Abstract 87: Assessment of Stroke Caregiver Readiness: A Primary Prevention Strategy

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J Lutz ◽  
Mary Ellen Young

Introduction: More than 3.5 million family caregivers provide assistance with activities and instrumental activities of daily living for stroke survivors living at home. Studies consistently indicate that stroke family caregivers are inadequately assessed and under prepared for their new caregiver roles and responsibilities as stroke survivors transition home from inpatient rehabilitation. Several tools exist to assess caregivers once they have assumed the caregiving role, however, there are no tools assess stroke caregiver readiness prior to discharge. Research has indicated the need for a thorough and systematic pre-discharge assessment of the caregiver’s ability to assume the caregiving role. The purpose of this presentation is to describe ten critical stroke caregiver readiness assessment domains and to discuss their relevance for long-term outcomes for stroke survivors and family caregivers. Methods: In this grounded theory study, data were collected from19 persons with stroke and 19 family caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted during inpatient rehabilitation and within 6 months post-discharge. First interviews focused on expectations for recovery and caregiving needs post-discharge. Follow-up interviews focused on how families managed the transition from rehabilitation to home and how their initial expectations matched the reality of their post-discharge experience. Interviews were analyzed using dimensional analysis and coded in NVivo data management software. Findings: Participants indicated that stroke was an overwhelming, life changing crisis event. Family members felt abandoned, isolated, and under prepared to assume the fulltime caregiving role as stroke survivors transitioned home. They described using ineffective or risky caregiving strategies that resulted in safety and health issues for both stroke survivors and caregivers. Ten pre-discharge caregiver readiness assessment domains were identified in the interviews and a corresponding stroke caregiver readiness assessment interview guide was developed. Conclusion: Stroke survivors and family caregivers are extremely vulnerable as they transition home from inpatient rehabilitation leaving them at risk for poorer health, depression, and increased risk for injury. In order to prevent these deleterious outcomes, caregivers should be assessed, and potential areas of risk identified and addressed prior to discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. As new interventions are developed to improve survival rates for persons with stroke, we must also develop and implement primary prevention strategies for family members who are called upon to provide care following discharge to protect their health and improve the long-term recovery outcomes for the stroke survivor.

Heart ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 104 (18) ◽  
pp. 1529-1535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sérgio Barra ◽  
Rui Providência ◽  
Serge Boveda ◽  
Rudolf Duehmke ◽  
Kumar Narayanan ◽  
...  

ObjectiveIn patients indicated for cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT), the choice between a CRT-pacemaker (CRT-P) versus defibrillator (CRT-D) remains controversial and indications in this setting have not been well delineated. Apart from inappropriate therapies, which are inherent to the presence of a defibrillator, whether adding defibrillator to CRT in the primary prevention setting impacts risk of other acute and late device-related complications has not been well studied and may bear relevance for device selection.MethodsObservational multicentre European cohort study of 3008 consecutive patients with ischaemic or non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy and no history of sustained ventricular arrhythmias, undergoing CRT implantation with (CRT-D, n=1785) or without (CRT-P, n=1223) defibrillator. Using propensity score and competing risk analyses, we assessed the risk of significant device-related complications requiring surgical reintervention. Inappropriate shocks were not considered except those due to lead malfunction requiring lead revision.ResultsAcute complications occurred in 148 patients (4.9%), without significant difference between groups, even after considering potential confounders (OR=1.20, 95% CI 0.72 to 2.00, p=0.47). During a mean follow-up of 41.4±29 months, late complications occurred in 475 patients, giving an annual incidence rate of 26 (95% CI 9 to 43) and 15 (95% CI 6 to 24) per 1000 patient-years in CRT-D and CRT-P patients, respectively. CRT-D was independently associated with increased occurrence of late complications (HR=1.68, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.23, p=0.001). In particular, when compared with CRT-P, CRT-D was associated with an increased risk of device-related infection (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.45, p=0.004). Acute complications did not predict overall late complications, but predicted device-related infection (HR 2.85, 95% CI 1.71 to 4.56, p<0.001).ConclusionsCompared with CRT-P, CRT-D is associated with a similar risk of periprocedural complications but increased risk of long-term complications, mainly infection. This needs to be considered in the decision of implanting CRT with or without a defibrillator.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
W Peng ◽  
Andrew Hayen ◽  
J a n e Maguire ◽  
J o n Adams ◽  
David Sibbritt

