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Kirvalidze M, Boström AM, Liljas A, Doheny M, Hendry A, McCormack B, Fratiglioni L, Ali S, Ebrahimi Z, Elmståhl S, Eriksdotter M, Gläske P, Gustafsson LK, Rundgren ÅH, Hvitfeldt H, Lennartsson C, Hammar LM, Nilsson GH, Nilsson P, Öhlén J, Sandgren A, Söderman A, Swedberg K, Vackerberg N, Vetrano DL, Wijk H, Agerholm J, Calderón-Larrañaga A. Effectiveness of integrated person-centered interventions for older people's care: Review of Swedish experiences and experts' perspective. J Intern Med 2024; 295:804-824. [PMID: 38664991 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Older adults have multiple medical and social care needs, requiring a shift toward an integrated person-centered model of care. Our objective was to describe and summarize Swedish experiences of integrated person-centered care by reviewing studies published between 2000 and 2023, and to identify the main challenges and scientific gaps through expert discussions. Seventy-three publications were identified by searching MEDLINE and contacting experts. Interventions were categorized using two World Health Organization frameworks: (1) Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE), and (2) Integrated People-Centered Health Services (IPCHS). The included 73 publications were derived from 31 unique and heterogeneous interventions pertaining mainly to the micro- and meso-levels. Among publications measuring mortality, 15% were effective. Subjective health outcomes showed improvement in 24% of publications, morbidity outcomes in 42%, disability outcomes in 48%, and service utilization outcomes in 58%. Workshop discussions in Stockholm (Sweden), March 2023, were recorded, transcribed, and summarized. Experts emphasized: (1) lack of rigorous evaluation methods, (2) need for participatory designs, (3) scarcity of macro-level interventions, and (4) importance of transitioning from person- to people-centered integrated care. These challenges could explain the unexpected weak beneficial effects of the interventions on health outcomes, whereas service utilization outcomes were more positively impacted. Finally, we derived a list of recommendations, including the need to engage care organizations in interventions from their inception and to leverage researchers' scientific expertise. Although this review provides a comprehensive snapshot of interventions in the context of Sweden, the findings offer transferable perspectives on the real-world challenges encountered in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Kirvalidze
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anne-Marie Boström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Research and Development Unit, Stockholms Sjukhem, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Liljas
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Megan Doheny
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anne Hendry
- International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC), Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Brendan McCormack
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Laura Fratiglioni
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sulin Ali
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Institute for Sociology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Zahra Ebrahimi
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care - GPCC, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sölve Elmståhl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Eriksdotter
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Pascal Gläske
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Institute for Sociology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Lena-Karin Gustafsson
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | | | | | - Carin Lennartsson
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Marmstål Hammar
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Gunnar H Nilsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Peter Nilsson
- Myndigheten för vård- och omsorgsanalys, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Öhlén
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care - GPCC, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Palliative Care Centre, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandgren
- Center for Collaborative Palliative Care, Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Annika Söderman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Karl Swedberg
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nicoline Vackerberg
- Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Davide Liborio Vetrano
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care - GPCC, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Quality Assurance and Patient Safety, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Janne Agerholm
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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McKay MA, Cohn A, O'Connor M. The Symptom Experience of Older Adults with Mobility Difficulties: Qualitative Interviews. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:129-138. [PMID: 37994808 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231205420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Eighteen million older adults have mobility limitations, defined as difficulty walking a quarter of a mile or climbing stairs unassisted. Little is known about how symptom burden impacts mobility difficulty in older adults. Understanding the burden of symptoms responsible for mobility difficulties may be an area for intervention to improve mobility and to prevent adverse outcomes. We conducted 31 semi-structured qualitative interviews (one interview per participant) regarding the symptom burden experience associated with a current mobility difficulty. Thematic analysis revealed symptoms were limiting, were barriers to participation in daily activities, and produced a psychological and emotional burden that negatively impacted quality of life. Older adults employed various strategies to overcome the symptom burden. Participants also believed symptoms were a non-modifiable part of the aging process and at times felt disregarded by healthcare professionals. Future interventions should focus on reducing the symptom burden experience for older adults to improve mobility and prevent adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A McKay
- Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Alexis Cohn
- Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Melissa O'Connor
- Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
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3
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DiFiglia S, Dhingra L, Georgiopoulos AM, Papia K, Sullivan E, Plachta A, Boccio C, Portenoy R, Basile M. Addressing Symptom Burden and Palliative Care Needs in Cystic Fibrosis: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1620. [PMID: 37629478 PMCID: PMC10455429 DOI: 10.3390/life13081620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Among people with cystic fibrosis (CF), illness burden is multifaceted, and symptoms may fluctuate in intensity across a lifespan. Caregivers of people with CF may also experience distressing symptoms. Recent developments in CF care, including the availability of highly effective modulator therapies (HEMTs) and new palliative care guidelines promoting palliative care screening may help alleviate symptoms. The objective of this review was to present a narrative view of the recent literature on symptom burden in CF, new screening approaches informed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) palliative care guidelines, and early data from studies examining the impact of HEMTs on CF symptom burden. A review of the relevant literature was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed. Included articles covered approaches to burden assessment in CF and other chronic illnesses, epidemiology of CF symptom burden, the impact of HEMTs on symptom burden, and the CFF palliative care guidelines. A primary palliative care model implementing the CFF guidelines was also described. Results of this review show that while recent developments in CF care have led to a reduction in physical symptoms, mental health symptoms remain prevalent. Ongoing screening and triage can ensure that physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, social needs, practical problems, and communication concerns are addressed by care teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie DiFiglia
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, NY 10006, USA; (S.D.); (L.D.); (R.P.)
| | - Lara Dhingra
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, NY 10006, USA; (S.D.); (L.D.); (R.P.)
