Barriers to health care access among the elderly and who perceives them

Preventive Home Visits Among Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults. The Added Value of Follow-Up Telephone Calls

People in need of care and support do not always find appropriate services. This paper aims to explore the content and added value of monthly follow-up telephone calls after preventive home visits. We used both monitoring data and qualitative semi-structured interviews (with older adults, formal and informal caregivers). Results indicate that a majority of older adults (N = 95) received a regular follow-up of four telephone calls. Social connection and involvement were mentioned by all three groups as positive aspects of the program. Although time-consuming, this paper draws attention to the added value of follow-up telephone calls after preventive home visits.

Intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening among emergency department patients: results from a randomised pilot study

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Emergency departments (ED) represent a promising setting to address preventive health measures like CRC screening.

OBJECTIVES

The current study adapted an existing cervical cancer screening intervention for use in catalysing CRC screening. We evaluated feasibility of identification, provided preliminary effect size estimates and documented participant acceptability.

METHODS

This study was funded by the University of Rochester (ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT05004376). We enrolled ED patients, 45-75 years old, in the Greater Rochester, NY region into a randomised controlled pilot from January to May 2022. Patients were excluded if non-English speaking, lacking a cell phone or had a history of CRC, colorectal resection, inflammatory bowel disease or abdominal radiation. Participants were surveyed to determine adherence with recommended CRC screening guidelines. Patients found non-adherent were randomised to receive (1) recommendation for CRC screening only or (2) recommendation and a text-based intervention aimed at generating intention and motivation to get screened. Patients were blind to allocation at enrolment. The primary outcome was patient CRC screening or scheduling.

RESULTS

1438 patients were approached, with 609 found ineligible, 576 declining participation and 253 enrolled. A randomised sample of 114 non-adherent patients were split evenly between the control and intervention arms. Among participants with follow-up data (n control=38, n intervention=36), intervention participants had a 2%-3% higher rate of scheduling or receiving screening (7%-27% relative improvement). When using the complete sample (n=114) and conservatively assuming no screening for those lost to follow-up, differences in screening across arms were mildly decreased (0%-2% absolute difference). Acceptability of CRC intervention was high, and participants offered formative feedback.

CONCLUSION

The piloted text message intervention through the ED shows potential promise for catalysing CRC screening. Subsequent replication in a fully powered trial is needed.

Shared decision-making in psoriasis care: Evaluation of how patients' perception of clinicians' delivery of care changes by age and sex

BACKGROUND

Shared decision-making (SDM) refers to a collaborative process in which clinicians assist patients in making medically informed, evidence-based decisions that align with their values and preferences. There is a paucity of literature on SDM in dermatology.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to assess whether male and female psoriasis patients evaluate their clinicians' engagement in SDM differently across different age groups.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study using data from the 2014-2017 and 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (MEPS).

RESULTS

A weighted total of 7,795,608 psoriasis patients were identified. SDM Scores ranged from 1 to 4, with 4 representing the most favorable patient evaluation of their clinicians' engagement in SDM. We conducted multivariate linear regression to compare mean SDM Scores in male psoriasis patients versus female psoriasis patients across different patient age groups. Female patients ages 60-69 perceived significantly greater clinician engagement in SDM compared to age-matched male patients (female patient perception of SDM 3.65 [95%CI:3.61-3.69] vs. male patient perception of SDM 3.50 [95%CI:3.43-3.58], p<0.005). The same trend of older female patients evaluating their clinicians' engagement in SDM significantly higher than their age-matched male counterparts exists for the age group >70 (p<0.005). No significant differences between male and female patients' evaluations of their clinicians' engagement in SDM were demonstrated in subjects younger than 60. All calculations were adjusted for demographic and clinical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to older male psoriasis patients, older female psoriasis patients evaluated their clinicians to be more engaged in shared decision-making.

Value of a multidisciplinary geriatric oncology committee on patient care in a community-based, academic cancer center

INTRODUCTION

The heterogeneity in health and functional ability among older patients makes the management of cancer a unique challenge. The Geriatric Oncology Program at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (BWMC) was created to optimize cancer management for older patients. This study aimed to assess the benefits of the implementation of such a program at a community-based academic cancer center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed patients aged ≥80 years presenting to the Geriatric Oncology Program between 2017 and 2022. A multidisciplinary team of specialists collectively reviewed each patient using geriatric-specific domains and stratified each patient into one of three management groups- Group 1: those deemed fit to receive standard oncologic care (SOC); Group 2: those recommended to receive optimization services prior to reassessment for SOC; and Group 3: those deemed to be best suited for supportive care and/or hospice care.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 233 patients, of which 76 (32.6%) received SOC, 43 (18.5%) were optimized, and 114 (49.0%) received supportive care or hospice referral. Among the optimized patients, 69.8% were deemed fit for SOC upon re-evaluation following their respective optimization services. The Canadian Study of Health and Aging-Clinical Frailty Scale (CSHA-CFS) score was implemented in 2019 (n = 90). Patients receiving supportive/hospice care only had an average score of 5.8, while the averages for those in the optimization and SOC groups were 4.6 and 4.1, respectively (p ≤0.001). Patients receiving SOC had the longest average survival of 2.71 years compared to the optimization (2.30 years) and supportive care groups (0.93 years) (p ≤0.001). For all patients that underwent surgical interventions post-operatively, 23 patients (85%) were discharged home and four (15%) were discharged to a rehabilitation facility.

DISCUSSION

The present study demonstrates the profound impact that the complexities in health status and frailty among older individuals can have during cancer management. The Geriatric Oncology Program at BWMC maximized treatment outcomes for older adults through the provision of SOC therapies and optimization services, while also minimizing unnecessary interventions on an individual patient-centric level.

Lung cancer statistics, 2023

Despite decades of declining mortality rates, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This article examines lung cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, survival, and mortality using population-based data from the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. Over the past 5 years, declines in lung cancer mortality became considerably greater than declines in incidence among men (5.0% vs. 2.6% annually) and women (4.3% vs. 1.1% annually), reflecting absolute gains in 2-year relative survival of 1.4% annually. Improved outcomes likely reflect advances in treatment, increased access to care through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and earlier stage diagnosis; for example, compared with a 4.6% annual decrease for distant-stage disease incidence during 2013-2019, the rate for localized-stage disease rose by 3.6% annually. Localized disease incidence increased more steeply in states with the highest lung cancer screening prevalence (by 3%-5% annually) than in those with the lowest (by 1%-2% annually). Despite progress, disparities remain. For example, Native Americans have the highest incidence and the slowest decline (less than 1% annually among men and stagnant rates among women) of any group. In addition, mortality rates in Mississippi and Kentucky are two to three times higher than in most western states, largely because of elevated historic smoking prevalence that remains. Racial and geographic inequalities highlight longstanding opportunities for more concerted tobacco-control efforts targeted at high-risk populations, including improved access to smoking-cessation treatments and lung cancer screening, as well as state-of-the-art treatment.

Examining the Intrapersonal, Interpersonal and Community Level Correlates of Access to Medical Care Among Women Employed by Sex Work in Southern Uganda: A cross-sectional Analysis of the Kyaterekera Study

Women employed by sex work (WESW) experience significant gaps in accessing necessary healthcare services, leading to unmet health needs. Yet, there is a dearth of literature on the barriers to medical care access among WESW in Uganda. We used data from the Kyaterekera baseline to examine the correlates of access to medical care among WESW, defined as the ability of individuals to obtain the necessary healthcare services they require in a timely, affordable, and equitable manner. The Kyaterekera study recruited 542 WESW aged 18-58 years from Southern Uganda. We conducted a multilevel linear regression model to determine the intrapersonal (age, education level, marital status, HIV knowledge, and asset ownership), interpersonal (family cohesion and domestic violence attitudes), and community (community satisfaction, sex work stigma and distance to health facility) level correlates of access to medical care among WESW. Intrapersonal and interpersonal factors were associated with access to medical care among WESW. There was no significant association between community level factors and access to medical care. WESW with secondary education (β = 0.928, 95% CI = 0.007, 1.849) were associated with increased access to medical care. WESW with high asset ownership (β = -1.154, 95% CI= -1.903, -0.405), high family cohesion (β = -0.069, 95% CI= -0.106, -0.031), and high domestic violence attitudes (β = -0.253, 95% CI= -0.438, -0.068) were associated with decreased access to medical care. The findings emphasize the critical need for targeted family strengthening interventions to enhance family support for WESW and address domestic violence.

