26 results on '"Rahja, Miia"'
Search Results
2. “The Days Are Long But the Nights Are Even Longer”: A Mixed-Method Study of Sleep Disturbances Among Patients in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Program
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Rahja, Miia, Laver, Kate, Mordaunt, Dylan A., Adnan, Nurul, Vakulin, Andrew, Lovato, Nicole, and Crotty, Maria
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- 2023
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3. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Change in Health-Related Quality of Life for Interactive Telehealth Interventions for Patients With Asthma
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Snoswell, Centaine L., Rahja, Miia, and Lalor, Aislinn F.
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- 2021
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4. Using FRAME to adapt an evidence‐based dyadic intervention program for people living with dementia in residential aged care: A pilot feasibility study.
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Rahja, Miia, Pietsch, Ann, Radoslovic, Helen, Gallligani, Natalie, Burton, Nicholas, Crotty, Maria, and Laver, Kate
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ELDER care , *OCCUPATIONAL therapists , *RESIDENTIAL care , *DEMENTIA , *FEASIBILITY studies , *PILOT projects - Abstract
Introduction Methods Consumer and Community Involvement Results Conclusion Plain language summary The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of adapting and translating an evidence‐based occupational therapist‐delivered program shown to be effective in the community to residential aged care (RAC). The program aims to improve quality of care and quality of life for people living with dementia and the wellbeing of the family care partner.This study took place in a not‐for‐profit RAC home in Adelaide, South Australia. Mixed methods, specifically questionnaires, activity logs, focus group, and one‐on‐one interviews were used to evaluate the feasibility of the program implementation. Staff working in the participating home, occupational therapists trained to deliver the program, and residents and their family carer partners were included. Quantitative data were analysed using proportions, means, and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic approach.This study was conducted together with a consumer (person living with dementia) and a carer representative (family member of someone residing in RAC). These representatives provided input towards the study design, interpretation of study data, discussion of results, and recommendations for future consideration.Small changes to the program improved feasibility and acceptability for delivery in RAC. While the care home staff required added support during implementation, the intervention therapists felt that the program could be delivered in this setting. Family care partners of residents with dementia felt that the program may be better suited if provided upon entry to RAC or in early stages of dementia.Adapting a community‐based dementia care program to RAC can be safe and feasible. Program adaptations are necessary for feasibility. Further adaptations and evaluations of associated outcomes (related to residents with dementia and their family care partners) are needed to assess the program effectiveness in larger scale.Spending quality time with family members in residential aged care is important. However, many struggle to know what to say or do when visiting a family member who lives with dementia. Programs that teach families about how to communicate with people living with dementia, how to support them to take part in important everyday living activities, or how to understand why changes in behaviours may occur have not been available in residential aged care. This paper describes how we adapted one such evidence‐based program from community to residential aged care settings. We consulted with people living with dementia, carers, and families and found that the program could also be valuable in this care setting. Residential aged care staff described how the program is very different to what is usually available in residential aged care, but they were optimistic that with the right support, it could be a valuable way to support residents with dementia and their families. Family members of residents with dementia and therapists delivering the program felt that residents in early stages of living in residential aged care and/or early stages of dementia could benefit the most from these programs. We found that including family members in the intervention process can be useful and empowering for families and residents. Future work should also focus on involving other staff members caring for residents in the process. Communication between staff and families is the key for program delivery and success and treating each person as an individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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5. Assessing the reach and safety of an innovative urgent care service tailored to older adults.
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Greene, Leanne, Crotty, Maria, Whitehead, Craig, Rahja, Miia, Murad, Javaria, Dang, Kwok, Partington, Andrew, and Laver, Kate
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HEALTH services accessibility ,ELDER care ,MEDICAL care use ,PATIENT safety ,RESEARCH funding ,OUTPATIENT medical care ,HOSPITAL emergency services ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,DISCHARGE planning ,CONTINUUM of care ,MEDICAL care for older people ,MEDICAL needs assessment ,COMPARATIVE studies ,DISEASE incidence ,MEDICAL referrals ,OLD age - Abstract
Traditional emergency departments (EDs) are overcrowded and sometimes not suitable for older adults with complex needs. Specialised geriatric urgent care pathways for selected patients can alleviate ED demand and improve patient experience. To address urgent care needs for older adults in Southern Adelaide, the Complex And RestorativE (CARE) service was established. CARE offers alternative, geriatrician‐led treatment pathways consisting of a ward‐based treatment centre and an in‐home visiting team called Eyes on Scene (EoS). Both pathways offer medical, nursing and allied health treatment. Routinely collected clinical data were analysed to explore the reach of the service and the incidence and nature of adverse events. Between September 2021 and March 2023, the CARE service attended to 5324 older adults requiring urgent care. A significant proportion of patients were discharged to or remained in their regular place of residence, with few requiring inpatient admissions or referrals to other facilities. A total of 7% of patients required transfer to ED and adverse events were rare. The CARE service demonstrates a feasible and safe alternative model of urgent care for older Australians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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6. There is moderate evidence for the effectiveness of occupation and activity‐based interventions for people with traumatic brain injury although more evidence is needed for interventions provided specifically by occupational therapists
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Rahja, Miia and Jolliffe, Laura
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- 2018
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7. Implementation of an evidence-based intervention to improve the wellbeing of people with dementia and their carers: study protocol for ‘Care of People with dementia in their Environments (COPE)’ in the Australian context
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Clemson, Lindy, Laver, Kate, Jeon, Yun-Hee, Comans, Tracy A, Scanlan, Justin, Rahja, Miia, Culph, Jennifer, Low, Lee-Fay, Day, Sally, Cations, Monica, Crotty, Maria, Kurrle, Susan, Piersol, Catherine, and Gitlin, Laura N.