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Anna M. Georgiopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katherine Papia
- Cystic Fibrosis Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, USA; (K.P.); (E.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Erin Sullivan
- Cystic Fibrosis Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, USA; (K.P.); (E.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Amy Plachta
- Cystic Fibrosis Center, Lennox Hill, New York, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Courtney Boccio
- Cystic Fibrosis Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, USA; (K.P.); (E.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Russell Portenoy
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, NY 10006, USA; (S.D.); (L.D.); (R.P.)
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Melissa Basile
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
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Lehti TE, Knuutila M, Öhman H, Kautiainen H, Karppinen H, Tilvis R, Strandberg T, Pitkälä KH. Changes in symptom burden from 2019 to 2021 amongst community-dwelling older adults in Finland. Age Ageing 2023; 52:6974847. [PMID: 36626321 PMCID: PMC9831265 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptom burden causes suffering amongst older adults and is associated with healthcare visits and prognosis. AIMS We evaluated the prevalence of 10 symptoms and changes in symptom burden amongst home-dwelling older adults in 2019 and 2021 using Finnish cohort data. We analysed factors associated with symptom burden increase during follow-up. METHODS Altogether 1,637 people aged 75+ participated in the Helsinki Ageing Study postal survey in 2019, where they reported the presence of 10 common symptoms over the past 2 weeks. Of them, 785 participated in a follow-up in 2021, where the same symptoms were queried. We compared the prevalence of various symptoms and symptom burden scores in the 2-year interval and evaluated factors associated with increased symptom burden during this time. RESULTS Of participants, 33% reported at least one daily symptom in 2019 versus 44% in 2021. Symptom burden increased by a mean ratio of 1.29 between 2019 and 2021. The most common symptoms were joint pain, back pain, urinary incontinence and fatigue. The prevalence of four symptoms increased between 2019 and 2021: joint pain, urinary incontinence, dizziness and shortness of breath. Higher age, reduced functional capacity and comorbidities were associated with higher odds of symptom burden increase during follow-up. Psychological well-being (PWB) was strongly associated with lower odds of symptom burden increase in the logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS Symptom burden increased in our cohort aged 75+ between 2019 and 2021 before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. PWB was associated with lower odds of acquiring additional symptoms over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuuli E Lehti
- Address correspondence to: Tuuli E. Lehti, Tukholmankatu 8 B, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mia Knuutila
- Primary Health Care Unit, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland,Social Services and Health Care, City of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Öhman
- Geriatric Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Kautiainen
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Helena Karppinen
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Reijo Tilvis
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Strandberg
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Kaisu H Pitkälä
- Primary Health Care Unit, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland,Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Damarell RA, Morgan DD, Tieman JJ, Senior T. Managing multimorbidity: a qualitative study of the Australian general practitioner experience. Fam Pract 2022; 40:360-368. [PMID: 36063437 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmac096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multimorbidity is prevalent in general practice and general practitioners internationally report challenges in its management. Understanding the perspectives of general practitioners at the frontline of care is important for system sustainability and accessibility as populations age. OBJECTIVE To explore Australian general practitioner perspectives on managing multimorbidity, the factors supporting their work, and those impeding their ability to meet their own standards of care provision. METHOD A qualitative study conducted with Australian general practitioners using semistructured, in-depth interviews and inductive thematic data analysis. RESULTS Twelve interviews with general practitioners were conducted. Three main themes were constructed from the data: Multimorbidity as an encounter with complexity and contingency; Evidence constraints in multimorbidity care; and Concerns for patient safety. System structure and the Australian general practice model restrict general practitioners' ability to provide care to their level of satisfaction by linking short consultation times to practice remuneration. Attitudes toward the applicability of guideline evidence were mixed despite most general practitioners questioning its generalizability. Patient safety concerns pervaded most interviews and largely centered on system fragmentation and insufficient intersectoral communication. General practitioners rely on multiple sources of information to provide patient-centered care but chiefly the accumulated knowledge of their patients. CONCLUSIONS Australian general practitioners share many multimorbidity concerns with international colleagues. While multimorbidity-specific evidence may be unrealistic to expect in the immediate term, system investment and adaptation is needed to support general practice sustainability and clinician ability to provide adequate multimorbidity care, suitably remunerated, into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raechel A Damarell
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Deidre D Morgan
- Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation/School of Medicine. Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer J Tieman
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Tim Senior
- Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation/School of Medicine. Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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6
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Are nurse`s needs assessment methods robust enough to recognise palliative care needs in people with dementia? A scoping review. BMC Nurs 2022; 21:194. [PMID: 35854261 PMCID: PMC9297617 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-022-00947-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with dementia are most at risk of experiencing serious health related suffering, if they do not have a palliative care approach introduced early enough in the illness. It can be challenging for nurses to assess experienced needs of people, who are thought no longer able to self-report such as people with dementia. Assessment help to understand the care the patient and their family need promptly. It is unknown how nurses recognise holistic palliative care needs in people with dementia during routine care. METHODS Scoping review where EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo databases, and references were searched with an advanced search strategy, which was built on three concepts (nurses, dementia, and nursing assessment) using corresponding Medical Subject Headings. Data were charted in a piloted extraction form, based on the assessment domains within the nursing process followed by summarise and synthesise results narratively. RESULTS 37 out of 2,028 qualitative and quantitative articles published between 2000 and 2021, and relating to 2600 + nurses, were identified. Pain was sole focus of assessment in 29 articles, leaving 8 articles to describe assessment of additional needs (e.g., discomfort). Nurses working in a nursing home assess pain and other needs by observing the persons with dementia behaviour during routine care. Nurses in the acute care setting are more likely to assess symptoms with standard assessment tools at admission and evaluate symptoms by observational methods. Across settings, about one third of pain assessments are supported by person-centred pain assessment tools. Assessments were mostly triggered when the person with dementia vocalised discomfort or a change in usual behaviour was observed. Nurses rely on family members and colleagues to gain more information about needs experienced by people with dementia. CONCLUSION There is a scarcity of evidence about techniques and methods used by nurses to assess needs other than pain experienced by people with dementia. A holistic, person-centred screening tool to aid real-time observations at the bedside and used in conversations with health care professionals and families/friends, may improve need recognition other than pain, to ensure holistic needs could then be addressed timely to improve care in people with dementia.
