01/2020 journal articles
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SONOGRAPHIC INDEX OF MUSCLE QUALITY AND QUADRICEPS MUSCLE STRENGTH IN NURSING-HOME RESIDENTS – A PROOF-OF-CONCEPT STUDY
J. Wearing, M. Stokes, R.A. de Bie, E.D. de Bruin
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:120-126
Show summaryHide summaryBackground: Age-related neurological and muscular changes lead to low strength and function in older people. The proportional contribution of these changes to strength decline alters with increasing age. However, it is not clear how the muscle changes in older people which have excessive loss of strength due to multimorbidity and inactivity. Unlike community-living older adults, intramuscular alterations are rarely evaluated in nursing-home residents despite their potential importance for specific sarcopenia assessment and guiding interventions to improve strength. Objectives: To explore potential relationships between muscle strength, muscle quantity, contractile quality and physical activity in older nursing-home residents. Design: A cross-sectional proof-of-concept study. Setting: A nursing-home in Switzerland. Participants: 24 nursing-home residents, median age (range) 86.5 (68-103) years. Measurements: Sonographic measures of muscle thickness and echotexture were used as surrogate measures of muscle quantity and contractile quality of the quadriceps muscle. The relationship between sonographic measures and isometric strength of the knee extensors, gait speed and physical activity was evaluated using Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. A subgroup analysis of low (n=12) and normal (n=12) physical activity, based on energy expenditure cut off values of 383 kcal/week for men and 270 for women, was also undertaken. Results: In nursing home residents with normal physical activity, muscle quality positively correlated with knee extensor strength (r=0.727, p=.007) and gait speed (r=0.588, p=.044) while muscle thickness was not (p=0.966 and p=.564 respectively). There was no correlation among variables for n=24 or the subgroup with low physical activity. Conclusions: The results provide proof of concept that poor muscle quality is associated with low strength in older nursing-home residents that are physically active. Ultrasound derived muscle quality assessment has potential to detect activity-related muscle differences in old age, associated with sarcopenia, and may be more appropriate than muscle thickness measures.
CITATION:
J. Wearing ; M. Stokes ; R.A. de Bie ; E.D. de Bruin (2020): Relationship between sonographic index of muscle quality and quadriceps muscle strength in nursing-home residents – a proof-of-concept study. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.30
PREPARING THE TRANSITION TO LONG-TERM CARE INSTITUTIONS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AND CLUSTER ANALYSIS OF CHARACTERISTICS LINKED TO THE PLACE OF RESIDENCE
J. Chrusciel, S. Zid, V. Suissa, A. Letty, P.-E. Hay, D. Armaingaud, M. Dramé, L. Godaert, S. Sanchez
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:114-119
Show summaryHide summaryBackground: Entering a NH can represent considerable mental trauma in addition to an increased financial strain. An improved understanding of the psychological issues at play could help professionals to adopt a more empathic attitude. Objectives: the main objective of our study was to identify distinctive profiles of adults aged over 65 in four European countries in order to understand the difficulties associated with the transition to a nursing home. Design: Cross-sectional study and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. Participants: Retired people from Germany, Belgium, France, and Italy aged 65 or older selected by quota sampling and contacted via an online survey, the Ipsos Poll Institute Access Panel. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. A Principal Components Analysis was performed on the answers to the questionnaire, and clusters were identified by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis using Ward’s method. Measurements: The data was collected using an Internet questionnaire. Results: A total of 4160 subjects aged 65 years or older were selected. Principal component analysis identified six well-defined groups: wealthy homeowners, flexible single people, wealthy Germans, low-income introverts, socially isolated women, Italian homebirds. Conclusions: Understanding the profiles of older Europeans could help healthcare professionals decide how to orient them towards acceptance of their new life in the nursing home.
