scholarly journals What matters most in acute care: an interview study with older people living with frailty

Author(s):  
James David van Oppen ◽  
Timothy John Coats ◽  
Simon Paul Conroy ◽  
Jagruti Lalseta ◽  
Kay Phelps ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Healthcare outcome goals are central to person-centred acute care, however evidence among older people is scarce. Older people who are living with frailty have distinct requirements for healthcare delivery and have distinct risk for adverse outcomes from healthcare. There is insufficient evidence for whether those living with frailty also have distinct healthcare outcome goals. This study explored the nature of acute care outcome goals in people living with frailty. Methods Healthcare outcome goals were explored using semi-structured patient interviews. Participants aged over 65 with Clinical Frailty Score 5-8 (mild to very severe frailty) were recruited during their first 72 hours in a UK hospital. Purposive, maximum variation sampling was guided by lay partners from a Patient and Public Involvement Forum specialising in ageing-related research. Qualitative analysis used a blended approach based on framework and constant comparative methodologies for the identification of themes. Findings were validated through triangulation with participant, lay partner, and technical expert review. Results The 22 participants were aged 71 to 98 and had mild to very severe frailty. One quarter were living with dementia. Most participants had reflected on their situation and considered their outcome goals. Theme categories (and corresponding sub-categories) were ‘Autonomy’ (information, control, and security) and ‘Functioning’ (physical, psychosocial, and relief). A novel ‘security’ theme was identified, whereby participants sought to feel safe in their usual living place and with their health problems. Those living with milder frailty were concerned to maintain ability to support loved ones, while those living with most severe frailty were concerned about burdening others. Conclusions Outcome goals for acute care among older participants living with frailty were influenced by the insecurity of their situation and fear of deterioration. Patients may be supported to feel safe and in control through appropriate information provision and functional support.

BMJ Leader ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-20
Author(s):  
Graeme Currie ◽  
Tina Kiefer ◽  
Dimitrios Spyridonidis

BackgroundGlobally, evidence about what works is slow to translate into frontline healthcare delivery. As a response, government policy has focused on translational health initiatives, such as the National Institute for Health Research funded Applied Research Collaborations in England. Concepts from organisation science prove useful to support such translational initiatives. We critique the application of two organisation science concepts linked to the broad domain of what is commonly termed ‘knowledge mobilisation’ in healthcare settings, specifically ‘knowledge brokers’ and ‘absorptive capacity’, to provide lessons for leaders of translational initiatives.ResultsThe presence of knowledge brokers to ‘move from what we know to what we do’ in healthcare delivery appears necessary but insufficient to have a system level effect. To embed knowledge brokers in the wider healthcare system so they draw on various sources of evidence to discharge their role with greatest effect, we encourage leaders of translational health research initiatives to take account of the concept of absorptive capacity (ACAP) from the organisation science literature. Leaders should focus on enhancing ACAP though development of ‘co-ordination capabilities’. Such co-ordination capability should aim not just to acquire different types of evidence, but to ensure that all types of evidence are used to develop, implement and scale up healthcare delivery that best benefits patients. Specific co-ordination capabilities that support translation of evidence are: clinician involvement in research and its implementation; patient and public involvement in research and its implementation; business intelligence structures and processes at organisational and system level.ConclusionAttention to the dimensions and antecedents of ACAP, alongside the implementation of the knowledge brokering solution, in translational health research initiatives, is likely to better ensure the latter’s success.


2021 ◽  
pp. 030802262110113
Author(s):  
Gemma Bradley ◽  
Katherine Baker ◽  
Catherine Bailey

Introduction Evaluations of rehabilitation potential are an everyday occurrence, yet the concept is poorly understood and there is a lack of understanding about the reasoning process. This study aimed to explore how occupational therapists and physiotherapists evaluated the rehabilitation potential of older people following an acute hospital admission. Method Focused ethnography was utilised, primarily using observation, interviewing and review of records within one acute medical ward in a general hospital in the United Kingdom. Five patient participants gave consent for their episode of care to be studied, for interactions with professionals to be observed and for their clinical records to be reviewed. Three occupational therapists and two physiotherapists then participated in individual interviews. Findings Thematic analysis of data led to the identification of a four-stage reasoning process. The four stages are as follows: gathering baseline information; provision of curative and supportive interventions; provision and monitoring of rehabilitative interventions; the evaluation of rehabilitation potential and decision about the subsequent pathway. Conclusions The reasoning process illustrates the professional reasoning of occupational therapists and physiotherapists when evaluating rehabilitation potential for older adults in acute care. However, it also highlights vulnerabilities to professional reasoning which may contribute to subjectivity, inconsistency or risk to patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Éidín Ní Shé ◽  
Mary McCarthy ◽  
Deirdre O'Donnell ◽  
Orla Collins ◽  
Graham Hughes ◽  
...  