Factors Impacting the Implementation of Mobile Integrated Health Programs for the Acute Care of Older Adults

Objective: Emergency services utilization is increasing in older adult populations. Many such encounters may be preventable with better access to acute care in the community. Mobile integrated health (MIH) programs leverage mobile resources to deliver care and services to patients in the out-of-hospital environment and have the potential to improve clinical outcomes and decrease health care costs; however, they have not been widely implemented. We assessed barriers, potential facilitators, and other factors critical to the implementation of MIH programs with key vested partners.Methods: Professional and community-member partners were purposefully recruited to participate in recorded structured interviews. The study team used the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework to develop an interview guide and codebook. Coders employed a combination of deductive and inductive coding strategies to identify common themes across partner groups.Results: The study team interviewed 22 participants (mean age 56, 68% female). A cohort of professional subject matter experts included physicians, paramedics, public health personnel, and hospital administrators. A cohort of lay community partners included patients and caregivers. Coders identified three prominent themes that impact MIH implementation. First, MIH is disruptive to existing clinical workflows. Second, using MIH to improve patients' experience during acute care encounters is key to intervention adoption. Finally, legislative action is needed to augment central financial and regulatory policies to ensure the adoption of MIH programs.Conclusions: Common themes impacting the implementation of MIH programs were identified across vested partner groups. Multilevel strategies are needed to address patient adoption, clinical partners' workflow, and legislative policies to ensure the success of MIH programs.

Stakeholder Engagement in Type 1 Diabetes Research, Quality Improvement, and Clinical Care

The integration of stakeholder engagement (SE) in research, quality improvement (QI), and clinical care has gained significant traction. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease that requires complex daily management and care from a multidisciplinary team across the lifespan. Inclusion of key stakeholder voices, including patients, caregivers, health care providers and community advocates, in the research process and implementation of clinical care is critical to ensure representation of perspectives that match the values and goals of the patient population. This review describes the current framework for SE and its application to research, QI, and clinical care across the lifespan.

Self-reported dual sensory impairment and related factors: a European population-based cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Data on population-based self-reported dual vision and hearing impairment are sparse in Europe. We aimed to investigate self-reported dual sensory impairment (DSI) in European population.

METHODS

A standardised questionnaire was used to collect medical and socio-economic data among individuals aged 15 years or more in 29 European countries. Individuals living in collective households or in institutions were excluded from the survey.

RESULTS

Among 296 677 individuals, the survey included 153 866 respondents aged 50 years old or more. The crude prevalence of DSI was of 7.54% (7.36-7.72). Among individuals aged 60 or more, 9.23% of men and 10.94% of women had DSI. Eastern and southern countries had a higher prevalence of DSI. Multivariable analyses showed that social isolation and poor self-rated health status were associated with DSI with ORs of 2.01 (1.77-2.29) and 2.33 (2.15-2.52), while higher income was associated with lower risk of DSI (OR of 0.83 (0.78-0.89). Considering country-level socioeconomic factors, Human Development Index explained almost 38% of the variance of age-adjusted prevalence of DSI.

CONCLUSION

There are important differences in terms of prevalence of DSI in Europe, depending on socioeconomic and medical factors. Prevention of DSI does represent an important challenge for maintaining quality of life in elderly population.

Barriers and facilitators to health technology adoption by older adults with chronic diseases: an integrative systematic review

BACKGROUND

In recent years, healthcare systems have progressively adopted several technologies enhancing access to healthcare for older adults and support the delivery of efficient and effective care for this specific population. These technologies include both assistive technologies designed to maintain or improve the independence, social participation and functionality of older people at home, as well as health information technology developed to manage long-term conditions. Examples of such technologies include telehealth, wearable devices and mobile health. However, despite the great promise that health technology holds for promoting independent living among older people, its actual implementation remains challenging.

METHODS

This study aimed to conduct an integrative systematic review of the research evidence on the factors that facilitate or hinder the adoption of different types of technology by older individuals with chronic diseases. For this purpose, four electronic databases (PsycArticles, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed) were queried to search for indexed published studies. The methodological quality of the selected papers has been assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

RESULTS

Twenty-nine articles were selected, including 6.213 adults aged 60 or older. The studies have been synthesised considering the types of technological interventions and chronic diseases, as well as the main barriers and facilitators in technology acceptance. The results revealed that the majority of the selected articles focused on comorbid conditions and the utilisation of telemedicine tools. With regard to hindering and facilitating factors, five main domains were identified: demographic and socioeconomic, health-related, dispositional, technology-related and social factors.

CONCLUSION

The study results have practical implications not only for technology developers but also for all the social actors involved in the design and implementation of healthcare technologies, including formal and informal caregivers and policy stakeholders. These actors could use this work to enhance their understanding of the utilisation of technology by the ageing population. This review emphasises the factors that facilitate technology adoption and identifies barriers that impede it, with the ultimate goal of promoting health and independent living.

Health Equity and Access to Health Care as a Social Determinant of Health: The Role of the Primary Care Provider

Populations of people who suffer poorer health outcomes and increased disease burden, particularly preventable diseases, injury, and violence are experiencing health inequity. Achieving greater health equity by addressing social determinants of health and access to health care is the goal of many primary care physicians, health care advocates, and policy makers. Race, geographic location, age, poverty, disabilities, gender, and mental health are common examples of factors that determine health equity. Access to health care, by itself is a predictor of health outcomes and is influenced by many of the same factors.

Age and cancer type: associations with increased odds of receiving a late diagnosis in people with advanced cancer

PURPOSE

In order to deliver appropriate and timely care planning and minimise avoidable late diagnoses, clinicians need to be aware of which patients are at higher risk of receiving a late cancer diagnosis. We aimed to determine which demographic and clinical factors are associated with receiving a 'late' cancer diagnosis (within the last 12 weeks of life).

METHOD

Retrospective cohort study of 2,443 people who died from cancer ('cancer decedents') in 2013-2015. Demographic and cancer registry datasets linked using patient-identifying Community Health Index numbers. Analysis used binary logistic regression, with univariate and adjusted odds ratios (SPSS v25).

RESULTS

One third (n = 831,34.0%) received a late diagnosis. Age and cancer type were significantly associated with late cancer diagnosis (p < 0.001). Other demographic factors were not associated with receiving a late diagnosis. Cancer decedents with lung cancer (Odds Ratios presented in abstract are the inverse of those presented in the main text, where lung cancer is the reference category. Presented as 1/(OR multivariate)) were more likely to have late diagnosis than those with bowel (95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] Odds Ratio (OR)1.52 (OR1.12 to 2.04)), breast or ovarian (95%CI OR3.33 (OR2.27 to 5.0) or prostate (95%CI OR9.09 (OR4.0 to 20.0)) cancers. Cancer decedents aged > 85 years had higher odds of late diagnosis (95%CI OR3.45 (OR2.63 to 4.55)), compared to those aged < 65 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer decedents who were older and those with lung cancer were significantly more likely to receive late cancer diagnoses than those who were younger or who had other cancer types.

Accessible autonomous transportation and services: voice of the consumer - understanding end-user priorities

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the requirements for accessible Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) and AV services from a consumer perspective, focusing on people with disabilities (PwDs) and older adults.