CITATION:
J. Chrusciel ; S. Zid ; V. Suissa ; A. Letty ; P.-E. Hay ; D. Armaingaud ; M. Dramé ; L. Godaert ; S. Sanchez (2020): Preparing the transition to long-term care institutions: a cross-sectional study and cluster analysis of characteristics linked to the place of residence. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.29
USING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS TO SHAPE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION INTO CARE HOMES IN BRAZIL: A WHITE PAPER
A.F. Jacinto, W. Achterberg, P.A. Wachholz, T. Dening, K. Harrison Dening, R. Devi, D. Oliveira, I. Everink, P.S. Azevedo, P.J.F. Villas Boas, K. Hinsliff-Smith, M. Hoedl, J.M.G.A. Schols, V. Shepherd, A.C.M. Gratao, R.C. de Melo, H.A.W. Watanabe, M.S. Zazzetta, C. Goodman, K. Spilsbury, A.L. Gordon
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:109-113
Show summaryHide summaryThe Brazilian care home sector is underdeveloped, and the limited available evidence suggests that care quality falls below international standards. Development of the Brazilian care home sector could be associated with better outcomes for those receiving care, and more efficient use of resources across health and social care. Research has an important role to play. This article summarises research priorities for Brazilian long-term care homes developed as part of an international workshop held in Brazil and the UK, and attended by 71 clinicians and researchers from 6 Brazilian Universities, supported by an international faculty of 8 Brazilian, 8 British, 2 Dutch and 1 Austrian academics. The research priorities identified were: understanding and supporting multidisciplinary working in care homes, with emphasis on describing availability of multidisciplinary teams and how they operate; dignity and sensitivity to cultural needs, with emphasis on collating accounts from Brazilian stakeholders about dignity in care and how it can be delivered; enriching the care home environment with art, music and gardens, with a focus on developing arts in the care home space in a way that is sensitive to Brazilian cultural identity; and benchmarking quality of care, with emphasis on exploring how international quality benchmarking tools can be adapted for use in Brazilian care homes, taking account of new initiatives to include person-centred outcomes as part of benchmarking. Instrumental to research in these priority areas will be establishing care home research capacity in Brazil.
CITATION:
A.F. Jacinto ; W. Achterberg ; P.A. Wachholz ; T. Dening ; K. Harrison Dening ; R. Devi ; D. Oliveira ; I. Everink ; P.S. Azevedo ; P.J.F. Villas Boas ; K. Hinsliff-Smith ; M. Hoedl ; J.M.G.A. Schols ; V. Shepherd ; A.C.M. Gratao ; R.C. de Melo ; H.A.W. Watanabe ; M.S. Zazzetta ; C. Goodman ; K. Spilsbury ; A.L. Gordon (2020): USING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS TO SHAPE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION INTO CARE HOMES IN BRAZIL: A WHITE PAPER. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.28
EMERGENCY HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS IN OLDER ADULTS FROM RESIDENTIAL AND NURSING HOMES: FREQUENCY, CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES
V.L. Keevil, A. Liou, L. Van Der Poel, S. Wallis, R. Romero-Ortuno, R. Biram
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:104-108
Show summaryHide summaryWe describe the frequency, characteristics and outcomes of emergency admissions to one large university hospital in England from residential and nursing homes. Any older adult (>75 years) admitted as an emergency over two years was included. Patient variables were retrieved from an electronic patient record and living status was established using an official register of care homes and manual inspection of medical records. The rate of emergency admission per bed-year was highest from residential homes (mean 0.68, SD 0.24), with lower rates from nursing (mean 0.49, SD 0.20) and dual-registered facilities (mean 0.49, SD 0.23). Older adults admitted from nursing beds had the highest frailty, illness acuity and inpatient mortality but those from residential beds had the highest odds of 30-day readmission, compared to older adults from their own homes (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.30, 2.04). Residential home residents are frequent users of emergency inpatient services and may benefit most from enhanced community healthcare.
CITATION:
V.L. Keevil ; A. Liou ; L. Van Der Poel ; S. Wallis ; R. Romero-Ortuno ; R. Biram (2020): Emergency hospital admissions in older adults from residential and nursing homes: frequency, characteristics and outcomes. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.27
OLFACTION AND NUTRIENT INTAKE IN OLDER ADULTS LIVING IN CANADIAN LONG TERM CARE HOMES
H.H. Keller, C.M. Steele, C. Lengyel, N. Carrier, S.E. Slaughter, J.M. Morrison, L.M. Duizer
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:100-103
Show summaryHide summaryThe aim of this research was to examine the prevalence of olfactory impairment in a sample of individuals living in long term care (LTC) homes and to examine associations between olfactory scores and food and fluid intake. Data were collected as part of a cross-sectional study conducted in 32 LTC homes across 4 provinces in Canada. Olfactory capabilities of 300 individuals were estimated using Burghart Sniffin’ Sticks. Food and fluid intake and self-reported olfactory capabilities were also collected. Based on Sniffin’ Stick scores, participants were classified into groups (anosmic vs not anosmic) with the majority (n=273) classified as anosmic. Differences in dietary and body weight data between the two groups were examined using pooled t-tests. No differences existed between olfactory group and body weight, caloric intake, nutrient intake or overall diet quality. Results indicate that older adults in LTC homes have significant olfactory impairments that do not show an association with food and fluid intake.
