Underrecognition and undertreatment of dementia in italian nursing homes

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of dementia diagnoses and the use of antidementia drugs in a cohort of Italian older nursing home (NH) residents.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe NH residents participating in 2 studies: the U.L.I.S.S.E. study and the Umbria Region survey.ParticipantsA total of 2215 nursing home residents.MeasurementEach resident underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment at baseline by means of the RAI MDS 2.0. Dementia diagnosis was based on ICD-9 codes.ResultsThe prevalence of dementia diagnosis according to ICD-9 codes was 50.7% (n = 1123), whereas 312 subjects had cognitive impairment with a cognitive performance scale score ≥3 without a diagnosis of dementia. Only 56 NH residents were treated (5% of the sample) and the main drugs used were cholinesterase inhibitor, whereas only 1 subject was treated with memantine. Limiting our analysis to patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, who are those reimbursed by the public health care system for receiving antidementia drugs, the percentage rose to 11.3%.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate a high rate of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of dementia in Italian NH residents. Potential explanations include the lack of systematic assessment of cognitive functions, the limitations to antidementia drug reimbursement, the complexity of the reimbursement procedure itself, and the high prevalence of patients with severe dementia. Older NH residents still lack proper access to state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for a devastating condition such as dementia.     

Nursing Home Residents Face Severe Functional Limitation or Death After Hospitalization for Pneumonia

ObjectivesPneumonia is a common cause of hospitalization for nursing home residents and has increased as a cause for hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risks of hospitalization, including significant functional decline, are important considerations when deciding whether to treat a resident in the nursing home or transfer to a hospital. Little is known about postdischarge functional status, relative to baseline, of nursing home residents hospitalized for pneumonia. We sought to determine the risk of severe functional limitation or death for nursing home residents following hospitalization for treatment of pneumonia.DesignRetrospective cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsParticipants included Medicare enrollees aged ≥65 years, hospitalized from a nursing home in the United States between 2013 and 2014 for pneumonia.MethodsActivities of daily living (ADL), patient sociodemographics, and comorbidities were obtained from the Minimum Data Set (MDS), an assessment tool completed for all nursing home residents. MDS assessments from prior to and following hospitalization were compared to assess for functional decline. Following hospital discharge, all patients were evaluated for a composite outcome of severe disability (≥4 ADL limitations) following hospitalization or death prior to completion of a postdischarge MDS.ResultsIn 2013 and 2014, a total of 241,804 nursing home residents were hospitalized for pneumonia, of whom 89.9% (192,736) experienced the composite outcome of severe disability or death following hospitalization for pneumonia. Although we found that prehospitalization functional and cognitive status were associated with developing the composite outcome, 53% of residents with no prehospitalization ADL limitation, and 82% with no cognitive limitation experienced the outcome.Conclusions and ImplicationsHospitalization for treatment of pneumonia is associated with significant risk of functional decline and death among nursing home residents, even those with minimal deficits prior to hospitalization. Nursing homes need to prepare for these outcomes in both advance care planning and in rehabilitation efforts.     

Nursing Home Star Ratings and New Onset of Depression in Long-Stay Nursing Home Residents

ObjectivesTo examine the association between nursing home (NH) quality and new onset of depression and severity of depressive symptoms in a national cohort of long-stay NH residents in the United States.DesignCohort study.Setting and participants129,837 long-stay residents without indicators of depression admitted to 13,921 NHs.MethodsNH quality was measured by Nursing Home Compare star ratings (overall, health inspection, staffing, quality measures) closest to admission. Study outcomes at 90 days from the Minimum Data Set 3.0 included depression diagnosis and severity of depressive symptoms (minimal; mild; moderate; moderately severe/severe). Symptoms were measured by resident self-report Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or a staff-report observational version (PHQ-9-OV). Logistic and multinomial logistic models with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsAt 90 days postadmission, 14.1% of residents had a new diagnosis of depression, and odds did not differ across star ratings. Nearly 90% of these residents had minimal depressive symptoms, with only 8.5% reporting mild symptoms and 2.6% with moderate to severe symptoms. Using minimal depressive symptoms as the reference, residents in NHs with 5-star overall ratings were 12% less likely than those in 3-star NHs to experience mild (95% CI: 0.81-0.96) and 31% less likely to experience moderate symptoms (95% CI: 0.58-0.82). In NHs with 1-star staffing compared to 3-star, residents had 37% higher odds of moderate symptoms (95% CI: 1.14-1.64) and 57% higher odds of moderately severe to severe depressive symptoms (95% CI: 1.17-2.12). The odds of any above-minimal depressive symptoms decreased as quality measure ratings increased.Conclusions/ImplicationsLower NH quality ratings were associated with more severe depressive symptoms. Further investigation is warranted to identify potential mechanisms for a targeted intervention to improve quality and provide more equitable care.     

