Testing the Implementation of Function-focused Care in Assisted Living Settings

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the Function-Focused Care for Assisted Living Using the Evidence Integration Triangle (FFC-AL-EIT) intervention.DesignFFC-AL-EIT was a randomized controlled pragmatic trial including 85 sites and 794 residents.InterventionFFC-AL-EIT was implemented by a Research Nurse Facilitator working with a facility champion and stakeholder team for 12 months to increase function and physical activity among residents. FFC-AL-EIT included (Step I) Environment and Policy Assessments; (Step II) Education; (Step III) Establishing Resident Function-Focused Care Service Plans; and (Step IV) Mentoring and Motivating.Setting and ParticipantsThe age of participants was 89.48 years [standard deviation (SD) = 7.43], and the majority were female (n = 561; 71%) and white (n = 771; 97%).MethodsResident measures, obtained at baseline, 4, and 12 months, included function, physical activity, and performance of function-focused care. Setting outcomes, obtained at baseline and 12 months, included environment and policy assessments and service plans.ResultsReach was based on 85 of 90 sites that volunteered (94%) participating. Effectiveness was based on less decline in function (P < .001), more function-focused care (P = .012) and better environment (P = .032) and policy (P = .003) support for function-focused care in treatment sites. Adoption was supported with 10.00 (SD = 2.00) monthly meetings held, 77% of settings engaged in study activities as or more than expected, and direct care workers providing function-focused care (63% to 68% at 4 months and 90% at 12 months). The intervention was implemented as intended, and education was received based on a mean knowledge test score of 88% correct. Evidence of maintenance from 12 to 18 months was noted in treatment site environments (P = .35) and policies continuing to support function-focused care (P = .28)].Conclusions and ImplicationsThe Evidence Integration Triangle is an effective implementation approach for assisted living. Future work should continue to consider innovative approaches for measuring RE-AIM outcomes.     

COVID-19 Recommendations for Assisted Living: Implications for the Future

ObjectivesAssisted living (AL) emerged over 2 decades ago as a preferred residential care option for older adults who require supportive care; however, as resident acuity increased, concern has been expressed whether AL sufficiently addresses health care needs. COVID-19 amplified those concerns, and an examination of recommendations to manage COVID-19 may shed light on the future of AL. This review summarizes recommendations from 6 key organizations related to preparation for and response to COVID-19 in AL in relation to resident health and quality of life; compares recommendations for AL with those for nursing homes (NHs); and assesses implications for the future of AL.DesignNonsystematic review involving search of gray literature.Setting and ParticipantsRecommendations from key governmental bodies and professional societies regarding COVID-19 in AL, long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in general, and NHs.MeasuresWe collected, categorized, and summarized these recommendations as they pertained to quality of life and health care.ResultsMany recommendations for AL and NHs were similar, but differences provided insight into ways the pandemic was recognized and challenged AL communities in particular: recommending more flexible visitation and group activities for AL, providing screening by AL staff or an outside provider, and suggesting that AL staff access resources to facilitate advance care planning discussions. Recommendations were that AL integrate health care into offered services, including working with consulting clinicians who know both the residents and the LTC community.Conclusions and ImplicationsLong-term care providers and policy makers have recognized the need to modify current long-term care options. Because COVID-19 recommendations suggest AL communities would benefit from the services and expertise of social workers, licensed nurses, and physicians, it may accelerate the integration and closer coordination of psychosocial and medical care into AL. Future research should investigate different models of integrated, interdisciplinary health care in AL.     

To What Extent Do Local Nursing Home Prescribing Patterns Relate to Psychotropic Prescribing in Assisted Living?