CITATION:
H.H. Keller ; C.M. Steele ; C. Lengyel ; N. Carrier ; S.E. Slaughter ; J.M. Morrison ; L.M. Duizer (2020): Olfaction and nutrient intake in older adults living in Canadian long term care homes. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.26
FEASIBILITY AND RELEVANCE OF DETECTION TESTS OF PROBABLE SARCOPENIA IN NURSING-HOME RESIDENTS
J. Wearing, M. Stokes, R.A. de Bie, E.D. de Bruin
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:93-99
Show summaryHide summaryBackground: Handgrip strength and a chair-stand-test are often used to evaluate strength and function, and to detect probable sarcopenia in community-living, older adults. In institutionalized, frail older people, evaluation of muscle performance is of particular importance but it has received little attention. Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of handgrip strength and the chair stand test in nursing-home residents, and their relation to overall strength, daily functioning and frailty. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: A nursing-home in Switzerland. Participants: 30 nursing-home residents, 23 women, age median (range) 86.5 (68-103) years. Measurements: Handgrip strength, the chair stand test, knee extensor and elbow flexor strength, gait speed, activities of daily living and frailty were assessed. The Mann-Whitney-U Test was used to compare sub-groups of sarcopenia (probable sarcopenia versus no probable sarcopenia) while Cohen’s Kappa and Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve examined relationships between tests. Results: All participants were able to perform the handgrip strength test, while only 14 could complete the chair rise test. Probable sarcopenia was detected by handgrip strength in 22 and chair stand test in 24 (8 slow; 16 unable to complete) participants, with an overlap of 19. Probable sarcopenia, detected by each of the tests, was significantly associated with low gait speed and severe frailty status, while low handgrip strength also indicated low elbow flexor and knee extensor strength, and high dependence in activities of daily living. Conclusions: Handgrip strength test is superior to the chair stand test as a strength test to detect probable sarcopenia in nursing-home residents, as it could be completed by more frail people. Sarcopenia-specific cut off values in handgrip strength indicated overall strength, leg function, performance of daily activities and frailty, hence, the test could be used as a screening test for physical condition. Although further research is needed, given the importance of detecting muscle performance, handgrip strength testing is recommended in nursing-home residents.
CITATION:
J. Wearing ; M. Stokes ; R.A. de Bie ; E.D. de Bruin (2020): Feasibility and relevance of detection tests of probable sarcopenia in nursing-home residents. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.25
NURSE STAFFING AND FALLS AMONG THE OLDER ADULTS IN NURSING HOMES
O.O. Omotowa, L.C. Hussey
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:90-92
Show summaryHide summaryAdequate nurse staffing levels are critical to nursing homes’ residents’ quality of care outcomes. The number of nurse staffing hours per resident day directly affects being with, and supervising residents’ activities in ways to prevent falls. Studies have shown some negative direct relationships between nurse staffing levels and occurrences of falls in nursing homes. The objective of this report is to examine the relationship between nurse staffing and occurrence of falls in nursing homes. Articles were search from nursing and health care databases such as CINAHL Plus, Academic Search Complete, Medline Complete, and ProQuest Nursing using different levels of nurse staffing, nursing homes, and long-term care. Information was also retrieved from the Center for Diseases Prevention and Control and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services websites. Results showed that increased number of total nurses, increased licensed nurses, and increase ratio of registered nurses to certified nurse aids skill-mix were related to fewer numbers of falls. Falls are detrimental to nursing homes’ older adults’ quality of life. Adequate nurse staffing levels is imperative to maintain the dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life for vulnerable nursing homes’ residents.