Decomposing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Nursing Home Influenza Vaccination

ObjectivesQuantify how observable characteristics contribute to influenza vaccination disparities among White, Black, and Hispanic nursing home (NH) residents.DesignRetrospective cohort.Setting and ParticipantsShort- and long-stay U.S. NH residents aged ≥65 years.MethodsWe linked Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Medicare data to LTCFocUS and other facility data. We included residents with 6-month continuous enrollment in Medicare and an MDS assessment between October 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014. Residents were classified as short-stay (<100 days in NH) or long-stay (≥100 days in NH). We fit multivariable logistic regression models to assess the relationships between 27 resident and NH-level characteristics and receipt of influenza vaccination. Using nonlinear Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition, we decomposed the disparity in influenza vaccination between White versus Black and White versus Hispanic NH residents. Analyses were repeated separately for short- and long-stay residents.ResultsOur study included 630,373 short-stay and 1,029,593 long-stay residents. Proportions vaccinated against influenza included 67.2% of White, 55.1% of Black, and 54.5% of Hispanic individuals among short-stay residents and 84.2%, 76.7%, and 80.8%, respectively among long-stay residents. Across 4 comparisons, the crude disparity in influenza vaccination ranged from 3.4 to 12.7 percentage points. By equalizing 27 prespecified characteristics, these disparities could be reduced 37.7% to 59.2%. Living in a predominantly White facility and proxies for NH quality were important contributors across all analyses. Characteristics unmeasured in our data (eg, NH staff attitudes and beliefs) may have also contributed significantly to the disparity.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe racial/ethnic disparity in influenza vaccination was most dramatic among short-stay residents. Intervening on factors associated with NH quality would likely reduce these disparities; however, future qualitative research is essential to explore potential contributors that were unmeasured in our data and to understand the degree to which these factors contribute to the overall disparity in influenza vaccination.     

Characteristics Associated with Feeding Tube Placement: Retrospective Cohort Study of Texas Nursing Home Residents with Advanced Dementia

ObjectivesTo investigate resident-level, provider-type, nursing home (NH), and regional factors associated with feeding tube (FT) placement in advanced dementia.DesignRetrospective cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsNH residents in Texas with dementia diagnosis and severe cognitive impairment (N = 20,582).MethodsThis study used 2011-2016 Texas Medicare data to identify NH residents with a stay of at least 120 days who had a diagnosis of dementia on Long Term Care Minimum Data Set (MDS) evaluation and severe cognitive impairment on clinical score. Multivariable repeated measures analyses were conducted to identify associations between FT placement and resident-level, provider-type, NH, and regional factors.ResultsThe prevalence of FT placement in advanced dementia in Texas between 2011 and 2016 ranged from 12.5% to 16.1% with a nonlinear trend. At the resident level, the prevalence of FT decreased with age [age > 85 years, prevalence ratio (PR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52-0.69] and increased among residents who are black (2.74, 95% CI 2.48-3.03) or Hispanic (PR 1.91, 95% CI 1.71-2.13). Residents cared for by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant were less likely to have an FT (PR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.96). No facility characteristics were associated with prevalence of FT placement in advanced dementia. There were regional differences in FT placement with the highest use areas on the Texas-Mexico border and in South and East Texas (Harlingen border area, PR 4.26, 95% CI 3.69-4.86; San Antonio border area, PR 3.93, 95% CI 3.04-4.93; Houston, PR 2.17, 95% CI 1.87-2.50), and in metro areas (PR 1.36, 95% CI 1.22-1.50).Conclusions and ImplicationsRegional, race, and ethnic variations in prevalence of FT use among NH residents suggest opportunities for clinicians and policy makers to improve the quality of end-of-life care by especially considering other palliative care measures for minorities living in border towns.     