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- 2018
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8. Identifying Sensory Preferences in People with Changes in Cognition: The SPACE Tool.
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Laver, Kate, Yannelis, Fotini, Flatman, Stephen, Block, Heather, and Rahja, Miia
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COGNITION disorders ,SENSES ,MEDICAL quality control ,GERIATRIC assessment ,MEDICAL protocols ,DEMENTIA ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
People with changes in cognition and changes in sensory function often feel uncomfortable in hospital and residential care home environments. Understanding the person's sensory preferences and aversions is important in providing high-quality care but current assessments have limitations. Our objective was to develop a tool to identify the sensory preferences and aversions of people experiencing cognitive changes while staying in hospital or residential care homes. The working group developed a tool comprising 11 items, which was named the "Sensory Preferences and Aversions questionnaire for the Care of older adults with dementia in residential Environments" (SPACE) tool. The tool was administered with 56 people with cognitive changes (mean age 78, mean MMSE score 16/30). Data elicited from the tool revealed the varied preferences of individuals, which demonstrates the importance of eliciting this information. For example, while 82% of participants liked listening to music, the remainder did not. Information elicited from the tool was useful in guiding care planning including identifying activities that may be of interest to the person. It was able to effectively elicit information about preferences, aversions, and strategies that could be applied when the person became distressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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9. systematic review and meta-analysis of reablement interventions for people in permanent residential aged care homes.
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Rahja, Miia, Laver, Kate, Whitehead, Craig, Pietsch, Ann, Oliver, Eliza, and Crotty, Maria
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PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems , *CINAHL database , *MEDICAL databases , *META-analysis , *MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *ACTIVITIES of daily living , *HEALTH outcome assessment , *PHYSICAL activity , *DEMENTIA , *RESIDENTIAL care , *QUALITY of life , *QUALITY assurance , *MEDLINE , *ELDER care , *GREY literature - Abstract
Background Most evidence for reablement comes from community-based interventions. Objective To determine the effect of reablement interventions provided in permanent residential aged care (PRAC) homes on residents' level of function in activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL). Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting PRAC homes. Subjects Residents in PRAC. Methods Six databases and grey literature were searched until November 2021. Quantitative studies involving a control group or pre-post evaluation were included. Outcomes of interest were the effectiveness of the reablement intervention on overall ADL or QoL in the last available follow-up. Results Twelve studies involving 2,620 residents were included. The reablement interventions varied; the primary focus areas were organisational approaches (e.g. educating staff; n = 10) and improving physical function (e.g. increasing physical activity; n = 9). Not all studies could be pooled in the meta-analysis due to reported data and heterogeneity. There was no significant effect of reablement intervention versus usual care on ADL function (five studies, standardised mean difference (SMD): 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.25 to 0.59, very low quality evidence). Reablement appeared more beneficial than usual care in improving QoL; however, the overall effect was not statistically significant (four studies, SMD: 0.73, 95% CI: −0.07 to 1.52; very low quality evidence). Conclusions Few studies focus on reablement in PRAC homes and their clinical heterogeneity is considerable. There is insufficient evidence for reablement in terms of improving ADL or QoL for residents in PRAC. Tools that are more sensitive to change may be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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10. Primary and Secondary Care Related Quality Indicators for Dementia Care Among Australian Aged Care Users: National Trends, Risk Factors, and Variation.
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Rahja, Miia, Air, Tracy, Ahern, Susannah, Ward, Stephanie A., Caughey, Gillian E., Sluggett, Janet K., Cations, Monica, Lin, Xiaoping, Wallis, Kasey, Crotty, Maria, and Inacio, Maria C.
