Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Mark Toles, Alesia Frerichs, Jennifer Leeman
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of a learning collaborative in implementing transitional care interventions in skilled nursing facilities, finding significant improvements in patient reach, adoption rate, and fidelity to the implementation strategies.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kelly Birtwell, Claire Planner, Alexander Hodkinson, Alex Hall, Sally Giles, Stephen Campbell, Natasha Tyler, Maria Panagioti, Gavin Daker-White
Summary: This study aimed to assess the association between transitional care interventions and readmission rates and other outcomes for residents of LTCFs who are 65 years and older. The study found that transitional care interventions were associated with lower readmission rates but had no significant differences in other outcomes. Therefore, investment and promotion of transitional care interventions are important for residents of LTCFs.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Mark Toles, John S. Preisser, Cathleen Colon-Emeric, Mary D. Naylor, Morris Weinberger, Ying Zhang, Laura C. Hanson
Summary: This study tested the efficacy of the Connect-Home transitional care intervention on patient and caregiver preparedness for care at home, and other patient and caregiver-reported outcomes. The results showed that the intervention did not improve outcomes in the planned statistical analysis. However, post-hoc analyses revealed a potential association between the intervention and increased patient preparedness and decreased return to acute care, considering the impact of COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
M. Toles, C. Colon-Emeric, L. C. Hanson, M. Naylor, M. Weinberger, J. Covington, J. S. Preisser
Summary: This study aims to test the efficacy of the Connect-Home transitional care intervention in improving care for seriously ill SNF patients and their caregivers, preventing avoidable days of acute care use, and advancing the science of transitional care.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Sandra M. Shi, Brianne Olivieri-Mui, Gahee Oh, Ellen McCarthy, Jonathan F. Bean, Dae H. Kim
Summary: This study examines the association between a claims-based frailty index and time at home in Medicare beneficiaries. The findings suggest a positive correlation between frailty and short time at home, indicating the need for additional resources and interventions to prevent health decline and poor quality of life.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Review
Orthopedics
Rachel A. Prusynski, Allison M. Gustavson, Siddhi R. Shrivastav, Tracy M. Mroz
Summary: This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on the relationship between therapy intensity and patient outcomes in SNFs. The findings suggest that higher intensity therapy is associated with higher rates of community discharge and shorter length of stay in SNFs.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Helga Rafael Henriques, Diana Sousa, Jose Faria, Joana Pinto, Andreia Costa, Maria Adriana Henriques, Maria Candida Durao
Summary: This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the effect of measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in LTCFs during outbreaks since 2021. Three levels of interventions (strategic, tactical, and operational measures) were summarized to prevent disease transmission.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Caroline Strickland, Nancy Chi, Laura Ditz, Luisa Gomez, Brittin Wagner, Stanley Wang, Daniel J. Lizotte
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that impact whether a patient referral to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) is accepted or denied. The key drivers found include the patient's primary diagnosis and insurance type, as well as the facility's overall 5-star rating and urban versus rural status. Understanding these factors is essential for improving decision-making processes and achieving appropriate occupancy levels.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Becky A. Briesacher, Brianne L. Olivieri-Mui, Benjamin Koethe, Jane S. Saczynski, Donna Marie Fick, John W. Devlin, Edward R. Marcantonio
Summary: A positive delirium screen at skilled-nursing facility (SNF) admission is associated with an increased risk of receiving psychoactive medication within 7 days, particularly in patients with incident dementia. Future research should explore strategies to reduce inappropriate psychoactive medication prescribing in older adults admitted with delirium to SNFs.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Sarguni Singh, Elizabeth Molina, Elisabeth Meyer, Sung-Joon Min, Stacy Fischer
Summary: This study found that the majority of newly diagnosed cancer patients do not receive further treatment or hospice care after hospitalization, and there is limited rehabilitative effect in skilled nursing facilities. Patients with greater functional improvement have better survival rates.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ifedayo O. Kuye, Sonia Dalal, Shaker Eid, Venkat Gundareddy
