Usability of the 4Ms Worksheet in the Emergency Department for Older Patients: A Qualitative Study

Introduction

Older adults often have multiple comorbidities; therefore, they are at high risk for adverse events after discharge. The 4Ms framework-what matters, medications, mentation, mobility-has been used in acute and ambulatory care settings to identify risk factors for adverse events in older adults, although it has not been used in the emergency department (ED). We aimed to determine whether 1) use of the 4Ms worksheet would help emergency clinicians understand older adult patients' goals of care and 2) use of the worksheet was feasible in the ED.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative, descriptive study among patients aged ≥60 years and emergency clinicians from January-June 2022. Patients were asked to fill out a 4Ms worksheet; following this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and clinicians separately. We analysed data to create codes, which were divided into categories and sub-categories.

Results

A total of 20 older patients and 19 emergency clinicians were interviewed. We identified two categories based on our aims: understanding patient goals of care (sub-categories: clinician/ patient concordance; understanding underlying goals of care; underlying goals of care discrepancy) and use of 4Ms Worksheet (sub-categories: worksheet to discussion discrepancy; challenges using worksheet; challenge completing worksheet before discharge). Rates of concordance between patient and clinician on main concern/goal of care and underlying goals of care were 82.4% and 15.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

We found that most patients and emergency clinicians agreed on the main goal of care, although clinicians often failed to elicit patients' underlying goal(s) of care. Additionally, many patients preferred to have the interviewer fill out the worksheet for them. There was often discrepancy between what was written and what was discussed with the interviewer. More research is needed to determine the best way to integrate the 4Ms framework within emergency care.

Caregivers' Contributions to Heart Failure Self-care: An Updated Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

A previous systematic review reporting the contributions of informal, unpaid caregivers to patient heart failure (HF) self-care requires updating to better inform research, practice, and policy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to provide an updated review answering the questions: (1) What specific activities do informal caregivers of adults with HF take part in related to HF self-care? (2) Have the activities that informal caregivers of adults with HF take part in related to HF self-care changed over time? (3) What are the gaps in the science?

METHODS

This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched. Eligible studies involved an informal, unpaid caregiver of an adult with HF as a study variable or participant. Caregiving activities were benchmarked using the theory of self-care in chronic illness.

RESULTS

Two thousand one hundred fifty-four research reports were identified, of which 64 met criteria. Caregivers' contributions occurred in self-care maintenance (91%), monitoring (54%), and management (46%). Activities performed directly on or to the patient were reported more frequently than activities performed for the patient. Change over time involved the 3 domains differentially. Gaps include ambiguous self-care activity descriptions, inadequate caregiving time quantification, and underrepresented self-care monitoring, supportive, and communication activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Newly identified caregiver-reported activities support updating the theory of self-care in chronic illness to include activities currently considered ancillary to HF self-care. Identified gaps highlight the need to define specific caregiving activities, determine task difficulty and burden, and identify caregiver self-care strategy and education needs. Exposing the hidden work of caregiving is essential to inform policy and practice.

Adaption of the Casey-Fink Survey Tool for Nurse Residency Programs: Making It Relevant for Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Residency Programs

OBJECTIVE

This evaluation project focused on assessing the content validity of an adapted version of the Casey-Fink (CF) Graduate Nurse Experience Survey, which is aimed at measuring role transitions in nursing.

BACKGROUND

Registered nurses in the hospice and palliative care field need training and confidence to be proficient in core skills including communication, interprofessional competence, and clinical skills required to care for the dying patient. However, a review of the literature revealed a gap in the availability of survey instruments to measure the confidence of nurses entering the field of hospice and palliative care.

METHODS

Ten items from the CF survey were revised by the project team and then evaluated for relevance by a group of 7 national hospice and palliative experts. The content validity index (CVI) was used to determine item relevance.

RESULTS

Item-level CVI (I-CVI) calculations ranged from 0.57 to 1.0. The 8 items scored between 0.80 and 1.0 were retained as written. One item required further revision (I-CVI, 0.71), and 1 item revision was eliminated (I-CVI, 0.57). Experts also suggested 5 additional items in the original CF-survey need modification.

CONCLUSION

The adapted CF-survey tool is ready for further psychometric testing, and next steps include administration to a new sample of nurse residents to determine construct validity.

Examining how congruence in and satisfaction with dyadic care type appraisal contribute to quality of life in heart failure care dyads

AIMS

Given the complexity of heart failure (HF) management, persons with HF and their informal caregivers often engage in dyadic illness management. It is unknown how congruent appraisal of dyadic HF care type is associated with dyadic health. Our aim was to examine how congruence in and satisfaction with appraisal of dyadic HF care type contribute to quality of life (QOL) for dyads.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data on 275 HF care dyads (patients 45.1% female, caregivers 70.5% female). Congruent appraisal and satisfaction were assessed using the Dyadic Symptom Management Type instrument. Quality of life was measured using the Short Form-12. Multilevel dyadic models were estimated to examine the contribution of congruence and satisfaction with dyadic care type to physical and mental QOL. Congruent appraisal of dyadic care type was positively associated with caregivers' mental QOL (B = 2.69, P = 0.026). Satisfaction with dyadic care type was positively associated with physical and mental QOL for persons with HF (B = 1.58, P = 0.011 and B = 2.09, P = 0.002, respectively) and informal caregivers (B = 1.70, P = 0.004 and B = 2.90, P < 0.001, respectively), while controlling for age, New York Heart Association class, daily hours spent together, relationship type, and congruence with dyadic care type.

