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Cohn JA, Shah AS, Goggins KM, Simmons SF, Kripalani S, Dmochowski RR, Schnelle JF, Reynolds WS. Health literacy, cognition, and urinary incontinence among geriatric inpatients discharged to skilled nursing facilities. Neurourol Urodyn 2018; 37:854-860. [PMID: 28762548 PMCID: PMC5794668 DOI: 10.1002/nau.23368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the association between health literacy and cognition and nursing and patient-reported incontinence in a geriatric inpatient population transitioning to skilled nursing facilities (SNF). METHODS Health literacy, depression, and cognition were assessed via the Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS), Geriatric Depression Scale 5-item (GDS) and Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between BHLS score and incontinence by: (1) nursing-reported urinary incontinence during hospitalization; and (2) patient self-reported "bladder accidents" in the post-enrollment study interview. RESULTS A total of 1556 hospitalized patients aged 65 and older met inclusion criteria, of whom 922 (59.3%) were women and 1480 had available BHLS scores. A total of 464 (29.8%) and 515 (33.1%) patients had nursing-reported and self-reported urinary incontinence, respectively. Nursing-reported incontinence was significantly associated with lower BHLS (ie, poorer health literacy) (aOR 0.93, 95%CI 0.89-0.99) and BIMS (ie, poorer cognition) (aOR 0.90, 95%CI 0.83-0.97) scores and need for assistance with toileting (aOR 7.08, 95%CI 2.16-23.21). Patient-reported incontinence was significantly associated with female sex (aOR 1.62, 95%CI 1.19-2.21), increased GDS score (ie, greater likelihood of depression) (aOR 1.22, 95%CI 1.10-1.36) and need for assistance with toileting (aOR 2.46, 95%CI 1.26-4.79). CONCLUSIONS Poorer health literacy and cognition are independently associated with an increased likelihood of nursing-reported urinary incontinence among geriatric inpatients transitioning to SNF. Practitioners should consider assessment of health literacy and cognition in frail patients at risk for urinary incontinence and that patient and nursing assessment may be required to capture the diagnosis.
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Vasilevskis EE, Ouslander JG, Mixon AS, Bell SP, Jacobsen JML, Saraf AA, Markley D, Sponsler K, Shutes J, Long E, Kripalani S, Simmons SF, Schnelle JF. Potentially Avoidable Readmissions of Patients Discharged to Post-Acute Care: Perspectives of Hospital and Skilled Nursing Facility Staff. J Am Geriatr Soc 2017; 65:269-276. [PMID: 27981557 PMCID: PMC5311021 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital readmissions from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are common. Previous research has not examined how assessments of avoidable readmissions differ between hospital and SNF perspectives. OBJECTIVES To determine the percentage of readmissions from post-acute care that are considered potentially avoidable from hospital and SNF perspectives. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING One academic medical center and 23 SNFs. PARTICIPANTS We included patients from a quality improvement trial aimed at reducing hospital readmissions among patients discharged to SNFs. We included Medicare patients who were discharged to one of 23 regional SNFs between January 2013 and January 2015, and readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. MEASUREMENTS Hospital-based physicians and SNF-based staff performed structured root-cause analyses (RCA) on a sample of readmissions from a participating SNF to the index hospital. RCAs reported avoidability and factors contributing to readmissions. RESULTS The 30-day unplanned readmission rate to the index hospital from SNFs was 14.5% (262 hospital readmissions of 1,808 discharges). Of the readmissions, 120 had RCA from both the hospital and SNF. The percentage of readmissions rated as potentially avoidable was 30.0% and 13.3% according to hospital and SNF staff, respectively. Hospital and SNF ratings of potential avoidability agreed for 73.3% (88 of the 120 readmissions), but readmission factors varied between settings. Diagnostic problems and improved management of changes in conditions were the most common avoidable readmission factors by hospitals and SNFs, respectively. CONCLUSION A substantial percentage of hospital readmissions from SNFs are rated as potentially avoidable. The ratings and factors underlying avoidability differ between hospital and SNF staff. These data support the need for joint accountability and collaboration for future readmission reduction efforts between hospitals and their SNF partners.