Summary: This study examined the efficacy of a weekly post-discharge hospitalist led virtual rounding program in improving communication and the quality of discharge summaries between hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The program successfully identified errors in discharge summaries and was perceived as beneficial by participating SNF and hospitalist providers.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Linda Lapp, Kieren Egan, Lisa McCann, Moira Mackenzie, Ann Wales, Roma Maguire
Summary: This article reviews the research on clinical decision support tools in long-term care facilities and finds that these tools have the potential to improve care delivery and health outcomes in areas such as medication management, pressure ulcer prevention, and dementia management. However, there is variability in results due to the diversity of tool types, users, and contexts, as well as limited validation.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Terry Hawk, Elizabeth M. White, Courtney Bishnoi, Lindsay B. Schwartz, Rosa R. Baier, David R. Gifford
Summary: This study examined the nurse staffing levels in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in the United States and estimated the costs and personnel needed to meet proposed minimum levels. The findings showed that only a small percentage of SNFs met the proposed standards, and achieving the minimum staffing levels would require substantial financial investment and targeted support for low-resource facilities. Rural SNFs in particular faced challenges in meeting all categories, primarily due to fierce competition at the county level.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Michael J. Buys, Zachary Anderson, Kimberlee Bayless, Chong Zhang, Angela P. Presson, Julie Hales, Benjamin S. Brooke
Summary: This retrospective cohort study compared opioid use patterns between Veterans who were discharged to a skilled care facility and those who went home after orthopedic surgery at a VA hospital. The study found that patients discharged to a skilled care facility used opioids for twice as long as those who were discharged home. Consequently, skilled care providers should adapt nonopioid pain modalities and strategies for opioid reduction in their facilities.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Gerontology
Andrew R. Zullo, Melissa R. Riester, Elizabeth M. Goldberg, Meghan A. Cupp, Sarah D. Berry, Francesca L. Beaudoin
Summary: This study explores the market shares of long-term care (LTC) pharmacies and differences between skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in Rhode Island. After analysis, it was found that the RI market is highly concentrated between LTC pharmacies, with Omnicare and PharMerica serving the majority of SNFs. PharMerica SNFs had the lowest prevalences of pharmacy-related deficiencies and antianxiety medication use. The findings suggest the potential for efficient interventions in medication management, but also highlight the need to maintain competition and innovation.
JOURNAL OF AGING & SOCIAL POLICY
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mark Toles, Cathleen Colon-Emeric, Elizabeth Moreton, Lauren Frey, Jennifer Leeman
Summary: This study utilized the Framework for Implementation Research to map-out the use, evaluation, and reporting of QI strategies in nursing homes, revealing a focus on clinical issues like pressure ulcers, falls, and pain. The findings also showed varying degrees of reporting on implementation outcomes and service/resident outcomes in these studies.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lisa DiMartino, Thomas Miano, Kathryn Wessell, Buck Bohac, Laura C. Hanson
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using natural language processing (NLP) to identify symptom burden in hospitalized cancer patients using electronic health records (EHR). The results showed that NLP can be an effective method for identifying symptom burden, but further model development is needed.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Christopher Svendsen, Andrew James, Richard S. Matulewicz, Elizabeth Moreton, Roman Sosnowski, Scott Sherman, Ilona Jaspers, Terry Gordon, Marc A. Bjurlin
Summary: This study aims to identify biomarkers of exposure associated with bladder cancer in heated tobacco product (HTP) users' urine. The findings showed that biomarkers of exposure to bladder carcinogens are present in the urine of HTP users, although at lower levels than combustible cigarette users. Further long-term study is needed to determine the bladder cancer risk of HTP use.
UROLOGIC ONCOLOGY-SEMINARS AND ORIGINAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Joshua D. Niznik, Sarah D. Berry, Maggie Syme, Casey J. Kelley, Laura C. Hanson, Jill Harrison
Summary: COVID-19 vaccination rates are low among frontline healthcare assistants. Safety concerns are the primary contributors to vaccine hesitancy. Addressing short-term and long-term safety implications can effectively increase vaccination rates among healthcare assistants.
