Spinning Off Business Activities for Care Giver Support

2015 ◽  
pp. 414-425
Author(s):  
Apostolos Vontas ◽  
Vasiliki Moumtzi ◽  
Gerry Urwin
Keyword(s):  
Support Services ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Care Giver ◽  
Digital Skills ◽  
Need For Support ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
Socially Excluded

Demographic changes in Europe show an increased demand for quality care for family members, through innovative, broadly accessible solutions that have an overarching focus of improving the quality of life for carers through learning. DISCOVER platform is such a technology, based on existing eLearning systems and delivers digital skills training for carers, focusing in particular on opportunities for informal carers as a socially excluded group. DISCOVER business strategy provides a sustainable entity in order to deliver benefits to the carer, and cared-for communities in the future. An appropriate business model is required to support spinning off business activities for care giver support services, but allow the inclusion of those who may be disadvantaged or those who have a high need for support, but a limited ability to afford to pay for solutions.

scholarly journals Impacts of new and emerging assistive technologies for ageing and disabled housing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Bridge ◽  
Fredrick Zmudzki ◽  
Tracy Huang ◽  
Ceridwen Owen ◽  
Debbie Faulkner
Keyword(s):  
Support Services ◽  
Smart Home ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Need For Support

This research looks at how smart home assistive technologies (AT) may be best used in both the aged care and disability sectors to reduce the need for support services. It includes an assessment of ease of use, quality-of-life and cost benefit analysis, and contributes to the development of policy options that could facilitate effective adoption of smart home AT in Australia.

Evaluation of medical care for Diabetic and Hypertensive patients in primary care in Mexico: Observational retrospective study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustin Lara-Esqueda ◽  
Sergio A Zaizar-Fregoso ◽  
Violeta M Madrigal-Perez ◽  
Mario Ramirez-Flores ◽  
Daniel A Montes-Galindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Serum Lipids ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
Anonymized Data ◽  
Quality Of Medical Care

BACKGROUND Diabetes Mellitus is a worldwide health problem and the leading cause of premature death with increasing prevalence over time. Usually, along with it, Hypertension presents and acts as another risk factor that increases mortality risk. Both diseases impact the country's health while also producing an economic burden for society, causing billions of dollars to be invested in their management. OBJECTIVE The present study evaluated the quality of medical care for patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HBP), and both pathologies (DM+HBP) within a public health system in Mexico, according to the official Mexican standard for each pathology. METHODS 45,498 patients were included from 2012 to 2015. All information was taken from the electronic medical records database, exported as anonymized data for research purposes. Each patient record was compared against the standard to test the quality of medical care. RESULTS Glycemia with hypertension goals reached 29.6% in DM+HBP, 48.6% in DM, and 53.2% in HBP. The goals of serum lipids were reached by 3% in DM+HBP, 5% in DM, and 0.2% in HBP. Glycemia, hypertension, and LDL cholesterol reached 0.04%. 15% of patients had an undiagnosed disease of diabetes or hypertension. Clinical follow-up examinations reached 20% for foot examination and clinical eye examination in the whole population. Specialty referral reached 1% in angiology or cardiology in the whole population. CONCLUSIONS Goals for glycemic and hypertension reached 50% in the overall population, while serum lipids, clinical follow-up examinations, and referral to a specialist were deficient. Patients who had both diseases had more consultations, better control for hypertension and lipids, but inferior glycemic control. Overall, quality care for DM and/or HBP has not been met according to the standards. While patients with DM and HBP do not have a current standard to evaluate their own needs.

scholarly journals Evaluating the success of the tele-pathology system in governmental hospitals in Kuwait: an explanatory sequential mixed methods design

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Jasem Buabbas ◽  
Tareq Mohammad ◽  
Adel K. Ayed ◽  
Hawraa Mallah ◽  
Hamza Al-Shawaf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Support Services ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Technical Support ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Telepathology System