Abstract Background Stroke prevention via lifestyle modification is a public health priority in developed countries. Few studies have examined the association of high-risk lifestyle factors with long-term mortality of stroke survivors. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effect of key lifestyle factors on all-cause mortality after stroke. Methods Sample is derived from the 45 and Up Study, the largest ongoing study in the Southern Hemisphere focusing on the health of people aged 45 years and older living in NSW, Australia. The lifestyle data in the 45 and Up Study between 2006 to 2015 were linked with data from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, NSW Cause of Death Unit Record File, and NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection by the Centre for Health Record Linkage. We defined a high-risk lifestyle as no vigorous exercise, smokers, or &gt; 10 alcoholic drinks/week. Multivariate Cox regression model is used to examine the effect of high-risk lifestyle on survival using 10-year all-cause mortality as the main outcome, adjusted for key confounders. Results We analysed information on 8410 adults with a stroke event occurring prior to the baseline 45 and Up Study, and 31% of them died in 10 years. 6219 participants were identified as having a high-risk lifestyle at baseline. Being a current smoker and without vigorous exercise were associated with 41% (95% CI: 16%, 73%) and 52% (95% CI: 30%, 78%) increase in the likelihood of death in 10 years, respectively. However, high-risk alcohol drinking was not significantly associated with survival. Of note, having cardiovascular-related comorbidities showed greater risks of mortality (HR range, 3.6-7.2). Conclusions High-risk lifestyle factors were associated with an increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality, suggesting that enhancing public health initiatives to promote 'healthy' lifestyle behaviours can be of great benefit to stroke survivors. Key messages It is essential for stroke survivors to maintain a healthy lifestyle to delay all-cause mortality. Stroke survivors with high-risk lifestyle may be associated with increased likelihood of death if they have comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension.


1981 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
George S. Getzel

A social work program is presented that assists family members in caring for their elderly relatives through a combination of counseling and support services. The intervention sequence and skills needed are identified by the use of case examples, and practice principles are suggested for use in long-term care.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65
Author(s):  
Naomi Davey ◽  
Sarah McNally ◽  
Kerri Donnelly ◽  
Mary Kate Meagher ◽  
Imelda Noone ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Occipital lobe strokes are characterised by a visual field deficit (VFD) and the absence of a motor deficit. A persistent VFD may have significant long-term implications for a patient and their lifestyle. Our aim was to assess the overall impact of these events particularly patients’ ability to return to driving. Methods All patients admitted with an acute occipital lobe stroke to a Dublin teaching hospital in 2017 were identified. Case notes were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients’ pre-stroke function, stroke pathology, neurological losses and further vascular events. A follow up phone call was made 18 months after the event to assess if previous drivers had returned to driving and required the installation of formalised home supports after discharge. Results In 2017, 37 of 311 stroke patients admitted had a confirmed occipital lobe stroke. 33 of these patients (89.1%) had ischemic events. The median age was 76 (50-93) years old. Twenty-nine patients were able to undergo formal cognitive testing; the median Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) was 18 (2-29). 15 patients (40.5%) had underlying Atrial Fibrillation with one (6.7%) of this cohort being identified post discharge; 14 (85.7%) of those patients with ischemic strokes were anticoagulated for atrial fibrillation. The median length of stay was 33.9 days, with a range of 2-391 days. Further vascular events occurred in 2 (5.8%) of the patients. A follow up phone call was made to the 15 patients who drove prior to their event. 12 patients (80%) could not resume driving due to persistent VFD. One (7%) of the previous drivers had a home care package installed since discharge. Conclusion A persistent VFD results in long term problems including an increased risk of further vascular events, a reduction in overall independence and quality of life following an occipital lobe stroke. This study has led to a business plan for a dedicated hemianopia clinic.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea Meloche ◽  
Milan Seth ◽  
Ryan D MADDER ◽  
Jacob Kurlander ◽  
Jessica Yaser ◽  
...  