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7
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Wilson NL, Hoffman TJ, Heath SL, Saag MS, Miaskowski C. HIV Symptom Clusters are Similar Using the Dimensions of Symptom Occurrence and Distress. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:943-952. [PMID: 35235857 PMCID: PMC10408902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.02.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT People living with HIV infection (PLWH) in the United States continue to experience a high symptom burden despite improvements in antiretroviral therapy. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine if the number and types of symptom clusters differed based on whether symptom occurrence rates or distress ratings were used to create the clusters. METHODS Data from 2,000 patients with complete symptom occurrence rates and distress scores on the 20-item HIV Symptom Index from their first ambulatory clinic visit at one of six national HIV centers of excellence in the Center for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems were used in these analyses. Exploratory factor analysis was used to create the symptom clusters. RESULTS The same four symptom clusters (i.e., gastrointestinal, psychological, pain, body image) were identified using occurrence rates and distress ratings. For both dimensions of the symptom experience, the psychological, pain, and body image clusters each had the same symptoms. For the gastrointestinal cluster, four symptoms loaded on the occurrence dimension and six symptoms loaded on the distress dimension. CONCLUSION The number and types of symptom clusters were relatively similar across the occurrence and distress dimensions of the symptom experience. Symptom clusters in PLWH may provide insights into the development of targeted interventions for multiple co-occurring symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie L Wilson
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
| | - Thomas J Hoffman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sonya L Heath
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael S Saag
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Christine Miaskowski
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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8
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Willadsen TG, Siersma V, Nicolaisdóttir DR, Køster-Rasmussen R, Reventlow S, Rozing M. The effect of disease onset chronology on mortality among patients with multimorbidity: A Danish nationwide register study. JOURNAL OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND COMORBIDITY 2022; 12:26335565221122025. [PMID: 36032184 PMCID: PMC9400403 DOI: 10.1177/26335565221122025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Multimorbidity is associated with increased mortality. Certain combinations of diseases are known to be more lethal than others, but the limited knowledge of how the chronology in which diseases develop impacts mortality may impair the development of effective clinical interventions for patients with multimorbidity. Objective To explore if in multimorbidity the chronology of disease onset is associated with mortality. Design: A prospective nationwide cohort study, including 3,986,209 people aged ≥18 years on 1 January 2000, was performed. We included ten diagnosis groups: lung, musculoskeletal, endocrine, mental, cancer, neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, kidney, and sensory organs. We defined multimorbidity as the presence of at least two diagnoses from two diagnosis groups (out of ten). To determine mortality, logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and ratio of ORs (RORs). Results For most combinations of multimorbidity, the chronology of disease onset does not change mortality. However, when multimorbidity included mental health diagnoses, mortality was in general higher if the mental health diagnosis appeared first. If multimorbidity included heart and sensory diagnoses, mortality was higher if these developed second. For the majority of multimorbidity combinations, there was excess mortality if multimorbidity was diagnosed simultaneously, rather than consecutively, for example, heart and kidney (3.58 ROR; CI 2.39–5.36), or mental health and musculoskeletal diagnoses (2.38 ROR; CI 1.70–3.32). Conclusions Overall, in multimorbidity, the chronology in which diseases develop is not associated with mortality, with few exceptions. For almost all combinations of multimorbidity, diagnoses act synergistically in relation to mortality if diagnosed simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tora G Willadsen
- Section of General Practice and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- Section of General Practice and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dagny R Nicolaisdóttir
- Section of General Practice and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Køster-Rasmussen
- Section of General Practice and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Reventlow
- Section of General Practice and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maarten Rozing
- Section of General Practice and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Lehti TE, Öhman H, Knuutila M, Kautiainen H, Karppinen H, Tilvis R, Strandberg T, Pitkälä KH. Symptom burden in community-dwelling older people: temporal trends in the Helsinki Aging Study. Aging Clin Exp Res 2021; 33:3065-3071. [PMID: 34216378 PMCID: PMC8595189 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-021-01918-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Changes in older people’s symptoms across recent decades have not been investigated. Aims We analyzed temporal trends in symptom burden by comparing data from independent, cross-sectional cohorts retrieved in 1989, 1999, 2009, and 2019. Furthermore, we compared the association between symptom burden and psychological wellbeing (PWB) in older men and women. Methods The Helsinki Aging Study recruited a random sample of people aged 75, 80, and 85 in 1989, and random samples aged 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95 in 1999, 2009, and 2019 (four study waves). Altogether, 6263 community-dwelling people answered the questions concerning symptoms in the questionnaire surveys. The symptoms inquired in all study waves were dizziness, back pain, joint pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. Symptom burden was calculated according to the number of symptoms and their frequency (score range: 0–6). PWB and the Charlson comorbidity index were calculated. Results Symptom burden decreased in both men and women aged 75 and 80 from 1989 to 2019. Changes in cohorts aged 85 + were nonsignificant. There was a significant difference in symptom burden between men and women in all ages with men having fewer symptoms. PWB decreased with increasing symptom burden. Men had greater PWB than women up to severe levels of symptom burden. Conclusions Symptom burden decreased from 1989 to 2019 in cohorts aged 75–80, whereas changes remained nonsignificant in cohorts aged 85 +. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine temporal trends in symptom burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Lehti
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Social Services and Health Care, Helsinki, Finland.