CONCLUSION

Satisfaction with dyadic care type appraisal was a stronger contributor to QOL for HF care dyads, compared with congruent appraisals. It is important to understand reasons for dissatisfaction within the dyad to assist dyad members in reaching shared appraisals while managing HF.

Readiness to Plan for Aging and Frailty: Examining Contextual Factors

As older adults live longer, individual and societal efforts must be directed toward strategies to promote healthy and successful aging. Planning for aging and frailty offers an opportunity for older adults to optimize their well-being and proactively prepare across their aging trajectory. The current study evaluated the relationship between contextual factors (functional status, frailty, health status, social support) that influence older adults' readiness to engage in planning in five domains of aging (communication, environmental, financial, physical care, cognitive) through the transtheoretical stages of change. Results showed that factors influencing active planning include older age, vulnerability, living situation, and social support. These results add to the discourse on future care planning through a comprehensive approach to planning across a life course perspective, while highlighting the importance of future research at individual and societal levels. Gerontological nurses are well-positioned to lead planning efforts for older adults that promote well-being, patient-centered care, and healthy aging. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(2), 27-35.].

Systematic review of conceptual and theoretical frameworks used in palliative care and end-of-life care research studies

BACKGROUND

Frameworks are the conceptual underpinnings of the study. Both conceptual and theoretical frameworks are often used in palliative and end-of-life care studies to help with study design, guide, and conduct investigations. While an increasing number of investigators have included frameworks in their study, to date, there has not been a comprehensive review of frameworks that were utilized in palliative and end-of-life care research studies.

AIM

To summarize conceptual and theoretical frameworks used in palliative and end-of-life care research studies. And to synthesize which of eight domains from the National Consensus Project's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care (fourth edition) each framework belongs to.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Four electronic databases (EMBASE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, PsychINFO, and PubMed) were searched from July 2010 to September 2021.

RESULTS

A total 2231 citations were retrieved, of which 44 articles met eligibility. Across primary studies, 33,801 study participants were captured. Twenty-six investigators (59.1%) proposed previously unpublished frameworks. In 10 studies, investigators modified existing frameworks, mainly to overcome inherent limitations. In eight studies, investigators utilized existing frameworks referenced in previously published studies. There were eight orientations identified among 44 frameworks we reviewed (e.g. system, patient, patient-doctor).

CONCLUSIONS

We examined palliative and end-of-life research studies to identify and characterize conceptual or theoretical frameworks proposed or utilized. Of 44 frameworks we reviewed, 21 studies (47.7%) were aligned with a Clinical Practice Guideline's single domain, while the rest two or more of eight guidelines in quality palliative care domains.

Exploring the role of expectancy in older US participants' response to an accelerated resolution therapy intervention for prolonged grief disorder

Accelerated resolution therapy (ART) is a psychotherapy for the treatment of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) defined as severe, enduring longing for the lost person. Currently, ART lacks examination of intrapersonal processes, like expectancy, as behavioural mechanisms for action. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to present the findings on participants' treatment expectations of ART for PGD and then discuss potential hypotheses for future testing. This study was a primary qualitative descriptive analysis of prospectively collected interview data (collected 2017-2019) accrued as part of a randomised, wait-list controlled clinical trial in bereaved hospice family caregivers in the United States. The sample included 29 former informal caregivers who were at least 1-year post death of their care recipient. They were primarily female, older (67.4 ± 7.1 years), and a little over half (n = 18) had been married to their care recipient. Thematic analysis resulted in three distinct themes with six sub-themes: The role of knowledge in expectations (sub-themes uncertainty, prior knowledge); The role of personality in expectations (sub-themes openness, positive affect); and Expecting a process (sub-themes cognitive processes, affective processes) which described the interaction of person and process in shaping expectations of our intervention. An across theme analysis of the specificity of the participants' expectations uncovered that knowledge and personality inform expectations of ART and that individuals who verbalise a process for recovery tend to be very specific in their expectations. Three hypotheses for testing are put forward and implications for practice, research and policy discussed.

Development of a Planning for Aging and Frailty Questionnaire

There is a gap in understanding adults' readiness to plan for adaptions across the aging trajectory. The purpose of the current psychometric project was to develop and test the Planning for Aging and Frailty Questionnaire. Clinical experience and extant literature formed the basis for creating items measuring planning for aging. Content validity was established with gerontology and health service research experts. Face validity testing was conducted through two cognitive interviewing and debriefing sessions at a senior center. All survey questions resulted in a content validity index ≥0.80 from experts. Face validity testing involved successful completion of the survey by 12 adults followed by cognitive interviewing/debriefing, resulting in minor changes. The 21-item Planning for Aging and Frailty Questionnaire demonstrates good initial validity and can be used to measure readiness in planning for aging and personal experiences and experiences with others. Further testing with additional usage is warranted. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 15(5), 239-244.].

PLAN: Preparing and Living for Aging Now; A descriptive study invesitigating older adults' readiness to plan for aging and frailty

OBJECTIVES

Many older adults want to age in place but do not make plans. Understanding how and under what conditions adults prepare/plan ahead is vital given population aging and increasing frailty. This study examines the stages of change and experiences (personal/others) related to readiness to plan for aging and frailty.

METHODS

Descriptive cross-sectional.

SETTING

Community-dwelling.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 50-80(N = 252).

DATA COLLECTION

demographics, other characteristics, stages of change, experiences (personal/others) was assessed with survey questions.