Introduction: Given the use of potent antithrombotic agents during and after PCI, patients (pts) are at an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Hypothesis: We hypothesize that pts with a history of recent GIB have a higher risk of post-discharge readmission and mortality compared with those without a history of GIB. Methods: We linked clinical registry data from PCIs performed between 1/1/2013 and 3/31/2018 at 48 Michigan hospitals to Medicare claims. A recent history of GIB prior to PCI was defined in the clinical PCI registry as any occurrence of melena or hematemesis in the last 30 days or any history of GIB including peptic ulcer disease that may influence clinical management during this hospitalization. Primary outcomes of interest were 90-day readmission after PCI and long-term mortality. We used 1:5 propensity-matching to adjust for differences in characteristics between pts with and without a history of recent GIB. Log-rank testing was used to evaluate survival at 1 and 5 years. Fisher's exact testing was used to compare the rates of 90-day readmission after PCI. Results: Of 30,206 pts, 1.1% had a history of GIB. Pts with a history of GIB were more likely to be older, female, black, and have more cardiovascular comorbidities. After matching 1896 pts, those with a history of GIB (n=316) appeared to have decreased survival early after PCI (Fig); however, the differences in survival were not statistically significant at 1 yr (76.%3 vs. 80.1%; p=0.11) or 5 yrs (52.5% vs. 52.2%; p=0.50) (Fig). There was no significant difference in readmission rates among those with and without a history of GIB (33.5% vs. 30.2%; p=0.26). Conclusions: Pts with and without a history of recent GIB had similar risks of readmission and long-term mortality after PCI. Although a history of GIB has previously been shown to be associated with increased post-PCI bleeding complications, a recent history of GIB was not associated with long-term post-PCI outcomes.


2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (09) ◽  
pp. 523-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Paul Moutzouris ◽  
Vincent Chow ◽  
Tommy Chung ◽  
Jennifer Curnow ◽  
Leonard Kritharides ◽  
...  

SummaryThe clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients presenting with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) during treatment with warfarin have not been described. Clinical details of all patients admitted to a tertiary institution from 2000-2007 with acute PE were retrieved retrospectively, baseline warfarin status and the international normalised ratio (INR) were recorded, and their outcomes tracked using a statewide death registry. Of 923 patients with clearly documented warfarin status included in this study, 83 (9%) were taking warfarin. Mean (± standard deviation) day-1 INR of those taking warfarin was 2.3 ± 0.9, with 67% of patients therapeutically anti-coagulated (INR ≥2.0) at presentation (49 patients with INR <2.5 and 34 with INR ≥2.5). Patients taking warfarin on admission were more likely to have heart failure, atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease, with similar prevalence of malignancy and ischaemic heart disease, compared to patients not on warfarin. Total mortality of the cohort (mean follow-up 4.0 ± 2.5 years) was 31.6% (in-hospital mortality 1.5%), and was similar between warfarin and no warfarin groups. There was however a greater than four-fold increased risk of post-discharge death due to recurrent PE for the patients taking warfarin on admission (hazard ratio [HR] 4.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-14.42, p=0.01). Among patients taking warfarin on admission, day-1 INR <2.5 significantly increased long-term all-cause mortality compared to INR ≥2.5 (adjusted HR 2.51, 95% CI 1.08-5.86, p=0.03). In conclusion, patients presenting with PE during treatment with warfarin have an increased risk of death from recurrent PE. Admission INR appears to have independent long-term prognostic importance in these patients.


1994 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Foote ◽  
Bradley Googins ◽  
Michael Moriarty ◽  
Claudia Sandonato ◽  
Jerome Nadolski ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Muhammad Iqbal Haji Mukhti ◽  
Mohd Ismail Ibrahim ◽  
Tengku Alina Tengku Ismail ◽  
Iliatha Papachristou Nadal ◽  
Sureshkumar Kamalakannan ◽  
...  