Falls and Nursing Home Residents With Cognitive Impairment: New Insights into Quality Measures and Interventions

ObjectivesPrevention and public reporting of falls have suffered due to inadequate attention given to the association of falls and cognitive impairment (CI) among nursing home (NH) residents. This study examines the relationship between CI, residence on dementia special care units (SCUs) and other resident characteristics and likelihood of residents experiencing new falls in NHs.DesignRetrospective cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 21,587 residents from 381 Minnesota NHs.MeasurementsThe NH Minimum Data Set (MDS) for 21,587 residents from 381 Minnesota NHs in the first calendar quarter of 2008 were analyzed. New falls, (fall noted on a current MDS assessment but not on a prior assessment); cognitive status, (as defined by Cognitive Performance Scale); residence on an SCU, and health and functional status covariates were recorded. A random effects logistic regression model was used to examine relationships between new falls and the resident's cognitive status, type of unit, and covariates.ResultsThe likelihood of a new fall had a nonlinear association with CI. Compared with residents with normal or mild CI, the likelihood of a new fall was significantly higher among residents with moderate CI (OR = 1.43). The risk decreased slightly (OR = 1.34) for residents with more advanced CI, whereas the presence of severe CI was not significantly associated with new falls. Overall the likelihood of new falls was significantly higher for residents on SCUs compared with those on conventional units (OR = 1.27).ConclusionsSeverity of CI and residence on SCU impact fall incidence and should be accounted for in future fall- prevention interventions and quality-reporting indicators and measures.     

Trajectories of Long-Term Residential Care Needs Among Older Australian Women: A Cohort Study Using Linked Data

ObjectiveOlder women are more likely than men to enter residential aged care (RAC) and generally stay longer. We aimed to identify and examine their trajectories of care needs over time in RAC across 3 fundamental care needs domains, including activities of daily living (ADL), behavior, and complex health care.DesignPopulation-based longitudinal cohort study.SettingRAC facilities in Australia.ParticipantsA total of 3519 participants from the 1921-1926 birth cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH), who used permanent RAC between 2008 and 2014.MethodsWe used data from the Aged Care Funding Instrument, National Death Index, and linked ALSWH survey. Participants’ care needs in the 3 domains were followed every 6 months up to 60 months from the date of admission to RAC. Trajectories of care needs over time were identified using group-based multitrajectory modeling.ResultsFive distinct trajectory groups were identified, with large variation in the combinations of levels of care needs over time. Approximately 28% of residents belonged to the “high dependent–behavioral and complex need” group, which had high care needs in all 3 domains over time, whereas around one-third of residents (31%) were included in 2 trajectory groups (“less dependent–low need” and “less dependent–increasing need”), which had low or low to medium care needs over time. More than two-fifths of residents (41%) comprised 2 trajectory groups (“high dependent–complex need” and “high dependent–behavioral need”), which had medium to high care needs in 2 domains. Higher age at admission to RAC and multiple morbidities were associated with increased odds of being a member of the high dependent–complex need group than the less dependent–increasing need group.Conclusions and ImplicationsIdentification of the differential trajectories of care needs among older women in RAC will help to better understand the circumstances of their changing care needs over time. This will facilitate appropriate care planning and service delivery for RAC residents, who are mostly older women.     

