scholarly journals A mixed-methods study evaluating the impact of an excursion-based social group on quality of life of older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Siette ◽  
Mikaela Jorgensen ◽  
Amy Nguyen ◽  
Gilbert Knaggs ◽  
Stuart Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Social isolation is an increasing concern for older adults who live in the community. Despite some availability of social support programs to address social isolation, their effectiveness is not routinely measured. This study aimed to evaluate an innovative excursion-based program offering unique social experiences to older adults receiving aged care services. Methods This six-month before and after mixed-methods study evaluated the outcomes of an Australian excursion-based program which offered social and physical outings to bring older adults receiving aged care services into the wider community. The study combined two parts: Part 1 was a pre-post survey assessing the quality of life of older adults who received the excursion-based program for 6 months (n = 56; two time-points, analysed using signed rank test) and Part 2 involved qualitative in-depth, semi-structured interviews (n = 24 aged care staff, older adults and carers; analysed using thematic analysis). Results Older adults experienced a significant increase in quality of life scores (p < 0.001) between baseline and 6 months. Interviews confirmed these observations and suggested that benefits of participation included increased opportunities for social participation, psychological wellbeing, physical function, and carer respite. Interviews also revealed being in a group setting, having tailored, convenient and accessible activities, alongside supportive staff were key drivers in improving the wellbeing of participants. Conclusions Participating in an excursion-based community program may improve wellbeing in older adults. Aging policy should focus on prioritizing initiatives that promote social connectivity with the wider community and assist in improving outcomes for older adults.

scholarly journals The impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on quality of life: A mixed methods study

Heart & Lung ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 432-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicity Astin ◽  
Judith Horrocks ◽  
Jim McLenachan ◽  
Daniel J. Blackman ◽  
John Stephenson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Transcatheter Aortic Valve ◽  
Aortic Valve Implantation ◽  
Valve Implantation ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Argus II Commissioning through Evaluation (ACE) Study: protocol for a single arm, mixed methods study to assess the impact of the Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis System on the quality of life of patients with ultra-low vision due to retinitis pigmentosa. (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith White ◽  
Laura Knight ◽  
Lyndon da Cruz ◽  
Paulo Eduardo Stanga ◽  
Hannah Patrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Retinitis Pigmentosa ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Retinal Prosthesis ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Ordinal Scale ◽  
Argus Ii ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an incurable, degenerative retinal condition causing progressive sight loss, impacting significantly on patients’ quality of life. The Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis is a surgically implanted medical device which delivers electrical stimulation to the retina. It is intended to produce a form of artificial vision to blind people with severe to profound RP by stimulating remaining viable retinal cells to induce visual perception. This study has been initiated by NHS England’s Commissioning through Evaluation programme and funded through the UK’s National Institute of Health Research OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of the Argus II device on patient’s daily activities and quality of life. METHODS This protocol is a prospective, single arm, open-label, mixed methods study on 10 consecutive participants receiving the Argus II device. Patient representatives have played an integral role in the design of the study. Eligibility criteria include ultra-low vision in both eyes as a result of end-stage RP and a willingness and capacity to complete the post-implantation rehabilitation programme. Participants will be interviewed by independent researchers at baseline and 12 months later using a semi-structured, in-depth approach, alongside validated questionnaires (Impact of Vision Impairment Very Low Vision, EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and a bespoke device-related questionnaire which includes questions about users’ experiences with the procedure, the device, and rehabilitation. The impact of the device on patients’ functional vision and activities of daily living will be assessed by vision rehabilitation specialists using a set of tests measured on an ordinal scale (e.g. ability to locate objects and avoid obstacles). Clinical outcomes include full-field stimulus light threshold, square localization, direction of motion, grating visual acuity, Landolt-C, procedural success and adverse events. Qualitative and quantitative outcomes will be linked on a single database to enable individual participant measures to be considered in toto, comparing baseline to final review. RESULTS Ethics approval has been obtained and funding has been awarded. The manufacturer recently withdrew the Argus II device from sale in the UK, therefore the study is not going ahead at this time. CONCLUSIONS The mixed method approach provides a rich and in-depth assessment of the impact of the device on participants’ quality of life. Despite the work not going ahead, publication of this publicly-funded protocol is important for researchers planning similar work. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Social Isolation in Older Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The impact on Quality of Life and Mental health