METHODS

Two national surveys were conducted, capturing current transportation trends and AV priorities. Participants (n = 922) with disabilities and older adults were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Transportation choices exhibited significant divergence based on the underlying causes of disabilities, showcasing distinct inclinations and impediments within each category. AV services, encompassing family conveyance and package delivery, proved integral, but their specific desirability fluctuated in accordance with the nature of disabilities. Notably, medical appointments emerged as the foremost AV utilisation requirement, particularly pronounced among individuals with hearing impairments. Preferences for orchestrating AV rides and the preferred vehicle types displayed disparities linked to the various disability classifications. The employment of mobile applications, websites, and text messages were preferred mediums for arranging rides. Features such as automated route guidance and collision prevention garnered unanimous precedence among AV attributes. Key priorities, spanning wheelchair accessibility, user profiles, and seamless communication with AVs, were universally emphasised across all participant clusters. The study indicated a moderate comfort level with AV deployment, implying the potential for favourable reception within the population of PwDs and older adults.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the significance of considering diverse needs in accessible AV development of vehicle and infrastructure and policies.

Growing Old in the Bible Belt: Resources for Aging LGBT Adults Living in the South

There has been an increase in the literature about LGBT older adults in recent years; however, there is a need for further sociological quantitative research examining the impact of geographic region on LGBT aging. Utilizing data from a nationwide survey, this study focuses on the availability of LGBT-specific resources for LGBT aging adults living in the South. We examine the effects of community type and sociodemographics on the availability of LGBT-specific resources as well as the type of resources available. Findings reveal that in the South, community type, having a partner, household income, and education affect the LGBT-specific resources available. Of particular interest, LGBT-affirming faith organizations are identified as the resource most frequently available for LGBT aging adults in this region often referred to as the Bible Belt. Overall, this study sheds light on the LGBT-specific resources that are available to provide social support and help meet the unique needs of LGBT adults aging in the South.

Nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward older adults

Nursing students, as the future healthcare workforce, hold immense potential in providing quality care to older adults and becoming advocates for promoting aging and public health, thus contributing significantly to addressing the multifaceted challenges of our aging society. Nurses' knowledge and attitudes about aging affect health care quality. Negative and unattractive representations of the social problems associated with aging contaminate nursing students' attitudes. Nursing schools are challenged to develop new curricula to prepare future nurses for the inherent complexity of an aging society. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students toward older adults and identify the variables that can influence these attitudes. Quantitative research was carried out through the application of an online survey using a cross-sectional descriptive research design. A total of 182 nursing students completed the online survey. Progression in the nursing course was statistically significant; the more students advanced, the more positive attitudes and knowledge they revealed about aging; 39% of students have daily contact with their grandparents; however, only 14.8% would like to work with older adults. Multiple linear regression revealed that the most important factor for positive attitudes and knowledge about aging was regular contact with grandparents, followed by progression in the nursing course. The students' age was not a significant factor in improving attitudes or expanding knowledge regarding older adults. In a multidimensional logic, the deepening of knowledge about aging and the socialization of students with older adults are central factors that should reinforce curricula in nursing education.

A Bayesian nonparametric approach to correct for underreporting in count data

We propose a nonparametric compound Poisson model for underreported count data that introduces a latent clustering structure for the reporting probabilities. The latter are estimated with the model's parameters based on experts' opinion and exploiting a proxy for the reporting process. The proposed model is used to estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Apulia, Italy, based on a unique statistical database covering information on m = 258 municipalities obtained by integrating multisource register information. Accurate prevalence estimates are needed for monitoring, surveillance, and management purposes; yet, counts are deemed to be considerably underreported, especially in some areas of Apulia, one of the most deprived and heterogeneous regions in Italy. Our results agree with previous findings and highlight interesting geographical patterns of the disease. We compare our model to existing approaches in the literature using simulated as well as real data on early neonatal mortality risk in Brazil, described in previous research: the proposed approach proves to be accurate and particularly suitable when partial information about data quality is available.

Tuberculosis in older adults: challenges and best practices in the Western Pacific Region

The Western Pacific has one of the fastest-growing older adult populations globally, and tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the foremost infectious causes of disease and death in the region. Older adults are at higher risk of TB due to immunosenescence, comorbidities, and increased institutionalisation. Atypical symptoms and reduced access to health services may delay care-seeking and TB diagnosis, while co-morbidity and increased risk of adverse drug reactions complicate TB treatment. Post-TB sequelae and socioeconomic challenges may decrease the quality of life after TB treatment completion. Despite their high disease burden and special challenges, there is a lack of regionally coordinated policies and guidelines to manage TB among older adults. Routine TB screening at aged-care facilities, age-friendly infrastructure and services, awareness of atypical TB features, integration of TB and non-communicable diseases services, and person-centred approaches to treatment support could improve TB management among older adults. Addressing these challenges and adopting the best practices identified should inform policy formulation and implementation.

Funding

This project was funded by 1) the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, with financial contributions from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and 2) NUS Start-up Grant. The funders had no role in the paper design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing of the paper.

Association between vehicle ownership and disparities in mortality after myocardial infarction

Background

Access to reliable transportation is fundamental in the management of chronic disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between vehicle ownership at the neighborhood-level and long-term mortality after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study evaluating adult patients admitted for MI between January 1st, 2006, and December 31st, 2016. Neighborhoods were defined by census tract and household vehicle ownership data was obtained from the American Community Survey courtesy of the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Neighborhood Knowledge. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those living in neighborhoods with higher vehicle ownership, and those living in neighborhoods with lower vehicle ownership. The cutoff of 4.34% of households reporting not owning a vehicle was used to define a neighborhood as one with "higher" vs "lower" vehicle ownership as this was the median value for the cohort. The association between vehicle ownership and all-cause mortality after MI was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

A total of 30,126 patients were included (age 68.1 +/- 13.5 years, 63.2% male). After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and medical comorbidities, lower vehicle ownership was associated with increased all-cause mortality after MI (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.14; p<0.001). This finding remained significant after adjusting for median household income (HR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.10; p = 0.007). Upon comparison of White and Black patients living in neighborhoods with lower vehicle ownership; Black patients were found to have an increased all-cause mortality after MI (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13-1.30, p<0.001), a difference which remained significant after adjusting for income (HR 1.20; 95% CI 1.12-1.29; p<0.001). There was no significant difference in mortality between White and Black patients living in neighborhoods with higher vehicle ownership.

Conclusion

Lower vehicle ownership was associated with increased mortality after MI. Black patients living in neighborhoods with lower vehicle ownership had a higher mortality after MI than White patients living in similar neighborhoods but Black patients living in neighborhoods with higher vehicle ownership had no worse mortality than their White counterparts. This study highlights the importance of transportation in determining health status after MI.

Evaluation of the Medical Resource Allocation: Evidence from China

Medical resource allocation is an increasingly crucial issue. It is vital to understand residents’ (people living in the local area) evaluation of it. This study explores residents’ evaluation of medical resource allocation and its determinants with the dimensions of medical resource adequacy, balance, publicness, and accessibility. We used data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS). Binary logistic regression models were constructed from the four dimensions separately, and we compared the differences among them. The study’s results showed that accessibility and publicness are the highest and lowest dimensions of residents’ evaluation, respectively. The high evaluation of social equity may be a positive contributor to a higher evaluation of publicness and accessibility. The central region residents had the lowest evaluation of adequacy (OR = 0.697, p = 0.010) and balance (OR = 0.642, p = 0.008). To sum up, perceived social equity, social trust, and social class are crucial factors. Based on the results, the government should strengthen the supervision of the medical market, increase financial support for the health field in the central region, and establish a multi-level medical security system that may help optimize the allocation.

Videoconferencing interventions and COPD patient outcomes: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Videoconferencing circumvents various physical and financial barriers associated with in-person care. Given this technology's potential benefits and timely nature, we conducted a systematic review to understand how videoconferencing for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) follow-up care affects patient-related outcomes.

