Med Psych Units: Proceedings and abstracts of the Triptych Workshop 9 december 1999 Maastricht

1999 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Honig ◽  
J. Troost ◽  
P.M.J.C. Kuijpers ◽  
I.M. van Vliet

Med Psych Units (MPU) are neither clear-cut medical nor psychiatric units. This makes it difficult to acquire funding for these often expensive units. Despite this, there are many reasons why MPU's should be a necessary part of any larger scale inpatient service of a general and teaching hospital. It is therefore even more remarkable that such units hardly exist in Europe and that only about twenty exist in the USA. Five main reasons why such units should be opened are:The increasing average age of the population of the Western World, with high co-morbidity and polypharmacy in the elderly and elderly elderly.An increase in the number of chronic physical diseases resulting in co-morbid psychiatric disorders. This increase in chronicity is the consequence of increasingly successful treatment of acute and potentially lethal diseases; for example, acute myocardial infarction and the subsequent development of chronic heart disease.The decreasing duration of hospital admission. On average the duration of stay in a general hospital in The Netherlands is now nine days. The number of day-treatments has doubled in the last decade. This situation means that it is not possible to observe the behavior of patients on a general medical ward or to carry out a psychiatric consultation.Inadequate medical evaluation of psychiatric patients. According to a recent survey by the Dutch Ministry of Health, the care given for physical disease to psychiatric patients in mental hospitals in The Netherlands needs much to be desired for.The psychiatric co-morbidity of somatic diseases is accompanied by a high consumption of medical facilities and high economic losses, unless adequately recognized and treated.

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Dombrowski ◽  
Nelly Norrell ◽  
Suzanne Holroyd

Objective. There is a paucity of research on substance use disorders (SUDs) in the elderly psychiatric population. This study examines SUDs in a geriatric psychiatry inpatient service over a 10-year period.Methods. Data from 1788 elderly psychiatric inpatients from a ten-year period was collected. Variables collected included psychiatric diagnoses, SUD, number of psychiatric admissions, and length of stay. Those with and without a SUD were compared using Chi-Square or Student’st-test as appropriate using SPSS.Results. 11.7% (N=210) of patients had a SUD, and the most common substance was alcohol at 73.3% (N=154) or 8.6% of all admissions. Other SUDs were sedative-hypnotics (11%), opiate (2.9%), cannabis (1%), tobacco (1.4%), and unspecified SUD (38.6%). SUD patients were significantly younger, divorced, male, and less frequently readmitted and had shorter lengths of stay. The most common comorbid diagnoses were major depression (26.1%), bipolar disorder (10.5%), and dementia (17.1%).Conclusions. Over 10% of psychogeriatric admissions were associated with a SUD, with alcohol being the most common. Considering the difficulties in diagnosing SUD in this population and the retrospective study design, the true prevalence in elderly psychiatric inpatients is likely higher. This study adds to sparse literature on SUD in elderly psychiatric patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 162.2-162
Author(s):  
M. Bakker ◽  
P. Putrik ◽  
J. Rademakers ◽  
M. Van de Laar ◽  
H. Vonkeman ◽  
...  