- Primary Health Care Unit, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
- , Tukholmankatu 8 B, Biomedicum 2 B, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - H Öhman
- Geriatric Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Knuutila
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Social Services and Health Care, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Kautiainen
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Karppinen
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R Tilvis
- Geriatric Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Strandberg
- Geriatric Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - K H Pitkälä
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Primary Health Care Unit, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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10
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Monahan PO, Kroenke K, Stump TE. SymTrak-8 as a Brief Measure for Assessing Symptoms in Older Adults. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:1197-1205. [PMID: 33174184 PMCID: PMC8131465 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient- and caregiver-reported 23-item SymTrak scales were validated for monitoring clinically actionable symptoms and impairments associated with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) in older adults. Items capture physical and emotional symptoms and impairments in physical and cognitive functioning. An abbreviated SymTrak is desirable when response burden is a concern. OBJECTIVE Develop and validate the 8-item SymTrak. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Secondary analysis of SymTrak validation study; 600 participants (200 patient-caregiver dyads; 200 patients without an identified caregiver). MAIN MEASURES Demographic questions, SymTrak, and Health Utility Index Mark 3 (HUI3). KEY RESULTS SymTrak-8 demonstrated good fit to a one-factor model using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Concurrent criterion validity was supported by high standardized linear regression coefficients (STB) between baseline SymTrak-8 total score (independent variable) and baseline HUI3 preference-based overall HRQOL utility score (dependent variable; 0 = death, 1 = perfect health), after adjusting for demographics, comorbid conditions, and medications, with strength comparable to SymTrak-23 (STB = - 0.81 and - 0.84, respectively, for SymTrak-8 and SymTrak-23, when patient-reported; and - 0.60 and - 0.62, respectively, when caregiver-reported). Coefficient alpha (0.74; 0.76) and 24-h test-retest reliability (0.83; 0.87) were high for SymTrak-8 for patients and caregivers, respectively. The convergent correlation between brief and parent SymTrak scales was high (0.94). SymTrak-8 demonstrated approximate normality and a linear relationship with SymTrak-23 and HUI3. Importantly, a 3-month change in SymTrak-8 was sensitive to detecting the criterion (3-month reliable change categories; improved, stable, declined in HUI3 overall utility), with results comparable to SymTrak-23. CONCLUSIONS SymTrak-8 total score demonstrates internal reliably, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and sensitivity to change that are comparable to SymTrak-23. Thus, patient- or caregiver-reported SymTrak-8 is a viable option for identifying and monitoring the aggregate effect of symptoms and functional impairments in patients with multimorbidity when response burden is a concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O Monahan
- School of Medicine, Indiana University, 410 W. Tenth St., Suite 3000, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-3002, USA. .,Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Kurt Kroenke
- School of Medicine, Indiana University, 410 W. Tenth St., Suite 3000, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-3002, USA.,Center for Health Information and Communication, VA HSR&D, Washington DC, USA.,Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Timothy E Stump
- School of Medicine, Indiana University, 410 W. Tenth St., Suite 3000, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-3002, USA
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11
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Willadsen TG, Siersma V, Nicolaisdottir DR, Jarbol D, Guassora AD, Reventlow S, Køster-Rasmussen R. Symptom burden in multimorbidity: a population-based combined questionnaire and registry study from Denmark. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041877. [PMID: 33849847 PMCID: PMC8051398 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with multimorbidity may carry a large symptom burden. Symptoms are often what drive patients to seek healthcare and they also assist doctors with diagnosis. We examined whether symptom burden is additive in people with multimorbidity compared with people with a single morbidity. DESIGN This is a longitudinal cohort study drawing on questionnaire and Danish national registry data. Multimorbidity was defined as having diagnoses from at least two out of ten morbidity groups. Associations between morbidity groups and symptom burden were estimated with multivariable models. PARTICIPANTS In 2012, 47 452 participants from the Danish Symptom Cohort answered a questionnaire about symptoms (36 symptoms in total), including whether symptoms were affecting their daily activities (impairment score) and their worries about present symptoms (worry score) (the highest score among the 36 symptoms on a 0-4 scale). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The primary outcome was symptom burden. RESULTS Participants without morbidity reported 4.77 symptoms (out of 36 possible). Participants with one, two or three morbidities reported more symptoms than patients without morbidity (0.95 (CI 0.86 to 1.03), 1.87 (CI 1.73 to 2.01) and 2.89 (CI 2.66 to 3.12), respectively). Furthermore, they reported a higher impairment score (0.36 (0.32 to 0.39), 0.65 (0.60 to 0.70) and 1.06 (0.98 to 1.14)) and a higher worry score (0.34 (0.31 to 0.37), 0.62 (0.57 to 0.66) and 1.02 (0.94 to 1.10)) than participants without morbidity. In 45 possible combinations of multimorbidity (participants with two morbidities), interaction effects were additive in 37, 41 and 36 combinations for the number of symptoms, impairment score and worry score, respectively. CONCLUSION Participants without morbidity reported a substantial number of symptoms. Having a single morbidity or multimorbidity resulted in approximately one extra symptom for each extra morbidity. In most combinations of multimorbidity, symptom burden was additive.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Volkert Siersma