CITATION:
O.O. Omotowa ; L.C. Hussey (2020): Nurse Staffing and Falls among the Older Adults in Nursing Homes. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.24
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL RESILIENCY IN DETROIT NURSING HOME WORKERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
E.P. Arble, S. Shankar, S.W. Steinert, A.M. Daugherty
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:89
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CITATION:
E.P. Arble ; S. Shankar ; S.W. Steinert ; A.M. Daugherty (2020): Letter to the editor: Mental Health and Emotional Resiliency in Detroit Nursing Home Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.23
SENIORS LIVING IN RESIDENTIAL HOMES: A TARGET POPULATION TO IMPLEMENT ICOPE (INTEGRATED CARE FOR OLDER PEOPLE) PROGRAM IN PRIMARY CARE
J. De Kerimel, N. Tavassoli, C. Mathieu, P. De Souto Barreto, C. Berbon, H. Blain, B. Vellas, Y. Rolland
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:82-88
Show summaryHide summaryBackground: Few researches describe old people living in residential homes despite this population being reported to consume much of medical care. Our hypothesis is that many older people living in these structures are frail and that residential home may be targeted places for the implementation of strategy to prevent functional decline. Objective: Our goal is to describe the geriatric characteristics of older people living in residential homes. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, observational survey carried out in residential homes in Toulouse (France). A questionnaire covering general informations about the residential homes and services offered to residents and a self-assessment questionnaire for all residents (including, FinD questionnaire for frailty, SARC-F for sarcopenia, loneliness, and depressive symptoms, fear of falling) were completed. Results: 1,274 older adults living in 29 residential homes received the questionnaire and 807 (63.3%) people participated (mean age; standard deviation, SD = 83.0; 9.5, female 74.5%). A large majority are not disabled (mean ADL score; SD = 5.4; 0.9), lived alone (83.9%) and suffer from loneliness (29.8%). More than half were positively screened for frailty (53.7%) and 37.2% for sarcopenia; 53.5% had depressive symptoms, and 59.1% reported a fear of falling. Conclusion: Our study suggests that prevalence of frailty in older people living in residential homes is high. This result supports that older people living in residential homes could be a target population to implement strategy to prevent functional decline.
CITATION:
J. De Kerimel ; N. Tavassoli ; C. Mathieu ; P. De Souto Barreto ; C. Berbon ; H. Blain ; B. Vellas ; Y. Rolland (2020): Seniors living in residential homes: A target population to implement ICOPE (Integrated Care for Older PEople) program in primary care . The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.22
EFFECTS OF RESISTIVE INSPIRATORY EXERCISE ON ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION, FATIGUE, AND RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN PERSONS WITH ADVANCED MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS LIVING IN A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY
M.H. Huang, A. Burnham, L. Doyle, D. Fry, L. Wiske, M. Kolanda, E. Khitrik, J. Goode, H. Smith, K. Shea, N. Houston
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:78-81
Show summaryHide summaryThis study examined the outcomes of 10-week daily resistive inspiratory exercise in 34 adults with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS) in a long-term care facility. Respiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory [MIP] and expiratory pressure [MEP]) and fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale-5) were measured at pre-test, post-test, and 8-week retention. Activity participation (days/week attending group social activities) and respiratory infections were analysed during the baseline, exercise, and retention. Participants were aged 60.0±8.5 years and non-ambulatory (Expanded Disability Status Scale = 8.5±0.4). MIP (p=0.02) and activity participation (p=0.019) differed significantly by time. Bonferroni post-hoc analysis revealed that MIP was greater at post-test (41.6%±23.9%) than pre-test (35.6%±22.0%) (p=0.004), and participants attended more social activities during exercise phase (5.0±3.4 days/week) than baseline (4.0±2.1 days/week) (p=0.043). Fatigue did not change by time. Among the participants, 18%, 6%, and 9% had respiratory infections during baseline, exercise, and retention, respectively. Resistive inspiratory exercise improved activity participation without worsening fatigue during the course of exercise in persons with advanced MS.
CITATION:
M.H. Huang ; A. Burnham ; L. Doyle ; D. Fry ; L. Wiske ; M. Kolanda ; E. Khitrik ; J. Goode ; H. Smith ; K. Shea ; N. Houston (2020): Health Information Technology Use Among Nursing Assistants in Long Term Care: A User Study of a Touch Screen Point of Care System. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.21
HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USE AMONG NURSING ASSISTANTS IN LONG TERM CARE: A USER STUDY OF A TOUCH SCREEN POINT OF CARE SYSTEM
R. Meehan
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:73-77
Show summaryHide summaryBackground: As health information technology (IT) sophistication evolves in long term care (LTC) facilities, it is critical to understand the user experience of health IT among all LTC caregivers to support their roles in providing quality care. Objectives: To examine the end user’s (nursing assistants) experience of a newly implemented wall-mounted, touch screen point-of-care (POC) system in a LTC facility in the mid-western United States. Design: This study used a descriptive qualitative method to conduct a user experience study. Setting: The study site was a chain-affiliated, non-profit continuing care retirement community in the Midwest United States, with 79 skilled nursing facility beds licensed for LTC and 29 beds licensed for rehabilitation. Participants: This purposive sample included state tested nursing assistants (NA) (n=25), representing all three work shifts (day, afternoon, and night). Measurements: Measures included a semi-structured one-on-one interview and a short questionnaire using both closed ended and open ended questions to examine the user experience of the new health IT in terms of 1) usability, (2) overall evaluation (what is working, what is not, what can be improved), and (3) whether the POC has helped staff members to provide better care. Results: Nursing assistants reported satisfaction with the system, ease of use, and a more effective data capture experience than compared to using a paper chart. Most respondents agreed that the POC helped staff to provide better care. Respondents voiced concerns in areas of how best to configure the POC system and best practices on how to use the system more effectively going forward. Conclusions: Optimizing the user experience of health IT among NA staff can affect clinical outcomes for LTC residents. Recommendations for improvements include improved usability to ensure data is captured efficiently, enhanced and more frequent training for accuracy, ergonomic adjustments for reaching the screen and entering data without injury, and modifications to protect resident health information privacy.