Background:The prevalence of limited health literacy (i.e. cognitive and social resources of individuals to access, understand and apply health information to promote and maintain good health) in the Netherlands is estimated to be over 36% [1]. Access to and outcomes of rheumatological care may be compromised by limited patient health literacy, yet little is known about how to address this, thus action is required. As influencing individual patients’ health literacy in the rheumatology context is often unrealistic, it is paramount for the health system to be tailored to the health literacy needs of its patients. The OPtimising HEalth LIteracy and Access (Ophelia) process offers a method to inform system change [2].Objectives:Following the Ophelia approach:a. Identify health literacy profiles reflecting strengths and weaknesses of outpatients with RA, SpA and gout.b. Use the health literacy profiles to facilitate discussions on challenges for patients and professionals in rheumatological care and identify possible solutions the health system could offer to address these challenges.Methods:Patients with RA, SpA and gout attending outpatient clinics in three centres in the Netherlands completed the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and questions on socio-demographic and health-related characteristics. Hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward’s method identified clusters based on the nine HLQ domains. Three researchers jointly examined 24 cluster solutions for meaningfulness by interpreting HLQ domain scores and patient characteristics. Meaningful clusters were translated into health literacy profiles using HLQ patterns and demographic data. A patient research partner confirmed the identified profiles. Patient vignettes were designed by combining cluster analyses results with qualitative patient interviews. The vignettes were used in two two-hour co-design workshops with rheumatologists and nurses to discuss their perspective on health literacy-related challenges for patients and professionals, and generate ideas on how to address these challenges.Results:In total, 895 patients participated: 49% female, mean age 61 years (±13.0), 25% lived alone, 18% had a migrant background, 6.6% did not speak Dutch at home and 51% had low levels of education. Figure 1 shows a heat map of identified health literacy profiles, displaying the score distribution per profile across nine health literacy domains. Figure 2 shows an excerpt of a patient vignette, describing challenges for a patient with profile number 9. The workshops were attended by 7 and 14 nurses and rheumatologists. Proposed solutions included health literacy communication training for professionals, developing and improving (visual) patient information materials, peer support for patients through patient associations or group consultations, a clear referral system for patients who need additional guidance by a nurse, social worker, lifestyle coach, pharmacist or family doctor, and more time with rheumatology nurses for target populations. Moreover, several system adaptations to the clinic, such as a central desk for all patient appointments, were proposed.Conclusion:This study identified several distinct health literacy profiles of patients with rheumatic conditions. Engaging with health professionals in co-design workshops led to numerous bottom-up ideas to improve care. Next steps include co-design workshops with patients, followed by prioritising and testing proposed interventions.References:[1]Heijmans M. et al. Health Literacy in the Netherlands. Utrecht: Nivel 2018[2]Batterham R. et al. BMC Public Health 2014, 14:694Disclosure of Interests:Mark Bakker: None declared, Polina Putrik: None declared, Jany Rademakers Speakers bureau: In March 2017, Prof. Dr. Rademakers was invited to speak about health literacy at the “Heuvellanddagen” Conference, hosted by Janssen-Cilag., Mart van de Laar Consultant of: Sanofi Genzyme, Speakers bureau: Sanofi Genzyme, Harald Vonkeman: None declared, Marc R Kok Grant/research support from: BMS and Novartis, Consultant of: Novartis and Galapagos, Hanneke Voorneveld: None declared, Sofia Ramiro Grant/research support from: MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi Genzyme, Speakers bureau: Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Maarten de Wit Grant/research support from: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Consultant of: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Speakers bureau: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Richard Osborne Consultant of: Prof. Osborne is a paid consultant for pharma in the field of influenza and related infectious diseases., Roy Batterham: None declared, Rachelle Buchbinder: None declared, Annelies Boonen Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Consultant of: Galapagos, Lilly (all paid to the department)


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Menezes ◽  
Rui P. Rocha

Abstract Societies in the most developed countries have witnessed a significant ageing of the population in recent decades, which increases the demand for healthcare services and caregivers. The development of technologies to help the elderly, so that they can remain active and independent for a longer time, helps to mitigate the sustainability problem posed in care services. This article follows this new trend, proposing a multi-agent system composed of a smart camera network, centralised planning agent, a virtual coach, and robotic exercise buddy, designed to promote regular physical activity habits among the elderly. The proposed system not only persuades the users to perform exercise routines, but also guides and accompanies them during exercises in order to provide effective training and engagement to the user. The different agents are combined in the system to exploit their complementary features in the quest for an effective and engaging training system. Three variants of the system, involving either a partial set of those agents or the full proposed system, were evaluated and compared through a pilot study conducted with 12 elderly users. The results demonstrate that all variants are able to guide the user in an exercise routine, but the most complete system that includes a robotic exercise buddy was the best scored by the participants. Article Highlights Proposal of a multi-agent system to help elderly adopting regular physical activity habits. A virtual coach and a robotic exercise buddy provide both guidance and companionship during the exercise. A pilot study conducted with 12 elderly users demonstrated an effective and engaging training system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Bennetts

