, 16.0% had obesity, and 14.6% were malnourished. During 2 years of follow-up, 23,335 (48.9%) individuals died. Compared with normal-weight individuals, mortality was greater among underweight individuals [hazard ratio (HR) 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55-1.69] and lesser among individuals with class I (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.60-0.66), class II (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.56-0.68), and class III (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.94) obesity. Compared with individuals with good nutritional status, mortality was increased for those with malnutrition (HR 2.98,95% CI 2.87-3.10). Lower mortality among obese individuals was also seen in subgroups defined according to MNA-SF scores. CONCLUSIONS: Among older nursing home residents, obesity, including severe obesity, was associated with lower 2-year mortality. Higher BMIs were associated with better survival, regardless of nutritional status according to MNA-SF.

A clinically feasible short version of the 15-item geriatric depression scale extracted using item response theory in a sample of adults aged 85 years and older.

OBJECTIVES: To extract the items most suitable for a short version of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) in a sample of adults aged ≥ 85 years using item response theory (IRT). METHOD: This population-based cross-sectional study included 651 individuals aged ≥ 85 years from the Umeå 85+/GErontological Regional DAtabase (GERDA) study. Participants were either community dwelling (approximately 70%) or resided in institutional care (approximately 30%) in northern Sweden and western Finland in 2000-2002 and 2005-2007. The psychometric properties of GDS-15 items were investigated using an IRT-based approach to find items most closely corresponding to the GDS-15 cut off value of ≥5 points. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the performance of the proposed short version with that of previously proposed short GDS versions. RESULTS: GDS-15 items 3, 8, 12, and 13 best differentiated respondents' levels of depressive symptoms corresponding to the GDS-15 cut off value of ≥5, regardless of age or sex, and thus comprise the proposed short version of the scale (GDS-4 GERDA). For the identification of individuals with depression (total GDS-15 score ≥ 5), the GDS-4 GERDA with a cut-off score of ≥2 had 92.9% sensitivity and 85.0% specificity. CONCLUSION: The GDS-4 GERDA could be used as an optimized short version of the GDS-15 to screen for depression among adults aged ≥ 85 years.

Associations between everyday physical activity and morale in older adults.

Studies that objectively investigate patterns of everyday physical activity in relation to well-being and that use measures specific to older adults are scarce. This study aimed to explore objectively measured everyday physical activity and sedentary behavior in relation to a morale measure specifically constructed for older adults. A total of 77 persons (42 women, 35 men) aged 80 years or older (84.3 ± 3.8) wore an accelerometer device for at least 5 days. Morale was measured with the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS). PGCMS scores were significantly positively associated with number of steps, time spent stepping, and time spent stepping at >75 steps per minute. Sedentary behavior did not associate with PGCMS. Promoting PA in the form of walking at any intensity-or even spending time in an upright position-and in any quantity may be important for morale, or vice versa, or the influence may be bidirectional.

Transanal Irrigation for People With Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction: An Integrative Literature Review.

Transanal irrigation has been introduced as a complement to standard bowel care for people with neurogenic bowel dysfunction. There is no contemporary integrative review of the effectiveness and feasibility of transanal irrigation from a holistic nursing perspective, only fragments of evidence to date. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of transanal irrigation for people with neurogenic bowel dysfunction. An integrative literature review was conducted. Nineteen studies were included. According to the results, transanal irrigation can reduce difficulties associated with defecation, episodes of incontinence, and the time needed for evacuation and bowel care. Transanal irrigation can increase general satisfaction with bowel habits and quality of life and decrease level of dependency. However, there are practical problems to overcome and adverse effects to manage. Discontinuation is relatively common. The results support the effectiveness of transanal irrigation, but feasibility is inconclusive. Users, including caregivers, report practical problems, and compliance was not always easy to achieve. It is important that users, including caregivers, are well informed and supported during transanal irrigation treatment, especially during introduction. The quality of the studies found was generally weak; therefore, high-quality quantitative and qualitative studies are needed on the topic.

Low or Declining Gait Speed is Associated With Risk of Developing Dementia Over 5 Years Among People Aged 85 Years and Over.