Article
Nursing
Anna S. Beeber, Matthias Hoben, Jennifer Leeman, Stephanie Palmertree, Christine E. Kistler, Terri Ottosen, Elizabeth Moreton, Amy Vogelsmeier, Pam Dardess, Ruth A. Anderson
Summary: This paper describes a protocol for a study funded by AHRQ to develop a toolkit for increasing resident and family engagement in assisted living (AL) safety. The study aims to identify common AL safety problems, prioritize them, and evaluate existing person and family engagement (PFE) interventions to address these problems. The methods include qualitative interviews, a scoping review, and stakeholder panel meetings. The study findings will result in a testable toolkit to improve resident and family engagement in AL safety.
RESEARCH IN NURSING & HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Emergency Medicine
Christopher S. Evans, Rodney Arthur, Michael Kane, Fola Omofoye, Arlene E. Chung, Elizabeth Moreton, Carlton Moore
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of incidental findings in the emergency department (ED) and summarize measures to mitigate the associated risks. Incidental findings were commonly encountered in CT scans of ED patients with a wide range of chief complaints. However, there was great heterogeneity in the definitions and classification of incidental findings, highlighting the need for further research to standardize classification and documentation.
ANNALS OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Eliza M. Park, Allison M. Deal, Hillary M. Heiling, Ahrang Jung, Justin M. Yopp, Savannah M. Bowers, Laura C. Hanson, Mi-Kyung Song, Carmina G. Valle, Brian Yi, Anna Cassidy, Hannah Won, Donald L. Rosenstein
Summary: The study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Families Addressing Cancer Together (FACT), a web-based intervention for parents with cancer to talk with their children. Most participants found FACT helpful, relevant, and easy to understand, with potential to address communication concerns of parents with cancer.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Mark Toles, Jennifer Leeman, M. Heather McKay, Jacquelyn Covington, Laura C. Hanson
Summary: This study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, preliminary outcomes, and mechanisms of the Connect-Home ADRD transitional care intervention. The results showed that the intervention was feasible and acceptable, and it may help reduce re-hospitalization after leaving skilled nursing facilities for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jennifer L. Gabbard, Joan G. Carpenter, Natalie C. Ernecoff, Kimberly Mournighan, Isabella Cornea, Mark McKone, Laura C. Hanson
Summary: This study conducted a scoping review of outcome measures utilized in ACP randomized controlled clinical trials, evaluating their pragmatic characteristics. The results showed that only 23% of the outcome measures were highly pragmatic, and the majority of these measured healthcare utilizations. New outcome measures that address the lived experience of persons living with dementia and their care partners are needed.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Laura C. Hanson, Kathryn Wessell, Natalie Meeks, Antonia V. Bennett, Mark Toles, Josh Niznik, Sheryl Zimmerman, Joan Carpenter, Christine S. Ritchie, Natalie C. Ernecoff, Debra Saliba
Summary: This study describes the development and structure of the IMbedded Pragmatic ADRD Clinical Trials Collaboratory (IMPACT) iLibrary of potential outcome measures for ADRD pragmatic trials and evaluates their pragmatic characteristics. The study found that pragmatic outcome measures are brief, meaningful to diverse populations, easily scored and interpreted by clinicians, and available in electronic format for analysis. The iLibrary can aid in the selection of measures for a wide range of outcomes relevant to people with ADRD and their care partners.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Antonia V. Bennett, Kyra O'Brien, Monica Moreno, Kerry Lanigan, Katie Maslow, Carolyn A. Malone, Laura C. Hanson, Sheryl Zimmerman, Jason Karlawish, Emily A. Largent, Maria P. Aranda, Ladson Hinton, Brenda P. Nicholson, Louise Phillips, Sam Fazio, Gary Epstein-Lubow
Summary: The National Institute on Aging convened a Lived Experience Panel to provide input on research priorities and conducting clinical trials of dementia care interventions. In its first year, the panel met with different cores of the IMPACT Collaboratory and offered valuable insights and discussions on issues relevant to dementia care.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Kristin G. Weiss, Richard S. Matulewicz, Elizabeth Moreton, Kimberly A. Shoenbill, Matthew I. Milowsky, Tracy L. Rose, William Y. Kim, Adam O. Goldstein, Marc A. Bjurlin
Summary: Smoking is the main cause of preventable cancer cases worldwide and has a significant impact on morbidity. This article chronicles the understanding of the link between smoking and bladder cancer, highlighting the evidence that establishes the causal relationship and the scientists involved in these discoveries.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Anne M. Walling, Katherine Ast, Jordan M. Harrison, Sydney M. Dy, Mary Ersek, Laura C. Hanson, Arif H. Kamal, Christine S. Ritchie, Joan M. Teno, Joseph D. Rotella, Vyjeyanthi S. Periyakoil, Sangeeta C. Ahluwalia
