scholarly journals Management of Older Outpatients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The GeroCovid Ambulatory Study

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Pietro Gareri ◽  
Stefano Fumagalli ◽  
Alba Malara ◽  
Enrico Mossello ◽  
Caterina Trevisan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Home Care Services ◽  
The Impact

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The GeroCovid Study is a multi-setting, multinational, and multi-scope registry that includes the GeroCovid home and outpatients’ care cohort. The present study aims to evaluate whether outpatient and home care services with remote monitoring and consultation could mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental and affective status, perceived well-being, and personal capabilities of outpatients and home care patients with cognitive disorders. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Prospectively recorded patients in an electronic web registry provided by BlueCompanion Ltd. Up to October 31, 2020, the sample included 90 patients receiving regular care from the Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia in Catanzaro Lido, Italy. It was made of 52 ambulatory outpatients and 38 home care patients, mean age 83.3 ± 7.54 years. Participants underwent a multidimensional assessment at baseline (T0) and after 90 days (T1). For each patient, we administered the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive functions, the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental ADL (IADL) scales for functional capabilities, the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) for comorbidities and their impact on patients’ health, the 5-items Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for mood, and the Euro Quality of Life (EuroQoL) for perceived quality of life. Contacts with both ambulatory and home care patients were managed in person or via telephone, preferably through video calls (WhatsApp or FaceTime). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Contacts with patients were kept at T0 through telephone. At T1, visits were made in person for over 95% out of the cases. The ADL, IADL, CIRS, GDS, MMSE, and EuroQoL changed slightly between T0 and T1. Most of the patients were clinically stable over time on the majority of the scales explored, but behavioral changes were found in 24.4% of patients and anxiety and insomnia in 17.7% of patients. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our study suggests that contacts through telephone and video consultations are likely associated with a health status preservation of the patients.

Longitudinal Trends in Quality of Life and Physical Function in Frail Older Dialysis Patients: A Comparison of Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis and In-Center Hemodialysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osasuyi Iyasere ◽  
Edwina Brown ◽  
Fabiana Gordon ◽  
Helen Collinson ◽  
Richard Fielding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Dialysis Patients ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis

Background In-center hemodialysis (HD) has been the standard treatment for older dialysis patients, but reports suggest an associated decline in physical and cognitive function. Cross-sectional data suggest that assisted peritoneal dialysis (aPD), an alternative treatment, is associated with quality of life (QoL) outcomes that are comparable to in-center HD. We compared longitudinal changes in QoL between modalities. Methods We enrolled 106 aPD patients, matched with 100 HD patients from 20 renal centers in England and Northern Ireland. Patients were assessed quarterly for 2 years using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), SF-12 physical and mental scores, symptom score, Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale (IIRS), Barthel's score, and the Renal Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (RTSQ). Mixed model analysis was used to assess the impact of dialysis modality on these outcomes during follow-up. P values were adjusted for multiple significance testing. Results Multivariate analysis showed no difference in any of the outcome measures between aPD and HD. Longitudinal trends in outcomes were also not significantly different. Higher age at baseline was associated with lower IIRS and RTSQ scores during follow-up. One-hundred and twenty-five (60.6%) patients dropped out of the study: 59 (28.6%) died, 61 (29.6%) withdrew during follow-up, and 5 (2.5%) were transplanted. Conclusions Quality of life outcomes in frail older aPD patients were equivalent to those receiving in-center HD. Assisted PD is thus a valid alternative to HD for older people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) wishing to dialyze at home.

scholarly journals Fatigue in patients on oral targeted or chemotherapy for cancer and associations with anxiety, depression, and quality of life

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-147
Author(s):  
Hanneke Poort ◽  
Jamie M. Jacobs ◽  
William F. Pirl ◽  
Jennifer S. Temel ◽  
Joseph A. Greer
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Severe Fatigue ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectivesOral treatment (targeted or chemotherapy) for cancer is being increasingly used. While fatigue is a known side effect of intravenous chemotherapy, the rate of fatigue and the impact of fatigue on other patient-reported outcomes are not well described.MethodAt Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 180 adult patients prescribed oral targeted or chemotherapy for various malignancies enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of adherence and symptom management. Patients completed baseline self-reported measures of fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory; BFI), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS), and quality of life, including subscales for physical, social, emotional, and functional well-being ([QOL] Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy — General; FACT-G). We examined clinically relevant fatigue using a validated cut-off score for moderate-severe fatigue (BFI global fatigue ≥4) and tested the associations with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and QOL with independent samples t-tests.ResultsAt baseline, 45 of 180 participants (25.0%) reported moderate-severe fatigue. Fatigued patients experienced more anxiety symptoms (mean diff. 3.73, P < 0.001), more depressive symptoms (mean diff. 4.14, P < 0.001), and worse QOL on the total FACT-G score (mean diff. −19.58, P < 0.001) and all subscales of the FACT-G compared to patients without moderate-severe fatigue.Significance of resultsOne in four patients on oral treatment for cancer experienced clinically relevant fatigue that is associated with greater anxiety and depressive symptoms and worse QOL.

scholarly journals The Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Quality of Life in Those Receiving Home Care Services