DATA ANALYSIS

frequencies/percentages, McNemar test, Chi-square.

RESULTS

Among domains, participants' percentages in action/maintenance stages ranged from 28.2% (cognitive) to 68.7% (financial). Participants had increased experience with others across domains rather than self. Older participants (≥ 70) vs. younger (50-69) reported statistically significant greater planning in action/maintenance stages for all domains (p < .05) with the exception of cognitive.

DISCUSSION

Examining the concept of planning for aging and frailty provides a foundation for future work to develop/test interventions aimed at increasing readiness for aging.

Quality of Life of Older Adults With Complicated Grief: A Mixed Methods Exploration

The current mixed methods study investigated what changes in quality of life (QOL) mean to older adults with complicated grief treated with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) post-hospice services. An informational matrix, which included select patient characteristics (e.g., number of comorbidities, single versus multiple deaths, relationship role), four identified qualitative themes, end of study QOL scores measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health-Related QOL Healthy Days Module, and changes in scores from baseline to end of study, was created to analyze the data. Results showed that although a history of multiple deaths may contribute to greater improvements in QOL with therapy, having at least one comorbidity resulted in a richer description and endorsement of QOL in response to treatment. This is the first longitudinal, randomized controlled trial using a mixed methods approach to examine QOL of hospice family caregivers with complicated grief who are receiving ART. This study identifies potential links of QOL and caregiver characteristics, providing nurses with foundational knowledge for assessment, care, and further research on the experiences of complicated grief. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(5), 19-26.].

Classifying Heart Failure Caregivers as Adequately or Inadequately Resourced to Care: A Latent Class Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To identify classes of heart failure (HF) caregivers based upon indicators of coping resources and stress, and then, to examine the relationships between the identified caregiver classes and depression, caregiver burden, and life changes.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from 530 HF caregivers were analyzed in this secondary analysis using a three-step latent class mixture model to classify caregivers based on level of resources and examine the relationship between the identified classes and depression, caregiver burden, and life changes. Using an online survey, caregivers reported on social support, problem-solving, family function, depression, caregiver burden, and life changes.

RESULTS

Caregivers were 41.39 (± 10.38) years of age, 49.1% women, 78.3% white, 77.6% urban-dwelling, and 61.7% college/postgraduate educated. Three classes of caregivers (42.3% Adequately Resourced, 25.1% At Risk for Decompensation, 32.6% Inadequately Resourced) were identified. Inadequately Resourced caregivers had the lowest levels of social support, problem-solving, and family function and the highest levels of depression and caregiver burden. Caregivers At Risk for Decompensation had the best family function and reported the most positive perceptions of life changes despite low levels of social support and problem-solving.

CONCLUSION

Social support, problem-solving, and family function are modifiable coping resources which may buffer stress and influence stress indicators. Caregivers with few coping resources may experience higher degrees of depression and burden, and less positive perceptions of life changes. More research is needed to examine the influence of these coping resources on caregiver adaptation to facilitate the development of targeted interventions which support caregiver mental health.

A Longitudinal Examination of Quality of Life of Older Adults with Complicated Grief Receiving Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Objective: To examine the effect of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) on the quality of life (QOL) of older adults with complicated grief (CG) over time. Design: Subanalysis of a randomized controlled trial. Setting/Subject: Older adult, former caregivers were recruited from a large hospice in the southeastern United States to be treated with ART for CG. Measurement: The CDC Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) Healthy Days Module was administered pre-, post-, and eight weeks after therapy. Results: The subsample consisted of 27 older adults. A multilevel model indicated a statistically significant, negative difference of 8.21 (improvement) in QOL scores for each period of data collection (β = -8.21, t = 4.02, p < 0.001). Both the intervention (11%, p = 0.013) and time (7.8%, growth curve p = 0.014) contributed significantly. Conclusion: There was a significant large effect of ART on CG. This study supports concurrent improved patient-related outcome-QOL.

Quality of life of older adults with complicated grief: A thematic analysis

Approximately 15% of the general population has complicated grief (CG). Understanding how older adults with CG describe their quality of life (QOL) is crucial to healthcare workers especially in hospice and mental health settings. Four themes for QOL emerged from the thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. From highest to lowest endorsement, they were Mental Function (sub-themes: mental health, joy, and happiness), Self-management (sub-themes: self-efficacy and self-agency), Social Support, and Physical Function. This study provides new information related to the relationships between CG and QOL among older adults. Multidimensional aspects of QOL can provide insight into delivering individualized patient- and family-centered care.

American Academy of Nursing Expert Panel consensus statement on nursing's roles in ensuring universal palliative care access

The purpose of this consensus paper was to convene leaders and scholars from eight Expert Panels of the American Academy of Nursing and provide recommendations to advance nursing's roles and responsibility to ensure universal access to palliative care. Part I of this consensus paper herein provides the rationale and background to support the policy, education, research, and clinical practice recommendations put forward in Part II. On behalf of the Academy, the evidence-based recommendations will guide nurses, policy makers, government representatives, professional associations, and interdisciplinary and community partners to integrate palliative nursing services across health and social care settings. The consensus paper's 43 authors represent eight countries (Australia, Canada, England, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, South Africa, United States of America) and extensive international health experience, thus providing a global context for the subject matter. The authors recommend greater investments in palliative nursing education and nurse-led research, nurse engagement in policy making, enhanced intersectoral partnerships with nursing, and an increased profile and visibility of palliative nurses worldwide. By enacting these recommendations, nurses working in all settings can assume leading roles in delivering high-quality palliative care globally, particularly for minoritized, marginalized, and other at-risk populations.