Background: Frailty is the age-accelerated decline across multiple organ systems which leads to vulnerability to poor resolution of homeostasis after a stressor event. This loss of reserve means that a minor illness can result in a disproportionate loss of functional ability. Improving acute care for frail older patients is now a national priority and an important aspect of the National Programme for Older People in Ireland. Evidence suggests that an interdisciplinary approach incorporating rapid comprehensive geriatric assessment and early intervention by an interdisciplinary team can reduces susceptibility to hospitalisation related functional decline. The aim of the Systematic Approach to Improving Care for Frail Older Patients (SAFE) is to develop and explore the process of implementing a model of excellence in the delivery of patient-centred integrated care within the context of frail older people’s acute admissions. Methods: The SAFE study will employ a mixed methodology approach, including a rapid realist review of the current literature alongside a review of baseline data for older people attending the emergency department. Semi-structured interviews will be undertaken to document the current pathway. The intervention processes and outcomes will be jointly co-designed by a patient and public involvement (PPI) group together with the interdisciplinary healthcare professionals from hospital, community and rehabilitation settings. Successive rounds of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles will then be undertaken to test and refine the pathway for full implementation. Discussion: This research project will result in a plan for implementing an integrated, patient-centred pathway for acute care of the frail older people which has been tested in the Irish setting. During the process of development, each element of the new pathway will be tested in turn to ensure that patient centred outcomes are being realised. This will ensure the resulting model of care is ready for implementation in the context of the Irish health service.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Éidín Ní Shé ◽  
Mary McCarthy ◽  
Deirdre O'Donnell ◽  
Orla Collins ◽  
Graham Hughes ◽  
...  

Background: Frailty is the age-accelerated decline across multiple organ systems which leads to vulnerability to poor resolution of homeostasis after a stressor event. This loss of reserve means that a minor illness can result in a disproportionate loss of functional ability. Improving acute care for frail older patients is now a national priority and an important aspect of the National Programme for Older People in Ireland. Evidence suggests that an interdisciplinary approach incorporating rapid comprehensive geriatric assessment and early intervention by an interdisciplinary team can reduces susceptibility to hospitalisation related functional decline. The aim of the Systematic Approach to Improving Care for Frail Older Patients (SAFE) is to develop and explore the process of implementing a model of excellence in the delivery of patient-centred integrated care within the context of frail older people’s acute admissions. Methods: The SAFE study will employ a mixed methodology approach, including a rapid realist review of the current literature alongside a review of baseline data for older people attending the emergency department. Semi-structured interviews will be undertaken to document the current pathway. The intervention processes and outcomes will be jointly co-designed by a patient and public involvement (PPI) group together with the interdisciplinary healthcare professionals from hospital, community and rehabilitation settings. Successive rounds of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles will then be undertaken to test and refine the pathway for full implementation. Discussion: This research project will result in a plan for implementing an integrated, patient-centred pathway for acute care of the frail older people which has been tested in the Irish setting. During the process of development, each element of the new pathway will be tested in turn to ensure that patient centred outcomes are being realised. This will ensure the resulting model of care is ready for implementation in the context of the Irish health service.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1289.1-1290
Author(s):  
S. De Souza ◽  
R. Williams ◽  
E. Johansson ◽  
C. Zabalan ◽  
T. Esterine ◽  
...  