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Simmons SF, Hollingsworth EK, Long EA, Liu X, Shotwell MS, Keeler E, An R, Silver HJ. Training Nonnursing Staff to Assist with Nutritional Care Delivery in Nursing Homes: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 65:313-322. [PMID: 28198565 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the effect and cost-effectiveness of training nonnursing staff to provide feeding assistance for nutritionally at-risk nursing home (NH) residents. DESIGN Randomized, controlled trial. SETTING Five community NHs. PARTICIPANTS Long-stay NH residents with an order for caloric supplementation (N = 122). INTERVENTION Research staff provided an 8-hour training curriculum to nonnursing staff. Trained staff were assigned to between-meal supplement or snack delivery for the intervention group; the control group received usual care. MEASUREMENTS Research staff used standardized observations and weighed-intake methods to measure frequency of between-meal delivery, staff assistance time, and resident caloric intake. RESULTS Fifty staff (mean 10 per site) completed training. The intervention had a significant effect on between-meal caloric intake (F = 56.29, P < .001), with the intervention group consuming, on average, 163.33 (95% CI = 120.19-206.47) calories per person per day more than the usual care control group. The intervention costs were $1.27 per person per day higher than usual care (P < .001). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the intervention was 134 kcal per dollar. The increase in cost was due to the higher frequency and number of snack items given per person per day and the associated staff time to provide assistance. CONCLUSION It is cost effective to train nonnursing staff to provide caloric supplementation, and this practice has a positive effect on residents' between-meal intake.
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Schnelle JF, Schroyer LD, Saraf AA, Simmons SF. Determining Nurse Aide Staffing Requirements to Provide Care Based on Resident Workload: A Discrete Event Simulation Model. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016; 17:970-977. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Saraf AA, Petersen AW, Simmons SF, Schnelle JF, Bell SP, Kripalani S, Myers AP, Mixon AS, Long EA, Jacobsen JML, Vasilevskis EE. Medications associated with geriatric syndromes and their prevalence in older hospitalized adults discharged to skilled nursing facilities. J Hosp Med 2016; 11:694-700. [PMID: 27255830 PMCID: PMC5048583 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.2614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than half of the hospitalized older adults discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have more than 3 geriatric syndromes. Pharmacotherapy may be contributing to geriatric syndromes in this population. OBJECTIVES Develop a list of medications associated with geriatric syndromes and describe their prevalence in patients discharged from acute care to SNFs. DESIGN Literature review and multidisciplinary expert panel discussion, followed by cross-sectional analysis. SETTING Academic medical center in the United States PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty-four hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries discharged to SNFs. MEASUREMENTS Development of a list of medications that are associated with 6 geriatric syndromes. Prevalence of the medications associated with geriatric syndromes was examined in the hospital discharge sample. RESULTS A list of 513 medications was developed as potentially contributing to 6 geriatric syndromes: cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, reduced appetite or weight loss, urinary incontinence, and depression. Medications included 18 categories. Antiepileptics were associated with all syndromes, whereas antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiparkinsonism, and opioid agonists were associated with 5 geriatric syndromes. In the prevalence sample, patients were discharged to SNFs with an overall average of 14.0 (±4.7) medications, including an average of 5.9 (±2.2) medications that could contribute to geriatric syndromes, with falls having the most associated medications at discharge at 5.5 (±2.2). CONCLUSIONS Many commonly prescribed medications are associated with geriatric syndromes. Over 40% of all medications ordered upon discharge to SNFs were associated with geriatric syndromes and could be contributing to the high prevalence of geriatric syndromes experienced by this population. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:694-700. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.
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Hollingsworth EK, Long EA, Simmons SF. Comparison Between Quality of Care Provided by Trained Feeding Assistants and Certified Nursing Assistants During Between-Meal Supplementation in Long-Term Care Settings. J Appl Gerontol 2016; 37:1391-1410. [DOI: 10.1177/0733464816669806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of feeding assistance provided by trained non-nursing staff with care provided by certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Research staff provided an 8-hr training course that met federal and state requirements to non-nursing staff in five community long-term care facilities. Trained staff were assigned to between-meal supplement and/or snack delivery for 24 weeks. Using standardized observations, research staff measured feeding assistance care processes between meals across all study weeks. Trained staff, nurse aides, and upper level staff were interviewed at 24 weeks to assess staff perceptions of program impact. Trained staff performed significantly better than CNAs for 12 of 13 care process measures. Residents also consumed significantly more calories per snack offer from trained staff ( M = 130 ± 126 [ SD] kcal) compared with CNAs ( M = 77 ± 94 [ SD] kcal). The majority of staff reported a positive impact of the training program.