International consensus-based policy recommendations to advance universal palliative care access from the American Academy of Nursing Expert Panels

The purpose of this consensus paper was to convene leaders and scholars from eight Expert Panels of the American Academy of Nursing and provide recommendations to advance nursing's roles and responsibility to ensure universal access to palliative care. On behalf of the Academy, these evidence-based recommendations will guide nurses, policy makers, government representatives, professional associations, and interdisciplinary and community partners to integrate palliative nursing services across health and social care settings. Through improved palliative nursing education, nurse-led research, nurse engagement in policy making, enhanced intersectoral partnerships with nursing, and an increased profile and visibility of palliative care nurses worldwide, nurses can assume leading roles in delivering high-quality palliative care globally, particularly for minoritized, marginalized, and other at-risk populations. Part II herein provides a summary of international responses and policy options that have sought to enhance universal palliative care and palliative nursing access to date. Additionally, we provide ten policy, education, research, and clinical practice recommendations based on the rationale and background information found in Part I. The consensus paper's 43 authors represent eight countries (Australia, Canada, England, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, South Africa, United States of America) and extensive international health experience, thus providing a global context for the subject matter.

An integrative review of chronic illness mHealth self-care interventions: Mapping technology features to patient outcomes

Mobile health (mHealth)-hand-held technologies to address health priorities-has significant potential to answer the growing need for patient chronic illness self-care interventions. Previous reviews examined mHealth effect on patient outcomes. None have a detailed examination and mapping of specific technology features to targeted health outcomes. Examine recent chronic illness mHealth self-care interventions; map the study descriptors, mHealth technology features, and study outcomes. (1) Information extracted from PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases for clinical outcomes studies published 2010-January 2020; and (2) realist synthesis techniques for within and across case analysis. From 652 records, 32 studies were examined. Median study duration was 19.5 weeks. Median sample size was 62 participants. About 47% of interventions used solely patient input versus digital input; 50% sent tailored messages versus generic messages; 22% augmented the intervention with human interaction. Studies with positive clinical outcomes had higher use of digital input. Software descriptions were lacking. Most studies built interventions: only two incorporated target audience participation in development. We recommend researchers provide sufficient system description detail. Future research includes: data input characteristics; impact of augmentation with human interaction on outcomes; and development decisions.

Characteristics of dyadic care types among patients living with multiple chronic conditions and their informal caregivers

AIMS

To examine the distribution of dyadic care types in multiple chronic conditions, compare self-care and caregiver contributions to patients' self-care in each care type and identify the patient and caregiver characteristics associated with each care type.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a multicentre, cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Patient-caregiver dyads were enrolled from outpatient clinics and community settings. The Dyadic Symptom Management Type Scale was used to categorize dyads by type. Self-care, self-efficacy, comorbidities and cognitive impairment were measured in patients, whereas caregiver contributions to patient self-care, self-efficacy, caregiver burden and hours of caregiving were measured in caregivers. Sociodemographic characteristics perceived social support and mutuality were measured in both patients and caregivers. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A sample of 541 patient-caregiver dyads was examined. The most frequent dyadic care type was the collaborative-oriented (63%). In the patient-oriented type, patients scored higher on self-care compared with caregivers; in the caregiver-oriented and collaborative types, caregivers scored higher than patients supporting the typology. The patient-oriented type was associated with younger, healthier male patients with better cognitive status, who scored higher for mutuality and whose caregivers scored lower for burden. The caregiver-oriented type was associated with older, less educated patients, with caregivers experiencing higher burden and unemployment. The collaborative type was associated with sicker patients, with the caregiver more probably to be female and employed, with higher perceived social support, mutuality and burden. The incongruent dyadic care type was associated with lower caregiver mutuality.

IMPACT

In the context of multiple chronic conditions, clinicians should consider targeting any educational interventions aimed at improving patient self-care and caregiver contributions to self-care by dyadic care types.

Using Appreciative Inquiry to Optimize a Person-Centered Care Training Program for Clinical Champions in Rural Critical Access Hospitals

Person-centered care (PCC) involves shared decision-making between the individual and provider and is widely recognized as the gold standard of care. However, not all organizations have successfully implemented PCC, especially those in rural settings with limited resources. Implementation strategies, such as clinical champions, are key to PCC uptake. The purpose of the current article is to illustrate how Appreciative Inquiry, a strengths-based framework for transformational change, can be used to optimize a successful PCC champion training program. Appreciative Inquiry employs the quality improvement processes of (a) define, (b) discover, (c) dream, (d) design, and (e) deliver/destiny. Using Appreciative Inquiry, we were able to identify three new long-term goals and add supporting features to an existing champion training program. The methods developed herein could be implemented by researchers and evidence-based practice councils to improve the care of older adults in any care setting to make it more person-centered. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47(8), 7-12.].

Caregivers' Loss of the Dyadic Experience after Their Care Partners' Death

Little is known about the experience of family caregivers when their care partner dies and their dyadic relationship comes to an end. This study qualitatively examined and characterized the loss of the dyadic experience for the caregiver after the death of their care partner. Data was accrued as part of a randomized clinical trial in 29 older hospice caregivers. Iterative thematic analysis focused on dyadic processes before, during and post death. Using two relational parameters from Relational Turbulence Theory resulted in a preliminary characterization of a new concept-dyadic dissolution as a cognitive and affective process whereby a remaining member of a dyad experiences relational uncertainty and partner interference while adapting (or not) to the death of their care partner. Findings suggest that asking several open-ended questions about the dyadic relationship will enable assessment for any continuing impact of relational uncertainty and partner interference on bereaved caregivers.

