SP - Other medical conditions

INTRODUCTION 
Video-recordings of patients may offer advantages over text-based documentation to supplement assessment and decision-making – particularly for older patients with complex needs. Our systematic review aimed to evaluate the application, acceptability, and impact of video-based records; here we highlight current evidence on using video-recordings to support direct care delivery for older patients.

METHODS 
Five electronic databases (Medline/Embase/PsycInfo/Cochrane/HMIC) were searched from 2012-2022. Studies involving videorecording patients aged ≥ 18 years for diagnosis, care, or treatment were identified. Study quality was assessed using published appraisal tools. Acceptability was evaluated through i) recruitment/retention rates, and ii) synthesis of patients’ and professionals’ perspectives and experiences. Sekhon’s Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA), consisting of seven constructs (affective attitude/burden/ethicality/ intervention coherence/opportunity costs/self-efficacy), underpinned the synthesis. 

RESULTS 
Of 14,221 citations, 27 studies (mainly low-quality) met inclusion criteria. 10/27 studies recruited older patients including those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), dementia, stroke, end-of-life care, average age was 69. Video-recording was used in diagnosis, management/monitoring, and rehabilitation of older patients. Mean recruitment rate was 58.8% (34.2%-73.7%): mean retention rate was 81.3% (73.4%-100%). Reasons for non-participation/withdrawal related to the video-recording intervention itself (privacy concerns/poor video quality) and other factors (patients lost to follow-up). Framework synthesis generated 17 sub-themes linked to the seven TFA constructs. Attitudes to video-based records were largely positive. Video-recordings were perceived to be helpful in facilitating diagnosis/treatment/care for patients with movement disorders (PD; high-risk fallers), including in dementia populations. Digital literacy, illness severity and cognitive impairment influenced patients’ capacity to consent to video-recording.  Healthcare professionals were concerned about technical challenges but burden was minimised through using portable devices (e.g.iPad) for video capture. 

CONCLUSION 
Video-based records may be acceptable to older patients and professionals, providing valid consent is obtained and the potential benefits are recognised. Further research is needed to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of this approach.

Introduction

With recent advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive therapy, solid organ transplantation (SOT) is increasingly accessible to older and more complex patients. Multiple previous studies have shown quality of life improvements in SOT patients post-transplant across age group and despite significant pre-transplant frailty. As such, we are investigating if SOT is associated with a reduction in frailty status post-tranplant.

Methods

Studies across five databases between 2000 and 2023 were included if an objective frailty status measurement was used, SOT was performed during the study, and no rehabilitation took place pre- or post-transplant. Included studies were graded for risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Data extracted from the studies was pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis using the Mantel-Haenszel method.

Results

Across the 12 studies included in the review (6 kidney transplant, 2 liver transplant, 3 lung transplant and 1 heart transplant), there was a total of 3065 transplant recipients (62% male 38% female) with a mean age of 51.35 years old. There is an worsening of frailty status in transplant patient immediately post-transplant. Thereafter, there is a reduction in frailty status 3 months post-transplant sustained 6 – 12 months post-transplant. However, frailty status plateaus after this period up to 36 months, based on the 3 studies that did track frailty status beyond 12 months. Five studies were included in the meta-analysis which demonstrated an odds ratio = 0.27 (95% CI, 0.12, 0.59, P = .001, I^2= 82%), When the single paper deemed to be of poor quality was removed the remaining four studies demonstrated a reduced odds ratio of being frail at 6-12 months posttransplant (OR 0.45 (95% CI, 0.32, 0.65, P = .001, I^2= 13%).

Conclusions

Transplant is associated with a reversal in frailty status 6 to 12 months post-transplant, although heterogeneity was demonstrated across studies.

Introduction: Adverse drug events from medication-related harm (MRH) can lead to hospital readmissions, compromised quality of life, and even death. After hospital discharge, older people can experience heightened vulnerability, and are often unprepared for self-care and medication self-management. Effective medication self-management involves more than adherence; it requires patients to monitor their condition(s), build routines, recognise errors, seek help, understand when to alter medications, and discuss these issues with healthcare professionals. Determining medication self-management capability in older people can guide supportive interventions and improve medication-related outcomes. This systematic review identifies measures which assess medication self-management capability for older people transitioning from hospital-to-home.

Method: A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, and PROSPERO) for articles from database inception to 2023. Eligible studies included participants aged 65 or older experiencing a hospital-to-home transition, and measures containing at least one medication self-management component. Data extraction was performed using a standardised form. Characteristics of measures were tabulated and summarised descriptively. This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023464325).

Results: 14 studies were included, identifying 12 unique measures. These measures predominantly had an adherence-focus, with other medication self-management components included to a lesser degree. Timing of measure administration and the individual administering the measure varied greatly across studies. Medication self-management capability was assessed through physical and cognitive skills. The number and type of skills assessed differed between measures. None of the measures considered all medication self-management components, with self-monitoring and adaptability specifically lacking.