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Simmons SF, Bell S, Saraf AA, Coelho CS, Long EA, Jacobsen JML, Schnelle JF, Vasilevskis EE. Stability of Geriatric Syndromes in Hospitalized Medicare Beneficiaries Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 64:2027-2034. [PMID: 27590032 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess multiple geriatric syndromes in a sample of older hospitalized adults discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and subsequently to home to determine the prevalence and stability of each geriatric syndrome at the point of these care transitions. DESIGN Descriptive, prospective study. SETTING One large university-affiliated hospital and four area SNFs. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-eight hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries discharged to SNFs (N = 58). MEASUREMENTS Research personnel conducted standardized assessments of the following geriatric syndromes at hospital discharge and 2 weeks after SNF discharge to home: cognitive impairment, depression, incontinence, unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, pain, pressure ulcers, history of falls, mobility impairment, and polypharmacy. RESULTS The average number of geriatric syndromes per participant was 4.4 ± 1.2 at hospital discharge and 3.8 ± 1.5 after SNF discharge. There was low to moderate stability for most syndromes. On average, participants had 2.9 syndromes that persisted across both care settings, 1.4 syndromes that resolved, and 0.7 new syndromes that developed between hospital and SNF discharge. CONCLUSION Geriatric syndromes were prevalent at the point of each care transition but also reflected significant within-individual variability. These findings suggest that multiple geriatric syndromes present during a hospital stay are not transient and that most syndromes are not resolved before SNF discharge. These results underscore the importance of conducting standardized screening assessments at the point of each care transition and effectively communicating this information to the next provider to support the management of geriatric conditions.
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Simmons SF, Schnelle JF, Sathe NA, Slagle JM, Stevenson DG, Carlo ME, McPheeters ML. Defining Safety in the Nursing Home Setting: Implications for Future Research. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016; 17:473-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Harrington C, Schnelle JF, McGregor M, Simmons SF. The Need for Higher Minimum Staffing Standards in U.S. Nursing Homes. Health Serv Insights 2016. [PMID: 27103819 DOI: 10.4137/hsi.s38994.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Many U.S. nursing homes have serious quality problems, in part, because of inadequate levels of nurse staffing. This commentary focuses on two issues. First, there is a need for higher minimum nurse staffing standards for U.S. nursing homes based on multiple research studies showing a positive relationship between nursing home quality and staffing and the benefits of implementing higher minimum staffing standards. Studies have identified the minimum staffing levels necessary to provide care consistent with the federal regulations, but many U.S. facilities have dangerously low staffing. Second, the barriers to staffing reform are discussed. These include economic concerns about costs and a focus on financial incentives. The enforcement of existing staffing standards has been weak, and strong nursing home industry political opposition has limited efforts to establish higher standards. Researchers should study the ways to improve staffing standards and new payment, regulatory, and political strategies to improve nursing home staffing and quality.
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Harrington C, Schnelle JF, McGregor M, Simmons SF. The Need for Higher Minimum Staffing Standards in U.S. Nursing Homes. Health Serv Insights 2016; 9:13-9. [PMID: 27103819 PMCID: PMC4833431 DOI: 10.4137/hsi.s38994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Many U.S. nursing homes have serious quality problems, in part, because of inadequate levels of nurse staffing. This commentary focuses on two issues. First, there is a need for higher minimum nurse staffing standards for U.S. nursing homes based on multiple research studies showing a positive relationship between nursing home quality and staffing and the benefits of implementing higher minimum staffing standards. Studies have identified the minimum staffing levels necessary to provide care consistent with the federal regulations, but many U.S. facilities have dangerously low staffing. Second, the barriers to staffing reform are discussed. These include economic concerns about costs and a focus on financial incentives. The enforcement of existing staffing standards has been weak, and strong nursing home industry political opposition has limited efforts to establish higher standards. Researchers should study the ways to improve staffing standards and new payment, regulatory, and political strategies to improve nursing home staffing and quality.