The pre-efficacy phase testing for PAfitME™-A behavioral physical activity intervention to manage moderate and severe symptoms among advanced stage cancer patients

Fatigue and pain are the most frequently reported symptoms among advanced-stage cancer patients. Although physical activity (PA) is known to improve the aforementioned symptoms, few patients demonstrate the physically active behavior that adheres to the clinical guidelines regarding PA. The current article presents an exemplar that used the National Institute of Health's Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trial (ORBIT) model and developed a behavioral intervention known as the personalized Physical Activity intervention with fitness graded Motion Exergames (PAfitME™). There were two phases of testing in the ORBIT model presented in the current paper. In Phase I testing, a standardized exergame prescription was evaluated by an advisory board and a single-case study was used to evaluate the personalized exergame prescription with personalization of the fitness levels. In Phase IIa, a within-group pre- and posttest design was used to evaluate the personalized exergame prescriptions with personalization of the fitness levels, self-efficacy, and variation in fatigue/pain. Subsequently, a complete intervention package was developed in accordance with a logic model, driven from the result of the Phase IIa testing with clinically significant findings. Currently, PAfitME™ is under Phase IIb testing in a randomized clinical trial with a control group. PAfitME™ employs a personalized approach to initiate and promote physically active behavior, to facilitate the management of fatigue and pain in cancer patients. Positive results from an efficacy trial would support the use of PAfitME™ in the management of fatigue and pain in advanced-stage cancer patients.

Challenges in Obtaining and Assessing Salivary Cortisol and α-Amylase in an Over 60 Population Undergoing Psychotherapeutic Treatment for Complicated Grief: Lessons Learned

Biomarkers may serve as objective measures in complicated grief (CG) potentially capturing responses to stress reduction treatment. This paper reports challenges in obtaining and assessing salivary cortisol and α-amylase (sAA) for a recent randomized clinical trial. Within-session changes in salivary cortisol and sAA for 54 older adults with CG who received Accelerated Resolution Therapy were compared with perceived stress measured by Subjective Units of Distress Scale. Bivariate correlations and multiple regressions examined changes in biomarkers. Protocols, study logs, and audit reports identified challenges. Challenges included obtaining unstimulated passive drool salivary samples and their analyses. Our sample of older females on multiple medications may have resulted in a perfect storm of moderating and intervening variables which affected the stress response. This paper contributes to the discussion on designing clinical trials for older adults which must account for physiologic changes, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy common in this population and makes recommendations moving forward.

Heart Failure Caregiver Self-Care: A Latent Class Analysis

Little is known about heart failure (HF) caregiver self-care. This article reports a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional, descriptive study involving 530 HF caregivers. A three-step latent class mixture model identified HF caregiver classes at risk for poor self-care and examined the relationship between the identified self-care classes and caregiver burden and depression. Caregivers completed online surveys on self-care, caregiver burden, depression, problem-solving, social support, and family function. Caregivers were 41.39 (±10.38) years old, 78.3% Caucasian, and 50.9% men. Three classes of HF caregivers (24% Low-Risk, 24.9% Moderate-Risk, 51.1% High-Risk) were identified. High-Risk caregivers had the worst self-care and the lowest levels of social support, problem-solving, and family function. Moderate-Risk caregivers were the most experienced and had the best self-care yet had the most comorbidities. High-Risk caregivers reported more caregiver burden and depression. "At-risk" caregivers may benefit from self-care and support programs, but more research is needed.

An integrative review and theoretical examination of chronic illness mHealth studies using the Middle-Range Theory of Self-care of Chronic Illness

Self-management, or self-care, by individuals and/or families is a critical element in chronic illness management as more care shifts to the home setting. Mobile device-enhanced health care, or mHealth, is being touted as a means to support self-care. Previous mHealth reviews examined the effect of mHealth on patient outcomes, however, none used a theoretical lens to examine the interventions themselves. The aims of this integrative review were to examine recent (e.g., last 10 years) chronic illness mHealth empiric studies and (1) categorize self-care behaviors engaged in the intervention according to the Middle-Range Theory of Self-care of Chronic Illness, and (2) conduct an analysis of gaps in self-care theory domains and behaviors utilized. Methods included: (1) Best practice study identification, collection, and data extraction procedures and (2) realist synthesis techniques for within and across case analysis. From a pool of 652 records, 33 primarily North American clinical trials, published between 2010 and 2019 were examined. Most mHealth interventions used apps, clinician contact, and behavioral prompts with some wireless devices. Examination found self-care maintenance behaviors were supported in most (n = 30) trials whereas self-care monitoring (n = 12) and self-care management behaviors (n = 8) were less so. Few trials (n = 2) targeted all three domains. Investigation of specific behaviors uncovered an overexamination of physical activity and diet behaviors and an underexamination of equally important behaviors. By examining chronic illness mHealth interventions using a theoretical lens we have categorized current interventions, conducted a gap analysis uncovering areas for future study, and made recommendations to move the science forward.