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TREATMENT of dementia , *RESEARCH , *FERRANS & Powers Quality of Life Index , *KEY performance indicators (Management) , *RESEARCH methodology , *RETROSPECTIVE studies , *EVALUATION research , *COMPARATIVE studies , *DEMENTIA , *CLINICAL medicine , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *SECONDARY care (Medicine) - Abstract
Background: Studies related to clinical quality indicators (CQIs) in dementia have focused on hospitalizations, medication management, and safety. Less attention has been paid to indicators related to primary and secondary care.Objective: To evaluate the incidence of primary and secondary care CQIs for Australians with dementia using government-subsidized aged care. The examined CQIs were: comprehensive medication reviews, 75+ health assessments, comprehensive geriatric assessments, chronic disease management plans, general practitioner (GP) mental health treatment plans, and psychiatrist attendances.Methods: Retrospective cohort study (2011-2016) of 255,458 individuals. National trend analyses estimated incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Poisson or negative binomial regression. Associations were assessed using backward stepwise multivariate Poisson or negative binomial regression model, as appropriate. Funnel plots examined geographic and permanent residential aged care (PRAC) facility variation.Results: CQI incidence increased in all CQIs but medication reviews. For the overall cohort, 75+ health assessments increased from 1.07/1000 person-days to 1.16/1000 person-days (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) = 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.03).Comprehensive geriatric assessments increased from 0.24 to 0.37/1000 person-days (aIRR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.10-1.14). GP mental health treatment plans increased from 0.04 to 0.07/1000 person-days (aIRR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.12-1.15). Psychiatric attendances increased from 0.09 to 0.11/1000 person-days (aIRR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07). Being female, older, having fewer comorbidities, and living outside a major city were associated with lower likelihood of using the services. Large geographical and PRAC facility variation was observed (0-92%).Conclusion: Better use of primary and secondary care services to address needs of individuals with dementia is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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11. The decision‐making processes and preferences of older Australians purchasing home support services: An explorative inquiry using a "think‐aloud" technique.
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Rahja, Miia, Laver, Kate, Phillipson, Lyn, Comans, Tracy, and Crotty, Maria
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CONSUMER preferences , *HOUSE buying , *CONSUMER behavior , *HOME care services , *OLDER people , *OLDER consumers , *DECISION making - Abstract
Consumer‐directed care (CDC) programmes, in principle, provide consumers with choices around who provides care services to them, what services and when. However, literature around consumer behaviour of older adults, especially concerning the factors that may support home care choices, is sparse. The purpose of this study was to understand the decision‐making processes and spending preferences of community‐dwelling seniors assessed eligible for CDC home care services. We completed an explorative inquiry using a "think‐aloud" technique with eligible consumers in South Australia. The inquiry had two components. First, consumers used imitation money to simulate the purchase of home care supports while talking out loud their decision‐making processes. Then, semi‐structured interviews were completed to identify underlying thoughts that informed the decisions made and spending preferences. Fifteen consumers, mean age 82 years (range 70–94), participated. The most frequently prioritised choice was domestic assistance. However, choices were made based on a perceived hierarchy of need (due to limits placed on available budgets for care). Interview data revealed that the decision making and service preferences were also based on limited knowledge about what was available. Consumers revealed perceived value in purchasing expert advice to guide their choices and preference for relational not transactional service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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12. Economic Effects of Occupational Therapy Services for Adults in Acute and Subacute Care Settings: A Systematic Review.
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Wales, Kylie, Lang, Danielle, Rahja, Miia, Somerville, Lisa, Laver, Kate, and Lannin, Natasha A.
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CINAHL database ,PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems ,MEDICAL databases ,INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems ,MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,SUBACUTE care ,OCCUPATIONAL therapy ,OCCUPATIONAL therapy services ,CRITICAL care medicine ,COST effectiveness ,STROKE rehabilitation ,MEDLINE ,DATA analysis software ,RESEARCH bias ,GREY literature ,REHABILITATION for brain injury patients ,DISCHARGE planning - Abstract
Importance: Research supports the clinical effectiveness of hospital-based occupational therapy to improve functional outcomes, but no synthesis of economic evaluations of occupational therapy services provided in these settings has been published. Objective: To determine the economic value of occupational therapy services in acute and subacute care settings. Data Sources: MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, EconLit, Embase, National Health Services Economic Evaluation Database, PsycINFO, ProQuest (Health and Medicine and Social Science subsets only), OTseeker, and gray literature. Study Selection and Data Collection: Eligible studies used trial-based or modeled economic analyses and included an adult population (ages ≥18 yr) and occupational therapy assessments or interventions provided in acute and subacute care. Two authors independently assessed abstracts and then full text. Articles were then appraised using the Evers Consensus on Health Economic Criteria. Findings: The authors identified 13,176 unique abstracts and assessed 190 full-text articles for eligibility. Ten studies were included in the systematic review; they varied in their primary objectives, methodology, costs, and outcomes. Studies examined the cost–benefit, cost-effectiveness, cost–utility, or cost minimization of a range of occupational therapy services. Five studies suggested that occupational therapy services offer value for money (lower cost, higher benefit); 4 suggested that they offer higher cost and benefits. One study that investigated upper limb rehabilitation did not indicate value for money. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings suggest that occupational therapy for adults poststroke and post–traumatic brain injury, acute discharge planning, and pre– and post–hip replacement is cost-effective, but further research is needed to substantiate these findings. What This Article Adds: The findings provide preliminary evidence of the economic effectiveness of occupational therapy in acute and subacute care. The findings of this systematic review provide preliminary evidence for the economic effectiveness of occupational therapy in acute and subacute care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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13. Goal setting for people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia in rehabilitation: A scoping review.
