A Digital Intervention Addressing Alcohol Use Problems (the “Daybreak” Program): Quasi-Experimental Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Alcohol use is prevalent in many societies and has major adverse impacts on health, but the availability of effective interventions limits treatment options for those who want assistance in changing their patterns of alcohol use. Objective This study evaluated the new Daybreak program, which is accessible via mobile app and desktop and was developed by Hello Sunday Morning to support high-risk drinking individuals looking to change their relationship with alcohol. In particular, we compared the effect of adding online coaching via real-time chat messages (intervention group) to an otherwise self-guided program (control group). Methods We designed the intervention as a randomized control trial, but as some people (n=48; 11.9%) in the control group were able to use the online coaching, the main analysis comprised all participants. We collected online surveys at one-month and three-months follow-up. The primary outcome was change in alcohol risk (measured with the alcohol use disorders identification test–consumption [AUDIT–C] score), but other outcomes included the number of standard drinks per week, alcohol-related days out of role, psychological distress (Kessler-10), and quality of life (EUROHIS-QOL). Markers of engagement with the program included posts to the site and comments on the posts of others. The primary analysis used Weighted Generalized Estimating Equations. Results We recruited 398 people to the intervention group (50.2%) and 395 people to the control group (49.8%). Most were female (71%) and the mean age was 40.1 years. Most participants were classified as probably dependent (550, 69%) on the AUDIT–10, with 243 (31%) classified with hazardous or harmful consumption. We followed up with 334 (42.1%) participants at one month and 293 (36.9%) at three months. By three months there were significant improvements in AUDIT–C scores (down from mean 9.1 [SD 1.9] to 5.8 [SD 3.1]), alcohol consumed per week (down from mean 37.1 [SD 28.3] to mean 17.5 [SD 18.9]), days out of role (down from mean 1.6 [SD 3.6] to 0.5 [SD 1.6]), quality of life (up from 3.2 [SD 0.7] to 3.6 [SD 0.7]) and reduced distress (down from 24.8 [SD 7.0] to 19.0 [SD 6.6]). Accessing online coaching was not associated with improved outcomes, but engagement with the program (eg, posts and comments on the posts of others) were significantly associated with improvements (eg, in AUDIT–C, alcohol use and EUROHIS-QOL). Reduced alcohol use was found for both probably dependent (estimated marginal mean of 40.8 to 20.1 drinks) and hazardous or harmful alcohol users (estimated marginal mean of 22.9 to 11.9 drinks). Conclusions Clinically significant reductions in alcohol use were found, as well as reduced alcohol risk (AUDIT–C) and days out of role. Importantly, improved alcohol-related outcomes were found for both hazardous or harmful and probably dependent drinkers. Since October 2016, Daybreak has reached more than 50,000 participants. Therefore, there is the potential for the program to have an impact on alcohol-related problems at a population health level, importantly including an effect on probably dependent drinkers. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12618000010291; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373110 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/9982

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Effect of a Mobile App for the Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-Up of Patients With Cancer on Their Health Outcomes: Quasi-Experimental Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.20480 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Roberto Collado-Borrell ◽

Vicente Escudero-Vilaplana ◽

Almudena Ribed ◽

Cristina Gonzalez-Anleo ◽

Maite Martin-Conde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Side Effects ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mobile App ◽