Conclusion: Current measures for medication self-management capability assessment primarily focus on cognitive and physical skills, with significant emphasis on medication adherence. This can lead to other important skills being overlooked. Findings further highlight the importance of comprehensive definitions when considering medication self-management across the hospital-to-home transition, and recommendations are provided for developing future measures.

Introduction

Multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) are common in the population, which increase with age and are associated with increased hospital admissions. Identifying early signs of decline, such as restricted physical activity, could help reduce avoidable hospitalisations, however it is not clear how best to do this.

Aim

To co-design with patients, caregivers and primary care professionals (PCPs), an intervention aimed at identifying changes in activity in order to recognise decline in older adults with MLTCs. Methods The Person-Based Approach was followed to plan and develop this intervention. Qualitative interviews were conducted with older patients with MLTCs, caregivers, and PCPs to examine perspectives on an intervention measuring changes in physical activity. A prototype app was developed, using these results and patient and public involvement. This was further optimised through iterative think-aloud interviews with patients, caregivers, and PCPs.

Results

Thirty-six interviews were conducted comprising of 17 patients (mean age 79-years, 23% female), eight caregivers and 11 PCPs (GPs, nurses, occupational therapists, and pharmacists). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Findings highlighted the importance of restricted activity as an indicator of decline. Patients often described their experiences of decline through non-specific symptoms, including changes in physical activity. PCPs emphasised the value of knowing about such changes to clinical decision-making. Different technology options for measuring activity were explored, considering data quality, and acceptability of passive/active data collection. The initial prototype intervention was designed for iterative testing and think-aloud interviews will be completed by November and presented.

Conclusion

This study highlights the utility of measuring changes in activity in older patients, and some benefits and lessons learned from co-design. A proactive approach to detecting early decline within community settings may provide opportunities to unplanned hospital admissions. 

Ethnic variations in frailty lack comprehensive understanding ¹. This systematic review examined ethnic variations in the prevalence, incidence, and trajectories of frailty; associations between frailty and sociodemographic/lifestyle risk factors; and health-related outcomes of frailty.

Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and CINAHL were searched (2000–July 2023). Searches supplemented by forward citation searching and hand-searching reference lists. Inclusion criteria: observational studies (using any frailty measure) in adults (>18 years) assessing frailty prevalence, trajectories, or association with health-related outcomes by ethnicity.

1. Frailty Prevalence

Introduction

Thomas Sydenham, English physician stated, “a man is as old as his arteries”. Chronological age has been noted to correlate strongly with vascular/ biological age. However, little is known about how chronological and vascular parameters of ageing, correlate with frailty. In this study, we sought to study the correlations between frailty, chronological age and parameters of vascular ageing.

Methods

Data from two studies with participants aged ≥ 60years investigating the associations between Cytomegalovirus infection and frailty indices and vascular parameters were included. Two hundred and sixty community dwelling adults were enrolled in both studies. Vascular parameters were measured by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) using VaSera VS-2000® and pulse wave velocity-PWV (carotid-femoral and carotid-radial) using COMPLIOR®. Hand grip strength (HGS) and Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI) were measured for clinical frailty data. Patients were excluded if they had malignancy, were on active treatment for cancer or were unable to give consent.

Results

There were 260 study participants, (mean age ± SD; 72 ± 8years), with gender distribution M:F (50:50). Chronological age strongly correlated positively with vascular ageing parameters such as CAVI (r=0.6, p<0.001) and cf-PWV(r=0.5, p<0.01). Similarly, chronological age correlated positively with CCI (r=0.7, p˂0.001) and negatively with HGS (r= - 0.3, p˂0.001). Vascular ageing as measured by CAVI (estimated CAVI age) correlated positively with CCI (r=0.5, p<0.01) and negatively with HGS (r = -0.2, p=0.01). Other measures of vascular ageing such as cf-PWV positively correlated with CCI (r= 0.4, p<0.01) and negatively with HGS (r=- 0.1, p =0.09).

Conclusion

Clinical frailty parameters correlate strongly with measures of vascular ageing and chronological age. Vascular ageing is a strong independent predictor of frailty.

Introduction: Wearable technology that continuously monitors physiological metrics has become increasingly popular and allows remote patient monitoring in virtual ward settings. Wearable technology has been shown to be effective in disease monitoring among younger adults. However, its use among older adults, including those with cognitive impairment, is yet to be explored. Aim: We aim to explore the acceptability of remote monitoring using wearable technology among older adults with delirium. Methods: Participants were recruited from an in-patient rehabilitation unit. Inclusion criteria included documented delirium and age over 65 years. Participants were enrolled until delirium resolved or until discharge. Wearable technology was worn continuously, except when being charged or the patient was washing. Device data was recorded every minute. Premorbid Barthel index and Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility (HABAM) was collected for each participant. Participants were assessed daily for delirium and mobility using the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale and HABAM respectively. At point of discharge from the study, participants completed a questionnaire to gather feedback on their experience. Results: 20 participants were included, with a mean age of 83.0 years and an average premorbid Barthel’s index of 72. 6. Mean data capture from the wearable technology was 44.1% (12.8-65.8). None of the participants could independently manage the device. Three participants stated that the device interfered with their normal activities with five reporting the device uncomfortable to wear. However, nine participants stated they would wear the device again if asked to by a healthcare professional. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that wearable devices are tolerated by delirious older adults with delirium. We found that this group cannot manage these devices independently and need support from either a carer or healthcare professional. These results provides useful information to help pilot these devices among older adults with delirium in virtual ward settings.