Background:Patient and public involvement (PPI) is gaining increasing recognition as important in ensuring research is relevant and acceptable to participants. Rheuma Tolerance for Cure (RTCure) is a 5 year international collaboration between academia and industry; focusing on earlier detection and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through the use of immune-tolerising treatments.Objectives:To bring lived experience and insight into scientific discussions; and to evolve collaboration between lay representatives and academia/industry.Methods:9 Patient Research Partners (PRPs) from 5 European countries were recruited via the EULAR PARE Network and institutions within the RTCure Consortium (8 PRPs with RA and 1 ‘at risk’). They were asked to enter into a legal agreement with the Consortium. PRPs participated in teleconferences (TCs) and were invited to attend face-to-face (F2F) meetings at least annually. Requests for input/feedback were sent from researchers to PRPs via the project’s Patient Engagement Expert [SK].Results:PRP involvement has given researchers and industry partners a new perspective on patient priorities, and focused thought on the ethics of recruitment for and participation in clinical trials of people ‘at risk’ of developing RA. PRPs have helped define the target populations, given their thoughts on what types of treatments are acceptable to people ‘at risk’ and have aided the development of a survey (sent to EULAR PARE members) regarding the use of animal models in biomedical research. Positive informal feedback has been received from researchers and industry regarding the contribution of PRPs to the ongoing project (formal evaluation of PPI in RTCure will be carried out in 2020 and at the project end in 2022).Challenges:Legal agreements- Many PRPs refused to sign the Consortium’s complex PRP Agreement; feeling it unnecessary, incomprehensible and inequitable. After extensive consultation with various parties (including EULAR and the Innovative Medicines Initiative) no similar contract was found. Views for its requirement even varied between legal experts. After 2 years of intense discussion, a simple non-disclosure agreement was agreed upon. Ideally any contract, if required, should be approved prior to project onset.Meeting logistics- Other improvements identified were to locate the meeting venue and accommodation on the same site to minimise travel, and to make it easier for PRPs to take breaks when required. This also facilitates informal discussions and patient inclusivity. We now have agreed a policy to fund PRPs extra nights before and after meetings, and to bring a carer if needed.Enabling understanding– Future annual meetings will start with a F2F meeting between PRPs and Work Package Leads. Researchers will be encouraged to start presentations with a summary slide in lay language. Additionally, an RTCure Glossary is in development.Enabling participation– SK will provide monthly project updates and PRP TCs will be held in the evening (as some PRPs remain employed). PRPs will be invited to all project TCs and F2F meetings. Recruitment is underway to increase the number of ‘at risk’ PRPs as their viewpoint is vital to this study.Conclusion:Currently PPI in RTCure is an ongoing mutual learning process. Universal guidance regarding what types of contracts are needed for PPI would be useful. Communication, trust and fruitful discussions have evolved through F2F meetings (both formal and informal) between PRPs, academia and industry. It is important that all parties can be open with each other in order to make PPI more meaningful.Acknowledgments:This work has received support from the EU/EFPIA Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking RTCure grant number 777357.Disclosure of Interests:Savia de Souza: None declared, Ruth Williams: None declared, Eva Johansson: None declared, Codruta Zabalan: None declared, Tom Esterine: None declared, Margôt Bakkers: None declared, Wolfgang Roth: None declared, Neil Mc Carthy: None declared, Meryll Blake: None declared, Susanne Karlfeldt: None declared, Martina Johannesson: None declared, Karim Raza Grant/research support from: KR has received research funding from AbbVie and Pfizer, Consultant of: KR has received honoraria and/or consultancy fees from AbbVie, Sanofi, Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, UCB, Pfizer, Janssen and Roche Chugai, Speakers bureau: KR has received honoraria and/or consultancy fees from AbbVie, Sanofi, Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, UCB, Pfizer, Janssen and Roche Chugai


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e044441
Author(s):  
Tamasine C Grimes ◽  
Sara Garfield ◽  
Dervla Kelly ◽  
Joan Cahill ◽  
Sam Cromie ◽  
...  

IntroductionThose who are staying at home and reducing contact with other people during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to be at greater risk of medication-related problems than the general population. This study aims to explore household medication practices by and for this population, identify practices that benefit or jeopardise medication safety and develop best practice guidance about household medication safety practices during a pandemic, grounded in individual experiences.Methods and analysisThis is a descriptive qualitative study using semistructured interviews, by telephone or video call. People who have been advised to ‘cocoon’/‘shield’ and/or are aged 70 years or over and using at least one long-term medication, or their caregivers, will be eligible for inclusion. We will recruit 100 patient/carer participants: 50 from the UK and 50 from Ireland. Recruitment will be supported by our patient and public involvement (PPI) partners, personal networks and social media. Individual participant consent will be sought, and interviews audio/video recorded and/or detailed notes made. A constructivist interpretivist approach to data analysis will involve use of the constant comparative method to organise the data, along with inductive analysis. From this, we will iteratively develop best practice guidance about household medication safety practices during a pandemic from the patient’s/carer’s perspective.Ethics and disseminationThis study has Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and University College London ethics approvals. We plan to disseminate our findings via presentations at relevant patient/public, professional, academic and scientific meetings, and for publication in peer-reviewed journals. We will create a list of helpful strategies that participants have reported and share this with participants, PPI partners and on social media.


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