Complicated Grief With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Addressed With Accelerated Resolution Therapy: Case Discussions

Complicated grief is a significant health concern for older adults, resulting in significant psychological and physical morbidity. Elements of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often present in individuals with complicated grief. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a brief form of psychotherapy that utilizes the techniques of imaginal exposure, rescripting of events, and lateral eye movements that may be useful in complicated grief with PTSD symptoms. Two cases where ART was used for complicated grief with PTSD are presented. Both individuals had attempted to come to terms with their loss through traditional grief therapy with an inadequate response and substantial residual grief symptoms. These cases illustrate how ART can be used to address CG and PTSD and describe situations where it may be appropriate. Clinical and research implications are also discussed.

Heart Failure Care Dyadic Typology: Initial Conceptualization, Advances in Thinking, and Future Directions of a Clinically Relevant Classification System

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) dyadic self-care science is advancing rapidly, as evidenced by recent theoretical work, literature reviews, and multiple empiric studies. Typologies, once considered archaic, are now viewed as person-oriented classification systems that allow a whole-system view of information patterns. This whole-system view is particularly needed to understand complex tasks like dyadic HF self-care.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to review the initial conceptualization of an HF care dyadic typology and the present advances in our thinking and suggest future directions for this clinically relevant classification system.

CONCLUSIONS

Development and testing of the typology across 5 studies resulted in a well-characterized, pragmatic and parsimonious, person-oriented classification system for understanding how patients and informal caregivers conduct patients' HF self-care at home. The 4 types are characterized as 2 individually oriented types-type I, patient oriented; type II, caregiver oriented; and 2 relationally oriented types-type III, collaboratively oriented; and type IV, incongruently oriented. We have devised a single-item measure of typology group that can be assessed in the clinical setting. Once this information is ascertained, the clinician can personalize the plan of care to the realities of the dyad.

IMPLICATIONS

Dyads that disagree on who is responsible for self-care may forego or delay action, resulting in self-care failures with subsequent HF advancement, hospitalization, and mortality. As the HF dyadic self-care science has advanced, we have come to appreciate the complexity that arises when 2 individuals work together on 1 complex task-HF self-care.

Complicated Grief: Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Interventions

Complicated grief (CG) poses significant physical, psychological, and economic risks to bereaved family caregivers. An integrative review of the literature published 2009-2018 on CG associated with caregiving was performed using PubMed, PsychINFO, and Web of Science. The search returned 1428 articles, of which 32 were included in the review. Sixteen studies described risk and protective factors and 16 described interventions for CG. Caregiver-related risk factors included fewer years of education, depression, anxiety, poor physical health, and maladaptive dependency and attachment traits. Additional risk factors included lower perceived social support, family conflict at end-of-life, and family having difficulty accepting death. Care recipient-related risk factors are younger age, fear of death, and place of death. Protective factors included hospice utilization in reducing fear of death, high pre-bereavement spiritualty, and satisfaction with palliative care. Complicated grief treatment was the most widely-studied intervention. Social Workers and other clinicians can use this information to identify family caregivers at increased risk for CG and refer or implement an early intervention to lessen its impact.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Complicated Grief Intervention

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Complicated grief (CG) is severe, prolonged (>12 months) grieving. Complicated grief disproportionately affects older adults and is associated with negative physical/psychological effects. Although treatment options exist, those which do are time-intensive. We report on a randomized clinical trial (RCT) which examined whether accelerated resolution therapy (ART), a novel mind-body therapy, is effective in treating CG, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression among hospice informal caregivers.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Prospective 2 group, wait-listed RCT. All participants were scheduled to receive 4 ART sessions.

INCLUSION

≥60 years, inventory of CG >25, and PTSD checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition >33 or Psychiatric Diagnostic Screen Questionnaire PTSD subscale >5.

EXCLUSION

Major psychiatric disorder, other current psychotherapy treatment. Depression was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression.

RESULTS

Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 54 participants was 68.7 (7.2) years, 85% female, and 93% white. Participants assigned to ART reported significantly greater mean (SD) CG reduction (-22.8 [10.3]) versus Wait-list participants (-4.3 [6.0]). Within-participant effect sizes (ESs) for change from baseline to 8-week post-treatment were CG (ES = 1.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-2.47; P < .0001), PTSD (ES = 2.40 [95% CI: 1.79-3.00]; P < .0001), depression (ES = 1.63 [95% CI: 1.18-2.08; P < .0001). Treatment effects did not substantially differ by baseline symptom levels.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Results suggests that ART presents an effective and less time-intensive intervention for CG in older adults. However, it should undergo further effectiveness testing in a larger, more diverse clinical trial with a focus on determining physiological or behavioral mechanisms of action.

Mapping Core Concepts of Person-Centered Care in Long-Term Services and Supports

Person-centered care (PCC) has a wide range of definitions, most based on expert opinion rather than empirical analysis. The current study used an empirical concept mapping approach to identify core components of PCC used in long-term services and supports (LTSS). The aim is to help providers and researchers develop a unified set of domains that can be used to assess and improve the quality of PCC in real-world settings. Results yielded six domains describing essential elements of PCC in LTSS: Enacting Humanistic Values, Direct Care Worker Values, Engagement Facilitators, Living Environment, Communication, and Supportive Systems; and two underlying dimensions: Intrapersonal Activities and Extrapersonal Services and Social and Physical Environment. Nurses can use the results to enhance clinical knowledge and skills around delivery of PCC. Researchers can use the results to build a comprehensive and unified measure to accelerate adoption of PCC practices shown to benefit older adults, families, and the LTSS workforce. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(2), 6-13.].