Abstract Background Telepathology is the practice of reviewing and exchanging pathological images through telecommunication systems to obtain diagnoses remotely. Studying the factors that make such a system successful and favourable is important to ensure the merits of its implementation in clinical practice. Objective This study aims to evaluate the success of a telepathology system from the users’ perspectives, using specific evaluation criteria, namely: system quality, information quality, technical service quality, user satisfaction, and benefits. Methods A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was adopted in this study, which consists of two phases. Initially, a questionnaire was distributed via WhatsApp to all of the pathologists (total: 45) working at governmental hospitals in Kuwait. Followed by, semi-structured interviews with ten senior pathologists. Results Forty pathologists responded to the questionnaire, giving an 89% response rate. There were 42.5% of the respondents aged between 35–44 years old, and 52.5% were male. The quantitative results reveal that most of the respondents were satisfied with the quality of the telepathology system with a mean of 2.6025 (Standard Deviation (SD) = 0.47176), whereas they were dissatisfied with the quality of the information with a mean of 2.4100 (SD = 1.580) and the technical support services with a mean of 2.2750 (SD = 0.99535). In addition, there was disagreement on the benefits of telepathology in clinical practice among the pathologists with a mean of 2.4667 (SD = 0.77552). The qualitative results indicate that the lack of interest in and little experience with using the system were behind the general dissatisfaction of most of the respondents. All of the interviewees were satisfied with the performance of the telepathology system and considered it successful; however, the quality of the technical support services, including training workshops, was deemed deficient. Conclusion This study concluded that telepathology system in Kuwait is functioning well and has been successful in its implementation; however, pathologists are dissatisfied with it, mainly due to the deficient quality of the technical support services provided. In addition, the successful implementation of such advanced technologies requires careful steps to be taken on multiple levels: technical, organisational, and managerial. Recommendations were suggested.

scholarly journals ‘You see the empty bed which means it’s either a transplant or a death’: a qualitative study exploring the impact of death in the haemodialysis community

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e046537
Author(s):  
Sheera Sutherland ◽  
Kirsty E Durley ◽  
Kirsty Gillies ◽  
Margaret Glogowska ◽  
Daniel S Lasserson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Central Importance ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Age Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Patients

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of the death of a patient in the haemodialysis unit on fellow patients.MethodsWe interviewed patients on dialysis in a tertiary dialysis centre using semistructured interviews. We purposively sampled patients who had experienced the death of a fellow patient. After interviews were transcribed, they were thematically analysed by independent members of the research team using inductive analysis. Input from the team during analysis ensured the rigour and quality of the findings.Results10 participants completed the interviews (6 females and 4 males with an age range of 42–88 years). The four core themes that emerged from the interviews included: (1) patients’ relationship to haemodialysis, (2) how patients define the haemodialysis community, (3) patients’ views on death and bereavement and (4) patients’ expectations around death in the dialysis community. Patients noticed avoidance behaviour by staff in relation to discussing death in the unit and would prefer a culture of open acknowledgement.ConclusionStaff acknowledgement of death is of central importance to patients on haemodialysis who feel that the staff are part of their community. This should guide the development of appropriate bereavement support services and a framework that promotes the provision of guidance for staff and patients in this unique clinical setting. However, the authors acknowledge the homogenous sample recruited in a single setting may limit the transferability of the study. Further work is needed to understand diverse patient and nurse experiences and perceptions when sharing the knowledge of a patient’s death and how they react to loss.

Predictors of the Quality of Life of Informal Carers of Adults on the Autism Spectrum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisse T. Sonido ◽  
Ye In Hwang ◽  
Preeyaporn Srasuebkul ◽  
Julian N. Trollor ◽  
Samuel R. C. Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Informal Carers

scholarly journals Implementation of Person-Centered Care: A Feasibility Study Using the WE-CARE Roadmap

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2205
Author(s):  
Roman A. Lewandowski ◽  
Jędrzej B. Lewandowski ◽  
Inger Ekman ◽  
Karl Swedberg ◽  
Jan Törnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Rehabilitation Hospital ◽  
Person Centered Care ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Multi Disciplinary Team