METHODS

We included primary research evaluating the use of bidirectional videoconferencing for COPD patient follow-up. The outcomes of interest were resource utilization, mortality, lifestyle factors, patient satisfaction, barriers, and feasibility. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, and CINAHL databases for articles published from January 1, 2010, to August 2, 2021. Relevant information was extracted and presented descriptively and common themes and patterns were identified. The risk of bias for each study was assessed using design-specific validated tools.

RESULTS

We included 39 studies of 18,194 patients (22 quantitative, 12 qualitative, and 5 mixed methods). The included studies were grouped by type of intervention; 18 studies explored videoconferencing for exercise, 19 explored videoconferencing for clinical assessment/monitoring, and 2 examined videoconferencing for education. Generally, videoconferencing was associated with high levels of patient satisfaction. There were mixed results in terms of its effects on resource utilization and lifestyle-related factors. Additionally, 12 studies were at high risk of bias, indicating that these results should be interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSIONS

The videoconferencing interventions resulted in high levels of patient satisfaction, despite facing technological issues. Overall, more research is needed to better understand the effects of videoconferencing interventions on resource utilization and other patient outcomes, quantifying their advantages over in-person care.

Social network characteristics and HIV testing among older adults in South Africa

Drawing from theory and research on the role of social networks in promoting or undermining preventative public health measures, this article considers how structural, compositional and functional aspects of older adults' close social networks are associated with HIV testing in the context of rural South Africa. Analyses use data from the population-based Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI) - a sample of rural adults age 40+ (N = 4,660). Results from multiple logistic regression show older South African adults with larger, more heavily non-kin and more literate networks were most likely to report testing for HIV. People whose network members provided frequent information were also most likely to be tested, though interaction effects indicate that this pattern is primarily found among those with highly literate networks. Taken together, the findings reinforce a key insight from social capital perspectives: network resourcefulness - literacy in particular - is crucial for promoting preventative health practice. The synergy between network literacy and informational support reveals the complex interplay between network characteristics in shaping health-seeking behaviour. Continued research is needed on the connection between networks and HIV testing among sub-Saharan older adults, as this population is not currently well served by many public health efforts in the region.

Are Frail Older People from Racial/Ethnic Minorities at Double Jeopardy of Putting off Healthcare during the Pandemic?

Given the differential impacts of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic groups, it is unclear how racial/ethnic status and frailty combine to influence pandemic-related healthcare disruptions. This study aimed to test the double jeopardy hypothesis: racial/ethnic minority older adults suffer a double disadvantage in access to health care during the pandemic due to the interactive effects of frailty and race. This study uses the linked National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and COVID-19 public use data files. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed. Overall, approximately two out of five (41%) older adults reported postponing care due to the pandemic. The likelihood of putting off care increased slightly by frailty status. We found no significant difference between Whites and non-Whites in putting off care. However, the simple comparison masked significant variation across frailty status. Robust non-White older people were less likely to put off care than robust Whites (robust non-Whites: 29% vs. robust Whites: 39%); in contrast, frail non-White older people were more likely to put off care (frail non-Whites: 55% vs. frail Whites: 42%). Being frail and non-White creates double jeopardy, which has a negative impact on access to healthcare. Timely access to care is essential for frail older people, particularly non-Whites, because of their complex health conditions accentuated by health and social disparities.

Characteristics of U.S. older adult medicare beneficiaries receiving the influenza vaccination at retail pharmacies

Background

Pharmacy-provided influenza vaccination services have become more prevalent among the older adult population. However, little is known about the characteristics of older adults associated with receiving the influenza vaccination at retail pharmacies and how these associated characteristics have changed.

Objective

To examine characteristics of older adults associated with use of retail pharmacy-provided influenza vaccination services and how the characteristics changed between 2009 and 2015.

Methods

The study used a retrospective, cross-sectional design with data from the 2009 and 2015 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. Older adults aged 65 and older who completed a community questionnaire and received the influenza vaccination during the previous winter were identified. Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use was the conceptual framework for inclusion of the population characteristics. A multivariable log-binomial regression was performed to estimate the association between the population characteristics and use of pharmacy-provided vaccination service, and the relative change in associations between 2009 and 2015. Survey weights were applied in all analyses.

Results

The results showed older adults who were non-Hispanic black (compared to non-Hispanic white), who did not have secondary private insurance (compared to those who had), who did not have physician office visit (compared to those who had) and who lived in non-metro area (compared to those who lived in metro area) had become more likely to use pharmacy-provided influenza vaccination services in 2015 than in 2009.

Conclusions

Pharmacy-provided influenza vaccination services appear to reduce access barriers for racially and socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults. Findings could help inform not only the retail pharmacies that provide vaccination services to better outreach to potential target populations but also policy makers about the disadvantaged populations that would benefit from the vaccination services provided by retail pharmacies.

Exploratory analysis of demographic data, tobacco habits, and oral health-related quality of life among complete denture patients

Aim

The present study assessed the impact of demographics and tobacco habits on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) among complete denture patients.

Setting and Design

Prospective cohort study design.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and eighty four edentulous patients, aged above 30 years, were chosen as the sample for the study after taking informed consent. Information regarding demographic data and smoking status was obtained from each participant. OHRQoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile Edentulousness (OHIP EDENT) quantifying various domains, namely functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability, and handicap.

Statistical Analysis Used

Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23.0 (IBM; Chicago, Illinois, USA). Mann-Whitney U test was applied to find significant differences in OHRQoL between gender, age, and smoking status. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

It was seen that complete denture wearers above 65 years had higher OHIP EDENT scores as compared to younger counterparts suggesting the compromised quality of life in the functional domain which was statistically significant. Psychological discomfort was greater in females while physical disability seemed higher in males. Smoking was found to be a factor associated with decreased OHRQoL.

Conclusion

Older age groups, female gender, and smoking were factors associated with decreased OHRQoL among complete denture patients.

An Agile Development Cycle of an Online Memory Program for Healthy Older Adults

Online interventions for older adults should be tailored to their unique needs to increase the efficacy of and adherence to the intervention. The agile development cycle is a dynamic model to solicit and incorporate feedback from older adults during the design process. We combined this approach with the framework of Harvard University's clinical and translational phases that provide a clear structure for evaluating new health programs before they are offered in the community. We based our online memory program on the empirically validated in-person Memory and Aging Program. The aim of the present study was to combine the agile development cycle with the clinical and translational phases framework to develop and pilot an online memory program tailored to the unique needs of older adults. Study 1 involved piloting individual program modules on site and integrating participant feedback into the program's design to optimize usability. Study 2 involved two sequential pilots of the program accessed remotely to evaluate preliminary clinical outcomes and obtain feedback for iterative modifications. Plans for further validation and limitations are discussed. The successful application of the agile development cycle implemented in this series of studies can be adapted by others seeking to offer online content for targeted end users.

Increasing availability of COVID-19 vaccine to older adults under community supervision

PURPOSE

Vaccinating adults who are involved with the carceral system, particularly those aged 55 or older, is crucial to containing the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA, particularly as variants continue to emerge and spread. In this Viewpoint, the authors discuss the reasons why improving access to COVID-19 vaccine and boosters among community supervised adults, especially the aging population, is critical to mitigating the public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study concludes by providing recommendations to enhance vaccine and booster uptake in this population, as the pandemic continues.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

This is a Viewpoint paper regarding mitigating the spread of COVID-19 by improving access to vaccine and boosters among community supervised adults, especially the aging population.

FINDINGS

A key population that has been overlooked in vaccination efforts are older adults involved in the carceral system who are living in the community (i.e. "community supervised" or people on probation or parole). Older adults on probation and parole are at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission and severe disease due to numerous factors at the individual, community, social and structural levels.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

Implementation of recommendations presented in this Viewpoint will mitigate COVID-19 risk among a population that has been marginalized and overlooked, yet has been the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Determinants of self-reported hypertension among women in South Africa: evidence from the population-based survey

Background

Hypertension (HTN), characterized by an elevation of blood pressure, is a serious public health chronic condition that significantly raises the risks of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. In South Africa, the prevalence of HTN (measured objectively) was reported at 46.0% in females, nonetheless little is known regarding the prevalence and risks factors of self-reported HTN among the same population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine determinants of self-reported HTN among women in South Africa.