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 745-745
Author(s):  
Victoria Marshall ◽  
Robina Sandhu ◽  
Kathryn Kanzler ◽  
Sara Espinoza ◽  
Pamela Keel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
The Impact

Abstract To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide enacted quarantines, particularly for older adults, as mortality from COVID-19 is inequitably distributed among this group. Notably, social isolation in older adults is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular, autoimmune, and mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety). Furthermore, the mental health of women in particular has been greatly impacted by the pandemic. Although previous research indicates that social isolation among older adults is a “serious public health concern”, less is known about the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue. The primary objective is to investigate the effects of social isolation on mental health indices and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older women in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants include 77 postmenopausal women (aged 60+) who completed self-report measures online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Controlling for education and annual household income in all analyses, we used linear regression models to investigate the effects of social isolation on depression, anxiety, alcohol use, binge eating, and the 8 domains of the SF-36. Results indicate that, when controlling for education and income, social isolation significantly predicted depression, binge eating, and poorer HRQOL in all 8 domains of the SF-36 (all p’s &lt; .01) Social isolation did not predict anxiety and alcohol consumption when controlling for these sociodemographic variables. Enrollment is ongoing; this poster will report updated results. Results indicate the continued need for creative avenues to improve social connectedness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Impact of the AGE-ON Tablet Training Program on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Attitudes Toward Technology in Older Adults: Single-Group Pre-Post Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E Neil-Sztramko ◽  
Giulia Coletta ◽  
Maureen Dobbins ◽  
Sharon Marr
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Attitudes Toward Technology ◽  
Basic Features ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The internet and technology can help older adults connect with family and friends. However, many older adults face obstacles to internet and technology use, such as lack of knowledge or self-efficacy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the AGE-ON tablet training program on social isolation, loneliness, and quality of life. METHODS Adults aged &gt;60 years took part in a series of 6 weekly workshops covering the basic features of a tablet. Before and after the program, social isolation, loneliness, social support, and quality of life were assessed. In addition, data on current tablet use and attitudes toward technology use were collected. Satisfaction with the program was also assessed at the end of the study using 6 Likert scale questions. RESULTS The participants (N=32; mean age 76.3, SD 8.6 years) were predominantly female (n=20, 63%) and retired (n=30, 94%). The participants reported that they were highly satisfied with the program. After completing the program, no differences in social isolation, loneliness, social support, or quality of life were found. Frequency of tablet use increased and the attitudes of the participants toward technology improved. CONCLUSIONS The AGE-ON program resulted in increased tablet use frequency and may improve comfort and attitudes toward tablet use among older adults. This program may assist older adults in overcoming obstacles to internet and technology use to better connect with family and friends; however, further work targeting older adults who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation is needed to more fully understand whether tablet training programs are beneficial in this population. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03472729

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on ICU Healthcare Professionals: A Mixed Methods Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9243
Author(s):  
Cristina Moreno-Mulet ◽  
Noemí Sansó ◽  
Alba Carrero-Planells ◽  
Camelia López-Deflory ◽  
Laura Galiana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Professional Quality Of Life ◽  
Professional Quality ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
The Impact

The large numbers of patients admitted to intensive care units due to COVID-19 has had a major impact on healthcare professionals. The incidence of mental health disorders among these professionals has increased considerably and their professional quality of life has suffered during the pandemic. This study aims to explore the impact of the provision of COVID-19 patient care on ICU healthcare professionals. A mixed methods study with an exploratory concurrent design was conducted between June and November 2020 in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Data were collected using a self-report online survey (n = 122) based on three validated questionnaires, and individual semi-structured in-depth online interviews (n = 11). Respondents scored 2.5 out of 5 on the moral distress scale, moderate/high on the compassion satisfaction scale, and moderate on the burnout and compassion fatigue subscales. Age was significantly and negatively related to professional quality of life but was positively related to workload and unavailability of protective equipment. Three main groups of themes relating to the impact of the pandemic emerged from the in-depth interviews: (a) clinical, (b) professional, and (c) personal and family impacts in the two waves. ICU healthcare professionals should be viewed as second victims of the COVID-19 pandemic as they have suffered significant psychological, professional, and moral harm.