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Dorte Jarbol
- The Research Unit for General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Susanne Reventlow
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Symptom Profiles, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Clinical Blood Markers among Korean Community-Dwelling Older Adults Living with Chronic Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041745. [PMID: 33670149 PMCID: PMC7916875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Older adults suffer from multiple symptoms, which negatively affects their health-related quality of life. The single-symptom management approach has been less than effective. The data of 2362 Korean community-dwelling older adults aged 70 and above were analyzed in the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS) study. A cluster analysis, correlation analysis, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. We found three symptom clusters: high symptom burden (HSB, n = 1032); pain and fatigue group (PAF, n = 566); and the sleep deprivation group (SDP, n = 764). Participants in the HSB group are more likely to be of old age (OR = 1.1), be female (OR = 2.4), live in a rural area (OR = 1.4), have low physical activity (OR = 0.9), and have multiple chronic conditions (OR = 1.5). The clinical blood markers analysis showed a negative relationship among the physical health, free T4 (r = -0.083, p < 0.01) and insulin (r = -0.084, p < 0.01). The sex-specific blood markers analysis showed differences among three clusters. While free testosterone (male: r = 0.124, female: r = 0.110, p < 0.05) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (male: r = 0.352 and female: r = 0.134, p < 0.05) were associated with physical health in the HSB group, only free testosterone was associated with mental health (male: r = -0.093, and female: r = -0.116, p < 0.05) in the SDP group. These findings suggest the potential role of the patient's sex and sex hormones in symptoms of Korean community-dwelling older adults. Understanding the symptom profiles and impact of biopsychosocial factors may enhance precision symptom management.
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13
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Eckerblad J, Waldréus N, Stark ÅJ, Jacobsson LR. Symptom management strategies used by older community-dwelling people with multimorbidity and a high symptom burden - a qualitative study. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:210. [PMID: 32539798 PMCID: PMC7296961 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older community-dwelling people with multimorbidity are often not only vulnerable, but also suffer from several conditions that could produce a multiplicity of symptoms. This results in a high symptom burden and a reduced health-related quality of life. Even though these individuals often have frequent contact with healthcare providers they are expected to manage both appropriate disease control and symptoms by themselves or with the support of caregivers. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the symptom management strategies used by older community-dwelling people with multimorbidity and a high symptom burden. METHOD A qualitative descriptive design using face-to-face interviews with 20 community-dwelling older people with multimorbidity, a high healthcare consumption and a high symptom burden. People ≥75 years, who had been hospitalized ≥3 times during the previous year, ≥ 3 diagnoses in their medical records and lived at home were included. The participants were between 79 and 89 years old. Data were analysed using content analyses. RESULT Two main strategy categories were found: active symptom management and passive symptom management. The active strategies include the subcategories; to plan, to distract, to get assistance and to use facilitating techniques. An active strategy meant that participants took matters in their own hands, they could often describe the source of the symptoms and they felt that they had the power to do something to ease their symptoms. A passive symptom management strategy includes the subcategories to give in and to endure. These subcategories often reflected an inability to describe the source of the symptoms as well as the experience of having no alternative other than passively waiting it out. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that older people with multimorbidity and a high symptom burden employ various symptom management strategies on daily basis. They had adopted appropriate strategies based on their own experience and knowledge. Healthcare professionals might facilitate daily life for older people with multimorbidity by providing guidance on active management strategies with focus on patient's own experience and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Eckerblad
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Nana Waldréus
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa Johansson Stark
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Ring Jacobsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Nakad L, Booker S, Gilbertson-White S, Shaw C, Chi NC, Herr K. Pain and Multimorbidity in Late Life. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-020-00225-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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15