Methods

The study used data obtained from the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey. In total, 6,027 women aged ≥ 20 years were analyzed in this study. Self-reported HTN was defined as a case in which an individual has not been clinically diagnosed with this chronic condition by a medical doctor, nurse, or health worker. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to examine the independent factors of self-reported HTN while considering the complex survey design.

Results

Overall, self-reported HTN was reported in 23.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.1–24.1) of South African women. Being younger (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.04; 95% CI, 0.03–0.06), never married (aOR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56–0.85), and not covered by health insurance (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58–0.95) reduced the odds of self-reported HTN. On the other hand, being black/African (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.17–2.54), perception of being overweight (aOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.40–2.11), and perception of having poor health status (aOR, 3.53; 95% CI, 2.53–5.21) and the presence of other comorbidities (aOR, 7.92; 95% CI, 3.63–17.29) increased the odds of self-reported HTN.

Conclusions

Self-reported HTN was largely associated with multiple sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors and the presence of other chronic conditions. Health promotion and services aiming at reducing the burden of HTN in South Africa should consider the associated factors reported in this study to ensure healthy aging and quality of life among women.

Older adults' perceptions of community-based telehealth wellness programs: a qualitative study

As older adult populations rise in the United States, community-based telehealth programs are gaining momentum because of their ability to provide telehealth services for community-dwelling older adults at a lower cost compared to home-based telehealth services. The success of such community-based telehealth programs heavily depends on end-user engagement and acceptance; however, few studies to date have explored these issues. We conducted an interview study with 14 active and 3 inactive participants of a community-based Telehealth Intervention Program for Seniors (TIPS) to examine older individuals' perceived benefits and barriers to participating in community-based telehealth programs as well as strategies to improve those programs. We found that older adults had a positive experience toward the use of telehealth services in a community setting, including benefits like monitoring health status and enabling socialization. There were no perceived barriers about the telehealth program. Aspects that can be improved include facilitating the management and sharing of historical physiological data, providing additional assessments of cognitive and/or mental status, supporting self-education, and enabling more comprehensive health status tracking. We conclude this paper by discussing the implications of our results to the improvement of community-based telehealth programs for low-income, vulnerable aging populations.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients aged 80 years old and above: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ischaemic heart disease remains the main cause of death in the world. With increasing age, frailty and comorbidities, senior patients aged 80 years old and above who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at higher risk of mortality and other complications.

AIMS

We aimed to examine the overall outcomes for this group of patients.

METHODS

Four databases (PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS and CENTRAL) were searched. Studies with patients aged 80 years old and above who underwent PCI for all indications were included. Pooled outcomes of all-cause death, cardiac death, in-hospital death, subsequent stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA), subsequent myocardial infarction (MI), subsequent congestive cardiac failure (CCF), and overall major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were obtained for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

From 2,566,004 patients, the pooled cumulative incidence of death was 19.22%, cardiac death was 7.78%, in-hospital death was 7.16%, subsequent stroke/TIA was 1.54%, subsequent MI was 3.58%, subsequent CCF was 4.74%, and MACE was 17.51%. The mortality rate of all patients was high when followed up for 3 years (33.27%). ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients had more outcomes of in-hospital death (14.24% vs 4.89%), stroke/TIA (1.93% vs 0.12%), MI (3.68 vs 1.55%) and 1-year mortality (26.16% vs 13.62%), when compared to non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high mortality rate at 1 year and 3 years post-PCI in the overall population of senior patients aged 80 years old and above, regardless of indication. This necessitates further studies to explore the implications of these observations.

The Role of Country-Level Availability and Generosity of Healthcare Services, and Old-Age Ageism for Missed Healthcare during the COVID-19 Pandemic Control Measures in Europe

Objectives: The effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on non-COVID-19-related healthcare need further investigation. Methods: Using the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe's COVID-19 module (2020) (N = 57,025), country-level data from the European Social Survey (2008) and OECD (2020), and logistic regressions, this study examines predictors of older Europeans' forgone, postponed, and denied healthcare during the pandemic. Results: Country-level availability of physicians, healthcare systems' generosity, and beliefs that older persons burden healthcare systems all increased forgone healthcare. Healthcare system generosity increased postponed and denied healthcare. Greater medical resources decreased denied healthcare. Furthermore, missed healthcare varied by individual-level gender (higher rates among women), age, education, and health. Discussion: This study reveals predictors of missed healthcare during the pandemic. To decrease unintended health consequences of a pandemic, both individual-level determinants, such as gender and health, and contextual-level determinants, such as healthcare systems' characteristics, should be considered in research and practice.

Modulation of the Association Between Age and Death by Risk Factor Burden in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19

Older age is a key risk factor for adverse outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19. However, few studies have investigated whether preexisting comorbidities and acute physiologic ICU factors modify the association between age and death.

DESIGN

Multicenter cohort study.

SETTING

ICUs at 68 hospitals across the United States.

PATIENTS

A total of 5,037 critically ill adults with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs between March 1, 2020, and July 1, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary exposure was age, modeled as a continuous variable. The primary outcome was 28-day inhospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression tested the association between age and death. Effect modification by the number of risk factors was assessed through a multiplicative interaction term in the logistic regression model. Among the 5,037 patients included (mean age, 60.9 yr [± 14.7], 3,179 [63.1%] male), 1,786 (35.4%) died within 28 days. Age had a nonlinear association with 28-day mortality (p for nonlinearity <0.001) after adjustment for covariates that included demographics, preexisting comorbidities, acute physiologic ICU factors, number of ICU beds, and treatments for COVID-19. The number of preexisting comorbidities and acute physiologic ICU factors modified the association between age and 28-day mortality (p for interaction <0.001), but this effect modification was modest as age still had an exponential relationship with death in subgroups stratified by the number of risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population of critically ill patients with COVID-19, age had an independent exponential association with death. The number of preexisting comorbidities and acute physiologic ICU factors modified the association between age and death, but age still had an exponential association with death in subgroups according to the number of risk factors present. Additional studies are needed to identify the mechanisms underpinning why older age confers an increased risk of death in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

A nationwide analysis of clinical trial participation for common hepato-pancreato-biliary malignancies demonstrates survival advantages for subsets of trial patients but disparities in and infrequency of enrollment

BACKGROUND

We describe factors associated with trial enrollment for patients with hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) malignancies. We analyzed the association and effect of trial enrollment on overall survival (OS).

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (2004-2017) was queried for common HPB malignancies (pancreatic adenocarcinoma [PDAC] & neuroendocrine tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], biliary tract cancers [BTC]). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with trial enrollment. OS was analyzed by multivariable Cox regression. Inverse-probability-weighted Cox regression was utilized to determine the effect of trial enrollment on OS.

RESULTS

A total of 1573 (0.3%) of 511,639 patients were enrolled in trials; pancreatic malignancy: 1214 (0.4%); HCC: 217 (0.14%); BTC: 106 (0.15%). HCC and BTC were associated with lower likelihood of enrollment compared with pancreatic malignancy. Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to be enrolled compared to White patients. Treatment at academic facilities and metastatic disease were associated with higher likelihood of enrollment. Enrollment was associated with higher OS for PDAC, metastatic HCC, and metastatic BTC. Trial enrollment exhibited an OS advantage for PDAC and metastatic HCC.

CONCLUSION

Nationally, fewer than 1% of patients with HPB malignancies were enrolled in clinical trials. There are racial, sociodemographic, and facility-based disparities in trial enrollment.