Abstract Treatment recommendations for mental health are often founded on diagnosis-specific models; however, there are high rates of co-morbidity of mental health presentations and growing recognition of the presence of ‘transdiagnostic processes’ (cognitive, emotional or behavioural features) seen across a range of mental health presentations. This model proposes a novel conceptualisation of how transdiagnostic behaviours may maintain co-morbid mental health presentations by acting as a trigger event for the cognitive biases specific to each presentation. Drawing on existing evidence, psychological theory and the author’s clinical experience, the model organises complex presentations in a theory-driven yet accessible manner for use in clinical practice. The model offers both theoretical and clinical implications for the treatment of mental health presentations using cognitive behavioural approaches, positing that transdiagnostic behaviours be the primary treatment target in co-morbid presentations. Key learning aims (1) To understand the strengths and limitations of existing transdiagnostic CBT formulation models. (2) To learn about a novel, transdiagnostic and behaviourally focused formulation for use in clinical practice. (3) To understand how to use the tool in clinical practice and future research.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C Blomaard ◽  
Carolien M J van der Linden ◽  
Jessica M van der Bol ◽  
Steffy W M Jansen ◽  
Harmke A Polinder-Bos ◽  
...  

Abstract Background During the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, older patients had an increased risk of hospitalisation and death. Reports on the association of frailty with poor outcome have been conflicting. Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the independent association between frailty and in-hospital mortality in older hospitalised COVID-19 patients in the Netherlands. Methods This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study in 15 hospitals in the Netherlands, including all patients aged ≥70 years, who were hospitalised with clinically confirmed COVID-19 between February and May 2020. Data were collected on demographics, co-morbidity, disease severity and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results A total of 1,376 patients were included (median age 78 years (interquartile range 74–84), 60% male). In total, 499 (38%) patients died during hospital admission. Parameters indicating presence of frailty (CFS 6–9) were associated with more co-morbidities, shorter symptom duration upon presentation (median 4 versus 7 days), lower oxygen demand and lower levels of C-reactive protein. In multivariable analyses, the CFS was independently associated with in-hospital mortality: compared with patients with CFS 1–3, patients with CFS 4–5 had a two times higher risk (odds ratio (OR) 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–3.0)) and patients with CFS 6–9 had a three times higher risk of in-hospital mortality (OR 2.8 (95% CI 1.8–4.3)). Conclusions The in-hospital mortality of older hospitalised COVID-19 patients in the Netherlands was 38%. Frailty was independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality, even though COVID-19 patients with frailty presented earlier to the hospital with less severe symptoms.


1980 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin J. Jacoby ◽  
Raymond Levy ◽  
John M. Dawson

SummaryComputed tomographic (CT) and brief psychometric findings on 50 psychiatrically and neurologically healthy community residents over 60 years old are presented. The need for normative CT data is emphasized, and the methodological problems in obtaining them are discussed. Measures of ventricular size were generally found to be greater than those reported by other workers, and variation with age was also found to be less marked than hitherto reported. A reciprocal relationship was found between a global rating of cortical atrophy and a test of memory and orientation. This communication forms the basis for comparison with groups of psychiatric patients to be presented in subsequent articles.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S620-S620 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Teasdale ◽  
P. Ward ◽  
K. Samaras ◽  
S. Rosenbaum ◽  
J. Curtis ◽  
...  