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You L, Yu Z, Zhang X, Wu M, Lin S, Zhu Y, Xu Z, Lu J, Wei F, Tang M, Wang J, Jin M, Chen K. Association Between Multimorbidity and Depressive Symptom Among Community-Dwelling Elders in Eastern China. Clin Interv Aging 2019; 14:2273-2280. [PMID: 31908437 PMCID: PMC6929925 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s221917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the association between multimorbidity and depressive symptoms among the elderly in eastern China. Patients and methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in four cities (Jianggan, Yiwu and Anji in Zhejiang Province and Taixing in Jiangsu Province) in eastern China. We collected the information on 27 chronic conditions through the self-reported medical history and used the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) short form to evaluate depressive symptoms. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between multimorbidity and depressive symptoms. Results Five thousand two hundred and ninety-six participants were included into the current study, among which 2687 (50.74%) were female, with the mean ± SD age 72.0 ± 8.1 years old. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms in eastern China was 23.5%. And the percentage of multimorbidity in depressed participants was higher compared with non-depressed participants (50.8% vs 38.8%, P<0.001). The univariate model and adjusted model suggested that participants with multiple chronic diseases were more likely to have a depressive symptom (adjusted OR=1.42; 95% CIs 1.19–1.70). Conclusion Depressive symptom was significantly associated with multimorbidity among the community-dwelling elderly population in eastern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuqing You
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhebin Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaocong Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyin Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zenghao Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieming Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengling Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingjuan Jin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Cancer Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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16
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Amjad H, Snyder SH, Wolff JL, Oh E, Samus QM. Before Hospice: Symptom Burden, Dementia, and Social Participation in the Last Year of Life. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:1106-1114. [PMID: 31058566 PMCID: PMC6735320 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Little is known about clinical symptom burden, dementia, and social isolation in the last year of life among older adults. Objective: To describe and contrast the type and severity of symptom burden for older decedents with and without dementia, and whether specific symptoms and presence of dementia are associated with limitations in social participation in the last year of life. Design: Cross-sectional logistic regression analysis of a population-based study. Setting/Subjects: A total of 1270 community-dwelling adults of age ≥65 years in the United States participated in the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study and died by 2015. Measurements: Dementia status, 13 clinical symptoms, and limitations in 6 social activities were drawn from the interview preceding death. Severity of sensory, physical, and psychiatric symptom burden was examined in tertiles. Results: Decedents with dementia (37.3%) had higher prevalence of all symptoms (p's < 0.05), except insomnia and breathing problems. Dementia was associated with greater likelihood of high versus low burden of sensory (odds ratio [OR] 4.52 [95% confidence interval {CI} 3.08-6.63]), physical (OR 3.49 [95% CI 2.48-4.91]), and psychiatric (OR 2.80 [95% CI 1.98-3.95]) symptoms. Dementia and physical symptoms (problems with speaking, leg strength/movement, and balance) were independently associated with limitations in at least three social activities (p's < 0.05 for adjusted ORs). Conclusion: Symptom burden is higher in patients with dementia. Dementia and physical symptoms are associated with social activity limitations. Older patients with dementia or physical symptoms may benefit from earlier emphasis on palliative care and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halima Amjad
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Scott H. Snyder
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jennifer L. Wolff
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Esther Oh
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Quincy M. Samus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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17
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Dahlqvist J, Ekdahl A, Friedrichsen M. Does comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in an outpatient care setting affect the causes of death and the quality of palliative care? A subanalysis of the age-FIT study. Eur Geriatr Med 2019; 10:455-462. [PMID: 34652806 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-019-00198-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purposes of this study were to retrospectively study whether comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) given to community-dwelling old patients with high health care usage has effects regarding: (1) the cause of death and (2) the quality of the provided palliative care when compared to patients without CGA-based care. METHOD This study includes secondary data from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 382 participants that took place in the periods 2011-2013. The present study examines all electronical medical records (EMR) from the deceased patients in the original study regarding cause of death [intervention group (IG) N = 51/control group (CG) N = 66] and quality of palliative care (IG N = 33/CG N = 41). Descriptive and comparative statistics were produced and the significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS The causes of death in both groups were dominated by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases with no statistical difference between the groups. Patients in the intervention group had a higher degree of support from specialised palliative care teams than had the control group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION The present study in an outpatient context cannot prove any effects of CGA on causes of death. The study shows that CGA in outpatient care means a higher rate of specialised palliative care, but the study cannot show any effects on the palliative quality parameters measured. Further studies with statistical power are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Dahlqvist
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Vrinnevi Hospital, Gamla Övägen 25, 601 82, Norrköping, Sweden.