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Bell SP, Vasilevskis EE, Saraf AA, Jacobsen JML, Kripalani S, Mixon AS, Schnelle JF, Simmons SF. Geriatric Syndromes in Hospitalized Older Adults Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 64:715-22. [PMID: 27059831 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence, recognition, co-occurrence, and recent onset of geriatric syndromes in individuals transferred from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). DESIGN Quality improvement project. SETTING Acute care academic medical center and 23 regional partner SNFs. PARTICIPANTS Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized between January 2013 and April 2014 and referred to SNFs (N = 686). MEASUREMENTS Project staff measured nine geriatric syndromes: weight loss, lack of appetite, incontinence, and pain (standardized interview); depression (Geriatric Depression Scale); delirium (Brief Confusion Assessment Method); cognitive impairment (Brief Interview for Mental Status); and falls and pressure ulcers (hospital medical record using hospital-implemented screening tools). Estimated prevalence, new-onset prevalence, and common coexisting clusters were determined. The extent to which treating physicians commonly recognized syndromes and communicated them to SNFs in hospital discharge documentation was evaluated. RESULTS Geriatric syndromes were prevalent in more than 90% of hospitalized adults referred to SNFs; 55% met criteria for three or more coexisting syndromes. The most-prevalent syndromes were falls (39%), incontinence (39%), loss of appetite (37%), and weight loss (33%). In individuals who met criteria for three or more syndromes, the most common triad clusters were nutritional syndromes (weight loss, loss of appetite), incontinence, and depression. Treating hospital physicians commonly did not recognize and document geriatric syndromes in discharge summaries, missing 33% to 95% of syndromes present according to research personnel. CONCLUSION Geriatric syndromes in hospitalized older adults transferred to SNFs are prevalent and commonly coexist, with the most frequent clusters including nutritional syndromes, depression, and incontinence. Despite the high prevalence, this clinical information is rarely communicated to SNFs on discharge.
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Schnelle JF, Simmons SF. Managing Agitation and Aggression in Congregate Living Settings: Efficacy and Implementation Challenges. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 64:489-91. [PMID: 27000322 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.13947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Simmons SF, Keeler E, An R, Liu X, Shotwell MS, Kuertz B, Silver HJ, Schnelle JF. Cost-Effectiveness of Nutrition Intervention in Long-Term Care. J Am Geriatr Soc 2015; 63:2308-16. [PMID: 26503137 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.13709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the cost-effectiveness of two nutrition interventions on food, beverage, and supplement intake and body weight. DESIGN Randomized, controlled trial. SETTING Five skilled nursing home facilities. PARTICIPANTS Long-stay residents with orders for nutrition supplementation (N = 154). INTERVENTION Participants were randomized into a usual care control group, an oral liquid nutrition supplement (ONS) intervention group, or a snack intervention group. Research staff provided ONS, according to orders or a variety of snack foods and beverages twice per day between meals, 5 days per week for 24 weeks and assistance to promote consumption. MEASUREMENTS Research staff independently weighed residents at baseline and monthly during the 24-week intervention. Resident food, beverage and supplement intake and the amount of staff time spent providing assistance were assessed for 2 days at baseline and 2 days per month during the intervention using standardized observation and weighed intake procedures. RESULTS The ONS intervention group took in an average of 265 calories more per day and the snack intervention group an average of 303 calories more per day than the control group. Staff time required to provide each intervention averaged 11 and 14 minutes per person per offer for ONS and snacks, respectively, and 3 minutes for usual care. Both interventions were cost-effective in increasing caloric intake, but neither intervention had a significant effect on body weight, despite positive trends. CONCLUSION Oral liquid nutrition supplements and snack offers were efficacious in promoting caloric intake when coupled with assistance to promote consumption and a variety of options, but neither intervention resulted in significant weight gain.
