scholarly journals Aged Care Energy Use and Peak Demand Change in the COVID-19 Year: Empirical Evidence from Australia

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 570
Author(s):  
Aaron Liu ◽  
Wendy Miller ◽  
James Chiou ◽  
Sherif Zedan ◽  
Tan Yigitcanlar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Use ◽  
Clustering Algorithm ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Correlation Factor ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Reliable Operation ◽  
Peak Demand

Aged care communities have been under the spotlight since the beginning of 2020. Energy is essential to ensure reliable operation and quality care provision in residential aged care communities (RAC). The aim of this study is to determine how RAC’s yearly energy use and peak demand changed in Australia and what this might mean for RAC design, operation and energy asset investment and ultimately in the healthcare plan for elderly residents. Five years of electricity demand data from four case study RACs in the same climate zone are analyzed. Statistical tools are used to analyze the data, and a clustering algorithm is used to identify typical demand profiles. A number of energy key performance indicators (KPIs) are evaluated, highlighting their respective benefits and limitations. The results show an average 8% reduction for yearly energy use and 7% reduction for yearly peak demands in the COVID-19 year compared with the average of the previous four years. Typical demand profiles for the four communities were mostly lower in the pandemic year. Despite these results, the KPI analysis shows that, for these four communities, outdoor ambient temperature remains a very significant correlation factor for energy use.

scholarly journals A cross-country comparison of family carers experiences with residential aged care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 26-26
Author(s):  
Katarzyna M Lion ◽  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Ilaria Chirico ◽  
Monica Cations ◽  
Rabih Chattat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Country Comparison ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
The Uk

Background:The number of research projects into residential aged care (RAC) during the COVID-19 pandemic is increasing, however there are limited data on the cross-country comparison of experiences residents living with dementia and their families. Our study aimed to 1) give an overview of the RAC restrictions and changes (visiting policy, governmental & health authorities’ advice, service delivery) implemented during the pandemic in Australia, Italy and the UK and 2) and their impact on people with dementia in RAC facilities and their families.Methods:A total of 56 informal family carers of people with dementia residing in RAC took part in semi- structured interviews over the telephone or via Skype in Australia (n=6), Italy (n=25) and the UK (n=26) between July 2020 and March 2021. The interviews were recorded and translated verbatim. Transcripts were analysed by researchers in each country using thematic analysis, then combined across sites.Results:Inductive thematic analysis identified four overarching themes: 1) Adaptations implemented in RAC facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, Italy and the UK; 2) means of communication between RAC facility personnel, people with dementia living in RAC and family members; 3) impact of the implemented restrictions and changes in care provision due to the COVID-19 pandemic on people with dementia in RAC facilities and 4) impact of the implemented restrictions and changes in care provision due to the COVID-19 pandemic on families of people with dementia in RAC facilities. While differences between countries and facilities were identified, the restrictions and changes within the residential care system impacted families’ well-being, increased their worries about care quality and safety of people with dementia. The consequences of a lack or modified services for people with dementia included noticeable physical and mental health changes. Although the majority of the facilities implemented some form of video-communication between families and residents, those solutions were unable to replace face-to-face contact.Conclusions:These findings demonstrate the need for implementing safe solutions which might facilitate more frequent in-person contact between families and residents with dementia preventing consequences in mental and physical health in both groups.

scholarly journals Measuring the prevalence of 60 health conditions in older Australians in residential aged care with electronic health records: a retrospective dynamic cohort study

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly E. Lind ◽  
Magdalena Z. Raban ◽  
Lindsey Brett ◽  
Mikaela L. Jorgensen ◽  
Andrew Georgiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Electronic Health Record ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Electronic Health

Abstract Background The number of older Australians using aged care services is increasing, yet there is an absence of reliable data on their health. Multimorbidity in this population has not been well described. A clear picture of the health status of people using aged care is essential for informing health practice and policy to support evidence-based, equitable, high-quality care. Our objective was to describe the health status of older Australians living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) and develop a model for monitoring health conditions using data from electronic health record systems. Methods Using a dynamic retrospective cohort of 9436 RACF residents living in 68 RACFs in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory from 2014 to 2017, we developed an algorithm to identify residents’ conditions using aged care funding assessments, medications administered, and clinical notes from their facility electronic health record (EHR). We generated age- and sex-specific prevalence estimates for 60 health conditions. Agreement between conditions recorded in aged care funding assessments and those documented in residents’ EHRs was evaluated using Cohen’s kappa. Cluster analysis was used to describe combinations of health conditions (multimorbidity) occurring among residents. Results Using all data sources, 93% of residents had some form of circulatory disease, with hypertension the most common (62%). Most residents (93%) had a mental or behavioural disorder, including dementia (58%) or depression (54%). For most conditions, EHR data identified approximately twice the number of people with the condition compared to aged care funding assessments. Agreement between data sources was highest for multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and dementia. The cluster analysis identified seven groups with distinct combinations of health conditions and demographic characteristics and found that the most complex cluster represented a group of residents that had on average the longest lengths of stay in residential care. Conclusions The prevalence of many health conditions among RACF residents in Australia is underestimated in previous reports. Aged care EHR data have the potential to be used to better understand the complex health needs of this vulnerable population and can help fill the information gaps needed for population health surveillance and quality monitoring.