| | - Anne Ekdahl
- Geriatric Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Helsingborg Hospital, Lund University, Charlotte Yhlens gata 10, 251 87, Helsingborg, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institute (KI), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Friedrichsen
- Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
- Palliative Education and Research Center, Vrinnevi Hospital, Gamla Övägen 25, 601 82, Norrköping, Sweden
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18
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Reinke LF, Vig EK, Tartaglione EV, Rise P, Au DH. Symptom Burden and Palliative Care Needs Among High-Risk Veterans With Multimorbidity. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:880-889. [PMID: 30794938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care research has focused on patients with disease-specific conditions. However, older patients with multimorbidity may have unmet palliative care needs. OBJECTIVES We assessed symptom burden and quality of life among veterans with multimorbidity and sought to determine if their bothersome symptoms were addressed and treated in the primary care setting. We sought to identify specific diagnoses that may account for greater symptom burden. We hypothesized that patients with a higher number of diagnoses would experience greater symptom burden and poorer quality of life. METHODS We identified veterans at high risk of hospitalization or death using a validated prognostic model. We administered cross-sectional surveys via telephone, The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form and Veterans RAND 12, to randomly selected patients in primary care in the VA Health Care System from May to December 2015. We assessed if their most bothersome symptom was addressed and treated during their most recent visit. Regression models identified specific diagnoses accounting for greater symptom burden and patient predictors of high symptom burden and poor quality of life. RESULTS Patients (n = 503) reported (10.6 ± 5.5) active symptoms and poor physical quality of life. Patients reported pain and dyspnea as their most bothersome symptoms (n = 145 [29%] and n = 57 [11%], respectively). Most patients acknowledged their clinicians assessed (n = 348 [74%]) and treated (n = 330 [70%]) their most bothersome symptom. Physical symptoms (78%, P < 0.0001) were more likely to be addressed than psychological symptoms (55%, P < 0.001). Patients diagnosed with obesity or depression experienced greater physical symptom burden. Younger patients reported greater symptom severity than older patients (P < 0.01). Younger patients and those with greater multimorbidities reported lower self-perceived quality of health than older patients and those with fewer multimorbidities (P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION Outpatients with multimorbidity have high symptom burden, unaddressed symptoms, poor quality of life, and unmet palliative care needs. Our findings support standardization of comprehensive symptom assessment and management in primary care for veterans with multimorbidities, which may ameliorate symptoms and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn F Reinke
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Puget Sound Health Care System, Health Services R&D; Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, School of Nursing.
| | - Elizabeth K Vig
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Puget Sound Health Care System, Health Services R&D; Geriatric and Palliative Care Medicine Division, University of Washington, School of Medicine
| | - Erica V Tartaglione
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Puget Sound Health Care System, Health Services R&D
| | - Peter Rise
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Puget Sound Health Care System, Health Services R&D
| | - David H Au
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Puget Sound Health Care System, Health Services R&D; Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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19
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Dhingra L, Barrett M, Knotkova H, Chen J, Riggs A, Lee B, Hiney B, McCarthy M, Portenoy R. Symptom Distress Among Diverse Patients Referred for Community-Based Palliative Care: Sociodemographic and Medical Correlates. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 55:290-296. [PMID: 28844624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Community-based palliative care programs are appearing in the U.S. Many of these programs, particularly those in large cities, serve highly diverse populations. Information about the sources of variation in the conditions that drive illness burden, like symptom distress, may be useful in program planning. OBJECTIVES To characterize variation in symptom distress among highly diverse patients referred for palliative care in an urban setting. METHODS This is a retrospective cross-sectional survey of data obtained from patients at the time of enrollment in a community-based palliative care program. Symptom distress was measured using the Condensed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Severe distress was defined as reporting either "quite a bit"/"very much" or "frequently"/"almost constantly" for one or more symptoms. Multivariate analysis evaluated the associations between symptom distress and sources of patient variability. RESULTS Patients (n = 1532) were aged 72.2 years on average; 60.0% were women, 56.4% were African-American or Hispanic, and 30.8% were non-English speaking. Most had cancer or congestive heart failure (68.6%); 90.2% had a Karnofsky Performance Status score of 40-70. The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (71.8%), pain (47.3%), and sadness (41.6%); the most distressing symptoms were fatigue (58.5%), worrying (54.8%), and weight loss (52.1%). In multivariate analyses, Caucasian race, non-Asian language, low Karnofsky Performance Status scores, and cancer diagnosis predicted severe symptom distress. CONCLUSION In a diverse urban population receiving community-based palliative care, symptoms were highly prevalent and distressing, and both sociodemographic and medical factors predicted severe distress. Program planning should consider the needs of subpopulations at risk for high symptom burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Dhingra
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, New York, USA; Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
| | - Malcolm Barrett
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Helena Knotkova
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, New York, USA; Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jack Chen
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexa Riggs
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bernard Lee
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA; MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care, New York, New York, USA
| | - Barbara Hiney
- MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maureen McCarthy
- The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, New York, New York, USA
| | - Russell Portenoy
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, New York, USA; Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA; Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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20