Testing the PHQ-9 Interview and Observational Versions (PHQ-9 OV) for MDS 3.0

ObjectivesTo test the feasibility and validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item interview (PHQ-9) and the newly developed Patient Health Questionnaire Observational Version (PHQ-9 OV) for screening for mood disorder in nursing home populations.MethodsThe PHQ-9 was tested as part of the national Minimum Data Set 3.0 (MDS 3.0) evaluation study among 3822 residents scheduled for MDS 2.0 assessments. Residents from 71 community nursing homes (NHs) in eight states were randomly included in a feasibility sample (n = 3258) and a validation sample (n = 418). Each resident's ability to communicate determined whether the PHQ-9 interview or the PHQ-9 OV was initially attempted. In the validation sample, trained research nurses administered the instruments. For residents in the validation sample without severe cognitive impairment (3 MS ≥30) agreement between PHQ-9 and the modified Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (m-SADS) was measured with weighted kappas (κ). For residents with severe cognitive impairment (3MS <30), agreement between PHQ-9 interview or PHQ-9 OV and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (Cornell Scale) was measured using correlation coefficients. Staff impressions were obtained from an anonymous survey mailed to all MDS assessors.ResultsThe PHQ-9 was completed in 86% of the 3258 residents in the feasibility sample. In the validation sample, the agreement between PHQ-9 and m-SADS was very good (weighted κ = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.61–0.76), whereas agreement between MDS 2.0 and m-SADS was poor (weighted κ = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.06–0.25). Likewise, in residents with severe cognitive impairment, PHQ correlations with the criterion standard Cornell Scale were superior to the MDS 2.0 for both the PHQ-9 (0.63 vs 0.34) and the PHQ-9 OV (0.84 vs 0.28). Eighty-six percent of survey respondents reported that the PHQ-9 provided new insight into residents' mood. The average time for completing the PHQ-9 interview was 4 minutes.DiscussionCompared with the MDS 2.0 observational items, the PHQ-9 interview had greater agreement with criterion standard diagnostic assessments. For residents who could not complete the interview, the PHQ-9 OV also had greater agreement with a criterion measure for depression than did the MDS 2.0 observational items. Moreover, the majority of NH residents were able to complete the PHQ-9, and most surveyed staff reported improved assessments with the new approach.     

Effects of Statins for Secondary Prevention on Functioning and Other Outcomes Among Nursing Home Residents

ObjectivesStudies examining the effects of statins after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) excluded frail older adults, especially nursing home (NH) residents, and few examined functional outcomes. Older NH residents may benefit less from statins and be particularly susceptible to adverse drug events like myopathy-related functional decline. We evaluated the effects of statins on 1-year functional decline, rehospitalization, and death in NH residents.DesignWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2007-2010 linked national data from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, Medicare claims, and Online Survey Certification and Reporting System records.Setting and ParticipantsWe included US NH residents 65 years and older who were statin nonusers, were hospitalized for AMI between May 2007 and March 2010, and returned to the NH.MeasuresOutcomes were functional decline, death, and rehospitalization in the first year after post-AMI NH admission. New statin users were 1:1 propensity-score matched to nonusers to adjust for 92 characteristics. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and restricted mean survival time differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing individuals who did vs did not initiate statin therapy after AMI hospitalization.ResultsPropensity-score matching yielded a cohort of 5440 residents. Mean age was 83 years and 69% were female. Statin use was associated with a reduction in mortality (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.73-0.87), corresponding to a mean of 15.9 (95% CI 9.9-22.0) days of extended life expectancy. No overall differences in rehospitalization (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.98-1.14) or functional decline (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.88-1.14) were observed.Conclusions and ImplicationsStatins may reduce 1-year mortality by 20% without affecting function among older NH residents who wish to live longer after AMI. During shared decision making with these patients or their representatives, clinicians should consider communicating that the average benefit of statins is 16 days of additional survival over 1 year.     

Potentially Harmful Medication Prescribing by the Degree of Physician Specialization in Nursing Home Practice: An Observational Study

ObjectivesThe use of anticholinergics, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and other potentially harmful medications (PHMs) is associated with particularly poor outcomes in nursing home (NH) residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Our objective was to compare PHM prescribing by NH physicians and advanced practitioners who focus their practice on NH residents (NH specialists) vs non-NH specialists.DesignRetrospective cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsWe included a 20% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries with ADRD who resided in 12,278 US NHs in 2017. Long-stay NH residents with ADRD were identified using MDS, Medicare Parts A and B claims. Residents <65 years old or without continuous Part D coverage were excluded.MethodsPhysicians in generalist specialties and advanced practitioners with ≥90% of Part B claims for NH care were considered NH specialists. Residents were assigned to NH specialists vs non-NH specialists based on plurality of Part D claims submitted for that resident. Any PHM use (defined using the Beers Criteria) and the proportion of NH days on a PHM were modeled using generalized estimating equations. Models included resident demographics, clinical characteristics, cognitive and functional status, behavioral assessments, and facility characteristics.ResultsOf the 54,713 residents in the sample, 27.9% were managed by an NH specialist and 72.1% by a non-NH specialist. There was no statistically significant difference in any PHM use [odds ratio (OR) 0.97, 95% CI 0.93-1.02, P = .23]. There were lower odds of prolonged PHM use (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.94, P < .001, for PHM use on >75% vs >0%-<25% of NH days) for NH specialists vs non-NH specialists.Conclusions and ImplicationsAlthough the use of PHMs among NH residents with ADRD managed by NH specialists was not lower, they were less likely to receive PHMs over longer periods of time. Future work should evaluate the underlying causes of these differences to inform interventions to improve prescribing for NH residents.     