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Jogie, Praneeta, Rahja, Miia, van den Berg, Maayken, Cations, Monica, Brown, Sarah, and Laver, Kate
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CINAHL database , *PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems , *MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems , *MILD cognitive impairment , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *DEMENTIA , *LITERATURE reviews , *MEDLINE , *GOAL (Psychology) - Abstract
Introduction: Goal setting is an integral part of the rehabilitation process and assists occupational therapists to target therapy towards achieving meaningful outcomes. People with mild cognitive impairment or dementia may experience barriers participating in goal setting due to preconceptions that the person cannot participate owing to changes in both cognitive and communicative abilities. The aim of this review was to identify goal setting approaches, common goals identified, and enablers and barriers to goal setting for people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia participating in specific rehabilitation programmes. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched in April 2020 for English language articles that described goal setting processes during a rehabilitation programme for people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Studies of all designs were included. Two authors screened citations and full text articles. Data were extracted, synthesised, and presented narratively. Results: Twenty‐seven studies met the eligibility criteria. Both structured and nonstructured goal setting methods were used with common tools including the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the Bangor Goal Setting Interview and Goal Attainment Scaling. The nature of goals tended to depend on the scope of the rehabilitation programme in which the person was involved. Goal setting was more difficult for people with more advanced symptoms of dementia and when staff lacked skills and experience working with people with dementia. Use of a structured approach to goal setting, establishment of therapeutic rapport, individualisation of goals, and family involvement were reported to be beneficial. Conclusion: Collaborative goal setting is a foundation of rehabilitation for people with dementia and should not be avoided due to preconceptions that the person cannot participate. Results suggests that occupational therapists can use a number of strategies to maximise participation and engagement and play a pivotal role in upskilling staff to enable effective goal setting for people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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14. Implementing a Reablement Intervention, "Care of People With Dementia in Their Environments (COPE)": A Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness Study.
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Clemson, Lindy, Laver, Kate, Rahja, Miia, Culph, Jennifer, Scanlan, Justin N, Day, Sally, Comans, Tracy, Jeon, Yun-Hee, Low, Lee-Fay, Crotty, Maria, Kurrle, Sue, Cations, Monica, Piersol, Cathy V, and Gitlin, Laura N
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EVALUATION of medical care ,WELL-being ,CAREGIVER attitudes ,HEALTH Belief Model ,EVALUATION of human services programs ,CONFIDENCE ,CLINICAL trials ,HOME rehabilitation ,EVIDENCE-based medicine ,BEHAVIOR ,MEDICAL care ,HUMAN services programs ,PRE-tests & post-tests ,PATIENTS' attitudes ,DEMENTIA ,PSYCHOLOGY of caregivers ,PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation ,INTENTION ,ELDER care - Abstract
Background and Objectives The translation of reablement programs into practice is lagging despite strong evidence for interventions that maintain function for the person living with dementia as well as improve carer well-being. The aim was to evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based program, Care of People with Dementia in Their Environments (COPE), into health services. Research Design and Methods An implementation-effectiveness hybrid design was used to evaluate implementation outcomes while simultaneously involving a pragmatic pre–post evaluation of outcomes for people with dementia. We report uptake, fidelity to intervention, outcomes for people living with dementia and carers, and beliefs and behaviors of interventionists contributing to successful implementation. Results Seventeen organizations in Australia across 3 health contexts, 38 occupational therapists, and 17 nurses participated in training and implementation. While there were challenges and delays in implementation, most organizations were able to offer the program and utilized different models of funding. Overall, we found there was moderate fidelity to components of the program. Pre–post outcomes for carer well-being and coping (Perceived Change Index, p <.001) and activity engagement of the person living with dementia (p =.002) were significantly increased, replicating previous trial results. What contributed most to therapists implementing the program (Determinants of Implementation Behaviour Questionnaire) was a stronger intent to deliver (p <.001), higher confidence (p <.001), a sense of control in delivery (p =.004), and a belief the program was very useful to their clients (p =.002). Discussion and Implications This study demonstrated that implementation is possible in multiple health systems and beneficial to individuals and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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15. Some gain for a small investment: An economic evaluation of an exercise program for people living in residential aged care.