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Monroe TB, Misra S, Habermann RC, Dietrich MS, Bruehl SP, Cowan RL, Newhouse PA, Simmons SF. Specific Physician Orders Improve Pain Detection and Pain Reports in Nursing Home Residents: Preliminary Data. Pain Manag Nurs 2015; 16:770-80. [PMID: 26259882 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite evidence that many nursing home residents' pain is poorly managed, reasons for this poor management remain unanswered. The aim of this study was to determine if specific order sets related to pain assessment would improve pain management in nursing home (NH) residents. Outcomes included observed nurse pain assessment queries and resident reports of pain. The pretest/post-test study was performed in a 240-bed for-profit nursing home in the mid-southern region of the United States and participants were 43 nursing home residents capable of self-consent. Medical chart abstraction was performed during a 2-week (14-day) period before the implementation of specific order sets for pain assessment (intervention) and a 2-week (14-day) period after the intervention. Trained research assistants observed medication administration passes and performed participant interviews after each medication pass. One month after intervention implementation, 1 additional day of observations was conducted to determine data reliability. Nurses were observed to ask residents about pain more frequently, and nurses continued to ask about pain at higher rates 1 month after the intervention was discontinued. The proportion of residents who reported pain also significantly increased in response to increased nurse queries (e.g., "Do you have any pain right now?"), which underscores the importance of nurses directly asking residents about pain. Notably 70% of this long-stay NH population only told the nurses about their pain symptoms when asked directly. Findings uncover that using specific pain order sets seems to improve the detection of pain, which should be a routine part of nursing assessment.
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Simmons SF, Schnelle JF, Saraf AA, Simon Coelho C, Jacobsen JML, Kripalani S, Bell S, Mixon A, Vasilevskis EE. Pain and Satisfaction With Pain Management Among Older Patients During the Transition From Acute to Skilled Nursing Care. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2015; 56:1138-1145. [PMID: 26185153 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnv058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 20% of hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries are discharged from the hospital to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs); and up to 23% of SNF patients return to the hospital within 30 days of hospital discharge, with pain as one of the most common symptoms precipitating hospital readmission. We sought to examine the prevalence of moderate to severe pain at hospital discharge to SNF, the incidence of new moderate to severe pain (relative to prehospitalization), and satisfaction with pain management among older acute care patients discharged to SNF. DESIGN AND METHODS Structured patient interviews were conducted with 188 Medicare beneficiaries discharged to 23 area SNFs from an academic medical center. Pain level (0-10) and satisfaction with pain management were assessed upon hospital admission, discharge, and within 1 week after transition to SNF. RESULTS There was a high prevalence of moderate to severe pain at each time point including prehospital (51%), hospital discharge (38%), and following SNF admission (53%). Twenty-eight percent of participants reported new moderate to severe pain at hospital discharge, whereas 44% reported new moderate to severe pain following SNF admission. Most participants reported being "satisfied" with their pain treatment, even in the context of moderate to severe pain. IMPLICATIONS Moderate to severe pain is a common problem among hospitalized older adults discharged to SNF and continues during their SNF stay. Pain assessment and management should involve a specific, planned process between hospital and SNF clinicians at the point of care transition, even if patients express "satisfaction" with current pain management.
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Vasilevskis EE, Simmons SF. Simple solutions may not work for complex patients: A need for new paradigms in geriatric hospital medicine. J Hosp Med 2015; 10:343-4. [PMID: 25641782 PMCID: PMC4412786 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.2327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Simmons SF, Durkin DW, Rahman AN, Schnelle JF, Beuscher LM. The value of resident choice during daily care: do staff and families differ? J Appl Gerontol 2014; 33:655-71. [PMID: 25143465 PMCID: PMC4142524 DOI: 10.1177/0733464812454010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Allowing long-term care (LTC) residents to make choices about their daily life activities is a central tenet of resident-centered care. This study examined whether staff and family rated care episodes involving choice differently from care episodes not involving choice. Seventeen nurse aide and 15 family participants were shown paired video vignettes of care interactions. Participants were asked to rate their preferred care vignette using a standardized forced-choice questionnaire. Focus groups were held separately for staff and family members following this rating task to determine reasons for their preferences. Both staff and family rated the vignettes depicting choice as "strongly" preferred to the vignettes without choice. Reasons provided for the preference ratings during the focus group discussions related to resident well-being, sense of control, and respondents' own personal values. These findings have implications for LTC staff training related to resident-centered care to promote choice.