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Portz JD, Kutner JS, Blatchford PJ, Ritchie CS. High Symptom Burden and Low Functional Status in the Setting of Multimorbidity. J Am Geriatr Soc 2017; 65:2285-2289. [PMID: 28857119 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To enhance understanding of the relationship between multimorbidity, symptom burden, and functional status in individuals with life-limiting illness. DESIGN Secondary analysis of baseline data from a randomized clinical trial conducted in the Palliative Care Research Cooperative Group. Group differences were tested using a t-test; multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the effect of multiple variables on functional status and symptom burden. SETTING Fifteen Palliative Care Research Cooperation sites. PARTICIPANTS Adults who participated in a parent statin-discontinuation clinical trial were included in the analysis (N = 381). Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, statin use for 3 months or longer, life expectancy longer than 1 month, and declining functional status. MEASUREMENTS Cancer diagnosis (solid organ and hematologic malignancies), multimorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score), symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) score, number of symptoms with ESAS severity score >4), functional status (Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Scale (AKPS)). RESULTS Fifty-one percent had a primary diagnosis of cancer; mean age 74.1 ± 11.6. Participants had multiple comorbid illnesses (CCI score 4.9 ± 2.8), multiple symptoms (ESAS score 27.2 ± 15.9), and poor functional status (AKPS = 53 ± 13). In univariate and multivariate analyses, multimorbidity was associated with greater symptom burden (4.2 vs 3.1 moderate or severe symptoms (t = -3.2, P = .002), 12% vs 6% with severe symptoms (t = -3.7, P < .001)), but cancer diagnosis was not. In univariate and multivariate analyses, higher symptom burden was associated with poorer functional status (F = 11.6, P < .001), but multimorbidity was not. CONCLUSION Symptoms cannot be attributed solely to a diagnosis of cancer. The association between symptom burden and functional status underscores the importance of clinical attention to symptoms in individuals with multimorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Portz
- Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jean S Kutner
- Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Christine S Ritchie
- Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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21
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Waldréus N, Jaarsma T, van der Wal MH, Kato NP. Development and psychometric evaluation of the Thirst Distress Scale for patients with heart failure. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2017; 17:226-234. [PMID: 28838260 DOI: 10.1177/1474515117728624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with heart failure can experience thirst distress. However, there is no instrument to measure this in patients with heart failure. The aim of the present study was to develop the Thirst Distress Scale for patients with Heart Failure (TDS-HF) and to evaluate psychometric properties of the scale. METHODS AND RESULTS The TDS-HF was developed to measure thirst distress in patients with heart failure. Face and content validity was confirmed using expert panels including patients and healthcare professionals. Data on the TDS-HF was collected from patients with heart failure at outpatient heart failure clinics and hospitals in Sweden, the Netherlands and Japan. Psychometric properties were evaluated using data from 256 heart failure patients (age 72±11 years). Concurrent validity of the scale was assessed using a thirst intensity visual analogue scale. Patients did not have any difficulties answering the questions, and time taken to answer the questions was about five minutes. Factor analysis of the scale showed one factor. After psychometric testing, one item was deleted. For the eight item TDS-HF, a single factor explained 61% of the variance and Cronbach's alpha was 0.90. The eight item TDS-HF was significantly associated with the thirst intensity score ( r=0.55, p<0.001). Regarding test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.88, and the weighted kappa values ranged from 0.29-0.60. CONCLUSION The eight-item TDS-HF is valid and reliable for measuring thirst distress in patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Waldréus
- 1 Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Tiny Jaarsma
- 2 Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, Sweden.,3 Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research, Catholic University of Australia, Australia
| | - Martje Hl van der Wal
- 2 Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, Sweden.,4 Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Naoko P Kato
- 2 Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, Sweden.,5 Department of Therapeutic Strategy for Heart Failure, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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22
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Etkind SN, Bone AE, Gomes B, Lovell N, Evans CJ, Higginson IJ, Murtagh FEM. How many people will need palliative care in 2040? Past trends, future projections and implications for services. BMC Med 2017; 15:102. [PMID: 28514961 PMCID: PMC5436458 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current estimates suggest that approximately 75% of people approaching the end-of-life may benefit from palliative care. The growing numbers of older people and increasing prevalence of chronic illness in many countries mean that more people may benefit from palliative care in the future, but this has not been quantified. The present study aims to estimate future population palliative care need in two high-income countries. METHODS We used mortality statistics for England and Wales from 2006 to 2014. Building on previous diagnosis-based approaches, we calculated age- and sex-specific proportions of deaths from defined chronic progressive illnesses to estimate the prevalence of palliative care need in the population. We calculated annual change over the 9-year period. Using explicit assumptions about change in disease prevalence over time, and official mortality forecasts, we modelled palliative care need up to 2040. We also undertook separate projections for dementia, cancer and organ failure. RESULTS By 2040, annual deaths in England and Wales are projected to rise by 25.4% (from 501,424 in 2014 to 628,659). If age- and sex-specific proportions with palliative care needs remain the same as in 2014, the number of people requiring palliative care will grow by 25.0% (from 375,398 to 469,305 people/year). However, if the upward trend observed from 2006 to 2014 continues, the increase will be of 42.4% (161,842 more people/year, total 537,240). In addition, disease-specific projections show that dementia (increase from 59,199 to 219,409 deaths/year by 2040) and cancer (increase from 143,638 to 208,636 deaths by 2040) will be the main drivers of increased need. CONCLUSIONS If recent mortality trends continue, 160,000 more people in England and Wales will need palliative care by 2040. Healthcare systems must now start to adapt to the age-related growth in deaths from chronic illness, by focusing on integration and boosting of palliative care across health and social care disciplines. Countries with similar demographic and disease changes will likely experience comparable rises in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Etkind
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK.
| | - A E Bone
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - B Gomes
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - N Lovell
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - C J Evans
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK.,Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - I J Higginson
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - F E M Murtagh
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
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23
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The Case for Dual Training in Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care: The Time is Now. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2017; 35:364-370. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909117696251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of older adults die from chronic illnesses which are preceded by years of progressive decline and increasing symptom burden. Delivery of high-quality care cannot take place without sufficient numbers of health professionals with appropriate training and skills in both geriatric and palliative care medicine. Despite the surge in aging population and the majority of deaths being attributed to patients with multiple comorbidities, very few health-care providers undergo dual training in these areas. Thus, the nation is facing a health-care crisis as the number of geriatric patients with chronic disease increasingly outpaces the number of physicians with adequate skills to manage them. Joint training in palliative care and geriatric medicine could prepare physicians to better manage our aging population by addressing all their health-care needs irrespective of their stage of disease emphasizing patient-directed care.
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