Background: Person-Centered Care (PCC) is a promising approach towards improved quality of care and cost containment within health systems. It has been evaluated in Sweden and England. This feasibility study examines initial PCC implementation in a rehabilitation hospital for children in Poland. Methods: The WE-CARE Roadmap of enablers was used to guide implementation of PCC for patients with moderate scoliosis. A multi-disciplinary team of professionals were trained in the PCC approach and the hospital Information Technology (IT) system was modified to enhance PCC data capture. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the nine health care professionals involved in the pilot study and three patients/parents receiving care. Transcribed data were analyzed via content analysis. Results: 51 patients and their families were treated via a PCC approach. High proportions of new PCC data fields were completed by the professionals. The professionals were able to implement the three core PCC routines and perceived benefits using the PCC approach. Patients and their families also perceived improved quality care. The WE-CARE framework enablers facilitated PCC implementation in this setting. Conclusions: This feasibility pilot study indicates that the Gothenburg PCC approach can be successfully transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Poland with favorable perceptions of implementation by both professionals and patients/their families.

scholarly journals Beneficial Effects of Remote Medical Care for Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2311
Author(s):  
Eleonora Gaetani ◽  
Fabiana Agostini ◽  
Luigi Di Martino ◽  
Denis Occhipinti ◽  
Giulio Cesare Passali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Emergency Room ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia ◽  
Iron Supplementation ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Blood Transfusions ◽  
Emergency Room Visits

Background: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) needs high-quality care and multidisciplinary management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most non-urgent clinical activities for HHT outpatients were suspended. We conducted an analytical observational cohort study to evaluate whether medical and psychological support, provided through remote consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic, could reduce the complications of HHT. Methods: A structured regimen of remote consultations, conducted by either video-calls, telephone calls, or e-mails, was provided by a multidisciplinary group of physicians to a set of patients of our HHT center. The outcomes considered were: number of emergency room visits/hospitalizations, need of blood transfusions, need of iron supplementation, worsening of epistaxis, and psychological status. Results: The study included 45 patients who received remote assistance for a total of eight months. During this period, 9 patients required emergency room visits, 6 needed blood transfusions, and 24 needed iron supplementation. This was not different from what was registered among the same 45 patients in the same period of the previous year. Remote care also resulted in better management of epistaxis and improved quality of life, with the mean epistaxis severity score and the Euro-Quality of Life-Visual Analogue Scale that were significantly better at the end than at the beginning of the study. Discussion: Remote medical care might be a valid support for HHT subjects during periods of suspended outpatient surveillance, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals ‘We tend to get pad happy’: a qualitative study of health practitioners’ perspectives on the quality of continence care for older people in hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e001380
Author(s):  
John Percival ◽  
Katharine Abbott ◽  
Theresa Allain ◽  
Rachel Bradley ◽  
Fiona Cramp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Care ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Residential Home ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Predisposing Factor ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Care Training

BackgroundBladder and bowel control difficulties affect 20% and 10% of the UK population, respectively, touch all age groups and are particularly prevalent in the older (65+ years) population. However, the quality of continence care is often poor, compromising patient health and well-being, increasing the risk of infection, and is a predisposing factor to nursing and residential home placement.ObjectiveTo identify factors that help or hinder good continence care for patients aged 65 years and over in hospital medical ward settings. Medical care, not surgical, was our exclusive focus.MethodsWe conducted 27 qualitative interviews with nursing, medical and allied health practitioners in three hospitals. We used a purposive sample and analysed data thematically, both manually and with the aid of NVivo software.ResultsInterviews revealed perspectives on practice promoting or inhibiting good quality continence care, as well as suggestions for improvements. Good continence care was said to be advanced through person-centred care, robust assessment and monitoring, and a proactive approach to encouraging patient independence. Barriers to quality care centred on lack of oversight, automatic use of incontinence products and staffing pressures. Suggested improvements centred on participatory care, open communication and care planning with a higher bladder and bowel health profile. In order to drive such improvements, hospital-based practitioners indicate a need and desire for regular continence care training.ConclusionsFindings help explain the persistence of barriers to providing good quality care for patients aged 65 years and over with incontinence. Resolute continence promotion, in hospitals and throughout the National Health Service, would reduce reliance on products and the accompanying risks of patient dependency and catheter-associated gram-negative bacteraemia. Robust assessment and care planning, open communication and regular continence care training would assist such promotion and also help mitigate resource limitations by developing safer, time-efficient continence care.

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