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Simmons SF, Rahman AN. Next Steps for Achieving Person-Centered Care in Nursing Homes. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2014; 15:615-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Durkin DW, Shotwell MS, Simmons SF. The Impact of Family Visitation on Feeding Assistance Quality in Nursing Homes. J Appl Gerontol 2014; 33:586-602. [DOI: 10.1177/0733464814522126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine: (a) the frequency of family visitation during mealtime and (b) whether the presence of family during meals had an impact on the quality of feeding assistance care and resident intake. Participants included 74 nursing home residents from two Veterans Affairs (VA) and four community facilities in one geographic region. Mealtime periods in which family was present were compared with mealtime periods when family was not present for the same resident. Results showed that family visitation was infrequent during mealtime; however, feeding assistance time was significantly higher when visitors were present. Despite the increase in assistance time, there was not a significant difference in intake. Strategies that encourage the involvement of family in mealtime assistance may have additional benefits not directly associated with meal consumption, including providing family members with meaningful activity during a visit and enhancing residents’ quality of life and well-being.
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Simmons SF, Durkin DW, Shotwell MS, Erwin S, Schnelle JF. A staff training and management intervention in VA long-term care: impact on feeding assistance care quality. Transl Behav Med 2013; 3:189-99. [PMID: 24073169 DOI: 10.1007/s13142-013-0194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to translate efficacious interventions into long-term care practice have had limited success due to the lack of consideration of key translational intervention components. A multi-faceted intervention was implemented in two veteran affairs facilities to improve feeding assistance care. There were three study phases: baseline, intervention, and follow-up. During each phase, trained research staff conducted standardized observations of 12 meals/participant to assess feeding assistance care quality. The staff received three initial training sessions followed by six consecutive weeks of feedback sessions wherein the observation-based care process measures were shared with the staff. There were significant, but modest, improvements in mealtime feeding assistance care processes, and most of the improvements were maintained during follow-up. A multi-faceted intervention resulted in significant, but modest, improvements in mealtime feeding assistance care quality. Organizational (staff schedules, communication) and environmental (dining location) barriers were identified that interfered with improvement efforts.
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Monroe TB, Misra SK, Habermann RC, Dietrich MS, Cowan RL, Simmons SF. Pain reports and pain medication treatment in nursing home residents with and without dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 14:541-8. [PMID: 24020433 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if a diagnosis of dementia influenced pain self-reports and pain medication use in a group of verbally communicative nursing home (NH) residents. METHODS The study design was a between groups, cross-sectional chart audit and a seven-question structured pain interview comparing outcomes in residents with and without a diagnosis of dementia. The study was carried out at a large metropolitan NH in the southern USA. The participants consisted of 52 long-stay NH residents capable of self-consent with at least one order for pain medication (opioid or non-narcotic) either pro re nata, scheduled or both. Approximately 40% (n = 20) had a diagnosis of dementia. RESULTS Although each group had similar pain-related diagnoses, residents without a dementia diagnosis were significantly more likely to have a medication order for an opioid (OR 4.37,95% CI 1.29-14.73, P = 0.018). Based on self-reported pain interview responses, no statistically significant differences were identified between the groups for chronic pain symptoms. However, among residents who reported current pain, those with a dementia diagnosis reported greater pain intensity (based on a 0-10 numeric rating scale) than did those without dementia (median 8.0 vs 6.0, respectively; P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS Verbally communicative NH residents with mild and moderate cognitive impairment can report their pain symptoms and pain intensity. Nurses in long-term care might assume that residents with dementia cannot reliably self-report their pain; however, suffering from untreated severe pain could exacerbate cognitive impairment, worsen functional impairment and severely impair sleep. A brief, focused pain interview might be one method for increasing the detection of moderate to severe pain in verbally communicative NH residents with dementia.