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Rahja, Miia, Nguyen, Kim‐Huong, Post, Dannielle, Parfitt, Gaynor, Corlis, Megan, and Comans, Tracy
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EVALUATION of human services programs ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,MEDICAL personnel ,HUMAN services programs ,PRE-tests & post-tests ,RESIDENTIAL care ,COST effectiveness ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,QUALITY of life ,ELDER care ,EXERCISE therapy ,QUALITY-adjusted life years - Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of a 12‐week Exercise Physiology (EP) program for people living in a residential aged care facility. Methods: A within‐study pre‐ and postintervention design to calculate incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios per quality‐adjusted life years gained. A health service provider perspective was used. Results: Fifty‐nine participants enrolled in a 12‐week program. The program cost was A$514.30 per resident. At a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of A$64 000, the likelihood of being cost‐effective of the program is approximately 60%, due to a small increase in participants' quality of life, as reported by care staff. The model showed great variance, depending on who rated the participants' quality of life outcomes. Conclusion: It is uncertain that a 12‐week EP program is cost‐effective based on the evidence of the current trial. However, it appears that a low‐cost program can produce small improvements for residents in care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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16. Methods and Effectiveness of Communication Between Hospital Allied Health and Primary Care Practitioners: A Systematic Narrative Review.
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Sheehan, Jacinta, Laver, Kate, Bhopti, Anoo, Rahja, Miia, Usherwood, Tim, Clemson, Lindy, and Lannin, Natasha A
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MEDICAL care ,ALLIED health personnel ,CONTINUUM of care ,HEALTH information technology ,HOSPITALS ,HEALTH practitioners - Abstract
Background: There is a compelling rationale that effective communication between hospital allied health and primary care practitioners may improve the quality and continuity of patient care. It is not known which methods of communication to use, nor how effectively they facilitate the transition of care when a patient is discharged home from hospital. Our systematic review aims to investigate the methods and effectiveness of communication between hospital allied health and primary care practitioners. Methods: Systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies with narrative synthesis. Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycInfo and Proquest Nursing and Allied Health Sources were searched from January 2003 until January 2020 for studies that examined hospital-based allied health professionals communicating with community-based primary care practitioners. Risk of bias in the different study designs was appraised using recognized tools and a content analysis conducted of the methodologies used. Results: From the located 12,281 papers (duplicates removed), 24 studies met the inclusion criteria with hospital allied health communicating in some form with primary care practitioners. While none of the included studies specifically investigated the methods or effectiveness of communication between hospital allied health and primary care practitioners, 12 of the 24 studies described processes that addressed components of their discharge communication. Four enablers to effective communication between hospital allied health and primary care practitioners were identified: multidisciplinary care plans, patient and caregiver involvement, health information technology and a designated person for follow up/care management. Conclusion: There is currently no "gold standard" method or measure of communication between hospital allied health and primary care practitioners. There is an urgent need to develop and evaluate multidisciplinary communication with enhanced information technologies to improve collaboration across care settings and facilitate the continuity of integrated people-centered care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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17. A second chance: Experiences and outcomes of people with dementia and their families participating in a dementia reablement program.
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Rahja, Miia, Culph, Jennifer, Clemson, Lindy, Day, Sally, and Laver, Kate
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DEMENTIA , *LIKERT scale , *THEMATIC analysis , *SEMI-structured interviews , *CARE of people - Abstract
Rationale: Evidence-based reablement programs for people with dementia and their caregivers are not routinely implemented in practice. These programs have been shown to be effective in delaying functional decline and improving caregiver wellbeing. Yet, little is known about the experiences of those participating in such programs. Aim: To describe experiences and outcomes of participating in a dementia reablement program, the Care of Persons with dementia in their Environments (COPE), in Australia. Methods: Purposeful sampling was used and semi-structured interviews were completed with people with dementia and their caregivers who received the COPE program in two different states in Australia. The interviews explored the participants' experiences with the program as well as how they are managing after program completion. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the interviews. A Likert scale was used to rate the value of the program. Results: Ten dyads (person with dementia and/or their caregiver) were interviewed. Participation in the program was rated (mostly) very valuable. The ongoing collaboration between the therapist and caregiver was considered empowering. The program promoted participation in everyday activities for the person with dementia and appeared to give a 'second chance' to remain in their own homes and communities. Conclusion: Participation in reablement programs (such as the COPE program) has the potential to re-engage people with dementia in meaningful roles and activities in their chosen environments. A therapeutic relationship and individualized intervention approaches tailored to the participants' needs and readiness foster positive experiences and confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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18. COPE strategies offer practical at-home support.