The Minimum Data Set Agitated and Reactive Behavior Scale: Measuring Behaviors in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia

ObjectivesInterventions aimed at managing agitated and aggressive behaviors in dementia without the use of antipsychotics are currently being tested in nursing homes (NHs). Researchers and clinicians require a measure that can capture the severity of residents’ behaviors. We test the internal consistency and construct validity of the Agitated and Reactive Behavior Scale (ARBS), a measure created using data from mandatory NH assessments.DesignCross-sectional.Setting and ParticipantsThe 2016 national sample of 15,326 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-certified NHs. The analytic sample included 489,854 new admissions and 765,367 long-stay residents (at least 90 days in NH). All participants have a dementia diagnosis.MethodsMinimum Data Set (MDS), version 3.0. The ARBS is a composite measure of (1) physical behavioral symptoms directed at other people; (2) verbal behavioral symptoms directed at other people; (3) other behavioral symptoms not directed at other people; and (4) rejection of care. Variables used to establish construct validity included degree of cognitive impairment, use of medications for managing agitation and aggression, and co-occurring conditions associated with agitated and aggressive behaviors (eg, schizophrenia, depression, or delirium).ResultsThis report has 3 important findings: (1) the ARBS score has borderline-adequate internal consistency (α = .64-.71) in the national population NH residents with dementia; (2) only 18% of new admissions and 21% of long-stay residents with dementia evidence any agitated or aggressive behaviors in the last week, as rated in the MDS assessment; and (3) the ARBS demonstrates good construct validity; it increases with cognitive impairment, treatment with relevant medications, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions and symptoms.DiscussionNationally available MDS data may significantly underestimate the prevalence of agitated and aggressive behaviors among NH residents with dementia.Conclusions and ImplicationsResearchers conducting pragmatic trials of non-pharmaceutical interventions to manage behaviors in NH residents with dementia should consider the likely underdetection of these behaviors in the available MDS data.     

Resident Factors Associated With Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Infections

ObjectiveTo examine incidence of and resident characteristics associated with breakthrough infections (BTIs) and severe illness among residents with 2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccinations.DesignRetrospective cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsNursing home (NH) residents who completed their primary series of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination by March 31, 2021.MethodsElectronic health records and Minimum Data Set assessments from a multistate NH data consortium were used to identify BTI and severe illness (a composite measure of hospitalization and/or death within 30 days of BTI) occurring prior to November 24, 2021. A t test for differences in means was used to compare covariates for residents with and without BTI. Finally, we estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for BTI with 95% CIs using a modified Poisson regression approach, comparing residents with BTI vs residents without. We adjusted for facility fixed effects in our model.ResultsOur sample included 23,172 residents from 984 NHs who were at least 14 days past their second mRNA vaccine dose. Of those, 1173 (5%) developed an incident COVID-19 BTI (mean follow-up time: 250 days). Among residents with BTI, 8.6% were hospitalized or died within 30 days of BTI diagnosis. Factors associated with severe illness included age ≥85 years (IRR 2.08, 95% CI 1.08-4.02, reference age <65 years), bowel incontinence (IRR 1.73, 95% CI 1.01-2.99), coronary artery disease (IRR 1.96, 95% CI 1.31-2.94), chronic kidney disease (IRR 1.65, 95% CI 1.07-2.54), and schizophrenia (IRR 2.38, 95% CI 1.19-4.75).Conclusions and ImplicationsAmong vaccinated NH residents, BTIs and associated severe illness are rare. Residents aged ≥85 years and with certain comorbidities appear to be the most vulnerable. Given that the pandemic continues and testing policies have relaxed, these data provide prognostic information for NH facilities faced with continued outbreaks.     