Background: Stroke is a chronic disease that requires stroke survivors to be supported long-term by their families. This is especially because of the inaccessibility to post-stroke rehabilitation outside hospitals. The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis and the pandemic restrictions in Malaysia are expected to exponentially increase the demand from family caregivers in supporting stroke survivors. Thus, this study aims to explore the burden, experience, and coping mechanism of the family caregivers supporting stroke survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted from November 2020 to June 2021 in Malaysia. A total of 13 respondents were recruited from two public rehabilitation centers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. In-depth interviews were conducted with the participants. Comprehensive representation of perspectives from the respondents was achieved through purposive sampling. The interviews were conducted in the Kelantanese dialect, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three themes on burdens and experiences were identified. They were worsening pre-existing issues, emerging new issues, and fewer burdens and challenges. Two themes on coping strategies were also identified. They were problem-focused engagement and emotion-focused engagement. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the entire system of stroke management. While family caregivers mostly faced the extra burden through different experiences, they also encountered some positive impacts from the pandemic. The integrated healthcare system, especially in the era of digitalization, is an important element to establish the collaborative commitment of multiple stakeholders to compensate burden and sustain the healthcare of stroke survivors during the pandemic.


Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Delavaran ◽  
Ann-Cathrin Jönsson ◽  
Håkan Lövkvist ◽  
Susanne Iwarsson ◽  
Sölve Elmståhl ◽  
...  

Introduction: Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) has a considerable impact on patients and society. However, the characteristics and prevalence of long-term PSCI may be influenced by assessment methods and selection bias. We therefore used two cognitive screening methods to assess PSCI in ten-year stroke survivors, made comparisons with non-stroke individuals, and compared these screening methods. Methods: The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were administered and compared in a population-based consecutive sample of ten-year stroke survivors. In addition, age- and sex-matched non-stroke controls were assessed with the MMSE. Regression analyses adjusting for education compared the stroke survivors’ MMSE performance with the controls. Moderate/severe cognitive impairment, approximating to dementia, was defined using MMSE<24 and MoCA<20 as cut-offs. To detect those with mild cognitive impairment, alternative cut-offs of MMSE<27 and MoCA<25 were also used. Results: In total, 127 of 145 stroke survivors participated. The total MMSE-scores were similar for stroke survivors (median 27) and 354 controls (median 27; p =0.922); as well as proportions with MMSE<24 (23% vs. 17%; p =0.175) or MMSE<27 (47% vs. 49%; p =0.671). After adjustment for education, stroke survivors showed an increased risk for moderate/severe cognitive impairment defined by MMSE<24 (OR=1.82; p =0.036). Executive dysfunction was seen in 42% of the stroke survivors vs. 16% of the controls as evaluated by MMSE ( p <0.001). According to MoCA, moderate/severe cognitive impairment (MoCA<20) was observed in 28% of the stroke survivors; any degree of cognitive impairment (MoCA<25) was seen in 61%; and 45-61% displayed executive function deficits. Conclusions: PSCI including executive dysfunction is common among ten-year stroke survivors, who have an increased risk of moderate/severe cognitive impairment compared to non-stroke controls. The prevalence of long-term PSCI may have been previously underestimated, and MoCA may be more suitable for post-stroke cognitive assessment.


Author(s):  
Nicola Latronico ◽  
Simone Piva ◽  
Victoria McCredie

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is a significant and common complication with major implications for survivors of critical illness. ICUAW is a clinical diagnosis made in the presence of generalized muscle weakness that occurs in the setting of critical illness when other causes of muscle weakness have been excluded. Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy are the most common causes of ICUAW. Short-term implications of ICUAW include alveolar hypoventilation and an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration, atelectasis, and pneumonia—factors which may contribute to acute respiratory failure and ICU re-admission. In the long term, ICUAW has been associated with physical disturbances, including unsteady gait, sensory loss, foot drop, and, in more severe cases, persistent quadriparesis and ventilator dependency. ICUAW appears to heavily influence the failure of ICU patients to return to baseline health status post-discharge. There is a paucity of evidenced-based therapeutic strategies to reduce the incidence of ICUAW; however, early rehabilitative therapy might represent an effective measure in improving functional status.


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