Control Group ◽

Adherence To Treatment ◽

Quasi Experimental

BACKGROUND Oral antineoplastic agents (OAAs) have revolutionized cancer management. However, they have been reported with adverse side effects and drug-drug interactions. Moreover, patient adherence to OAA treatment is critical. Mobile apps can enable remote and real-time pharmacotherapeutic monitoring of patients, while also promoting patient autonomy in their health care. OBJECTIVE The primary objective was to analyze the effect of using a mobile app for the follow-up of patients with oncohematological malignancies undergoing treatment with OAAs on their health outcomes. The secondary objectives were to analyze the role of the app in communication with health care professionals and patient satisfaction with the app. METHODS We performed a comparative, quasi-experimental study based on a prepost intervention with 101 patients (control group, n=51, traditional pharmacotherapeutic follow-up vs intervention group, n=50, follow-up through e-OncoSalud, a custom-designed app that promotes follow-up at home and the safety of patients receiving OAAs). The effect of this app on drug safety, adherence to treatment, and quality of life was evaluated. RESULTS With regard to drug safety, 73% (37/51) of the patients in the control group and 70% (35/50) of the patients in the intervention group (P=.01) presented with drug-related problems. The probability of detecting an insufficiently treated health problem in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P=.04). The proportion of patients who presented with side effects in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P>.99). In the control group, 49% (25/51) of the patients consumed some health resources during the first 6 months of treatment compared with 36% (18/50) of the patients in the intervention group (P=.76). Adherence to treatment was 97.6% (SD 7.9) in the intervention group, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (92.9% [SD 10.0]; P=.02). The EuroQol-5D in the intervention group yielded a mean (SD) index of 0.875 (0.156), which was significantly higher than that in the control group (0.741 [0.177]; P<.001). Approximately 60% (29/50) of the patients used the messaging module to communicate with pharmacists. The most frequent types of messages were acknowledgments (77/283, 27.2%), doubts about contraindications and interactions with OAAs (70/283, 24.7%), and consultations for adverse reactions to treatment (39/283, 13.8%). The satisfaction with the app survey conducted in the intervention group yielded an overall mean (SD) score of 9.1 (0.4) out of 10. CONCLUSIONS Use of e-OncoSalud for the real-time follow-up of patients receiving OAAs facilitated the optimization of some health outcomes. The intervention group had significantly higher health-related quality of life and adherence to treatment than the control group. Further, the probability of the intervention group presenting with side effects was significantly lower than that of the control group.

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Effects of a Health-Education Mobile App on Stroke-Related Knowledge and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.13175 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Chia-Yun Lin ◽

Hsiu-Nien Shen ◽

Szu-Chi Huang ◽

Tsung-Fu Wu ◽

Wen-Hsuan Hou

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Health Education ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mobile App ◽

Control Group ◽

Cohen’S D ◽

Knowledge Questionnaire ◽

Cohen's D ◽

Stroke Knowledge

BACKGROUND Education regarding risk factors for stroke can prevent stroke recurrence and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with stroke. However, health-education mobile apps addressing risk factors for recurrent stroke are required. OBJECTIVE To develop a health-education mobile app related to stroke and examine its effectiveness on stroke-related knowledge and HRQOL in patients with stroke. METHODS In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, we recruited 76 stroke patients without cognitive impairment from stroke wards of 4 teaching hospitals and randomly assigned them to either complete the health-education app intervention (intervention group; n = 38) or undergo usual care by using a stroke-related health-education manual (control group; n = 38). The app was administered for a maximum of 30 days. The improvement in patients’ stroke knowledge (primary outcome) and HRQOL (secondary outcome) was assessed using the stroke-knowledge questionnaire and European Quality of Life–Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS Total 63 patients were assessed in posttest (intervention group, n = 30; control group, n=33). In posttest, compared with the intervention group, the control group had nonsignificantly lower scores on the stroke-knowledge questionnaire (28.00 ± 5.46 vs 29.04 ± 5.27; Cohen’s d = 0.194; P = .43) and EQ-5D index (0.46 ± 0.41 vs 0.62 ± 0.29; Cohen’s d = 0.451; P = .07), but nonsignificantly higher scores on the EQ-5D visual analog scale (VAS; 65.00 ± 18.37 vs 62.30 ± 18.77; Cohen’s d = −0.145; P = .57). In the intervention group, posttest scores on the stroke-knowledge questionnaire were significantly higher than pretest scores (29.07 ± 5.27 vs 26.23 ± 6.65, P = .002); however, no significant differences were noted in the EQ-5D index (0.62 ± 0.29 vs 0.55 ± 0.29, P = .11) or VAS scores (62.30 ± 18.77 vs 59.67 ± 20.17, P = .45). In the subgroup analysis of the intervention group, patients aged ≤55 years demonstrated a higher percent improvement in stroke knowledge than did those aged >55 years (89% vs 58%; P = .08). CONCLUSIONS A short intervention period, weak patient involvement strategy, lack of reminders and animations may be the reasons hampered improvement between intervention and control groups. Although the improvements in stroke knowledge and HRQOL were nonsignificant in our between-group comparison, our subgroups analysis indicated that the use of our app led to greater stroke-knowledge improvement in younger patients with stroke (aged ≤55 years). Therefore, we suggest clinical professionals should incorporate our app into stroke care to improve the stroke knowledge and HRQOL of their patients with stroke. CLINICALTRIAL NCT02591511

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Pilot randomised clinical trial of an eHealth, self-management support intervention (iVERVE) for stroke: feasibility assessment in survivors 12–24 months post-event

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-020-00706-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dominique A. Cadilhac ◽

◽

Nadine E. Andrew ◽

Doreen Busingye ◽

Jan Cameron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Goal Attainment ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Self Management ◽