Living Without a Diagnosis: A Patient's Perspective on Diabetic Macular Ischemia

Diabetic macular ischemia (DMI) is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy (DR) that can result in progressive and irreversible vision loss. DMI is associated with damage in the vessels that supply blood to the retina and the enlargement of the foveal avascular zone. Currently, there are no approved treatments specifically for DMI. Furthermore, there is limited published information about the prognosis, prevalence or outcomes of DMI, and there is no consensus regarding diagnostic criteria. It is vital to ensure that there is sufficient, accessible and accurate information available to support patients, caregivers and physicians. To lay the foundation for more research into DMI and its impact on patients, we (a patient with DMI and an expert ophthalmologist) have worked together to interweave our personal perspectives and clinical experiences with a review of currently available literature on DMI. The development of a set of confirmed diagnostic criteria for DMI would assist both patients and physicians, allowing patients to access validated information about their condition and supporting the development of clinical trials for treatments of DMI. Training for physicians must continue to emphasise the importance of treating a patient holistically, rather than only treating their symptoms. Most importantly, developing trust and a healthy rapport between a patient and their physician is important in managing health anxiety and ensuring adherence to beneficial treatments or lifestyle adjustments; physicians must cultivate an open and flexible management approach with their patients. Finally, holistic educational programmes for patients, physicians and the general public around DMI and how it can affect daily functioning would facilitate general understanding and disease awareness.

Diabetic macular ischemia (DMI) is a common problem for patients with diabetic retinopathy that can lead to sight loss. There is very little information available about DMI, particularly from a patient’s point of view. To address the lack of information about DMI, we (a person with DMI and her eye doctor) have worked together to examine what it is like to live with DMI. It is important to provide clear and accessible information about diseases to patients and carers. The lack of information about DMI may be upsetting for some people, and should be addressed with more research. Developing of a set of confirmed signs and symptoms for the diagnosis of DMI would allow people to be more confident in the information that they receive about their disease, and support the development of treatments for DMI. The support of others is central to the wellbeing of people with vision loss. Although people with vision loss may also lose independence, care from loved ones can help to improve quality of life. Most importantly, developing trust between a patient and their doctor is central to managing people’s fears about their eyesight, and making sure that they follow helpful advice. Doctors must use an open and flexible approach with their patients, providing information in an honest and understandable way.

A nationwide analysis of pancreatic cancer trial enrollment reveals disparities and participation problems

BACKGROUND

Our research group recently surveyed the clinical trial landscape in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and identified 430 active trials. These represent an opportunity to expand treatment options for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Our primary objective was to detail clinical trial participation among patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Our secondary objective was to evaluate survival.

METHODS

We queried the National Cancer Database (2004-2016) for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Patients were stratified by trial participation: clinical trial or non-trial. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with trial participation. The Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox hazards regression were used to analyze survival.

RESULTS

In total, 261,483 patients were included: 1,110 (0.4%) were enrolled in a clinical trial. A total of 57 Black patients participated in a clinical trial (0.19% of Black patients). This was lower compared to White patients (n = 955, 0.49% of White patients, P < .001). After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, Black patients were less likely to be enrolled in a clinical trial (odds ratio = 0.387, P < .001). Patients treated at nonacademic medical centers were less likely to be in a clinical trial. Trial participation was associated with an increased median survival relative to non-trial patients (stage IV: 9.0 vs 3.8 months, P < .001), and this association remained on multivariable regression (hazard ratio = 0.779, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Fewer than 1% of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma participated in a clinical trial. There are racial and sociodemographic disparities in clinical trial enrollment. An association was observed between clinical trial participants and prolonged survival.

Behaviour change interventions to promote health and well-being among older migrants: A systematic review

Background

Whether behaviour change interventions are effective for the maintenance of older migrants’ health and well-being is uncertain. A systematic review was conducted to assess evidence for the capacity of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) to promote the health and well-being of older migrants.

Methods

Electronic databases (Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science) were searched systematically to identify relevant randomised controlled trials, pre–post studies and quasi-experimental studies published before March 2021. Additional articles were identified through citation tracking. Studies examining BCTs used to promote the health and/or well-being of older migrants were eligible. Two independent reviewers used the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 to extract data on BCTs. Data on intervention functions (IFs) and cultural adaption strategies were also extracted. Intervention contents (BCTs, IFs, culture adaption strategies) were compared across effective and ineffective interventions according to health and well-being outcome clusters (anthropometrics, health behaviour, physical functioning, mental health and cognitive functioning, social functioning and generic health and well-being).

Results

Forty-three studies (23 randomised controlled trials, 13 pre–post studies and 7 quasi-experimental studies) reporting on 39 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen BCTs were identified as promising for at least one outcome cluster: goal-setting (behaviour), problem-solving, behavioural contract, self-monitoring of behaviour, social support (unspecified), instruction on how to perform the behaviour, information about health consequences, information about social and environmental consequences, demonstration of the behaviour, social comparison, behavioural practice/rehearsal, generalisation of a target behaviour and addition of objects to the environment. Three BCTs (instruction on how to perform the behaviour, demonstration of the behaviour, and social comparison) and two IFs (modelling and training) were identified as promising for all outcome clusters.

Conclusions

Thirteen distinct BCTs are promising for use in future interventions to optimise health and well-being among older migrants. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of these BCTs (combinations) in various contexts and among different subgroups of older migrants, as well as the mechanisms through which they act. Given the scarcity of interventions in which cultural adaption has been taken into account, future behavioural change interventions should consider cultural appropriateness for various older migrant (sub)groups.

Trial registration

PROSPERO CRD42018112859.

Geographic disparities in access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder across US census tracts based on treatment utilization behavior

Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. with deaths from opioid overdose occurring at a higher rate in rural areas. The gaps in the provision of healthcare services have been exacerbated by the opioid crisis leaving vulnerable populations without access to preventative care and education, harm reduction, both chronic and acute treatment of the symptoms of opioid use disorder (OUD), and long-term psychological support for those with OUD and their families. There has been a call in the literature -and a federal mandate-for increased access to opioid treatment facilities, but to date this access has not been operationalized using best practices in geography. Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) with FDA-approved methadone or buprenorphine has been shown to increase treatment retention, reduce opioid use and associated health and societal harms, and reduce opioid related overdose, and as such is considered the most effective treatment for OUD. The objective of this study is to examine U.S. adults' spatial access to MOUD - specifically locations of certified Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and DATA-waived Buprenorphine providers. A gravity-based variant of the enhanced two-step floating catchment area model is employed, where friction of distance is based on previously published willingness to travel distances for patients visiting OTPs, to assess how opioid agonist treatment accessibility varies across the nation. Findings suggest that there are extensive 'treatment deserts' where there is little to no physical access to MOUD, especially in rural areas. The significance of this work lies in the incorporation of treatment utilization behavior in the access metric, and the continued confirmation of gaps in access to OUD services despite federal efforts to improve accessibility.

Availability and Affordability of Primary Health Care Among Vulnerable Populations in Urban Kumasi Metropolis: Family Health Perspective

Purpose

Health-related expenditures pose a significant burden on vulnerable populations. This study assessed the availability and affordability of primary health care among disadvantaged populations in urban Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.

Methods

This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among multi-level participants of vulnerable populations ≥18 years of age (n=710) constituting the older adults/aged, pregnant women, head porters, sex workers, and other vulnerable groups (people with disabilities and the homeless). Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to assess the association between vulnerability and access to health care.

Results

There were significant differences in the availability and adequacy of health care among the vulnerable groups studied. Distance to the source of care was >5 km for majority of the vulnerable groups and the average expenditure on a visit to the health facility was GH¢ 27.04 (∼US$ 5.55 as at January 2019). Challenges to health care among the vulnerable groups included monetary (37.9%), stigmatization (18.6%), and staff attitude (25.9%). Head porters and other vulnerable groups were less likely to view health care as affordable compared with older adults. The difference in the perception of health care affordability was, however, explained by sociodemographic characteristic and health care-related factors.

Conclusion

Despite the introduction of a National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana, this study highlights challenges in health care access among vulnerable populations independent of the type of vulnerability. This suggests the need for stakeholders to adopt other innovative care strategies that may have broader applicability for all populations.