Summary: This study developed and tested two patient-reported measures to assess the quality of Palliative care. The development process involved patient engagement and feedback. The measures addressed the gaps in research and received endorsement from the National Quality Forum.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Meghan Hendricksen, Andrea J. Loizeau, Daniel A. Habtemariam, Ruth A. Anderson, Laura C. Hanson, Erika M. C. D'Agata, Susan L. Mitchell
Summary: This study examined facility and provider characteristics associated with adherence to the TRAIN-AD program. The results showed that being a nurse was associated with higher likelihood of attending training seminars, while providers who were in facilities when implementation began and in facilities with better quality ratings were more likely to complete the online course. Prevalent participation and higher facility quality were also significantly associated with greater adherence to either seminar or online course.
CONTEMPORARY CLINICAL TRIALS COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Health Policy & Services
Shweta Pathak, Carrie M. Blanchard, Elizabeth Moreton, Benjamin Y. Urick
Summary: Community pharmacy-based telepharmacy services have the potential to expand medication access for underserved communities, but there is uncertainty regarding their safety and quality. Current literature suggests no significant differences in medication safety, adherence, and patient satisfaction between community pharmacy-based telepharmacies and traditional pharmacies, with insufficient evidence on inappropriate medication use. Further research with stronger study designs and evaluation methodologies is needed to draw conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of these services.
JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE FOR THE POOR AND UNDERSERVED
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yuchi Young, Wan-Hsiang Hsu, Ashley Shayya, Virgile Barnes, Taylor Perre, Thomas O. ' Grady
Summary: This study compares the case and mortality rates of COVID-19 in Green Houses (GHs) and traditional nursing homes (NHs) during the pandemic. The study found that, after adjusting for age, gender, and ADL disability, GHs demonstrated lower COVID-19 case and mortality rates than traditional NHs.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Eunae Ju, Candace Burton, Julie Kim, Yuqing Guo, Jung In Park, Annie Qu, Lisa Gibbs, Jung-Ah Lee
Summary: This study investigates the sleep quality in dyadic interrelationships between Korean American persons with dementia (PWD) and their family caregivers. The findings reveal bidirectional influences in the sleep disturbances of these dyads, where caregiving impacts PWD sleep as part of an interactional unit. Communication barriers and limited community resources pose challenges for these dyads, highlighting the importance of culturally competent interventions.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Dukyoo Jung, Hyesoon Lee, Eunju Choi, Jisung Park, Leeho Yoo
Summary: This study analyzed mealtime structure in long-term care facilities for older adults with dementia. Video observations were conducted at two facilities, involving 10 residents and 24 staff members. The findings showed that the average mealtime duration was 12.21 minutes, with an average time of 0.21 minutes for a single intake and a median eating interval of 0.17 minutes. It was also observed that residents failed to eat properly an average of 5 times during mealtime. The study emphasized the importance of implementing a patient-centered mealtime assistance program.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jeongha Sim, Chanam Shin
Summary: This study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of two stroke education programs and found that both programs showed similar and significant improvements in stroke knowledge and first action knowledge.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yu Peng, Yang Liu, Zhongxian Guo, Yuhan Zhang, Liyan Sha, Xiaorun Wang, Yang He
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of doll therapy on behavior, psychology, and cognition among older nursing home residents with dementia. The findings revealed that doll therapy significantly improved behavioral and psychological disturbances, but did not show a significant difference in cognition. The use of empathy dolls and coordination with caregivers was found to be the most effective approach.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yaolin Pei, Xiang Qi, Zheng Zhu, Wei Zhang, Ruey-Ming Tsay, Bei Wu