CITATION:
R. Meehan ; (2020): Health Information Technology Use Among Nursing Assistants in Long Term Care: A User Study of a Touch Screen Point of Care System. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.20
IMPACT OF EVACUATING SKILLED NURSING HOME RESIDENTS TESTING POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 TO AN INPATIENT ACUTE CARE SETTING
R.J. Fischer
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:69-72
Show summaryHide summaryWe report a case series of 38 patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) evacuated to Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MGVAMC) in Spokane, Washington following disease outbreak in a skilled nursing home (SNH). Range of symptoms were none to mild on transfer. Patients were admitted to stem the outbreak, provide enhanced medical care and improve clinical outcome. The nursing home outbreak was arrested within two weeks of the initial patient transfer and mortality in this cohort was 13.2%.
CITATION:
R.J. Fischer ; (2020): Impact of Evacuating Skilled Nursing Home Residents Testing Positive for COVID-19 to an Inpatient Acute Care Setting. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.19
PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF POOR SLEEP QUALITY AMONG INSTITUTIONALIZED ELDERS
M.H. Itani, G. Hamadeh, S. Mroueh, N. Naja, O. Kolokotroni
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:61-68
Show summaryHide summaryObjectives: Sleep problems are common in institutionalized elders and are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Our study evaluates the prevalence of poor sleep quality in a chronic care philanthropic institution and their possible predictors in that setting. Methods: The study involved 192 participants. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale was used as an assessment tool for poor sleep quality. Participants with a global PSQI score of 5 or more were classified as poor sleepers. Bivariate analysis was used to study statistical correlation between high PSQI scores and the independent variables of demographic data and lifestyle habits, coexisting chronic medical conditions and current medications. Results: Poor sleep quality was present in 75% of the participants. Decreased ambulatory activity, poor performance on memory tests and Alzheimer disease had positive association with poor sleep quality [OR 2.85 (95% CI, 1.41-5.68), OR 4.21 (95% CI, 1.90-9.33) and OR 2.28 (95% CI, 1.05-4.94) respectively]. Schizophrenia had a negative association [OR 0.46 (95% CI, 0.23-0.92)], while proton pump inhibitors approached statistical significance [OR 1.85 (95% CI, 0.96-3.59)]. Conclusion: Our study showed high prevalence of poor sleep quality in institutionalized elders. Physicians must use a standardized tool for assessment of sleep in that setting and not rely on a single question about sleep quality. The activity of moving the elders out of the bed during the day is a simple intervention that may help in improving their sleep at night. The association between poor sleep and Alzheimer disease and impaired memory reflects the importance of early identification of these problems and early management. Overuse of proton pump inhibitors in institutionalized elders may be associated with poor sleep quality.