Introduction

As people are living for longer with multiple long-term health conditions (MLTCs), there are also more people dying with and from MLTCs.  Dying with/from MLTCs can be unpredictable, lead to uncertainty for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals, and hinder timely conversations around future care planning.

There is no universally accepted definition informing the identification of individuals with MLTCs who may be approaching the end of life (advanced multimorbidity). This scoping review synthesised how advanced multimorbidity is defined in research, policy and practice.

Methods

Using the Arksey and O’Malley framework and relevant updates, scoping review methodology was used to search multiple databases and Grey Literature, summarised via the PRISMA-ScR. Two reviewers selected final study texts, which underwent content analysis. Stakeholder consultations with clinicians, academics and public participants ensured context and relevance of findings.

Results

From 10,316 unique publications, 38 final texts were included. Most (33/38) were published in the last decade. Many were quantitative (18/38) though a variety of other study types were included. Participants were mainly elderly - mean age 78.5years. Only 4/38 studies integrated patient and public involvement.

Forty-four different definitions of advanced multimorbidity were identified across the 38 studies, with only 2 definitions used across multiple studies. Definitions varied in the type and number of conditions included. Twenty-six definitions incorporated multiple variables to define advanced multimorbidity, while the remaining 18 used a single variable. Variables were conceptualised as discrete (functional assessments, age, healthcare utilisation etc) or holistic (self-assessment, clinician assessment, assessment tools). Stakeholders preferred definitions that were user-friendly and clinically driven.

Conclusions

The lack of consensus around an advanced multimorbidity definition creates unwarranted heterogeneity and barriers to advancing research in this field. This review highlights the need for a standardised approach that is context-appropriate and meaningful to practice and care, to facilitate proactive realistic conversations and decision-making.

Introduction:

Little evidence exists about decision-making with older adults diagnosed with cancer (Bridges et al 2015). However, older age is associated with changes in physical, social, and psychological health domains in ways that influence treatment decisions potentially impacting on quality and quantity of life. We sought to explore the experiences of older adults, their significant others and healthcare professionals when decisions regarding cancer treatment and support are made.

Methods:

Synonyms relating to search terms Cancer, Older People, Complexity and Qualitative research were used to search the databases CINAHL, Medline, Embase and PsychINFO. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) identified strengths and limitations of the evidence allowing concurrent appraisal of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies.

Results:

Searches identified 534 articles: 64 studies underwent full text screening, and 14 of these were included. The synthesis identified six themes: Preconditions in decision-making; Identifying frailty and setting goals; Maintaining independence; Information provision; Support during the decision-making process/role distribution; Trust in physicians; Preferences and choice. Most included studies reported the views of the older person, or health care professionals (predominantly physicians/oncologists/surgeons). However, there is a paucity of evidence representing the views of the older adult’s significant other and a dearth of evidence exploring the efforts and contributions of all people involved in the process of decision-making.

Conclusions:

Research is needed urgently to understand how and why decisions are made regarding cancer treatment and support, as well as how older adults are involved in these decisions throughout their cancer trajectory. Understanding this would assist healthcare professionals to prioritise individual’s healthcare preferences with the potential to positively influence service delivery and workforce development. This review has informed the research design for The CHOICES study which aims to understand how clinicians, older individuals and their significant others make decisions following a new diagnosis of cancer.

Background:

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the socio-demographic, anthropometric, and patient characteristics of 94 Yoruba speakers aged 60 years and older, and to validate the Yoruba version of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS).

Methods:

This study used a cross-sectional design with a purposive sampling technique and a sample size of 94 participants. This study also made use of the World Health Organization methodologic guidelines on cultural adaptation of clinical scales. Convergent validity was assessed by evaluating the context that the Clinical frailty scale (CFS) relates to the Edmonton frailty scale, using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The known group validity was assessed using one-way ANOVA.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 70.81±8.11 years, with a mean BMI of 27.04±5.61. The cohort included 38 males (44.4%) and 56 females (59.6%). Educational attainment varied, with 20.2% having no education and 9.6% holding postgraduate degrees. The validated CFS has excellent content validity (S-CVI/AVE=0.96; S-CVI-UA=0.78). Convergent validity demonstrated a moderate correlation between the CFS and the Edmonton Frail Scale (Spearman's rho=0.61, p<.01). Known-group validity indicated significant associations between frailty, age (p="0.007)." and BMI.

Conclusion:

The Yoruba version of CFS is a valid tool for assessing frailty in elderly Yoruba-speaking populations.