Control Group ◽

Environment Control

Abstract Background Electronic communication is used in various populations to achieve health goals, but evidence in stroke is lacking. We pilot tested the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a novel personalised electronic self-management intervention to support person-centred goal attainment and secondary prevention after stroke. Methods A phase I, prospective, randomised controlled pilot trial (1:1 allocation) with assessor blinding, intention-to-treat analysis, and a process evaluation. Community-based survivors of stroke were recruited from participants in the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR) who had indicated their willingness to be contacted for research studies. Inclusion criteria include 1–2 years following hospital admission for stroke and living within 50 km of Monash University (Melbourne). Person-centred goals were set with facilitation by a clinician using a standardised template. The intervention group received electronic support messages aligned to their goals over 4 weeks. The control group received only 2–3 electronic administrative messages. Primary outcomes were study retention, goal attainment (assessed using Goal Attainment Scaling method) and satisfaction. Secondary outcomes were self-management (Health Education Impact Questionnaire: 8 domains), quality of life, mood and acceptability. Results Of 340 invitations sent from AuSCR, 73 responded, 68 were eligible and 57 (84%) completed the baseline assessment. At the goal-setting stage, 54/68 (79%) were randomised (median 16 months after stroke): 25 to intervention (median age 69 years; 40% female) and 29 to control (median age 68 years; 38% female). Forty-five (83%) participants completed the outcome follow-up assessment. At follow-up, goal attainment (mean GAS-T score ≥ 50) in the intervention group was achieved for goals related to function, participation and environment (control: environment only). Most intervention participants provided positive feedback and reported that the iVERVE messages were easy to understand (92%) and assisted them in achieving their goals (77%). We found preliminary evidence of non-significant improvements between the groups for most self-management domains (e.g. social integration and support: β coefficient 0.34; 95% CI − 0.14 to 0.83) and several quality-of-life domains in favour of the intervention group. Conclusion These findings support the need for further randomised effectiveness trials of the iVERVE program to be tested in people with new stroke. Trial registration ANZCTR, ACTRN12618001519246. Registered on 11 September 2018—retrospectively registered.

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Effect of a Mobile App for the Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-Up of Patients With Cancer on Their Health Outcomes: Quasi-Experimental Study

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/20480 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. e20480

Author(s):

Roberto Collado-Borrell ◽

Vicente Escudero-Vilaplana ◽

Almudena Ribed ◽

Cristina Gonzalez-Anleo ◽

Maite Martin-Conde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Side Effects ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mobile App ◽

Control Group ◽

Adherence To Treatment ◽

Quasi Experimental

Background Oral antineoplastic agents (OAAs) have revolutionized cancer management. However, they have been reported with adverse side effects and drug-drug interactions. Moreover, patient adherence to OAA treatment is critical. Mobile apps can enable remote and real-time pharmacotherapeutic monitoring of patients, while also promoting patient autonomy in their health care. Objective The primary objective was to analyze the effect of using a mobile app for the follow-up of patients with oncohematological malignancies undergoing treatment with OAAs on their health outcomes. The secondary objectives were to analyze the role of the app in communication with health care professionals and patient satisfaction with the app. Methods We performed a comparative, quasi-experimental study based on a prepost intervention with 101 patients (control group, n=51, traditional pharmacotherapeutic follow-up vs intervention group, n=50, follow-up through e-OncoSalud, a custom-designed app that promotes follow-up at home and the safety of patients receiving OAAs). The effect of this app on drug safety, adherence to treatment, and quality of life was evaluated. Results With regard to drug safety, 73% (37/51) of the patients in the control group and 70% (35/50) of the patients in the intervention group (P=.01) presented with drug-related problems. The probability of detecting an insufficiently treated health problem in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P=.04). The proportion of patients who presented with side effects in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P>.99). In the control group, 49% (25/51) of the patients consumed some health resources during the first 6 months of treatment compared with 36% (18/50) of the patients in the intervention group (P=.76). Adherence to treatment was 97.6% (SD 7.9) in the intervention group, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (92.9% [SD 10.0]; P=.02). The EuroQol-5D in the intervention group yielded a mean (SD) index of 0.875 (0.156), which was significantly higher than that in the control group (0.741 [0.177]; P<.001). Approximately 60% (29/50) of the patients used the messaging module to communicate with pharmacists. The most frequent types of messages were acknowledgments (77/283, 27.2%), doubts about contraindications and interactions with OAAs (70/283, 24.7%), and consultations for adverse reactions to treatment (39/283, 13.8%). The satisfaction with the app survey conducted in the intervention group yielded an overall mean (SD) score of 9.1 (0.4) out of 10. Conclusions Use of e-OncoSalud for the real-time follow-up of patients receiving OAAs facilitated the optimization of some health outcomes. The intervention group had significantly higher health-related quality of life and adherence to treatment than the control group. Further, the probability of the intervention group presenting with side effects was significantly lower than that of the control group.

