scholarly journals Management of Malnutrition in Older Patients—Current Approaches, Evidence and Open Questions

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothee Volkert ◽  
Anne Marie Beck ◽  
Tommy Cederholm ◽  
Emanuele Cereda ◽  
Alfonso Cruz-Jentoft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Geriatric Syndrome ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Conflicting Evidence ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Enteral And Parenteral Nutrition

Malnutrition is widespread in older people and represents a major geriatric syndrome with multifactorial etiology and severe consequences for health outcomes and quality of life. The aim of the present paper is to describe current approaches and evidence regarding malnutrition treatment and to highlight relevant knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. Recently published guidelines of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) provide a summary of the available evidence and highlight the wide range of different measures that can be taken—from the identification and elimination of potential causes to enteral and parenteral nutrition—depending on the patient’s abilities and needs. However, more than half of the recommendations therein are based on expert consensus because of a lack of evidence, and only three are concern patient-centred outcomes. Future research should further clarify the etiology of malnutrition and identify the most relevant causes in order to prevent malnutrition. Based on limited and partly conflicting evidence and the limitations of existing studies, it remains unclear which interventions are most effective in which patient groups, and if specific situations, diseases or etiologies of malnutrition require specific approaches. Patient-relevant outcomes such as functionality and quality of life need more attention, and research methodology should be harmonised to allow for the comparability of studies.

Comparison of rural versus urban residence for symptoms and quality of life in recurrent ovarian cancer: Baseline analysis of GOG-0259, an NRG Oncology/GOG study.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18083-e18083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Belcher ◽  
Susan M. Sereika ◽  
Zan M. Dodson ◽  
Meghan K. Mattos ◽  
Teresa Hagan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Recurrent Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

e18083 Background: Women with recurrent ovarian cancer (OC) experience a wide range of cancer- and treatment-related symptoms that negatively impact quality of life (QOL). Studies have reported healthcare disparities by geographic residence related to distance, time, and financial barriers to accessing high quality care. However, no studies have evaluated the impact of residence on symptoms and QOL in women with OC. Therefore, our objectives were to evaluate whether geographic residence (urban versus rural) is associated with symptoms and QOL in a sample of women with recurrent OC. Methods: The Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion conceptual framework guided analyses of baseline GOG-0259 data. We mapped zip codes to RUCA commuter codes and compared sociodemographic and clinical variables between rural and urban groups using two-sample t and chi-square tests. We used MANCOVA, adjusted for age and marital status, to test for associations between residence and symptoms (Symptom Representation Questionnaire) and QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Ovarian). Results: Rural (n = 122, 25%) and urban (n = 374, 75%) women were similar in all sociodemographic and clinical comparisons except for marital status (83% vs. 70% married, p = .003). Women reported moderate symptom severity (M = 5.5, SD = 2.3) and QOL scores similar to other OC studies (M = 108.4, SD = 19.5). In multi-variate analyses, age and marital status were both associated with symptoms; marital status was associated with QOL. Geographical residence was not associated with either symptoms or QOL. Conclusions: Counter to previous research, there were no symptom or QOL disparities based on geographic residence in this sample. Possible explanations to be explored in future research include a) cooperative group selection bias for women with good access to care regardless of geographic residence and b) protective effects of marital status on symptoms and QOL.

Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2097-2108
Author(s):  
Robyn L. Croft ◽  
Courtney T. Byrd
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Adults Who Stutter ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.

scholarly journals Perceived and objective availability of green and blue spaces and quality of life in people with dementia: results from the IDEAL programme

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Tzu Wu ◽  
◽  
Linda Clare ◽  
Ian Rees Jones ◽  
Sharon M. Nelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Deprivation Level ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Perceived Availability ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between quality of life and both perceived and objective availability of local green and blue spaces in people with dementia, including potential variation across rural/urban settings and those with/without opportunities to go outdoors. Methods This study was based on 1540 community-dwelling people with dementia in the Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) programme. Quality of life was measured by the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD) scale. A list of 12 types of green and blue spaces was used to measure perceived availability while objective availability was estimated using geographic information system data. Regression modelling was employed to investigate the associations of quality of life with perceived and objective availability of green and blue spaces, adjusting for individual factors and deprivation level. Interaction terms with rural/urban areas or opportunities to go outdoors were fitted to test whether the associations differed across these subgroups. Results Higher QoL-AD scores were associated with higher perceived availability of local green and blue spaces (0.82; 95% CI 0.06, 1.58) but not objective availability. The positive association between perceived availability and quality of life was stronger for urban (1.50; 95% CI 0.52, 2.48) than rural residents but did not differ between participants with and without opportunities to go outdoors. Conclusions Only perceived availability was related to quality of life in people with dementia. Future research may investigate how people with dementia utilise green and blue spaces and improve dementia-friendliness of these spaces.

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

Medicina ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Developmental Disorders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina M. Schoemaker ◽  
Suzanne Houwen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Developmental Coordination Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Lower Hrqol

Abstract Purpose of Review (1) To give an overview of what is currently known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in three common and co-occurring developmental disorders: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and (2) to provide directions for future research. Recent Findings HRQoL is compromised in all three developmental disorders, affecting various domains of HRQoL. However, some domains are more affected than others depending on the nature of the core deficits of the disorder. Overall, parents’ rate HRQoL of their children lower than the children themselves. Children with ASD and ADHD with co-occurring disorders have lower HRQoL compared to those with singular disorders. Future studies in DCD are needed to investigate the effect of co-occurring disorder in this population. Summary Children with developmental disorders have lower HRQoL than typically developing children. Future research should focus on the effects of co-occurring disorders on HRQoL and on protective factors that may increase HRQoL. HRQoL should be a part of clinical assessment, as it reveals the areas in life children are struggling with that could be targeted during intervention.