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Laver, Kate, Day, Sally, Rahja, Miia, Culph, Jennifer, and Clemson, Lindy
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TREATMENT of dementia ,HOME nursing ,CAREGIVERS ,HEALTH services accessibility ,HOME care services ,OCCUPATIONAL therapy ,DEMENTIA patients ,INDEPENDENT living - Abstract
In this article, Kate Laver, Sally Day, Miia Rahja, Jennifer Culph and Lindy Clemson has discusses the effective implementation of an occupational therapy and nursing program for people with dementia and their families living in the community. It mentions that how Care of People with Dementia in their Environments (COPE) program strategies offer practical at-home support.
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- 2022
19. Implementing an evidence‐based dementia care program in the Australian health context: A cost–benefit analysis.
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Rahja, Miia, Nguyen, Kim‐Huong, Laver, Kate, Clemson, Lindy, Crotty, Maria, and Comans, Tracy
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CAREGIVERS , *COST effectiveness , *DEMENTIA , *ECONOMIC aspects of diseases , *MEDICAL care , *MEDICAL care costs , *HEALTH policy , *MENTAL health , *EVIDENCE-based medicine , *PROFESSIONAL practice , *COMMUNITY-based social services , *HUMAN services programs - Abstract
The World Health Organisation has called for the implementation of evidence‐based interventions that enhance function and capability in people with dementia. In response, the Boosting Dementia Research Initiative in Australia has funded a number of projects aimed at improving such outcomes for people with dementia and their caregivers. What is not known is the economic and societal outcomes of these projects and of program implementation to the Australian healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to identify the costs and benefits of implementing an evidence‐based reablement program within Australian health context. A well‐used methodology familiar to governments and decision‐makers was used to calculate the costs and benefits of implementing the program in Australia. Four different perspectives: market, private, efficiency (social) and referent group (key stakeholders) were considered in the cost–benefit evaluation. Almost A$6.2 million societal gain is presented through a social cost–benefit analysis. The referent (stakeholder) group analysis is used to demonstrate that people with dementia and their caregivers are the bearers of the costs and the Australian health and social care system gains the most from the program implementation. The results of this cost–benefit analysis suggest that there is a need to plan and provide subsidies or other financial incentives to assist people with dementia and their caregivers to engage in reablement programs in Australia; thus the whole society can be advantaged. Funding bodies and decision‐makers are urged to recognise the potential societal benefits that can be achieved from participating in such reablement programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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20. What does the Australian public know about occupational therapy for older people? A population survey.
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Rahja, Miia and Laver, Kate
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MEDICAL care for older people , *CHI-squared test , *HEALTH promotion , *LONGITUDINAL method , *OCCUPATIONAL therapy , *OCCUPATIONAL therapy services , *PUBLIC opinion , *RESEARCH funding , *SURVEYS , *THEMATIC analysis , *CROSS-sectional method , *HEALTH literacy , *DATA analysis software , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Introduction: Occupational therapy can delay functional decline and improve quality of life of older people. Yet people may not seek occupational therapy services as they may not be aware of their scope or benefits. The aim of this study was to ascertain what the general public in Australia knows about occupational therapy services for older people. Methods: A cross‐sectional cohort study completed via a consumer panel provider PureProfile (https://www.pureprofile.com/au/) a company specialising in online survey programming to registered participants of the general public ('panel'). For a fee, a client can include a question in a weekly survey, and receive approximately 1000 responses (including detail about the respondents' gender, age group and place of residence). We asked a free‐text question about the participants' understanding of occupational therapy and its role in supporting older adults. We used descriptive statistics to summarise sociodemographic data. Thematic approach to analysis was used to explore themes from the free text responses. Chi‐squared test for independence was used to explore association and/or differences between age group, gender, place of residence and understanding about occupational therapy for older people. Included were people aged ≥18 years living in Australia. Results: We received 1004 responses; about half were female (50.9%) and one‐fifth (20.1%) aged 65 or over. Of the 1004 respondents, approximately 10% could provide a good or advanced description of occupational therapy. Over half of the participants had some, but limited knowledge about the profession with references to general rehabilitation, physical therapies and return to work type interventions. Conclusion: Knowledge about the role of occupational therapy in supporting older people is limited. There is a need to address misconceptions that occupational therapy is only concerned with workplace or physical health‐related matters to enable better service engagement in the consumer‐driven care model in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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21. Are there missed opportunities for occupational therapy for people with dementia? An audit of practice in Australia.