ObjectiveIn nursing homes (NHs), psychoactive medication use has received notable attention, but less is known about prescribing in assisted living (AL). This study examined how antipsychotic and antianxiety medication prescribing in AL compares with NHs.DesignObservational, cross-sectional AL data linked to publicly reported NH measures.Setting and ParticipantsRandom sample of 250 AL communities and the full sample of 3371 NHs in 7 states.MethodsWe calculated the percentage of residents receiving antipsychotics and antianxiety medications. For each AL community, we calculated the distance to NHs in the state. Linear models estimated the relationship between AL prescribing and that of the closest and farthest 5 NHs, adjusting for AL characteristics and state fixed effects.ResultsThe prescribing rate of potentially inappropriate antipsychotics (i.e., excluding for persons with recorded schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome) and of antianxiety medications (excluding for those on hospice) in AL was 15% and 21%, respectively. Unadjusted mean antipsychotic prescribing rates were nominally higher in AL than NHs (14.8% vs 14.6%; P = .056), whereas mean antianxiety prescribing was nominally lower in AL (21.2% vs 22.6%; P = .032). In adjusted analyses, AL rates of antipsychotic use were not associated with NH rates. However, being affiliated with an NH was associated with a lower rate of antipsychotic use [b = −0.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.50 to −0.001; P = .043], whereas antianxiety rates were associated with neighboring NHs’ prescribing rates (b = 0.43; 95% CI 0.16–0.70; P = .002).Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study suggests reducing antipsychotic medication use in NHs may influence AL practices in a way not accounted for by local NH patterns. And, because antianxiety medications have not been the focus of national campaigns, they may be more subject to local prescribing behaviors. It seems advantageous to consider prescribing in AL when efforts are implemented to change NH prescribing, as there seems to be related influence whether by affiliation or region.     

Implementing Large-Scale Data-Driven Quality Improvement in Assisted Living

ObjectivesDevelop and evaluate the implementation of a proposed model for large-scale data-driven quality improvement in assisted living.DesignWe conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of the implementation of a large-scale data-driven quality improvement collaborative of Wisconsin assisted living communities (ALCs).Setting and ParticipantsThe model has been voluntarily implemented by 810 Wisconsin-licensed ALCs serving >20,000 residents.MethodsThe model was codesigned iteratively 2009-2012 by a public-private multistakeholder advisory group. Using system usage statistics and project records, we evaluated implementation outcomes: appropriateness, acceptability, adoption, feasibility, fidelity, penetration, and sustainability.ResultsImplementation for ≥1 quarter was feasible for 92% of the 810 ALCs that enrolled. The model has been deemed appropriate and acceptable by public-private stakeholders representing residents, providers, regulators, and payers, and appropriateness for ALCs serving different populations has been iteratively improved through targeted workgroups. The model is currently adopted in Wisconsin by 31% of the 1573 ALCs in provider associations. Among adopters, 88% on average implemented the model with fidelity to key membership rules per quarter. The model achieved demographic and institutional penetration by currently reaching 24% of Wisconsin ALC residents and by leveraging initial grant funding to become integrated in Wisconsin's annual Medicaid budget and being central to Wisconsin's incentive program to managed care organizations. Model implementation for 8 years has been sustained by member enrollment for nearly 4 years on average, with 71% of members enrolled >2 years and sustained early adopters representing 37% that have been enrolled >5 years.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis is the first implementation study of large-scale data-driven quality improvement in assisted living, despite its demonstrated value in other health care sectors. The article proposes a model with core components and implementation strategies drawing on a decade-long public-private collaboration. The implementation study findings establish a promising path and future directions for wider implementation.     

The Association of Changes in Physical Performance During Geriatric Inpatient Rehabilitation With Short-Term Hospital Readmission,Institutionalization, and Mortality: RESORT