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Buchowski MS, Simmons SF, Whitaker LE, Powers J, Beuscher L, Choi L, Ikizler TA, Chen K, Shnelle JF. Fatigability as a function of physical activity energy expenditure in older adults. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 35:179-187. [PMID: 22113348 PMCID: PMC3543733 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-011-9338-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Increased fatigue is a predictor of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Fatigability defines a change in performance or self-reported fatigue in response to physical activity (PA). However, the relationship of fatigability to PA-related energy expenditure (PAEE) is unknown. Changes in performance, fatigue, and energy expenditure were measured simultaneously in 17 adults (11 females, 74-94 years old) performing eight standardized PA tasks with various energy expenditure requirements in a whole-room indirect calorimeter. Change in performance was objectively measured using a PA movement monitor and change in fatigue was self-reported on a seven-point scale for each task. Performance and perceived fatigability severity scores were calculated as a ratio of change in performance and fatigue, respectively, and PAEE. We found that change in both objective performance and self-reported fatigue were associated with energy expenditure (Spearman rho = -0.72 and -0.68, respectively, p < 0.001) on a task requiring relatively high level of energy expenditure. The performance and perceived fatigability severity scores were significantly correlated (rho = 0.77, p < 0.001) on this task. In summary, results of this proof of concept pilot study show that both perceived and performance fatigability severity scores are related to PAEE-induced fatigue on a task requiring relatively high level of energy expenditure. We conclude that fatigability severity is a valid measure of PAEE-induced fatigue in older adults.
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Schnelle JF, Rahman A, Durkin DW, Beuscher L, Choi L, Simmons SF. A controlled trial of an intervention to increase resident choice in long term care. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2013; 14:345-51. [PMID: 23294967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2012.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate an intervention to improve staff offers of choice to nursing home residents during morning care. DESIGN A controlled trial with a delayed intervention design. SETTING Four community, for-profit nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS A total of 169 long-stay nursing home residents who required staff assistance with morning care and were able to express their care preferences. INTERVENTION Research staff held weekly training sessions with nurse aides (NAs) for 12 consecutive weeks focused on how to offer choice during four targeted morning care areas: when to get out of bed, when to get dressed/what to wear, incontinence care (changing and/or toileting), and where to dine. Training sessions consisted of brief video vignettes illustrating staff-resident interactions followed by weekly feedback about how often choice was being provided based on standardized observations of care conducted weekly by research staff. MEASUREMENTS Research staff conducted standardized observations during a minimum of 4 consecutive morning hours per participant per week for 12 weeks of baseline and 12 weeks of intervention. RESULTS There was a significant increase in the frequency that choice was offered for 3 of the 4 targeted morning care areas from baseline to intervention: (1) out of bed, 21% to 33% (P < .001); dressing, 20% to 32% (P < .001); incontinence care, 18% to 23%, (P < .014). Dining location (8% to 13%) was not significant. There was also a significant increase in the amount of NA staff time to provide care from baseline to intervention (8.01 ± 9.0 to 9.68 ± 9.9 minutes per person, P < .001). CONCLUSION A staff training intervention improved the frequency with which NAs offered choice during morning care but also required more time. Despite significant improvements, choice was still offered one-third or less of the time during morning care.
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Durkin DW, Umayam SP, Sims N, Cleeton P, Simmons SF. Whom Do Veteran Nursing Home Residents Prefer to Talk to About Satisfaction With Care?: Implications for Nursing Staff. J Gerontol Nurs 2012. [DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20121109-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Durkin DW, Umayam SP, Sims N, Cleeton P, Simmons SF. Whom do veteran nursing home residents prefer to talk to about satisfaction with care?: implications for nursing staff. J Gerontol Nurs 2012. [PMID: 23189996 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20121112-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whom residents in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes prefer to talk to about their quality of care. A total of 127 participants in three VA facilities completed a structured, in-person interview. Nearly half (47.6%) reported that they prefer talking with facility staff about their quality of care, with the most preferred staff being licensed nurses and physicians. However, 26% reported being hesitant to express complaints for fear of reprisal. Participants also reported being least comfortable talking to direct care staff (nurse aides) if they saw another resident being mistreated. These findings suggest that licensed nurses and primary care professionals, both of whom are in frequent contact with residents, should routinely ask residents questions about their quality of care so that nursing home residents have ample opportunity to express concerns. Finally, asking satisfaction questions routinely may also enable facilities to address problems as they occur.
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