A TALE OF TWO CASE STUDIES: ACCELERATED RESOLUTION THERAPY FOR COMPLICATED GRIEF IN OLDER ADULTS

Complicated grief (CG) is characterized by lengthy, intense, and functionally impairing grief which disproportionately affects older adults. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a brief, protocol driven, exposure/imagery rescripting therapy which uses lateral left-right eye movements. ART, unlike traditional psychotherapy, directs the person to perform two tasks simultaneously (e.g. re-experiencing the grief experience and performing eye movements), taxing limited working memory capacity. Importantly, this may force memory traces representing events, emotions, and sensations to compete for permanence, as well as reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of the original grief. Two CG case studies are presented (expected; unexpected death) with their response to ART. Stake’s instrumental case study methodology was used to identify and study cases which reflect a range of CG. Additionally, CG was measured by the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICF). ICF’s range is 0-76 with scores > 24 indicating CG. Case 1 was a spousal caregiver with a single, expected death where helplessness, guilt, shame, and a life alone had resulted in CG (baseline ICF 33). Her ICF at 8 weeks post-ART was 10. Case 2 was an adult child caregiver with multiple (parent, sibling), unexpected deaths in quick succession where loss, guilt, anger, and helplessness had resulted in CG (baseline ICF 25). Her ICF at 8 weeks post-ART was 9. Both participants were able to process the distressing sensations that emerged during the imaginal exposure component facilitated with the use of eye movements. This suggests that ART may be a powerful new mind-body treatment for CG.

Stress Management Intervention to Prevent Post-Intensive Care Syndrome-Family in Patients' Spouses

BACKGROUND

Post-intensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F) refers to acute and chronic psychological effects of critical care on family members of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Evidence suggests that increased distress during the ICU stay increases risk of PICS-F. Sensation Awareness Focused Training (SĀF-T) is a new, promising stress management intervention, but the feasibility of such training during the ICU stay for family caregivers who are acting as the surrogate decision-maker for patients who are undergoing mechanical ventilation is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To assess feasibility and acceptability of SĀF-T to inform a future larger randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial of SĀF-T (n = 5) versus a control (n = 5) group was conducted at a level 1 trauma center. Participants assigned to SĀF-T completed 1 session daily for 3 days. Measures included enrollment rate, data completion rate, acceptability of SĀF-T, and symptoms of PICS-F. Scales used included Perceived Stress, Hospital Anxiety and Depression, Impact of Event, and National Institutes of Health Toolbox Emotion Battery.

RESULTS

Mean age was 58 (SD, 12) years; 70% of participants were female. Predetermined feasibility criteria were met in enrollment rate (67%), outcome measures completion rate (> 90%), and SĀF-T acceptability (100% of doses completed during the ICU stay) without adverse events. Stress scores after SĀF-T were significantly lower than scores before SĀF-T (z = -3.5, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

SĀF-T intervention during the ICU stay is feasible, acceptable, and may improve family caregivers' post-ICU outcomes. Larger clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of SĀF-T in preventing PICS-F seem warranted.

"Puttin' on": Expectations Versus Family Responses, the Lived Experience of Older African Americans With Chronic Pain

The lack of family research documenting the changes that occur and the capacity of families to support individuals with chronic pain effectively is a major limitation in the application of the biopsychosocial model of pain. This study investigated the lived experience of older African Americans (N = 18) with chronic pain and explored their expectations and perceptions of familial support. A descriptive phenomenology framework revealed an existential theme: "puttin' on," a phenomenon that potentiates the power of pain to disrupt roles and relationships and discourages the family from meeting the expected needs of older African Americans. We uncovered new information into the actual support mechanisms that are missing or, when present, are not as positive and strong as would be expected in the African American culture, at least in the context of chronic pain management. Interventions should target family-based education, chronic pain destigmatization, and intergenerational empathy in the African American community.

Intentional Rounding With Certified Nursing Assistants in Long-Term Care: A Pilot Project

Intentional rounding (IR) is a strategy used by predominately acute care nursing staff to proactively address patients' needs at regular and consistent intervals. The current project piloted the use of IR with certified nursing assistants (CNAs) on a 60-bed unit of a 120-bed skilled nursing facility (SNF). Using a pre/post intervention design and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the authors measured knowledge of IR's "4Ps" (potty, position, possessions, and pain) and the incidence of falls and lost possessions. Uptake of IR over 10 weeks of implementation and CNAs' perceptions of intervention were also assessed. The pilot showed positive outcomes for each of the five aims. Data suggest that IR was well received by CNAs and changed practice patterns regarding quality, safety, and satisfaction. Based on these findings, replication of this project in other SNFs is recommended, given the current small and underpowered study. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(6), 15-21.].

Pattern Versus Change: Community-Based Dyadic Heart Failure Self-Care

It is imperative that dyadic heart failure (HF) self-care be carefully examined so we can develop interventions which improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine how patient/informal caregiver dyads mutually engage in managing the patient's HF at home. Twenty-seven dyads were interviewed using a theoretically derived interview guide. All interviews were digitally recorded and professionally transcribed, and iterative thematic analysis was conducted. Three descriptive themes emerged-Mutual engagement in self-care involves maintaining established patterns of engagement across the life course of the relationship, changing patterns according to whether it is day-to-day care or symptom management, and mobilizing the help of a third party as consultant. These themes reveal the dyadic conundrum-whether to change or remain the same in the face of a dynamic and progressive condition like HF. The themes suggest potential targets for intervention-interventions focused on the relationship or caregiver activation.