Summary: This study aimed to compare the associations between education, social media use, and advance care planning discussion among Chinese older adults. The findings showed positive associations between education and ACP discussion in Taiwan and Honolulu, as well as positive associations between social media use and ACP discussion in Wuhan and Honolulu. Social media use attenuated the association between education and ACP discussion in Honolulu.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Fanny Buckinx, Marvin Rezoulat, Esar Lefranc, Jean-Yves Reginster, Olivier Bruyere
Summary: This study demonstrates that remote physical performance measurements of older adults exhibit consistently high levels of relative reliability compared to face-to-face measurements. Additionally, certain remote evaluations show acceptable absolute reliability.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Junjin Liu, Xuebing Li, Weihua Yu, Bei Liu, Wuhan Yu, Wenbo Zhang, Cheng Hu, Zhangjin Qin, Yu Chen, Yang Lu
Summary: This study evaluated the usefulness of the ADEPT score as a prognostic tool for estimating the 2-year survival rate of persons with advanced dementia in Chongqing, China. The results showed that the optimal threshold of the ADEPT score was 11.2, and it had a certain level of accuracy. However, further studies are needed to explore the nature of this relationship.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Abeer Abd El-Rahman Mohamed, Samia ElHusseini Abd-ElMageed Elkholy, Rasha Salah Eweida, Reham Magdy Mohammed Abdelsalam
Summary: This study aimed to determine the effect of an intervention based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model on climate change management practices among older adults. The results showed that the intervention significantly improved the scores of older adults in information, motivation, actual skills, and practices. However, the improvement declined significantly at the six-week mark, emphasizing the need for reinforcement to maintain positive outcomes in the long term.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Zhaoli Liu, Yong Shan, Yong-Fang Kuo, Sharon H. Giordano
Summary: This study examined racial/ethnic disparities in mammography screening practices among rural Medicare beneficiaries. The study found that rural Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks had lower rates of regular mammography use compared to their urban counterparts. Barriers to routine mammography screening included a lack of primary care provider, frequent hospitalization, and comorbidity.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Sina Shari, Kimia Babaei Khorzoughi, Mahmoud Rahmati
Summary: This systematic review examines the relationship between cognition and volunteering in older adults, with a focus on domain-specific outcomes. The analysis of 17 studies suggests a potential positive correlation between volunteering and cognitive function among older adults, but further investigation is needed due to limitations and variations across studies.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yeji Hwang, Jayeong Kim
Summary: This study examines the impact of caregivers' psychological well-being on the anxiety and depression of care recipients with dementia. The results show that when caregivers have a negative relationship with care recipients, a lower perception of the positive aspects of caregiving, or anxiety, care recipients are more likely to experience anxiety. Additionally, when caregivers have a greater perception of the negative aspects of caregiving or anxiety, care recipients are more likely to experience depression.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yawei Shan, Haiying Lu, Xiaoyu Liu, Ru Chen, Jing Shang
Summary: This study aimed to identify subgroups of patients before total knee arthroplasty based on the heterogeneous patterns of self-regulation fatigue and analyze the predictors of these subtypes. The results revealed three latent classes: low, medium, and high self-regulation fatigue. Lower levels of hope, social support, self-efficacy, and education were identified as major predictors for the high self-regulation fatigue class. These predictors can help identify vulnerable populations and provide a foundation for targeted interventions.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Hulya Kulakci-Altintas, Sultan Ayaz-Alkaya
Summary: This study investigated fatalism tendency and health beliefs about medication use among older adults. The results showed that the way older adults used medications and the amount of medications used were associated with fatalism tendency and health beliefs about medication use.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
James D. Harrison, Megan Rathfon, Sasha Binford, Jennifer Miranda, Sandra Oreper, Brian Holt, Stephanie E. Rogers
Summary: This study developed a concise nurse-driven workflow aimed at reducing delirium rates and length of stay for hospitalized adults. The workflow included evidence-based interventions during the day and at night, and was evaluated using an interrupted time series study design. The results showed a reduction in delirium rates, but not in the length of stay.