The Burden and Treatment of Chronic Constipation Among US Nursing Home Residents

ObjectiveTo evaluate the burden of chronic constipation (CC) and the use of drugs to treat constipation (DTC) in 2 complementary data sources.DesignRetrospective cohort study.Setting and ParticipantsUS nursing home residents aged ≥65 years with CC.MethodsWe conducted 2 retrospective cohort studies in parallel using (1) 2016 electronic health record (EHR) data from 126 nursing homes and (2) 2014-2016 Medicare claims, each linked with the Minimum Data Set (MDS). CC was defined as (1) the MDS constipation indicator and/or (2) chronic DTC use. We described the prevalence and incidence rate of CC and the use of DTC.ResultsIn the EHR cohort, we identified 25,739 residents (71.8%) with CC during 2016. Among residents with prevalent CC, 37% received a DTC, with an average duration of use of 19 days per resident-month during follow-up. The most frequently prescribed DTC classes included osmotic (22.6%), stimulant (20.9%), and emollient (17.9%) laxatives. In the Medicare cohort, a total of 245,578 residents (37.5%) had CC. Among residents with prevalent CC, 59% received a DTC and slightly more than half (55%) were prescribed an osmotic laxative. Duration of use was shorter (10 days per resident-month) in the Medicare (vs EHR) cohort.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe burden of CC is high among nursing home residents. The differences in the estimates between the EHR and Medicare data confirm the importance of using secondary data sources that include over-the-counter drugs and other treatments unobservable in Medicare Part D claims to assess the burden of CC and DTC use in this population.     

Is Drug Therapy for Urinary Incontinence Used Optimally in Long-Term Care Facilities?

OBJECTIVES: To examine the management of urinary incontinence (UI) among nursing home (NH) residents in the United States, particularly drug therapy for UI in those who may be suitable candidates for such treatment based on their functional status. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of admissions (between January 2, 2002, and December 31, 2003) to a total of 373 skilled nursing facilities and assisted living centers operated by a single provider of long-term care. PARTICIPANTS: Residents identified as incontinent according to at least one Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment during their NH stay who had adequate mobility and/or cognitive ability to toilet, as determined by a toileting score of < or =2 on the 5-point MDS scale, and/or a score of < or =3 on the 7-point scale, the Cognitive Performance Score (CPS). MEASUREMENTS: MDS assessments for individual residents were obtained from a central database linked to a physician order database that captured the dose, frequency, and start and stop dates of all medications prescribed. Residents were stratified into treated or untreated groups according to whether or not they were prescribed medications used to treat UI (including tolterodine, oxybutynin [oral and transdermal patch formulations], desmopressin, and flavoxate). RESULTS: During the study period, there were 58,216 admissions to the 373 participating facilities; 31,219 (54%) were identified as incontinent of urine on the MDS. The study population comprised 25,140 NH residents who met MDS criteria for UI (80.5% of the total identified as incontinent of urine) and who had adequate mobility to toilet and/or did not have severe cognitive impairment. They were typically over 60 years of age (95.2%), female (65.1%), and frequently or completely incontinent (63.1%). Nonpharmacologic treatment (as recorded in the MDS) included pads/briefs (76.8%), scheduled toileting (31.9%), and/or bladder retraining (2.8%). Only 1752 (7.0%) of eligible residents received medication for their UI. Using a multivariate analysis, factors that were significantly associated with drug treatment for UI included female gender, frequent or complete urinary incontinence (MDS category 3-4), constipation, and use of incontinence appliances/programs and walking aids. Older residents and those with severe cognitive impairment were less likely to receive drug therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Only a small proportion of incontinent NH residents with mobility and cognitive function potentially suitable for specific treatment for incontinence receives drug therapy for their condition. Further research is needed to determine whether low drug use reflects an unmet need for treating UI, or appropriate prescribing practices based on the multiple and interacting factors that influence decisions on drug therapy in the NH population.     