A systematic review of heart failure dyadic self-care interventions focusing on intervention components, contexts, and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Having support from an informal carer is important for heart failure patients. Carers have the potential to improve patient self-care. At the same time, it should be acknowledged that caregiving could affect the carer negatively and cause emotional reactions of burden and stress. Dyadic (patient and informal carer) heart failure self-care interventions seek to improve patient self-care such as adherence to medical treatment, exercise training, symptom monitoring and symptom management when needed. Currently, no systematic assessment of dyadic interventions has been conducted with a focus on describing components, examining physical and delivery contexts, or determining the effect on patient and/or carer outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the components, context, and outcomes of dyadic self-care interventions.

DESIGN

A systematic review registered in PROSPERO, following PRISMA guidelines with a narrative analysis and realist synthesis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched using MeSH, EMTREE terms, keywords, and keyword phrases for the following concepts: dyadic, carers, heart failure and intervention. Eligible studies were original research, written in English, on dyadic self-care interventions in adult samples.

REVIEW METHODS

We used a two-tiered analytic approach including both completed studies with power to determine outcomes and ongoing studies including abstracts, small pilot studies and protocols to forecast future directions.

RESULTS

Eighteen papers - 12 unique, completed intervention studies (two quasi- and ten experimental trials) from 2000 to 2016 were reviewed. Intervention components fell into three groups - education, support, and guidance. Interventions were implemented in 5 countries, across multiple settings of care, and involved 3 delivery modes - face to face, telephone or technology based. Dyadic intervention effects on cognitive, behavioral, affective and health services utilization outcomes were found within studies. However, findings across studies were inconclusive as some studies reported positive and some non-sustaining outcomes on the same variables. All the included papers had methodological limitations including insufficient sample size, mixed intervention effects and counter-intuitive outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the evidence from dyadic interventions to promote heart failure self-care, while growing, is still very limited. Future research needs to involve advanced sample size justification, innovative solutions to increase and sustain behavior change, and use of mixed methods for capturing a more holistic picture of effects in clinical practice.

Family caregiving for persons with heart failure at the intersection of heart failure and palliative care: a state-of-the-science review

Many of the 23 million individuals with heart failure (HF) worldwide receive daily, unpaid support from a family member or friend. Although HF and palliative care practice guidelines stipulate that support be provided to family caregivers, the evidence base to guide care for this population has not been comprehensively assessed. In order to appraise the state-of-the-science of HF family caregiving and recommend areas for future research, the aims of this review were to summarize (1) how caregivers influence patients, (2) the consequences of HF for caregivers, and (3) interventions directed at HF caregivers. We reviewed all literature to December 2015 in PubMed and CINAHL using the search terms "heart failure" AND "caregiver." Inclusion criteria dictated that studies report original research of HF family caregiving. Articles focused on children or instrument development or aggregated HF with other illnesses were excluded. We identified 120 studies, representing 5700 caregivers. Research on this population indicates that (1) caregiving situations vary widely with equally wide-ranging tasks for patients to help facilitate their health behaviors, psychological health and relationships, and quality of life (QoL); (2) caregivers have numerous unmet needs that fluctuate with patients' unpredictable medical status, are felt to be ignored by the formal healthcare system, and can lead to distress, burden, and reduced QoL; and (3) relatively few interventions have been developed and tested that effectively support HF family caregivers. We provide recommendations to progress the science forward in each of these areas that moves beyond descriptive work to intervention development and clinical trials testing.

Self-Care for the Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association

Self-care is defined as a naturalistic decision-making process addressing both the prevention and management of chronic illness, with core elements of self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management. In this scientific statement, we describe the importance of self-care in the American Heart Association mission and vision of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The evidence supporting specific self-care behaviors such as diet and exercise, barriers to self-care, and the effectiveness of self-care in improving outcomes is reviewed, as is the evidence supporting various individual, family-based, and community-based approaches to improving self-care. Although there are many nuances to the relationships between self-care and outcomes, there is strong evidence that self-care is effective in achieving the goals of the treatment plan and cannot be ignored. As such, greater emphasis should be placed on self-care in evidence-based guidelines.

Unique Correlates of Heart Failure and Cancer Caregiver Satisfaction With Hospice Care

CONTEXT

Heart failure patients, along with their informal caregivers are increasingly enrolling in hospice care. Caregiver satisfaction with hospice care is a key quality indicator. The role that diagnosis plays in shaping satisfaction is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to identify unique correlates of caregiver satisfaction in heart failure and cancer caregivers and explore whether the identified correlates differ between the two diagnosis groups.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of national data collected in 2011 by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization using the 61-item Family Evaluation of Hospice Care survey. We used complete Family Evaluation of Hospice Care responses of adult heart failure (n = 7324) and cancer (n = 23,871) caregivers. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between possible correlates and caregiver satisfaction. Correlates examined included caregiver and patient demographics, patient clinical characteristics, and hospice characteristics.

RESULTS

Caregiver-reported patient dyspnea was associated with global and symptom management satisfaction in the heart failure cohort, whereas caregiver race was associated with global and symptom management satisfaction in the cancer cohort. Nursing home placement was associated with lower satisfaction odds in both cancer and heart failure cohorts, but heart failure patients were twice as likely as cancer patients to receive care in a nursing home.

CONCLUSION

This study generated hypotheses about unique factors related to caregiver satisfaction among two diagnosis cohorts that require further study, particularly the impact of race on satisfaction in the cancer cohort and the management of dyspnea in heart failure hospice patients.