Improving dementia screening procedures beyond simple assessment of current cognitive performance is timely given the ongoing phenomenon of population aging. A slow or declining gait speed (GS) is a potential early indicator of cognitive decline scarcely investigated in very old people. Here, we investigated the 5-year associations of baseline GS, change in GS, and cognitive function with subsequent dementia development in people aged 85 years and older (n = 296) without dementia at baseline. Declining and a slow baseline GS were associated with higher odds of dementia development after adjusting for confounders (e.g., age, sex, and dependency in activities of daily living) and missing GS values at follow-up. The GS decline was associated with cognitive decline in participants who developed dementia. The results support the potential of GS tests to predict future cognitive decline among community- and nursing home-dwelling very old people.

Effects of Geriatric Interdisciplinary Home Rehabilitation on Independence in Activities of Daily Living in Older People With Hip Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of early discharge followed by geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation for older people with hip fracture on independence in activities of daily living (ADL) compared with inhospital geriatric care according to a multifactorial rehabilitation program. DESIGN: Planned analysis of a randomized controlled trial with 3- and 12-month follow-ups. SETTING: Geriatric ward, ordinary housing, and residential care facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Of 466 people screened for eligibility, participants (N=205) with acute hip fracture, aged 70 years or older, including those with cognitive impairment and those living in residential care facilities, were randomized to intervention or control groups. INTERVENTION: Individually designed interdisciplinary home rehabilitation for a maximum of 10 weeks. The intervention aimed at early hospital discharge and focused on prevention of falls, independence in daily activities, and walking ability indoors and outdoors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Independence in ADL was measured using the Barthel ADL Index, and the ADL Staircase including the Katz ADL Index during hospital stay (prefracture performance) and at the follow-up visits in the participants' homes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in ADL performance between the groups, and they recovered their prefracture level of independence in personal and instrumental ADL comparably. At 12 months, 33 (41.3%) in the intervention group vs 33 (41.8%) in the control group (P=.99) had regained or improved their prefracture ADL performance according to the Barthel ADL Index, and 27 (37.0%) vs 36 (48.6%) according to the ADL Staircase (P=.207). CONCLUSIONS: In older people with hip fracture, early discharge followed by geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation resulted in a comparable recovery of independence in ADL at 3 and 12 months as inhospital geriatric care and rehabilitation.

The association between cognition and gait in a representative sample of very old people - the influence of dementia and walking aid use.

BACKGROUND: Cognition has been related with gait speed in older adults; however, studies involving the oldest age group, where many have mobility disability and cognitive impairment, are few. The aim was to investigate the association between global cognitive function and gait speed in a representative sample of very old people, and whether the association was affected by dementia, and walking aid use. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 1317 participants, mean age 89.4 years, and 68% women, from the Umeå85+/Gerontological Regional Database. Self-paced gait speed was measured over 2.4 m, with or without walking aids, and global cognitive function with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The association between cognition and gait speed was analyzed using multiple linear regression and stratified according to dementia. The influence of missing gait speed values was explored using multiple imputation. An interaction analysis was performed to investigate the influence of walking aid use. RESULTS: In comprehensively adjusted analyses, MMSE associated with gait speed (unstandardized ß (ß) 0.011 m/s, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.009, 0.013, p < 0.001) in the total sample. No association was found in people with dementia (ß 0.003 m/s, 95%CI = 0.000, 0.006, p = 0.058), until missing gait speed values were compensated for by multiple imputation (ß 0.007 m/s, 95% [CI] = 0.002, 0.011, p = 0.002). In interaction analysis the use of walking aids attenuated the association between cognition and gait speed (ß - 0.019 m/s, 95%CI = - 0.024, - 0.013, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Global cognitive function appears to associate with gait speed in very old people. However, in people with dementia selection bias was indicated since unless missing gait speed values were accounted for no association was observed. Walking aid use attenuated cognitive load, which may not apply to walking in daily activities, and requires further investigation.