scholarly journals Impact of the AGE-ON Tablet Training Program on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Attitudes Toward Technology in Older Adults: Single-Group Pre-Post Study

JMIR Aging ◽  
10.2196/18398 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e18398
Author(s):  
Sarah E Neil-Sztramko ◽  
Giulia Coletta ◽  
Maureen Dobbins ◽  
Sharon Marr
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Attitudes Toward Technology ◽  
Basic Features ◽  
The Impact

Background The internet and technology can help older adults connect with family and friends. However, many older adults face obstacles to internet and technology use, such as lack of knowledge or self-efficacy. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the AGE-ON tablet training program on social isolation, loneliness, and quality of life. Methods Adults aged >60 years took part in a series of 6 weekly workshops covering the basic features of a tablet. Before and after the program, social isolation, loneliness, social support, and quality of life were assessed. In addition, data on current tablet use and attitudes toward technology use were collected. Satisfaction with the program was also assessed at the end of the study using 6 Likert scale questions. Results The participants (N=32; mean age 76.3, SD 8.6 years) were predominantly female (n=20, 63%) and retired (n=30, 94%). The participants reported that they were highly satisfied with the program. After completing the program, no differences in social isolation, loneliness, social support, or quality of life were found. Frequency of tablet use increased and the attitudes of the participants toward technology improved. Conclusions The AGE-ON program resulted in increased tablet use frequency and may improve comfort and attitudes toward tablet use among older adults. This program may assist older adults in overcoming obstacles to internet and technology use to better connect with family and friends; however, further work targeting older adults who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation is needed to more fully understand whether tablet training programs are beneficial in this population. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03472729

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Palliative Care Professionals and Services: A Mixed-Methods Survey Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912110570
Author(s):  
Wallace Chi Ho Chan ◽  
Raymond Kam Wing Woo ◽  
Denis Ka-Shaw Kwok ◽  
Clare Tsz Kiu Yu ◽  
Lawrence Man-Hon Chiu
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Professional Quality Of Life ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Professional Quality ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
The Impact

Introduction This study aimed to examine the mental health of palliative care professionals in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship of mental health with socio-demographic factors, and the impact of the pandemic on palliative care services. Methods A total of 142 palliative care professionals in Hong Kong participated in an online survey. The questionnaire includes measurements on depression, anxiety, perceived stress, post-traumatic stress, professional quality of life, items that measure the effect of COVID-19 on palliative care services, and one open-ended question for describing how the services were affected. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data about the impact of COVID-19 on palliative care services were analyzed and triangulated using a mixed-methods approach. Results Up to 82%, 43%, and 42% of the participants felt moderately to highly stressed, anxious, and depressed, respectively, during the pandemic. Younger participants tended to have poorer mental health and professional quality of life. Around 82% felt stressed when communicating with patients and family members under the no-visiting policy during the pandemic. More than three-quarters of participants showed lack of confidence in the anti-epidemic policy of the government. Qualitative findings identified 3 themes affecting the provision of palliative care: 1. the tightening of restrictions on visitors; 2. the limited provision of services; and 3. staff deployment. Conclusions Appropriate responses are required to give extra support to palliative care professionals during the pandemic and facilitate their coping with the impact of COVID-19 on the provision of palliative care.

The effects of insomnia on older adults’ quality of life and daily functioning: A mixed-methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 832-838
Author(s):  
Amy S. Berkley ◽  
Patricia A. Carter ◽  
Linda H. Yoder ◽  
Gayle Acton ◽  
Carole K. Holahan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Daily Functioning
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