ObjectivesGeriatric inpatient rehabilitation aims to restore function, marked by physical performance, to enable patients to return and remain home after hospitalization. However, after discharge some patients are soon readmitted, institutionalized, or may die. Whether changes in physical performance during geriatric rehabilitation are associated with these short-term adverse outcomes is unknown. This study aimed to determine the association of changes in physical performance during geriatric inpatient rehabilitation with short-term adverse outcomes.DesignObservational longitudinal study.Setting and ParticipantsGeriatric rehabilitation inpatients of the REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) cohort study of the Royal Melbourne Hospital (Melbourne, Australia) were included.MethodsThe change from admission to discharge in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, balance, gait speed (GS), chair stand test (CST), and hand grip strength (HGS) were calculated and analyzed using logistic regression analysis with readmission, incidence of institutionalization, and mortality, and ≥1 adverse outcome within 3 months postdischarge.ResultsOf 693 inpatients, 11 died during hospitalization and 572 patients (mean age 82.6 ± 7.6 years, 57.9% female) had available physical performance data. Within 3 months postdischarge, 47.3% of patients had ≥1 adverse outcome: readmission was 20.8%, institutionalization was 26.6%, and mortality was 7.9%. Improved SPPB score, balance, GS, CST, and HGS were associated with lower odds of institutionalization and mortality. Improved GS was additionally associated with lower odds of readmission [odds ratio (OR) 0.35, 95% CI 0.16-0.79]. CST score had the largest effect, with a 1-point increase associating with 40% lower odds of being institutionalized (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.42-0.86), 52% lower odds of mortality (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29-0.81), and a 24% lower odds of ≥1 adverse outcome (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.97).Conclusions and ImplicationsImprovement in physical performance was associated with lower odds of short-term institutionalization and mortality indicating the prognostic value of physical performance improvement during geriatric inpatient rehabilitation.     

Combined Effects of Cognitive Impairment and Nutritional Trajectories on Functional Recovery for Older Patients after Hip-Fracture Surgery

ObjectivesMalnutrition and cognitive impairment are associated with poor functional recovery in older adults following hip-fracture surgery. This study examined the combined effects of cognitive impairment and nutritional trajectories on postoperative functional recovery for older adults following hip-fracture surgery.DesignProspective longitudinal correlational study.Setting and ParticipantsThis study recruited 350 older adults (≥60 years of age) who received hip-fracture surgery at a 3000-bed medical center in northern Taiwan from September 2012 to March 2020.MethodsParticipant data were collected over a 2-year period after surgery for nutritional and cognitive status and activities of daily living (ADLs). Participants were grouped by type of nutritional trajectory using group-based trajectory modeling. Generalized estimating equations analyzed associations between trajectory groups/cognitive status at discharge and performance of ADLs.ResultsNutritional trajectories best fit a 3-group trajectory model: malnourished (19%), at-risk of malnutrition (40%), and well-nourished (41%). Nutritional status for the malnourished group declined from 12 months to 24 months following surgery; nutritional status remained stable for at-risk of malnutrition and well-nourished groups. Interactions for cognitive impairment-by-nutritional status were significant: the malnourished + intact cognition subgroup had significantly better ADLs than the malnourished + cognitive impairment subgroup (b = 27.1, 95% confidence interval = 14.0–40.2; P < .001). For at-risk of malnutrition and well-nourished groups, there were no significant differences between cognitive impairment and intact cognition in ADLs. These findings suggest that nutritional status may buffer the negative effect of cognitive impairment on ADLs.Conclusions and ImplicationsBetter nutritional status over time for older adults following hip fracture can protect against adverse influences of cognitive impairment on ADLs during postoperative recovery. Participants with malnutrition and cognitive impairment had the poorest ADLs. These findings suggest interventions tailored to improving nutritional status may improve recovery for older adults following hip-fracture surgery.     

Comparative survival of elderly renal transplant recipients with a living donor versus a deceased donor: A retrospective single center observational study