VP37 Patient Involvement In EUnetHTA Assessments (Non-Pharma Technologies)

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (S1) ◽  
pp. 85-85
Author(s):  
Sabine Ettinger ◽  
Judit Erdos ◽  
Cecilia De Villiers
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Patient Involvement ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Patient Organizations ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Patient Representatives ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionPatients can provide valuable experience on living with diseases, health-related quality of life, various therapies and relevant outcomes. Their input and perspectives can be helpful in complementing health technology assessment (HTA) processes. The European Network for HTA (EUnetHTA), funded by the European Commission, aims to further advance and standardise patient involvement processes in order to add to the quality and applicability of HTAs and to allow capability building.MethodsDifferent methods for patient involvement in HTAs on non-pharmaceutical technologies were tested: Patient input templates (open questions sent to relevant patient organizations, or published on EUnetHTA website); scoping meeting with patients/patient representatives; one-on-one conversation and group conversation. Applied methods depended on the scope of the HTA and other factors like timelines of HTAs and burden of disease for patients.ResultsPatients were included in eight of sixteen HTAs on non-pharmaceutical technologies. Applied methods were: group conversation (n = 2), scoping meeting (n = 1), patient input templates (n = 4), one-on-one conversation (n = 2,) and other approach (i.e. written feedback on scope n= 2). In some HTAs more than one method was used. Main reasons for not including patients were inability to identify suitable patients or tight timelines. Patients' feedback on health-related quality of life and outcome measures proved most useful in the scoping phase.ConclusionsThe different approaches were useful for complementing HTA processes. Those need to be further tested and evaluated in order to formulate deeper understanding about the impact of patient involvement on HTA. Additionally, feedback from patients that were actively involved in the HTAs should be collected to further improve the involvement methods that should serve as basis for future recommendations post 2020.

scholarly journals Perceived family cohesion, social support, and quality of life in patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorders compared with patients with mental and physical disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bente Birkeland ◽  
Bente Weimand ◽  
Torleif Ruud ◽  
Darryl Maybery ◽  
John-Kåre Vederhus
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Family Cohesion ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Cancer Data ◽  
Physical Disorders ◽  
Patient Groups

Abstract Purpose Support from family and other social network elements can be important in helping patients to cope with practical and emotional consequences of diseases. The aim of the study was to examine perception of family and social support and quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). We compared them with patients in treatment for mental disorders (MDs) and physical disorders (PDs). Methods We used data from a national multicenter study that recruited patients (N  =  518) from three treatment domains; SUD treatment units, MD treatment units, and PD treatment units (severe neurological conditions or cancer). Data on family cohesion, social support, and QoL were compared across patient groups. In addition, data on health variables was collected. We used a multiple linear regression procedure to examine how health and support variables were associated with QoL. Results Family cohesion and social support in the SUD and MD groups were rated at similarly low levels, substantially lower than in the PD group. The SUD group exhibited a somewhat lower QoL than did the PD group, but their QoL was still in the near-to-normal range. In contrast, the MD group had markedly low QoL. When examining factors associated with QoL, we found that greater family cohesion and social support were positively associated with QoL. Mental distress was the strongest factor, and was negatively associated with QoL (beta − 0.15, 95% CI  =  − 0.17/− 0.14, p  <  0.001). Conclusion Service providers need to be aware of the weaker networks and less regulatory family and/or social support available to patients with SUDs. Providers should focus consistently on the social networks of patients and include patients’ families in treatment processes.

scholarly journals Community intervention strategies to reduce the impact of financial strain and promote financial well-being: a comprehensive rapid review

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50
Author(s):  
Nicole M. Glenn ◽  
Lisa Allen Scott ◽  
Teree Hokanson ◽  
Karla Gustafson ◽  
Melissa A. Stoops ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Community Intervention ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Impact

Financial well-being describes when people feel able to meet their financial obligations, feel financially secure and are able to make choices that benefit their quality of life. Financial strain occurs when people are unable to pay their bills, feel stressed about money and experience negative impacts on their quality of life and health. In the face of the global economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, community-led approaches are required to address the setting-specific needs of residents and reduce the adverse impacts of widespread financial strain. To encourage evidence-informed best practices, a provincial health authority and community-engaged research centre collaborated to conduct a rapid review. We augmented the rapid review with an environmental scan and interviews. Our data focused on Western Canada and was collected prior to the pandemic (May–September 2019). We identified eight categories of community-led strategies to promote financial well-being: systems navigation and access; financial literacy and skills; emergency financial assistance; asset building; events and attractions; employment and educational support; transportation; and housing. We noted significant gaps in the evidence, including methodological limitations of the included studies (e.g. generalisability, small sample size), a lack of reporting on the mechanisms leading to the outcomes and evaluation of long-term impacts, sparse practice-based data on evaluation methods and outcomes, and limited intervention details in the published literature. Critically, few of the included interventions specifically targeted financial strain and/or well-being. We discuss the implications of these gaps in addition to possibilities and priorities for future research and practice. We also consider the results in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences.

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