CITATION:
M.H. Itani ; G. Hamadeh ; S. Mroueh ; N. Naja ; O. Kolokotroni (2020): Prevalence and Predictors of Poor Sleep Quality among Institutionalized Elders . The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.18
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN UK CARE HOMES – REVEALING THE CRACKS IN THE SYSTEM
R. Devi, K. Hinsliff-Smith, C. Goodman, A.L Gordon
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:58-60
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CITATION:
R. Devi ; K. Hinsliff-Smith ; C. Goodman ; A.L Gordon (2020): The COVID-19 pandemic in UK Care Homes – Revealing the Cracks in the System. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.17
COVID-19 EPIDEMIC IN THE NURSING HOME – THE GERMAN EXPERIENCE
S. Grund, M. Gosch, T. Laurentius, C. Bollheimer, C. Becker, J.M. Bauer
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:55-57
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CITATION:
S. Grund ; M. Gosch ; T. Laurentius ; C. Bollheimer ; C. Becker ; J.M. Bauer (2020): Covid-19 epidemic in the nursing home – The German experience. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.16
STRATEGY FOR RESIDENTS OF NURSING HOMES FACING THE SARS-COV2 EPIDEMIC IN FRANCE
S. Vienne-Noyes, L. Andre, Y. Rolland
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:53-54
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CITATION:
S. Vienne-Noyes ; L. Andre ; Y. Rolland (2020): Strategy for residents of nursing homes facing the SARS-Cov2 epidemic in France. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.15
NURSING HOME CARE IN AUSTRIA DURING SARS-COVID-19 PANDEMIA 2020
R. Roller-Wirnsberger, S. Lindner, A. Matijevic, E. Stolz, G. Wirnsberger
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:50-52
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CITATION:
R. Roller-Wirnsberger ; S. Lindner ; A. Matijevic ; E. Stolz ; G. Wirnsberger (2020): Nursing Home Care in Austria during SARS-COVID-19 Pandemia 2020 . The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.14
THE EXPERIENCE OF MANAGING COVID-19 IN IRISH NURSING HOMES IN 2020
D.W. Molloy, C. O’Sullivan, R. O’Caoimh, E. Duggan, K. Mcgrath, M. Nolan, J. Hennessy, G. O’Keeffe, K. O’Connor
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:47-49
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CITATION:
D.W. Molloy ; C. O’Sullivan ; R. O’Caoimh ; E. Duggan ; K. Mcgrath ; M. Nolan ; J. Hennessy ; G. O’Keeffe ; K. O’Connor (2020): The experience of managing COVID-19 in Irish Nursing Homes in 2020. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.13
COVID-19 IN LTC – REFLECTIONS FROM ONTARIO CANADA
A. Moser, P. Pariser, A. Verma, F. Razak, B. Wong, L. Pus, S. Feldman
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:45-46
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CITATION:
A. Moser ; P. Pariser ; A. Verma ; F. Razak ; B. Wong ; L. Pus ; S. Feldman (2020): COVID-19 in LTC – Reflections from Ontario Canada. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.12
STRUGGLING WITH COVID19 PANDEMIC IN NURSING HOMES: THE CASE OF SPAIN
L. Rodríguez-Mañas
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:43-44
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CITATION:
L. Rodríguez-Mañas ; (2020): Struggling with covid19 pandemic in Nursing Homes: the case of Spain. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.11
COVID-19 EPIDEMIC IN THE NURSING HOMES IN BELGIUM
S. Gillain, J.-L. Belche, J.-F. Moreau
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:40-42
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CITATION:
S. Gillain ; J.-L. Belche ; J.-F. Moreau (2020): COVID-19 epidemic in the Nursing Homes in Belgium. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.10
NEW ZEALAND NURSING HOMES (AGED RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES) AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC
X.J. Walker, D.L. Waters, N. Millar
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:38-39
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CITATION:
X.J. Walker ; D.L. Waters ; N. Millar (2020): New Zealand Nursing Homes (Aged Residential Care Facilities) and COVID-19 Pandemic. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.9
COVID-19: PREVENTION AND OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT IN NURSING HOMES: EXPERIENCES FROM THE NURSING HOMES OF THE CITY OF ZURICH
H. Geschwindner, G. Bieri-Brüning
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:35-37
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CITATION:
H. Geschwindner ; G. Bieri-Brüning (2020): COVID-19: Prevention and Outbreak Management in Nursing Homes: Experiences from the Nursing Homes of the City of Zurich. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.8
DEALING WITH COVID-19 IN DUTCH NURSING HOMES
J.M.G.A. Schols, E.P. Poot, N.M. Nieuwenhuizen, W.P. Achterberg
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:30-34
Show summaryHide summaryIt is absolutely no surprise that the Dutch nursing home sector with a total of 125.000 residents would be affected by COVID-19. Before the first case in the Netherlands was registered, alarming signals had already arrived from other countries, indicating that the frail and disabled, multimorbid nursing home population is an easy prey for this virus. In the meantime, despite a visitor lockdown since mid-March, a considerable amount of residents and staff have been infected and around 1700 residents have died from COVID-19 (mid-May). The future will learn what the long-term consequences of this crisis will be for residents and staff and what finally will be the main lessons learnt. This article shows that it is clear that we have some way to go, to ensure that the Dutch nursing home sector, despite its good infrastructure, will be sustainably and proactively recognized, resourced and equipped to fulfil its unique role in long-term care. Moreover the sector has to find its way in preparing itself for the temporary future 1,5 meter society.