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Rahja, Miia, Comans, Tracy, Clemson, Lindy, Crotty, Maria, and Laver, Kate
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AUDITING , *CHI-squared test , *DEMENTIA patients , *FISHER exact test , *HOME accident prevention , *OCCUPATIONAL therapy services , *RESEARCH funding , *DATA analysis software , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Background/aim: Randomised trials have demonstrated that occupational therapy can delay functional decline, improve quality of life and increase leisure participation in people with dementia. However, surveys conducted with occupational therapists suggest that clinical practice does not reflect the type of intervention shown to be effective in research studies. Case note audits can be used to quantify practice and demonstrate how and where provision of care could improve without the potential bias associated with self‐report. Method: A total of 87 occupational therapy case notes were audited from different service contexts in two states in Australia. The case notes were reviewed against criteria including duration of service, assessments conducted and interventions used. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data and examine associations between intervention, age of the person with dementia and whether or not the person lived alone. Results: Services tended to be short‐term with an average of 2.1 consultations per referral. The most common assessments related to home safety, falls risk and function. Intervention most commonly focussed on referrals to other services, environmental modification advice and assistive device prescription. Conclusion: This audit reveals that current occupational therapy practice for people with dementia focusses on assessment and management of risk and is usually limited to a couple of consultations. Future work should seek to evaluate if such approaches to care are effective for people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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22. Economic evaluations of occupational therapy approaches for people with cognitive and/or functional decline: A systematic review.
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Rahja, Miia, Comans, Tracy, Clemson, Lindy, Crotty, Maria, and Laver, Kate
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COGNITION disorders treatment , *OCCUPATIONAL therapy , *CINAHL database , *ACCIDENTAL falls , *HOME accident prevention , *INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems , *MEDICAL databases , *MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems , *PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems , *LIFE skills , *EVALUATION of medical care , *MEDLINE , *RESEARCH funding , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *COST analysis , *RESIDENTIAL care , *OCCUPATIONAL therapy needs assessment , *OLD age , *ECONOMICS - Abstract
Abstract: With the ageing of the world's population comes significant implications for nearly all sectors of society, including health and aged care spending. Health and aged care systems need to respond to the increasing need for services for older people. Occupational therapy is concerned with maintaining a person's functional independence and well‐being from preventative and treatment perspectives. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the costs and outcomes of occupational therapy for people with cognitive and/or functional decline. The searches for this review were conducted on 23 September 2016 and updated on 20 April 2017. Full economic evaluation studies, partial economic evaluations, randomised trials reporting estimates of resource use or costs associated with intervention(s) and comparator(s) and studies with pre‐ and post‐intervention cost comparators were included. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The type and duration of occupational therapy intervention in the included studies varied, ranging from one‐off assessments through to systematic multicomponent programmes. Results suggested that structured occupational therapy interventions which comprised of multiple consultations and engaged caregivers delivered better functional and economic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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23. Fostering transition to adulthood for young Australian males: an exploratory study of Men's Sheds' intergenerational mentoring programmes.
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Rahja, Miia, Scanlan, Justin Newton, Wilson, Nathan J., and Cordier, Reinie
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ADOLESCENCE , *CONSUMER attitudes , *INTERGENERATIONAL relations , *INTERVIEWING , *RESEARCH methodology , *MENTORING , *RESEARCH , *SOCIALIZATION , *COMMUNITY-based social services , *THEMATIC analysis , *EVALUATION of human services programs , *DATA analysis software - Abstract
Introduction Men's Sheds are community spaces where socialisation occurs alongside participation in meaningful activities. Shed activities and socialisation make them useful for supporting transition to adulthood of 'at-risk' young people through meaningful occupations. Many sheds have implemented intergenerational mentoring programmes. However, many programmes are established on an ad-hoc basis without specific attention to factors that may support effective and sustainable outcomes. We aimed to inform future programmes by exploring different programmes to provide insight into the purpose, design and programme characteristics that are perceived as beneficial for young males. Method Four Sydney-based sheds providing intergenerational mentoring programmes were selected. We interviewed shed coordinators, mentors and mentees to explore their perceptions of programme characteristics that supported mentees' transition to adulthood. Thematic analysis techniques were used to first analyse and understand the unique context of each programme and these were then merged and integrated to identify the most helpful aspects of these mentoring programmes. Results Mentor attitude towards the mentees, freedom to make independent choices and the nature and perceived usefulness of the project were considered the most significant characteristics of these programmes. Conclusion This was the first known examination of the different characteristics of Men's Sheds intergenerational mentoring programmes. On the basis of our findings, we have made recommendations to help guide the planning and implementation of future programmes. While our findings largely support previous research on mentoring programmes, findings from this study suggest that 'expert skills' may not be as important as mentor attitude to working with the mentees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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24. What Does the Australian General Public Know About Treatments for Dementia? A Population Survey.