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Effectiveness of mHealth management with an implantable glucose sensor and a mobile application among Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare ◽

10.1177/1357633x211020261 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1357633X2110202

Author(s):

Mengna Guo ◽

Fanli Meng ◽

Qing Guo ◽

Tiantian Bai ◽

Yanyan Hong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Glucose Sensor ◽

Health Management ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mobile App ◽

Self Management ◽

Control Group

Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth management with an implantable glucose sensor and a mobile application among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in China. Methods A randomised controlled trial was carried out to compare the effectiveness of usual health management to mHealth management based on a model that consisted of the network platform, an implantable glucose sensor and a mobile app featuring guidance from general practitioners (GPs) over a four-week period. Patients ( N=68) with T2DM were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. Before the intervention, there was no difference in body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial two-hour blood glucose (2hPG) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) between the intervention group and the control group ( p>0.05). Patients in the control group received their usual health management, while patients in the intervention group received mHealth management. Results After health management, the mean BMI, FBG, 2hPG and HbA1c of the intervention group patients were all lower than those of the control group patients ( p < 0.05), and the quality of life and self-management of the intervention group patients had significantly improved. Discussion mHealth management effectively showed significant reductions in BMI, FBG, 2hPG and HbA1c and improved quality of life and self-management among patients, which may be related to real-time feedback from an implantable glucose sensor and guidance from GPs through a mobile app. mHealth management is a very promising way to promote the health management of T2DM in China, and this study provides a point of reference for mHealth management abroad.

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Physical Activity and Sport for Acquired Brain Injury (PASABI): A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57020122 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (2) ◽

pp. 122

Author(s):

Marta Pérez-Rodríguez ◽

Saleky García-Gómez ◽

Javier Coterón ◽

Juan José García-Hernández ◽

Javier Pérez-Tejero

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Acquired Brain Injury ◽

Control Group ◽

Wide Range

Background and objectives: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is the first cause of disability and physical activity (PA) is a key element in functional recovery and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the subacute and chronic phases. However, it is necessary to develop PA programs that respond to the heterogeneity and needs of this population. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a PA program on the HRQoL in this population. Materials and Methods: With regard to recruitment, after baseline evaluations, participants were assigned to either the intervention group (IG, n = 38) or the control group (CG, n = 35). Functional capacity, mood, quality of life and depression were measured pre- and post-intervention. The IG underwent the “Physical Activity and Sport for Acquired Brain Injury” (PASABI) program, which was designed to improve HRQoL (1-h sessions, two to four sessions/week for 18 weeks). The CG underwent a standard rehabilitation program without PA. Results: Results for the IG indicated significant differences and large effect sizes for the physical and mental dimensions of quality of life, as well as mood and functional capacity, indicating an increase in HRQoL. No significant differences were found for the CG across any variables. Conclusions: The PASABI program was feasible and beneficial for improving physiological and functionality variables in the IG. The wide range of the activities of the PASABI program allow its application to a large number of people with ABI, promoting health through PA, especially in the chronic phase.

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Implementation and effectiveness of a multi-domain program for older adults at risk of cognitive impairment at neighborhood senior centres

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-83408-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Pei Ern Mary Ng ◽

Sean Olivia Nicholas ◽

Shiou Liang Wee ◽

Teng Yan Yau ◽

Alvin Chan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

At Risk ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Attrition Rate ◽

Control Group

AbstractTo address the paucity of research investigating the implementation of multi-domain dementia prevention interventions, we implemented and evaluated a 24-week, bi-weekly multi-domain program for older adults at risk of cognitive impairment at neighborhood senior centres (SCs). It comprised dual-task exercises, cognitive training, and mobile application-based nutritional guidance. An RCT design informed by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance framework was adopted. Outcome measures include cognition, quality of life, blood parameters, and physical performance. Implementation was evaluated through questionnaires administered to participants, implementers, SC managers, attendance lists, and observations. The program reached almost 50% of eligible participants, had an attrition rate of 22%, and was adopted by 8.7% of the SCs approached. It was implemented as intended; only the nutritional component was re-designed due to participants’ unfamiliarity with the mobile application. While there were no between-group differences in cognition, quality of life, and blood parameters, quality of life reduced in the control group and physical function improved in the intervention group after 24 weeks. The program was well-received by participants and SCs. Our findings show that a multi-domain program for at-risk older adults has benefits and can be implemented through neighborhood SCs. Areas of improvement are discussed.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04440969 retrospectively registered on 22 June 2020.