CITATION:
J.M.G.A. Schols ; E.P. Poot ; N.M. Nieuwenhuizen ; W.P. Achterberg (2020): Dealing with COVID-19 in Dutch nursing homes. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.7
AN ASPIRATIONAL APPROACH TO NURSING HOME OPERATIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
M. Wasserman, A.G. Wolk, A. Lam
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:24-29
Show summaryHide summaryCOVID-19 has infected nearly half of all nursing homes in the United States. Tens of thousands of residents have lost their lives, and many more have been hospitalized. Emerging data suggest that few nursing facilities have the organizational structure, training, resources, physical plant, and operational capability to keep the COVID-19 infection completely out of a facility. Key infection prevention strategies (such as cohorting, universal masking of patients/staff, focused ventilation, point-prevalence testing, and preventing movement of healthcare workers between facilities) have been inconsistently and haphazardly applied. With these challenges in mind, the California Association of Long Term Care Medicine (CALTCM) proposed a model for a virtual centralized Support and Guidance Center that develops and disseminates real-time expert-driven recommendations to the traditional organizational structure of a nursing facility. We recommended that all senior congregate facilities transition to an incident command management structure. This would allow local leadership teams to focus on day to day management, transferring the responsibility of training, PPE procurement, engineering, testing, and real-time expert-driven recommendations to a centralized entity. Clinical and operational aspects of this model are based on emergency preparedness principles. While this approach is aspirational, the principles delineated in this document can be used to guide policy decisions as we work to mitigate the impact of this virus.
CITATION:
M. Wasserman ; A.G. Wolk ; A. Lam (2020): An Aspirational Approach to Nursing Home Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.6
COVID-19 IN ITALIAN NURSING HOMES: FROM GUIDELINES TO PRACTICE
G. Pezzoni, C. Luchetti, M. Cesari
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:22-23
Show summaryHide summaryhe COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the world at urgently elaborating new strategies to cope with the many healthcare issues raising from such unprecedent and complex situation. This article is focused on the many problems faced by Italian nursing homes. In particular, it is described which countermeasures were suggested in the guidelines, and the obstacles encountered in their implementation. It is then explained the importance of reshaping the current “hospital-centered” healthcare system into a more modern model, giving more value to the centrality of the person.
CITATION:
G. Pezzoni ; C. Luchetti ; M. Cesari (2020): COVID-19 in Italian Nursing Homes: from guidelines to practice. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.5
COVID 19 AND RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES IN HONG KONG
J. Woo
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:20-21
Show summaryHide summary
CITATION:
J. Woo (2020): Covid 19 and Residential Care Homes in Hong Kong. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.4
ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCES IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS: A REVIEW OF PREVALENCE, MANAGEMENT AND CONSIDERATIONS
L. Pickenhan, C. Rungg, N. Schiefermeier-Mach
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:14-19
Show summaryHide summaryBackground: Electrolyte imbalances strongly impact on morbidity and mortality rate in elderly adults. In particular, residents of long-term care facilities may develop life-threatening conditions as a result of altered serum electrolyte concentration. European nursing homes have restricted availability of general practitioner, therefore the role of nurses in medical care, prevention practices, early symptoms identification and communication with physicians is indispensable. Many of the risk factors associated with electrolyte imbalances are modifiable or preventable and have to be adequately recognized and managed by health professionals in nursing home settings. Objective: The aim of this review is to discuss prevalence and management of electrolyte imbalances in long-term care facilities with focus on nursing homes. Design: Narrative literature review. Methods: Search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed and CINAHL databases. Key search terms associated with electrolyte imbalances including hyper- and hypo-states of sodium, potassium and magnesium were utilized in the subject search in combination with nursing homes, long-term care and older adults. Results and Conclusions: Published research studies reported higher prevalence of electrolyte imbalances and related mortality rate in nursing home residents when compared to older community adults. Serum sodium imbalances, hyponatremia and hypernatremia, were the most commonly identified. High incidence was also documented for hypomagnesemia and associated hypokalemia. Risk factors strongly associated with electrolyte imbalances included nursing home resident’s dietary/ hydration status, presence of comorbidities and type of prescribed medications. In this review we also summarise early signs of electrolyte imbalances and assessments that can be performed locally by nursing personnel. Strengthening awareness for electrolyte imbalances is an important quality-improvement effort from the perspective of nursing home residents and their families that might lower unnecessary hospital transfers, EI complication rates and residents’ mortality.