Association Between Cognitive Status and Falls With and Without Injury During a Skilled Nursing Facility Short Stay

ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between cognitive status and falls with and without injury among older adults during the first 18 days of a skilled nursing facility (SNF) and determine if this association is mediated by limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) and impaired balance.DesignCohort study of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries admitted to an SNF between October 1, 2016, and September 31, 2017.Settings and Participants815,927 short-stay nursing home residents admitted to an SNF within 3 days of hospital discharge.MethodsCognitive status at SNF admission was classified as intact, mild, moderate, or severe impairment. Residents were classified as having no falls, a fall without injury, and a fall with a minor or major injury. We used ordinal logistic regression to model the association between cognitive status and falls adjusting for resident and facility characteristics. A causal mediation analysis was used to test for the mediating effects of ADL limitations and impaired balance on the association between cognitive status and falls with an injury.ResultsMild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment were associated with 1.72 (95% CI: 1.68-1.75), 2.72 (95% CI: 2.66-2.78), and 2.61 (95% CI: 2.48-2.75) higher odds of being in a higher fall severity category, respectively, compared to being cognitively unimpaired. Greater ADL limitations and impaired balance were significantly associated with falls, but each mediated the association between cognitive status and falls by less than 2%.Conclusions and ImplicationsOlder adults with cognitive impairment are more likely to experience a fall during an SNF stay. ADL limitations and impaired balance are risk factors for falls but may not contribute to the increased fall risk for SNF residents with cognitive impairment. Continued research is needed to better understand the risk factors for falls among SNF residents with cognitive impairment.     

Time Trends in Opioid Use by Dementia Severity in Long-Term Care Nursing Home Residents

ObjectiveCurrent information on opioid use in nursing home residents, particularly those with dementia, is unknown. We examined the temporal trends in opioid use by dementia severity and the association of dementia severity with opioid use in long-term care nursing home residents.DesignRepeated measures cross-sectional study.SettingLong-term care nursing homes.ParticipantsUsing 20% Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Medicare claims from 2011-2017, we included long-term care residents (n = 734,739) from each year who had 120 days of consecutive stay. In a secondary analysis, we included residents who had an emergency department visit for a fracture (n = 12,927).MeasurementsDementia was classified as no, mild, moderate, and severe based on the first MDS assessment each year. In the 120 days of nursing home stay, opioid use was measured as any, prolonged (>90 days), and high-dose (≥90 morphine milligram equivalent dose/day). For residents with a fracture, opioid use was measured within 7 days after emergency department discharge. Association of dementia severity with opioid use was evaluated using logistic regression.ResultsOverall, any opioid use declined by 8.5% (35.2% to 32.2%, P < .001), prolonged use by 5.0% (14.1% to 13.4%, P < .001), and high-dose by 21.4% (1.4% to 1.1%, P < .001) from 2011 to 2017. Opioid use declined across 4 dementia severity groups. Among residents with fracture, opioid use declined by 9% in mild, 9.5% in moderate, and 12.3% in severe dementia. The odds of receiving any, prolonged, and high-dose opioids decreased with increasing severity of dementia. For example, severe dementia reduced the odds of any [23.5% vs 47.6%; odds ratio (OR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55-0.57], prolonged (9.8% vs 20.7%; OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.67-0.71), and high-dose (1.0% vs 2.3%; OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.63-0.74) opioids.Conclusions and ImplicationsUse of opioids declined in nursing home residents from 2011 to 2017, and the use was lower in residents with dementia, possibly reflecting suboptimal pain management in this population.     

Deprescribing in Nursing Home Residents on Polypharmacy: Incidence and Associated Factors

ObjectivesTo assess 1-year incidence and factors related to deprescribing in nursing home (NH) residents in Europe.DesignLongitudinal multicenter cohort study based on data from the Services and Health for Elderly in Long TERm care (SHELTER) study.SettingNHs in Europe and Israel.Participants1843 NH residents on polypharmacy.MethodsPolypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of 5 or more medications. Deprescribing was defined as a reduction in the number of medications used over the study period. Residents were followed for 12 months.ResultsResidents in the study sample were using a mean number of 8.6 (standard deviation 2.9) medications at the baseline assessment. Deprescribing was observed in 658 residents (35.7%). Cognitive impairment (mild/moderate impairment vs intact, odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.79; severe impairment vs intact, OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.23-2.09), presence of the geriatrician within the facility staff (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.15-1.72), and number of medications used at baseline (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.14) were associated with higher probabilities of deprescribing. In contrast, female gender (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61-0.96), heart failure (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.89), and cancer (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45-0.90) were associated with a lower probability of deprescribing.Conclusions and ImplicationsDeprescribing is common in NH residents on polypharmacy, and it is associated with individual and organizational factors. More evidence is needed on deprescribing, and clear strategies on how to withdraw medications should be defined in the future.