Impact of Catheter Ablation on Quality of Life and Healthcare Utilisation

Impairment of quality of life (QoL) is a well-known complication of AF. Because of the association of AF with older age and many other cardiovascular comorbidities, there are multiple factors that could influence QoL score even after successful AF intervention. However, substantial improvement in QoL has been reported following catheter ablation for AF regardless of ablation outcomes. In terms of healthcare resource utilisation, the expenses associated with AF are very high because of the hospitalisations for AF-related thromboembolic complications, aggravation of heart failure, AF interventions, and emergency room visits for incessant arrhythmia episodes, and they represent a large economic burden worldwide. Several trials have shown a drastic reduction in healthcare costs following successful AF ablation. In this review, the authors discuss this evidence systematically.

Education of Caregivers and Veterans to Improve the Care of the Geriatric Psychiatric Patient

The geriatric psychiatry outpatient clinic provides assessment of the elderly Veteran with mental illness and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. I will describe strategies developed and implemented in this setting to provide education to the caregiver (family) to improve early identification of delirium, depression and cognitive impairment. This education proved to reduce the number of pharmacological treatment and increase the use of nonpharmacological interventions based on "what matters to the patient" and following the BEERS criteria guidelines. One of the most important outcomes of the education and evaluation in the geriatric psychiatric clinic was a decrease in number of emergency room visits of elderly, specifically those with dementia.

A Housing First evaluation project for homeless Veterans in Canada: Quantitative findings

LAY SUMMARY This study sought to evaluate a Housing First program for Veterans experiencing homelessness. Housing First is an approach made up of many different aspects of care including peer support and greater access to care resources within the home. These aspects of care are offered in order to address underlying issues and maintain housing stability. The program was implemented across four cities in Canada including London, Toronto, Calgary, and Victoria. To assess the program, interviews with Veterans were conducted at time of enrollment, 3, 9, and 15 months. The Veterans in this study demonstrated a significant reduction in homelessness. As well, a significant reduction in emergency room visits was reported. Other health care interactions and quality-of-life scores remained stable. These findings could, therefore, lead to potential future cost savings in the health care sector. This study demonstrates why this approach to housing for Veterans can be a highly effective and useful way to ensure housing stability.