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-34
Author(s):  
Mahcube Cubukcu
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Home Care Services ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

This study aims to evaluate the impact of urinary incontinence on the quality of life in those receiving home care services and the factors that influence this. This cross-descriptive study was performed in 180 patients who were served from Home Care Services between 01 and 28 February 2018. An International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was implemented in person to those who gave their informed consent with orientation and cooperation. The mean age of a 180 patients was 74.40 ± 7.80 years (min = 18, max = 104), of which 55.2% were women. The mean ICIQ-SF score was found to be 12.42 ± 4.83 (min = 0, max = 21). The lowest points were given as responses to the question, “In your opinion, what amount of leakage do you experience?” The highest points, however, were given to the question of “How much does urinary leakage interfere with your everyday life?” It was seen that when quality of life is assessed with a visual analog scale within the ICIQ-SF, the quality of life for 66.6% of elderly individuals was affected moderately or significantly. The mean ICIQ-SF scores were higher in those with chronic diseases ( p < .005). Urinary Incontinence negatively affects quality of life to a moderate and significant degree in those receiving home care. The quality of life for those who have chronic diseases was worse. In this respect, there is a need to support patients in those receiving home care services.

Psychological well-being of older Chinese immigrants living in Australia: a comparison with older Caucasians

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1671-1679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoping Lin ◽  
Christina Bryant ◽  
Jennifer Boldero ◽  
Briony Dow
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Chinese Immigrants ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Older Chinese ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTBackground:Few current studies explore psychological well-being among older Chinese immigrants in Australia. The study addressed this gap and provided preliminary data on psychological well-being among this group. Four indicators, namely depression, anxiety, loneliness, and quality of life, were used to present a comprehensive picture of psychological well-being.Methods:Participants were two groups of community-dwelling older people, specifically 59 Chinese immigrants and 60 Australian-born people (median age=77 and 73, respectively). Data were collected through standardized interviews. The Geriatric Depression Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the WHO Quality of Life questionnaire were used to measure depression, anxiety, loneliness, and quality of life, respectively.Results:Chinese participants’ median quality of life score was higher than the scale mid-point, indicating relatively high levels of quality of life. However, 10% exhibited symptoms of depression, 6% had symptoms of anxiety, and 49% felt lonely. Compared to Australian participants, Chinese participants reported poorer quality of life and higher levels of loneliness. Importantly, the difference in quality of life remained when the impact of socio-demographic factors was controlled for.Conclusions:This study was the first to use multiple indicators to explore psychological well-being among older Chinese immigrants in Australia. Its results suggest that their psychological well-being might be worse than that of Australian-born people when using loneliness and quality of life as indicators. In particular, loneliness is a common psychological problem among this group, and there is a need for public awareness of this problem.

scholarly journals Quality of life in isolated dystonia: non-motor manifestations matter

2021 ◽  
pp. jnnp-2020-325193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Junker ◽  
Brian D Berman ◽  
James Hall ◽  
Deena W Wahba ◽  
Valerie Brandt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Current Standard

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and both physical and psychiatric factors in a large, international, multicentre cohort of patients with isolated dystonia, the Dystonia Coalition.MethodsNatural history data from 603 patients with isolated dystonia (median age 57 years (IQR: 48 to 64 years), 67.0% women) were prospectively acquired and analysed. HR-QoL (RAND 36-Item Health Survey), severity of depressive symptoms, generalised anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and social anxiety (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale) were assessed. Dystonia severity (Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale) and dystonic tremor were examined. Statistical predictors of HR-QoL were calculated using saturated path analysis.ResultsReduced HR-QoL was strongly associated with the degree of depressive symptoms and generalised and social anxiety (8/8 RAND 36 subscales, p≤0.001). Increased dystonia severity was associated with worse physical functioning, physical and emotional role functioning and social functioning (all p≤0.001). The presence of tremor correlated with worse physical functioning and pain (all p≤0.006). Younger age was associated with reduced emotional well-being and vitality (all p≤0.006). There were no HR-QoL differences between sexes.ConclusionHR-QoL in isolated dystonia is strongly associated with psychiatric and physical features. While current standard of care focus on motor aspects of dystonia, comprehensive care should address both physical and mental aspects of health.

scholarly journals The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15): Validation in Mexico and Disorder in the State of Knowledge

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502095738
Author(s):  
Christian Oswaldo Acosta Quiroz ◽  
Raquel García-Flores ◽  
Sonia Beatriz Echeverría-Castro
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Geriatric Depression

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Geriatric Depression Scale in its 15-item version (GDS-15) in Mexican older adults. Participants included 1178 older adults between the ages of 60 and 94 ( M = 69.16, SD = 7.69); 53.9% were women and 55.8% were married or with a partner. They completed the GDS-15, a subjective well-being scale, and a quality-of-life questionnaire. A Kuder–Richardson coefficient of .80 was obtained, which indicates an acceptable internal consistency of the GDS-15, as well as evidence of divergent validity with significant correlations of −.783 with subjective well-being and −.569 with quality of life, in addition to concurrent validity when discriminating between participants with low scores from those with high scores of depressive symptoms. The need for a simple screening tool such as the GDS-15 that helps in the identification of depressive symptoms in Mexican older adults is underlined.