IntroductionNutrition interventions are critical for weight management and cardiometabolic risk reduction in people experiencing severe mental illness (SMI). As mental health teams evolve to incorporate nutrition interventions, evidence needs to guide clinical practice.AimsA systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess whether nutrition interventions improve:– anthropometric and biochemical measures,– nutritional intake of people experiencing SMI.To evaluate the effectiveness of a dietician-led nutrition intervention, as part of a broader lifestyle intervention, in the early stages of antipsychotic prescription.MethodAn electronic database search was conducted to identify all trials with nutritional components. Included trials were pooled for meta-analysis. Meta-regression analyses were run on potential anthropometric moderators. Weekly individualised dietetic consultations plus group cooking classes were then offered to clients attending a Community Early Psychosis Programme, who had recently commenced antipsychotics for a 12-week period.ResultsFrom pooled trials, nutrition interventions resulted in significant weight loss (19 studies, g = –0.39, P < 0.001), reduced BMI (17 studies, g = –0.40, P < 0.001), decreased waist circumference (10 studies, g = –0.27, P < 0.001) and lower blood glucose levels (5 studies, g = –0.37, P = 0.02). Dietician-led interventions (g = –0.90) and trials focussing on preventing weight gain (g = –0.61) were the most effective. The 12-week nutrition intervention resulted in a 47% reduction in discretionary (junk) food intake (P < 0.001) and reductions in daily energy (–24%, P < 0.001) and sodium intakes (–26%, P < 0.001), while improving diet quality (P < 0.05).ConclusionEvidence supports the inclusion of nutrition interventions as part of standard care for preventing weight gain and metabolic deterioration among people with SMI.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyrus S. H. Ho ◽  
Melvyn W. B. Zhang ◽  
Anselm Mak ◽  
Roger C. M. Ho

SummaryMetabolic syndrome comprises a number of cardiovascular risk factors that increase morbidity and mortality. The increase in incidence of the syndrome among psychiatric patients has been unanimously demonstrated in recent studies and it has become one of the greatest challenges in psychiatric practice. Besides the use of psychotropic drugs, factors such as genetic polymorphisms, inflammation, endocrinopathies and unhealthy lifestyle contribute to the association between metabolic syndrome and a number of psychiatric disorders. In this article, we review the current diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome and propose clinically useful guidelines for psychiatrists to identify and monitor patients who may have the syndrome. We also outline the relationship between metabolic syndrome and individual psychiatric disorders, and discuss advances in pharmacological treatment for the syndrome, such as metformin.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Be familiar with the definition of metabolic syndrome and its parameters of measurement.•Appreciate how individual psychiatric disorders contribute to metabolic syndrome and vice versa.•Develop a framework for the prevention, screening and management of metabolic syndrome in psychiatric patients.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 2020-2020
Author(s):  
C.A. de Mendonça Lima ◽  
R.M. Rodrigues

Suicide is a typical phenomenon of the elderly and mainly among men. Besides the importance of suicide in terms of public health there is fewer interest to prevent suicide in old age. This can be explained by stigma, poor evaluation of the dimension of the problem and lack of politic will.Suicide prevention and the care of survivors of suicide depend on the mental health network of care. Interventions to reduce suicide can be made at individual level and at level of the development of policies and strategies. The detection of the persons at risk of suicide and the management of the suicide attempt are two main strategies to prevent suicide. Both received recently an important support from WHO with its publication mhGAP Intervention Guide which was conceived to be used in non-specialized health-care settings by health-care providers working at first- and second-level facilities. It includes guidance on evidence-based interventions to make the diagnosis and manage a number of priority conditions, including suicide.Our review of the literature pointed to the necessity to develop additional research to determine:•the role of somatic disorders as precipitant factor;•the role on suicide of the pre-morbid personality, cognitive functioning, social support and recent and chronic stressing events;•the participation of normal and pathological ageing on the expression of the suicide behavior;•the biological markers of suicide in old age;•the potential impact on suicide rates of educational interventions for the general public and for caregivers.


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