Effects of geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation on complications and readmissions after hip fracture: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE:: This pre-planned secondary analysis of geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation, which was initially found to shorten the postoperative length of stay in hospital for older individuals following hip fracture, investigated whether such rehabilitation reduced the numbers of complications, readmissions, and total days spent in hospital after discharge during a 12-month follow-up period compared with conventional geriatric care and rehabilitation. DESIGN:: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING:: Geriatric department, participants' residential care facilities, and ordinary housing. SUBJECTS:: Individuals aged ⩾70 years with acute hip fracture ( n = 205) were included. INTERVENTION:: Geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation was individually designed and aimed at early discharge with the intention to prevent, detect, and treat complications after discharge. MAIN MEASURES:: Complications, readmissions, and days spent in hospital were registered from patients' digital records and interviews conducted during hospitalization and at 3- and 12-month follow-up visits. RESULTS:: No significant difference in outcomes was observed. Between discharge and the 12-month follow-up, among participants in the geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation group ( n = 106) and control group ( n = 93), 57 (53.8%) and 44 (47.3%) had complications ( P = 0.443), 46 (43.4%) and 38 (40.9%) fell ( P = 0.828), and 38 (35.8%) and 27 (29.0%) were readmitted to hospital ( P = 0.383); the median total days spent in hospital were 11.5 and 11.0 ( P = 0.353), respectively. CONCLUSION:: Geriatric interdisciplinary home rehabilitation for older individuals following hip fracture resulted in similar proportions of complications, readmissions, and total days spent in hospital after discharge compared with conventional geriatric care and rehabilitation.

Five-year change in morale is associated with negative life events in very old age.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to study changes in morale in individuals 85 years and older, and to assess the effect of negative life events on morale over a five-year follow-up period. METHOD: The present study is based on longitudinal data from the Umeå85+/GERDA-study, including individuals 85 years and older at baseline (n = 204). Morale was measured with the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS). Negative life events were assessed using an index including 13 negative life events occurring during the follow-up period. Linear regression was used for the multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The majority of the sample (69.1%) had no significant changes in morale during the five-year follow-up. However, the accumulation of negative life events was significantly associated with a greater decrease in PGCMS. A higher baseline PGCMS score did not attenuate the adverse effect negative life events had on morale. CONCLUSION: Morale seemed to be mainly stable in a five-year follow-up of very old people. It seems, nonetheless, that individuals are affected by negative life events, regardless of level of morale. Preventing negative life events and supporting individuals who experience multiple negative life events could have important implications for the care of very old people.

The use of a screening scale improves the recognition of delirium in older patients after cardiac surgery-A retrospective observational study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyse postoperative delirium (POD) in clinical practice after cardiac surgery, how it is detected and documented and if the use of a screening scale improves the detection rate. BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery is considered a routine procedure with few complications. However, POD remains a concern, although often being overlooked in clinical practice. DESIGN: Retrospective observational analysis. METHODS: Patients 70 years and older with POD (n = 78) undergoing cardiac surgery were included in the study. Discharge summaries of both nurses and physicians were reviewed together with the clinical database for information about POD, to be compared with symptom screening using the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). A quantitative content analysis was used for the review of discharge summaries, with a coding scheme adopted from the Nu-DESC method. The STROBE checklist was followed. RESULTS: In discharge summaries, 41 of the 78 POD patients were correctly recognised, and 22 of these were identified in the clinical database. Screening by the Nu-DESC identified delirium at a measurably higher rate, 56/78 patients. The review of discharge summaries showed that patients expressing "inappropriate behaviour" was the most easily identified sign for POD for both nurses and physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals underdiagnose delirium after cardiac surgery, with a low detection rate described in both discharge summaries and in the clinical database. Recognition of delirium improved when Nu-DESC was used for systematic screening. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study emphasises the need for better screening for the detection of delirium in daily clinical practice.

Disturbances in Oxygen Balance During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Risk Factor for Postoperative Delirium.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery, specifically associated with the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Heart Centre, University Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 142 patients aged 70 years and older scheduled for elective cardiac surgery with CPB. INTERVENTIONS: Risk factor analysis comprised information collected from the hospital clinical and CPB dedicated databases in addition to the medical chart. Delirium was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision criterion using the Mini Mental State Examination and the Organic Brain Syndrome scale. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Assessments of delirium diagnosis were executed preoperatively and on the following first and fourth postoperative days. Delirium occurred in 55% (78/142) of the patients. Patients with delirium were identified with significantly higher body weight and body surface area preoperatively, accompanied with longer CPB time, higher positive fluid balance per CPB, and lower systemic pump flow related to body surface area. Furthermore, the duration of the mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) below 75% was significantly longer during CPB. The result from the multivariable logistic regression analysis included the duration of SvO2 below 75%, fluid balance per CPB and patient age as independent risk factors for postoperative delirium. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of the SvO2 level during CPB, fluid balance, and patient age should be recognized as risk factors for postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery in patients 70 years and older.