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A randomized trial of the effect of peer education on the sexual quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine ◽

10.1515/jcim-2019-0204 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Ali Abbasi ◽

Hossein Ebrahimi ◽

Hossein Bagheri ◽

Mohammad Hasan Basirinezhad ◽

Seyedmohammad Mirhosseini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Peer Education ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Sexual Quality Of Life ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractBackgroundOne of the factors associated with readmission is inappropriate sexual activity after myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to assess the effect of peer education on the sexual quality of life (SQOL) in patients with MI.MethodsIn this randomized controlled clinical trial, 70 patients with MI meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to experimental or control groups using block randomization. Peer education for the intervention group was provided on the third day after MI. Education sessions lasted from 90 to 120 minutes. Data were collected using demographic, sexual quality of life-female (SQOL-F), and sexual quality of life-male (SQOL-M) questionnaires during the fourth week after MI.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention in terms of demographic and SQOL. The mean of SQOL in the peer education group was significantly higher than the control group at the 4-week follow-up.ConclusionsAccording to the results, using peer education is recommended for the sexual health care professionals.

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Asthma in Adolescents: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Asthma Program for Adolescents and Young Adults with Severe Asthma

Canadian Respiratory Journal ◽

10.1155/2002/106262 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 253-259 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Robert L Cowie ◽

Margot F Underwood ◽

Cinde B Little ◽

Ian Mitchell ◽

Sheldon Spier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Asthma Control ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Disease Specific

BACKGROUND: Asthma is common and is often poorly controlled in adolescent subjects.OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of an age-specific asthma program on asthma control, particularly on exacerbations of asthma requiring emergency department treatment, and on the quality of life of adolescents with asthma.METHODS: The present randomized, controlled trial included patients who were 15 to 20 years of age and had visited emergency departments for management of their asthma. The interventional group attended an age-specific asthma program that included assessment, education and management by a team of asthma educators, respiratory therapists and respiratory physicians. In the control group, spirometry was performed, and the patients continued to receive usual care from their regular physicians. The outcomes were assessed by a questionnaire six months after entry into the study.RESULTS: Ninety-three subjects entered the study and were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Of these, only 62 patients were available for review after six months. Subjects in both the control and the intervention groups showed a marked improvement in their level of asthma control, reflected primarily by a 73% reduction in the rate of emergency department attendance for asthma. Other indexes of disease control, including disease-specific quality of life, as assessed by questionnaires, were improved. There was, however, no discernible difference between the subjects in the two groups, with the exception of an improvement in favour of the intervention group in the symptom (actual difference 0.7, P=0.048) and emotional (actual difference 0.8, P=0.028) domains of the asthma quality of life questionnaire. The overall quality of life score favoured the intervention group by a clinically relevant difference of 0.6, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P=0.06).CONCLUSIONS: Although all subjects demonstrated a significant improvement in asthma control and quality of life, the improvement attributable to this intervention was limited to two domains in disease-specific quality of life.

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Improving Quality of Life in Nursing Homes: The Structured Resident Interview Approach

Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.1155/2014/892679 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Howard B. Degenholtz ◽

Abby L. Resnick ◽

Natalie Bulger ◽

Lichun Chia

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Nursing Homes ◽

Planning Process ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Care Plan ◽

Control Group ◽

Improvement Programs

The quality of life (QOL) of the approximately 1.5 million nursing facility (NF) residents in the US is undoubtedly lower than desired by residents, families, providers, and policy makers. Although there have been important advances in defining and measuring QOL for this population, there is a need for interventions that are tied to standardized measurement and quality improvement programs. This paper describes the development and testing of a structured, tailored assessment and care planning process for improving the QOL of nursing home residents. The Quality of Life Structured Resident Interview and Care Plan (QOL.SRI/CP) builds on a decade of research on measuring QOL and is designed to be easily implemented in any US nursing home. The approach was developed through extensive and iterative pilot testing and then tested in a randomized controlled trial in three nursing homes. Residents were randomly assigned to receive the assessment alone or both the assessment and an individualized QOL care plan task. The results show that residents assigned to the intervention group experienced improved QOL at 90- and 180-day follow-up, while QOL of residents in the control group was unchanged.

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