A pilot study to examine the relationship between boredom and spirituality in cancer patients

2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALICE INMAN ◽  
KENNETH L. KIRSH ◽  
STEVEN D. PASSIK
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Group Performance ◽  
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Objective: Spirituality has been neglected when assessing the well-being of cancer patients. Traditionally, researchers have focused on areas such as physical, social, and emotional functioning. However, there is a potential for spirituality to have a large impact on quality of life in patients with cancer. The current study was conducted to investigate the relationship between spirituality and boredom, constraint, social contact, and depression.Methods: A total of 100 oncology patients completed several assessment instruments, including the Purposelessness, Under-stimulation, and Boredom (PUB) Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale–Anemia, Brief Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (BZSDS), Cancer Behavior Inventory, Systems of Belief Inventory, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale.Results: The average age of the sample was 62.37 years (SD = 13.43) and was comprised of 60 women (60%) and 40 men (40%). A regression analysis conducted to explore the impact of the variables on quality of life found only the BZSDS (R2Δ = .650, F = 180.392, p < .001) and the PUB Scale (R2Δ = .077, F = 26.885, p < .001) were significant predictors of quality of life. Another set of regression analyses were conducted to explore whether spirituality had a mediating effect on this relationship, but the mediated model was not supported.Significance of results: We conclude that spirituality and boredom are difficult concepts to define, operationalize, and measure, but crucial to our understanding of quality of life in advanced cancer. More research is needed to clarify the nature of the interrelationships between these important concepts.

Quality of life in depression scale (QLDS). Development, reliability, validity, responsiveness and application

1997 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Tuynman-Qua ◽  
F de Jonghe ◽  
S.P. McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Good Reliability

SummaryThe joint development of the Dutch and English versions of the Quality of Life in Depression Scale (QLDS) is described. The QLDS is based on the needs model of quality of life developed by Hunt and McKenna. The scale has good reliability and internal consistency. Test-retest correlation coefficients were 0.94 and 0.87 in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, respectively. Internal consistency alpha-coefficients were 0.95 and 0.92, respectively. The validity of the scale is highly acceptable. The QLDS was shown to correlate relatively highly with established measures of well-being, and scores obtained with the measure were related to severity of depression as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The QLDS was shown to be responsive to change in an open study with fluoxetine in 540 patients with major depression. The scale has wide applicability and has been shown to be user-friendly, both for respondents and administrators. It has been, or is in the process of being, tested for reliability and validity in the following additional countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Spain and the United States.

scholarly journals Neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life and caregivers’ burden in dementia

Open Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 905-914
Author(s):  
Réka Majer ◽  
Olar Adeyi ◽  
Zsuzsa Bagoly ◽  
Viktória Simon ◽  
László Csiba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Disease Assessment ◽  
Illness Intrusiveness ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThe objective of this research is to identify the relationship between the neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) of patients with major neurocognitive disorder (mNCD), their quality of life, illness intrusiveness and the caregiver’s burden. We assessed 131 patients with mNCD. Examination methods included WHO well-being index short version, illness intrusiveness rating scale, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cog, Mini Mental State Examination and neuropsychiatric inventory. The results were analysed using standard statistical tests. In our sample, the prevalence of NPSs is 100%. A significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was observed with quality of life and illness intrusiveness. Additionally, a strong relationship was observed between NPSs and the caregiver’s burden (r = 0.9). The result is significantly twice as much stronger in comparison to the relationship between NPS and cognitive symptoms (r = 0.4). This is the first study in Hungary to assess the impact of NPS on the burden of relatives and quality of life. NPS had twice stronger impact on caregivers’ burden than cognitive decline. However, further studies are needed to assess the sub-syndromes in mNCD in relation to NPS.

scholarly journals The indirect effect of a focus group for psoriatic patients on their caregivers

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Demma ◽  
Caterina Suitner ◽  
Emilia Ferruzza ◽  
Chiara Nicolini ◽  
Massimo Donini
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Group Setting ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease involving not only epidermic damages but also psychological distress for patients and their family caregivers. Little is known about the effects of a psychological support for psoriatic patients on their caregivers’ well-being. The goal of the present study was to investigate the indirect effects of the participation in a dynamic focus group reserved for psoriatic patients on their caregivers in terms of quality of life. The study involved 52 psoriatic patients and 41 family caregivers. Patients’ wellbeing was assessed using the dermatology quality of life index, hospital anxiety and depression scale. The impact of the disease on caregivers was assessed using the family dermatology life quality index (FDLQI). Data were analyzed with linear mixed models. The caregivers of psoriatic patients involved in the psychodynamic focus group reported levels of FDLQI that decreased over time, therefore showing an improvement in their quality of life in relation to the pathology of their relatives; the caregivers of patients who did not participate in the psychodynamic focus group, instead, had levels of FDLQI that were stable over time. The results provide preliminary evidence that the group setting of the Psychodynamic Focus Group may alleviate the negative impact of psychosomatic disease on the caregivers.

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