Assessing the Role of Operative Intervention in Elderly Patients With Nonfunctional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

OBJECTIVES

Resection of locoregional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) is typically recommended, but there is a paucity of data on the management of elderly patients.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (2004-2016) was queried for patients 80 years or older with localized PanNENs. Patients were grouped as nonoperative or operative management. Postoperative outcomes and survival were compared.

RESULTS

In total, 591 patients were included: 202 underwent resection, and 389 did not. Increasing age and pancreatic head tumors were associated with lower likelihood of resection. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 6.4%, which was higher for pancreatoduodenectomy than distal pancreatectomy (13.6% vs 5.1%, respectively). Operatively managed patients had longer median survival (80.8 vs 45.0 months, P < 0.001), and this association was independent of tumor location. On multivariable Cox regression, resection remained associated with longer survival (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.95). Among operatively managed patients, age and tumor location were not associated with survival; however, greater comorbidity and high-risk tumor-specific features were associated with worse survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of nonfunctional PanNENs in elderly patients is associated with improved survival compared with nonoperative management. Resection could be considered in appropriate operative candidates, regardless of tumor location, but the perioperative mortality rate must be considered.

Health Care Responsiveness by Conventional, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Providers in a National Sample of Middle-Aged and Older Adults in India in 2017–2018

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of health care responsiveness by conventional, traditional and complementary medicine providers in middle-aged and older community-dwelling adults from the India Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 in 2017–2018.

Methods

The cross-sectional sample included 37,852 participants who received outpatient health care in the past 12 months, of which 33,615 had visited a conventional health facility, 2120 an AYUSH facility, and 2117 a traditional health practitioner (THP).

Results

The prevalence of poor health care responsiveness was 10.1% overall, and 10.7% for the conventional health facility, 8.3% for AYUSH, and 5.7% for the THP. In adjusted logistic regression analysis using the whole sample, the prevalence of poor health care responsiveness was significantly lower among AYUSH and THP clients than among conventional health care clients. Having higher education, higher socioeconomic status and being a Sikh decreased the odds of poor health care responsiveness, while being a member of a caste, having two or more chronic diseases, functional disability, and visiting the health facility for immunisation increased the odds of poor health care responsiveness. In regard to the AYUSH provider, older age decreased the odds and member of a caste, being a Christian and functional disability increased the odds of poor health care responsiveness, and in terms of the THP, being a Sikh decreased the odds and older age, functional disability and visiting the THP for immunisation and for treatment for injury/accident increased the odds of poor health care responsiveness.

Discussion

One in ten middle-aged or older adults in India reported poor health care responsiveness, and several sociodemographic and health factors were identified associated with poor health care responsiveness by different service providers.

Willingness, perceived barriers and motivators in adopting mobile applications for health-related interventions among older adults: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aims to identify the level of willingness, the existing barriers, and motivators among older adults in using mobile applications to monitor and manage their health conditions. The secondary aim of this paper is to categorise these willingness, barriers and motivators using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

DESIGN

Scoping review.

DATA SOURCE

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and Science Direct (January 2009-December 2020).

STUDY SELECTION

Studies that describe older adults' perspectives with regard to their willingness, barriers or motivators towards the use of mobile applications in monitoring and managing their health condition were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Titles and abstracts were initially screened by two reviewers. Articles agreed by both reviewers were proceeded to full-text screening. One reviewer extracted the data, which were verified by a second reviewer. Findings were further classified according to the 14 TDF domains by two researchers.

RESULTS

Six studies were included in the final scoping review. Barriers to adopting mobile applications for health-related interventions among older adults were the most common topic identified in the included studies. Barriers included being unaware of the existence of mobile health applications, lack of technological skills, lack of perceived ability and time, absence of professional involvements, and violation of trust and privacy. With regard to willingness, older adults are willing to use mobile applications if the apps incorporated features from a trusted source and have valid credentials. Motivators included continuous improvements of mobile applications' design interface and personalised features tailored to older adults' needs.

CONCLUSIONS

With the constant research for more diversified technology, the development of mobile applications to help older adults to manage and monitor health is seen as feasible, but barriers have to be addressed. The most prominent barriers linked to TDF domains were: (1) technological skills, (2) belief about consequences, and (3) memory, attention and decision process. Future interventions should use behaviour change techniques that target these three TDF domains in order to improve the ability to engage older adults with mobile technology.

A Geodemographic View of the Accessibility of Selected Outpatient Services in Czechia

Objectives: Although people use health services throughout their lives, there are important differences in timing, location, and frequency of utilization. The aim of this article is to identify and explain these differences in terms of healthcare accessibility.

Methods: Outpatient health services—diabetology, cardiology, and psychiatry—are analysed using anonymized data from the General Health Insurance Company (GHIC) in Czechia for 2019. Healthcare utilization is studied in relation to selected geodemographic characteristics—patient’s age, sex, place of permanent residence, and location of healthcare provision.

Results: The analysis found significant differences in the utilization of the selected health services in terms of age, sex, and size of the patient’s municipality of residence. Generally, men tended to travel outside their municipality for healthcare more than women. Young patients were more likely (and also further) to travel outside their municipality for healthcare than older patients.

Conclusion: The reasons for this were the location of the health service provider (mostly concentrated in local/regional centres), the patient’s ability and willingness to travel for healthcare, and differences in the patient’s permanent and ordinary place of residence.

COVID-19 hospital and emergency department visitor policies in the United States: Impact on persons with cognitive or physical impairment or receiving end-of-life care

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the national distribution of COVID-19 hospital and emergency department visitor restriction policies across the United States, focusing on patients with cognitive or physical impairment or receiving end-of-life care.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of visitor policies and exceptions, using a nationally representative random sample of EDs and hospitals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, by trained study investigators using standardized instrument.

RESULTS

Of the 352 hospitals studied, 326 (93%) had a COVID-19 hospital-wide visitor restriction policy and 164 (47%) also had an ED-specific policy. Hospital-wide policies were more prevalent at academic than non-academic (96% vs 90%; P < 0.05) and at urban than rural sites (95% vs 84%; P < 0.001); however, the prevalence of ED-specific policies did not significantly differ across these site characteristics. Geographic region was not associated with the prevalence of any visitor policies. Among all study sites, only 58% of hospitals reported exceptions for patients receiving end-of-life care, 39% for persons with cognitive impairment, and 33% for persons with physical impairment, and only 12% provided policies in non-English languages. Sites with ED-specific policies reported even fewer exceptions for patients with cognitive impairment (29%), with physical impairments (24%), or receiving end-of-life care (26%).

CONCLUSION

Although the benefits of visitor policies towards curbing COVID-19 transmission had not been firmly established, such policies were widespread among US hospitals. Exceptions that permitted family or other caregivers for patients with cognitive or physical impairments or receiving end-of-life care were predominantly lacking, as were policies in non-English languages.

Access to pain medicines and follow-up consultation after radiofrequency ablation for trigeminal neuralgia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background:

In the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, follow-up of patients with trigeminal neuralgia post radio-frequency ablation (RFA) of the Gasserian ganglion was restricted because of closure of pain clinic services (PCSs) at our institution, travel restrictions, and fear of contracting COVID-19 infection by hospital visit. Periodic follow-ups are a must in this group of patients. Because the access to pain medications and consultations remained restricted, we tried identifying the factors predisposing to these difficulties in patients.

Methods:

We had contacted patients telephonically, who underwent RFA at our institution in the past 5 years as the PCS had not re-started to follow up with in-person consultation. Demographics, socio-economic factors, clinical factors, literacy status, distance to the health care system, and current health status were noted. Collected data were analyzed descriptively, and correlations were calculated between the predictors for difficulty in follow-up to access the medications and consultations.

Results:

Out of 121 patients who underwent RFA in the past 5 years, 73 were accessible on phone. Of these, 42.46% (31/73) patients had difficulty in accessing either medications or consultation. The literacy status of the patient was the strongest predictor (0.044) with a negative correlation (-1.216). Difficulty in accessing PCS was associated with a poor health status (p-0.032) and higher pain scores (0.066).