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Rahja, Miia, Laver, Kate, Comans, Tracy, and Crotty, Maria
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COGNITIVE training ,DEMENTIA - Abstract
Objective: To identify the Australian general population's awareness regarding the presence and effectiveness of treatments for dementia. Method: An online survey administered through a consumer panel provider (PureProfile). Included were people aged 18 years or above living in Australia. The survey asked participants about their knowledge of treatments for dementia and attitudes toward the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments. Results: Of the 1,001 participants, more than half (63.5%) could not spontaneously name any treatments that improved outcomes for people with dementia. When asked about the efficacy of specific treatments, "brain training" was considered to be "very likely" to be effective by approximately half (49.4%) of the participants followed by "education for caregivers" (46.2%) and "healthy diet" (43.4%). Discussion: Knowledge of treatments for dementia among the Australian public is poor. There is a need to better educate the public about treatments that have demonstrated effectiveness to improve their uptake and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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25. Hospital Staff Perspectives on the Drivers and Challenges in Implementing a Virtual Rehabilitation Ward: Qualitative Study.
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Greene L, Rahja M, Laver K, Wong VV, Leung C, and Crotty M
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- Humans, Female, Male, Australia, Adult, Attitude of Health Personnel, Middle Aged, Qualitative Research, Personnel, Hospital psychology
- Abstract
Background: Over the past decade, the adoption of virtual wards has surged. Virtual wards aim to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, expedite home discharge, and enhance patient satisfaction, which are particularly beneficial for the older adult population who faces risks associated with hospitalization. Consequently, substantial investments are being made in virtual rehabilitation wards (VRWs), despite evidence of varying levels of success in their implementation. However, the facilitators and barriers experienced by virtual ward staff for the rapid implementation of these innovative care models remain poorly understood., Objective: This paper presents insights from hospital staff working on an Australian VRW in response to the growing demand for programs aimed at preventing hospital admissions. We explore staff's perspectives on the facilitators and barriers of the VRW, shedding light on service setup and delivery., Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 VRW staff using the Nonadoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework. The analysis of data was performed using framework analysis and the 7 domains of the NASSS framework., Results: The results were mapped onto the 7 domains of the NASSS framework. (1) Condition: Managing certain conditions, especially those involving comorbidities and sociocultural factors, can be challenging. (2) Technology: The VRW demonstrated suitability for technologically engaged patients without cognitive impairment, offering advantages in clinical decision-making through remote monitoring and video calls. However, interoperability issues and equipment malfunctions caused staff frustration, highlighting the importance of promptly addressing technical challenges. (3) Value proposition: The VRW empowered patients to choose their care location, extending access to care for rural communities and enabling home-based treatment for older adults. (4) Adopters and (5) organizations: Despite these benefits, the cultural shift from in-person to remote treatment introduced uncertainties in workflows, professional responsibilities, resource allocation, and intake processes. (6) Wider system and (7) embedding: As the service continues to develop to address gaps in hospital capacity, it is imperative to prioritize ongoing adaptation. This includes refining the process of smoothly transferring patients back to the hospital, addressing technical aspects, ensuring seamless continuity of care, and thoughtfully considering how the burden of care may shift to patients and their families., Conclusions: In this qualitative study exploring health care staff's experience of an innovative VRW, we identified several drivers and challenges to implementation and acceptability. The findings have implications for future services considering implementing VRWs for older adults in terms of service setup and delivery. Future work will focus on assessing patient and carer experiences of the VRW., (© Leanne Greene, Miia Rahja, Kate Laver, Vun Vun Wong, Chris Leung, Maria Crotty. Originally published in JMIR Aging (https://aging.jmir.org).)
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- 2024
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26. A systematic review and meta-analysis of reablement interventions for people in permanent residential aged care homes.
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Rahja M, Laver K, Whitehead C, Pietsch A, Oliver E, and Crotty M
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- Aged, Humans, Activities of Daily Living, Quality of Life
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Background: Most evidence for reablement comes from community-based interventions., Objective: To determine the effect of reablement interventions provided in permanent residential aged care (PRAC) homes on residents' level of function in activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL)., Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis., Setting: PRAC homes., Subjects: Residents in PRAC., Methods: Six databases and grey literature were searched until November 2021. Quantitative studies involving a control group or pre-post evaluation were included. Outcomes of interest were the effectiveness of the reablement intervention on overall ADL or QoL in the last available follow-up., Results: Twelve studies involving 2,620 residents were included. The reablement interventions varied; the primary focus areas were organisational approaches (e.g. educating staff; n = 10) and improving physical function (e.g. increasing physical activity; n = 9). Not all studies could be pooled in the meta-analysis due to reported data and heterogeneity. There was no significant effect of reablement intervention versus usual care on ADL function (five studies, standardised mean difference (SMD): 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.25 to 0.59, very low quality evidence). Reablement appeared more beneficial than usual care in improving QoL; however, the overall effect was not statistically significant (four studies, SMD: 0.73, 95% CI: -0.07 to 1.52; very low quality evidence)., Conclusions: Few studies focus on reablement in PRAC homes and their clinical heterogeneity is considerable. There is insufficient evidence for reablement in terms of improving ADL or QoL for residents in PRAC. Tools that are more sensitive to change may be beneficial., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)
- Published
- 2022
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