Increasing numbers of elderly (≥65 years) patients are listed for kidney transplantation. This study compares the survival outcome between living (LDK), regularly allocated (ETKAS), and Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP) donor kidneys in elderly recipients. This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of elderly kidney transplant recipients transplanted between 2005 and 2017. Primary outcome measures were nondeath-censored graft, death-censored graft, and patient survival. In total, 348 patients were transplanted, 109 recipients (31.3%) received an LDK, 100 (28.7%) an ETKAS, and 139 (40%) an ESP kidney. 62.5% were male, and median age was 68 years. LDK recipients had significantly better 5-year nondeath-censored graft survival compared with ETKAS and ESP (resp. 71.0% vs. 66.1% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.047). Death-censored graft survival after 1 year was significantly better in LDK recipients (99.1%) (ETKAS 90.8%; ESP 87.7%, P < 0.001). After 5 years, the difference remained significant (P < 0.001) with little additional graft loss (97.7% vs. 88.1% vs. 85.6). There was no significant difference in patient survival after 5 years (71.7% vs. 67.4% vs 61.9%, P = 0.480). In elderly recipients, the patient survival benefits of an LDK are limited, but there is decreased death-censored graft loss for LDK recipients. Nevertheless, graft survival in ETKAS and ESP remains satisfactory.     

清咳平喘颗粒治疗痰热郁肺型咳嗽的临床疗效观察

目的 观察清咳平喘颗粒治疗痰热郁肺型咳嗽的临床有效性。方法 选取2020年1月—2021年6月上海中医药大学附属龙华医院呼吸科门诊就诊的痰热郁肺型咳嗽患者100例,按随机数字表法分为对照组和治疗组各50例,对照组为西医常规治疗,治疗组在西医常规治疗基础上联合清咳平喘颗粒治疗。两组均连续治疗2周。观察两组患者治疗前后的中医证候、咳嗽症状、气道反应（血清免疫球蛋白E、外周血嗜酸性粒细胞）、肺功能［最大呼气流量、第1秒用力呼气容积（forced expiratory volume for 1 second,FEV1）与用力肺活量（forced vital capacity,FVC）的比值］、生活质量及不良反应情况。结果 治疗后,对照组和治疗组的总有效率分别是90%、94%,两组比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。治疗后,两组患者中医证候评分、日间及夜间咳嗽积分较治疗前降低,且治疗组明显低于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗后,两组血清免疫球蛋白E、外周血嗜酸性粒细胞较治疗前明显下降,且治疗组气道反应指标改善好于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗后,两组最大呼气流量、FEV1/FVC较治疗前明显上升（P<0.05）,但两组比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。随访时两组患者的生活质量评分较治疗前均显著升高,治疗组评分改善优于对照组,两组比较差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。治疗期间两组均未发生不良反应。结论 清咳平喘颗粒在治疗痰热郁肺型咳嗽安全性良好,有助于改善咳嗽症状,改善肺通气,提高患者生活质量。     

Quantifying infection risks in incompatible living donor kidney transplant recipients

Desensitization has enabled incompatible living donor kidney transplantation (ILDKT) across HLA/ABO barriers, but added immunomodulation might put patients at increased risk of infections. We studied 475 recipients from our center from 2010 to 2015, categorized by desensitization intensity: none/compatible (n = 260), low (0-4 plasmaphereses, n = 47), moderate (5-9, n = 74), and high (≥10, n = 94). The 1-year cumulative incidence of infection was 50.1%, 49.8%, 66.0%, and 73.5% for recipients who received none, low, moderate, and high-intensity desensitization (P < .001). The most common infections were UTI (33.5% of ILDKT vs. 21.5% compatible), opportunistic (21.9% vs. 10.8%), and bloodstream (19.1% vs. 5.4%) (P < .001). In weighted models, a trend toward increased risk was seen in low (wIRR = _0.771.40_2.56,P = .3) and moderately (wIRR = _0.881.35_2.06,P = .2) desensitized recipients, with a statistically significant 2.22-fold (wIRR = _1.332.22_3.72,P = .002) increased risk in highly desensitized recipients. Recipients with ≥4 infections were at higher risk of prolonged hospitalization (wIRR = _2.623.57_4.88, P < .001) and death-censored graft loss (wHR = _1.154.01_13.95,P = .03). Post–KT infections are more common in desensitized ILDKT recipients. A subset of highly desensitized patients is at ultra-high risk for infections. Strategies should be designed to protect patients from the morbidity of recurrent infections, and to extend the survival benefit of ILDKT across the spectrum of recipients.