Conclusion:

Along with the clinical factors, we have to overlook other factors in predicting difficulty to access PCS in trigeminal neuralgia patients post the RFA status. Difficulty in access to pain medicines and/or consultations was associated with a poor health status and higher pain scores.

Inequalities in Older age and Primary Health Care Utilization in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

The objective of this research was to systematically review and synthesize quantitative studies that assessed the association between socioeconomic inequalities and primary health care (PHC) utilization among older people living in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). Six databases were searched, including Embase, Medline, Psych Info, Global Health, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CNKI, to identify eligible studies. A narrative synthesis approach was used for evidence synthesis. A total of 20 eligible cross-sectional studies were included in this systematic review. The indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) identified included income level, education, employment/occupation, and health insurance. Most studies reported that higher income, higher educational levels and enrollment in health insurance plans were associated with increased PHC utilization. Several studies suggested that people who were unemployed and economically inactive in older age or who had worked in formal sectors were more likely to use PHC. Our findings suggest a pro-rich phenomenon of PHC utilization in older people living in LMICs, with results varying by indicators of SES and study settings.

Association between transportation barriers and anticoagulation control among an inner-city, low-income population: A prospective observational cohort study

Background

Anticoagulation with warfarin represents a transportation-sensitive treatment state. Transportation barrier is a common reason for not using health care services.

Objective

To assess the association between transportation barriers to anticoagulation clinic and anticoagulation control (AC) among an inner-city, low-income population.

Patients/Methods

Adults expected to be on chronic warfarin therapy were recruited from an ambulatory anticoagulation clinic. Participants completed a validated questionnaire that assessed transportation barriers to clinic, defined as self-reported trouble getting transportation to a clinic and a composite score of the presence of transportation barriers. Suboptimal AC was defined as time in therapeutic range (TTR) <60% over 6 months. Prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for age, sex, and annual household income, described the association of transportation trouble and barriers with AC.

Results

Of 133 participants, 42.9% had suboptimal AC. Mean age was 60.4 (SD, 13.6) years, and the majority of participants were women (62.2%). Participants with transportation trouble were more likely to report being disabled/unable to work (63.6%) and annual household income <$15 000 (45.5%). Mean TTR was significantly lower for participants with transportation trouble compared to those without (53.8% [SD, 24.7%] vs 64.7% [SD, 25.0%]; P = .03). Participants reporting transportation trouble or at least one transportation barrier were 1.60 (95% CI, 1.07-2.39) and 1.68 (95% CI, 1.01-2.80) times more likely, respectively, to have suboptimal AC compared to those without.

Conclusion

Inner-city, low-income individuals with transportation barriers were more likely to have suboptimal AC. Further research is warranted to evaluate the impact of alleviating patient-specific transportation barriers on anticoagulation outcomes.

Factors influencing access and utilization of health services among older people during the COVID - 19 pandemic: a scoping review

Background

Access to healthcare and service utilization are both considered essential factors for improving the general health and wellbeing of older people, especially at the time of COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study is to explore factors affecting healthcare access and health service utilization for older people during the pandemic.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were systematically searched for relevant articles. Access, utilization, health, elderly and COVID-19 were used as keywords in the search strategy. A total of 4308 articles were identified through the initial database search; 50 articles were included in the review as passing the eligibility criteria. The searches were conducted up to August 2021. Data extraction was performed, and evidence was descriptively illustrated. Thematic analysis was used to explore factors influencing the elderly’s access and utilization of healthcare services, using Max QDA₁₀, a qualitative analysis software.

Results

Among articles included in the review (n = 50), a majority of the studies were from the United States (36%), followed by India (8%). According to the main healthcare services, a large number of articles (18%) were related to mental health services, followed by digital health services (16%). Factors were identified at an individual, provider and systems level. Seven main themes emerged from the thematic analysis, as determinants of elderly’s access and utilization of healthcare services during COVID-19 pandemic. These included: access to non-COVID related services, access to COVID-related services, literacy and education, accommodation challenges, perceived attitudes of aging, and policies and structures, and social determinants.

Conclusion

Mental health and digital health services were identified as major issues influencing or contributing to or influencing older people’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also argue on the importance of a rounded view, as attention to a range of factors is vital for policy decisions towards sustainable care and equitable interventions for improving the health of older people.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13690-021-00719-9.

Association Between Crowdsourced Health Care Facility Ratings and Mortality in US Counties

IMPORTANCE

Mortality across US counties varies considerably, from 252 to 1847 deaths per 100 000 people in 2018. Although patient satisfaction with health care is associated with patient- and facility-level health outcomes, the association between health care satisfaction and community-level health outcomes is not known.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between online ratings of health care facilities and mortality across US counties and to identify language specific to 1-star (lowest rating) and 5-star (highest rating) reviews in counties with high vs low mortality.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective population-based cross-sectional study examined reviews and ratings of 95 120 essential health care facilities across 1301 US counties. Counties that had at least 1 essential health care facility with reviews available on Yelp, an online review platform, were included. Essential health care was defined according to the 10 essential health benefits covered by Affordable Care Act insurance plans.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The mean rating of essential health care facilities was calculated by county from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019. Ratings were on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being the worst rating and 5 the best. County-level composite measures of health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment were obtained from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health County Health Rankings database. The 2018 age-adjusted mortality by county was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research database. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to estimate the association between mean facility rating and mortality, adjusting for county health ranking variables. Words with frequencies of use that were significantly different across 1-star and 5-star reviews in counties with high vs low mortality were identified.

RESULTS

The 95 120 facilities meeting inclusion criteria were distributed across 1301 of 3142 US counties (41.4%). At the county level, a 1-point increase in mean rating was associated with a mean (SE) age-adjusted decrease of 18.05 (3.68) deaths per 100 000 people (P < .001). Words specific to 1-star reviews in high-mortality counties included told, rude, and wait, and words specific to 5-star reviews in low-mortality counties included Dr, pain, and professional.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study found that, at the county level, higher online ratings of essential health care facilities were associated with lower mortality. Equivalent online ratings did not necessarily reflect equivalent experiences of care across counties with different mortality levels, as evidenced by variations in the frequency of use of key words in reviews. These findings suggest that online ratings and reviews may provide insight into unequal experiences of essential health care.

Psychometric evaluation of the perceived access to health care questionnaire

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Access to health care is a universal concern. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a questionnaire to assess the Perceived Access to Health care based on Penchansky and Thomas's definition of access and the assessment of its psychometric properties.

METHOD

The initial questionnaire contains 31 items developed based on a deductive approach with an extensive review of the related literature. Content validity, face validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and instrument reliability were further examined. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 24, R software version 4, and lavaan package.

RESULTS

The initial questionnaire was examined using qualitative content validity, and the necessary modifications were applied to each item. The content validity ratio (CVR) was approved in 30 items with a value greater than 0.78, and one item with a CVR value lower than 0.78 was removed. In the case of the content validity index (CVI), 29 items were approved with a CVI value of greater than 0.79, and one item with a CVI value between 0.70 and 0.79 was revised. In qualitative face validity, all items were approved by a panel of experts and the participants. All 30 items with an impact score index higher than 1.5 were approved for the next steps. The confirmatory factor analysis results showed that the six-factor model of access to health care has an appropriate fit. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the questionnaire was calculated 0.86. The value of Cronbach's alpha for the dimensions of availability, accessibility, affordability, accommodation, acceptability, and awareness were 0.61, 0.76, 0.66, 0.60, 0.80, and 0.76, respectively. The Intraclass Correlation Index (ICC) value for reliability (test-retest) of the whole instrument was calculated 0.94 using the two-way mixed absolute agreement method.

CONCLUSION

The success of health programs depends on eliminating barriers to access to provided health care services. One of the most critical barriers to understanding access is a perception of limited access. This questionnaire might be used further to understand perceived health care access in different global contexts.