CITATION:
L. Pickenhan ; C. Rungg ; N. Schiefermeier-Mach (2020): Electrolyte Imbalances in Nursing Home Residents: a Review of Prevalence, Management and Considerations. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.3
DO PHYSICAL FUNCTION IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS CHANGE DURING THEIR STAY?
L. Yong, P. Upendranatha Reddy, J. Tan, D. Avers, P.-H. Ong, W.-P. Wong
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:6-13
Show summaryHide summaryBackground: Decline in physical function is associated with increased frailty and hospitalization, resulting in decline of mental status and loss of functional independence. Nursing homes engage residents with variable intensity and frequency of physical activities to reduce functional decline. However the extent to which the physical function of nursing home residents change (that is, improve, maintain or decline) remains unknown. Objectives: The aims of this study were to document the change in physical function and functional category among 222 nursing home residents over a period of 9 months; and to identify the factors associated with changes in their physical function. Design: This is a longitudinal and multi-site study, with outcomes measured at point of recruitment and measurements repeated every three months for nine months. Setting: Three nursing homes in Singapore. Participants: A total of 222 residents (59% male and 41% female) with a mean age of 77.4 years, and an average length of stay of 64 days, participated in the study. Participants did not differ significantly from the 698 total residents in terms of age, number of medical comorbidities and physical function. The key exclusion criteria preventing participation in the study were cognitive status (MMSE < 11) and being placed on cardiac and pulmonary precautions. Measurements: Physical function was measured using the following outcome measures: sit and reach for flexibility, single leg stance for balance, 5 times chair-stand for overall lower extremity muscle strength, 10-meter walk tests for gait speed, and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) for activities of daily living (ADL). Participants were categorised into functional categories (“Fun”, “Functional”, “Frail”, “Failure”) for each test. Factors that are potentially associated with changes in physical function such as number and type of physiotherapy sessions received, number of hospitalisations, age, and length of stay, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and baseline Geriatric Depression Scale were also recorded. Results: There were significant improvements between baseline to 3rd month in flexibility (sit and reach distance from toe in centimeters) [2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05, 4.34; p = .001], balance (single leg stance in seconds) [8.46; 95% CI = 6.81, 10.12; p < .001), MBI [5.06; 95% CI = 2.61, 7.51; p < .001] but not strength and gait speed. Improvements were maintained until 9th month except on flexibility test. Gait speed significantly improved between baseline and 9th month [0.13, 95% CI = .009, .242; p = .035]. The group that improved the most were those who were in the “Failure” group at baseline. Number and type of physiotherapy sessions as well as number of hospitalisations was found to be associated with the extent of improvement in physical function. Conclusions: The study suggests that current rehabilitation framework at these nursing homes has the potential to enhance the physical function of residents who are in the earlier stage of their nursing home stay. Modifiable variables such as number and types of physiotherapy sessions appear to be significant factors associated with these outcomes. Hence, further studies examine the optimum frequency and type of physiotherapy sessions for this population.
OPEN ACCESSORAL HEALTH IN NURSING HOMES: WHAT WE KNOW AND WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW
A.M. Foiles Sifuentes, K.L. Lapane
Jour Nursing Home Res 2020;6:1-5
Show summaryHide summaryA “silent epidemic» of oral diseases is afflicting older adults. Older adults develop coronal caries at “approximately one new cavity per year”. Despite the rapidly growing older adult population, no recent data exist for adults aged ≥ 75 years. Oral disease impacts physical, psychological, and social well-being through pain, diminished function, and reduced quality of life. People of color disproportionately experience oral disease, yet little is known about racial/ethnic disparities in older adults. In the United States, the Health and Human Services Oral Health Strategic Framework proposed concrete steps to eliminate oral health disparities. Notably absent from this strategic plan is explicit consideration of nursing home residents. In the United States, federal regulations require nursing homes to evaluate oral health needs and facilitate access to dental care. Compliance to the regulations is unknown. Data are urgently required to provide essential information for program planning and evaluation on “racial and ethnic minorities, rural populations, and the frail elderly”.
CITATION:
A.M. Foiles Sifuentes ; K.L. Lapane (2020): ORAL HEALTH IN NURSING HOMES: WHAT WE KNOW AND WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2020.1