scholarly journals Measuring the prevalence of 60 health conditions in older Australians in residential aged care with electronic health records: a retrospective dynamic cohort study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly E. Lind ◽  
Magdalena Z. Raban ◽  
Lindsey Brett ◽  
Mikaela L. Jorgensen ◽  
Andrew Georgiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Electronic Health Record ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Electronic Health

Abstract Background: The number of older Australians using aged care services is increasing, yet there is an absence of reliable data on their health. Multimorbidity in this population has not been well described. A clear picture of the health status of people using aged care is essential for informing health practice and policy to support evidence-based, equitable, high-quality care. Our objective was to describe the health status of older Australians living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) and develop a model for monitoring health conditions using data from electronic health record systems. Methods: Using a dynamic retrospective cohort of 9436 RACF residents living in 68 RACFs in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory from 2014-2017, we developed an algorithm to identify residents’ conditions using: aged care funding assessments; medications administered; and clinical notes from their facility electronic health record (EHR). We generated age and sex-specific prevalence estimates for 60 health conditions. Agreement between conditions recorded in aged care funding assessments and those documented in residents’ EHRs was evaluated using Cohen’s Kappa. Cluster analysis was used to describe combinations of health conditions (multimorbidity) occurring among residents.Results: Using all data sources, 93% of residents had some form of circulatory disease, with hypertension the most common (62%). Most residents (93%) had a mental or behavioural disorder, including dementia (58%) or depression (54%). For most conditions, EHR data identified approximately twice the number of people with the condition compared to aged care funding assessments. Agreement between data sources was highest for multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and dementia. The cluster analysis identified seven groups with distinct combinations of health conditions and demographic characteristics and found that the most complex cluster represented a group of residents that had on average the longest lengths of stay in residential care.Conclusions: The prevalence of many health conditions among RACF residents in Australia is underestimated in previous reports. Aged care EHR data have the potential to be used to better understand the complex health needs of this vulnerable population and can help fill the information gaps needed for population health surveillance and quality monitoring.

scholarly journals Providing healthcare through “value shops”: impact on professional fulfilment for physicians and nurses

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-136
Author(s):  
Christian Gadolin ◽  
Thomas Andersson ◽  
Erik Eriksson ◽  
Andreas Hellström
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Quality Improvements ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically explore and demonstrate the ability of healthcare professionals to attain professional fulfilment when providing healthcare inspired by “value shops”.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study incorporating interviews and observations was conducted.FindingsThe empirical data suggest that the professional fulfilment of both physicians and nurses is facilitated when care is organized through “value shops”. Both groups of professionals state that they are able to return to their “professional core”.Originality/valueThe beneficial outcomes of organizing healthcare inspired by the “value shop” have previously been explored in terms of efficiency and quality. However, the professional fulfilment of healthcare professionals when providing such care has not been explicitly addressed. Professional fulfilment is vital in order to safeguard high-quality care, as well as healthcare professionals' involvement and engagement in implementing quality improvements. This paper highlights the fact that care provision inspired by the “value shop” may facilitate professional fulfilment, which further strengthens the potential positive outcomes of the “value shop” when utilized in a healthcare setting.

The happiness initiative: Changing organizational culture to make ‘brilliance’ mainstream in aged care

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evonne Miller ◽  
Nicole Devlin ◽  
Laurie Buys ◽  
Geraldine Donoghue
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Leadership Management ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Organizational Scholarship ◽  
Care Culture ◽  
Depth Interviews

AbstractWith the ageing of the population, researchers are investigating the experiences of people living and working in residential aged care. Positive organizational scholarship in healthcare (POSH) and its focus on ‘brilliance’ has not been used as a lens for understanding or improving aged care, although the sector prioritizes person-centred, consumer-directed care. In this qualitative case study, through in-depth interviews, a focus group, and observations, we use a POSH lens to explore how forms of leadership, management structures, and human resource practices facilitate positive experiences for both staff and residents. A thematic data analysis identified the importance of authentic leadership in creating a client-centred organizational culture where ‘happiness’ is an explicit core value. Educating and recruiting staff that share this vision, alongside reflective engagement, rituals and symbols, enabled the building of a responsive care culture that facilitated acts of ‘brilliance’ in healthcare.

What is and what ought to be: A meta‐synthesis of residential aged care staffs’ perspectives on quality care

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Garratt ◽  
Leona Kosowicz ◽  
Andrew S. Gilbert ◽  
Briony Dow ◽  
Joan Ostaszkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Quality Care ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care
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