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BackgroundThe renal diet is complex and requires alterations of the diet and careful monitoring of various nutrients. Elevated serum phosphorus is common among patients undergoing hemodialysis, and it is associated with many complications. Smartphone technology could be used to support both dietitians and patients by providing a source of accessible and reliable information. ObjectiveThe aim of this pilot is to assess the potential efficacy of an intervention using the educational and self-monitoring mobile app KELA.AE on the phosphorous management in hemodialysis patients. Results will be used to improve both the app and a planned, rigorous large-scale trial intended to assess app efficacy. MethodsThis is a prospective pilot study performed at the hemodialysis unit of Al Qassimi Hospital (Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates). All patients were assessed for eligibility and, based on inclusion criteria, considered for enrollment. Participants met with a dietitian once a week and used the mobile app regularly for 2 weeks. Outcomes (knowledge, self-reported nonadherence, dietary intake, anthropometry, and biochemical data) were measured. This pilot is reported as per guidelines for nonrandomized pilot and feasibility studies and in line with the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) 2010 checklist for reporting pilot or feasibility trials. ResultsOf 26 subjects, 23 successfully completed the pilot. Patient dietary knowledge about phosphorous management improved from 51.4% (SD 13.9) to 68.1% (SD 13.3) after intervention with a large effect size (d=1.22, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.85). Dietary protein intake increased from a mean of 0.9 g/kg (SD 0.3) per day to a mean of 1.3 g/kg (SD 0.5) per day with a large effect size (d=1.07, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.69). Phosphorus to protein ratio dropped from a mean of 18.4 mg/g protein to 13.5 mg/g protein with a large effect size (d=0.83, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.43). There was no evidence of change in phosphorous intake, self-reported nonadherence, and serum phosphorus. ConclusionsThe findings of this prospective pilot reveal the potential efficacy of a smartphone app as a supportive nutrition education tool for phosphorus management in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This pilot study showed that the KELA.AE app has the potential to improve knowledge and dietary choices. A rigorous randomized controlled trial should be performed to evaluate the efficacy, assessing app use of a long-term intervention.

Objective: To perform, from an insurance perspective, a cost analysis of one of the outpatient community wound care clinics in the Netherlands, the Knowledge Centre in Wound Care (KCWC) at Venray. Method: This study involved a cost analysis based on an observational cohort study with a one-year pre-admission and a one-year post-admission comparison of costs. Patients were included when they first consulted the outpatient wound care clinic. Participants were all insured by the same health insurance company, Coöperatie Volksgezondheidszorg (VGZ). A standard six-step procedure for performing cost studies was used to calculate the costs. Given the skewed cost data, non-parametric bootstrapping was used to test for statistical differences. Results: There were 172 patients included in this study. The difference in costs related to wound care between the year before and the year after initial admission to the wound clinic amounted to an average reduction of €2621 (£1873) per patient in the base case analysis. The categories ‘general practitioner', ‘hospital care’, ‘mental health care’ and ‘transport' scored lower, indicating lower costs, in the year after admission to the wound clinic. Conclusion: In this study, only the reimbursement data of patients of one health insurance company, and specifically only those made under the 2006 Dutch Health Insurance Act, were available. Because of the observational design, definitive conclusions cannot be made regarding a demonstrated reduction of costs in the year post admission. Nevertheless, this study is a first attempt of a cost analysis of an equipped outpatient wound clinic as an innovative way of responding to the increasing number of chronic wounds in the Netherlands. The calculations show that savings in wound care are possible. Declaration of interest: A possible conflict of interest should be mentioned. First author AALM Rondas, PhD student at Maastricht University, is working at the KCWC wound clinic at Venray in the Netherlands as a physician. However, the research data were provided externally by Coöperatie Volksgezondheidszorg (VGZ) and checked by the academic co-authors, none of whom have a conflict of interest. The authors have no financial or commercial interest to declare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMobile technology has an impact on the health care sector, also within dietetics. Mobile health (mHealth) apps may be used for dietary assessment and self-monitoring, allowing for real-time reporting of food intakes. Changing eating behaviors is quite challenging, and patients undergoing hemodialysis, particularly, struggle to meet the target intakes set by dietary guidelines. Usage of mobile apps that are developed in a person-centered approach and in line with recommendations may support both patients and health care practitioners. ObjectiveThis study is a pilot that aims at estimating the potential efficacy of a dietary intervention using a theory-based, person-centered smartphone app. Results will be used to improve both the app and a planned large-scale trial intended to assess app efficacy thoroughly. MethodsA prospective pilot study was performed at the hemodialysis unit of Al Qassimi Hospital (The Emirate of Sharjah). All patients that fulfilled the study inclusion criteria were considered eligible to be enrolled in the pilot study. Upon successful installation of the app, users met with a dietitian once a week. Outcomes were measured at baseline (T0) and 2 weeks post app usage (T1). This pilot is reported as per guidelines for nonrandomized pilot and feasibility studies and in line with the CONSORT 2010 checklist for reporting pilot or feasibility trials. ResultsA total of 23 patients completed the pilot intervention. Mean energy intakes increased from 24.4 kcal/kg/day (SD 8.0) to 29.1 kcal/kg/day (SD 7.8) with a medium effect size (d=0.6, 95% CI 0.0-1.2). Mean protein intakes increased from 0.9 g/kg/day (SD 0.3) to 1.3 g/kg/day (SD 0.5) with a large effect size (d=1.0, 95% CI 0.4-1.6); mean intake of high biological value (%HBV) proteins also increased from 58.6% (SD 10.1) to 70.1% (SD 10.7) with a large effect size (d=1.1, 95% CI 0.5-1.7). Dietary intakes of minerals did not change, apart from sodium which decreased from a mean intake of 2218.8 mg/day (SD 631.6) to 1895.3 mg/day (SD 581.0) with a medium effect size (d=0.5, 95% CI 0.1-1.1). Mean serum phosphorus, potassium, and albumin levels did not change relevantly. Mean serum iron increased from 7.9 mg/dL (SD 2.8) to 11.5 mg/dL (SD 7.9) postintervention with a medium effect size (d=0.6, 95% CI 0.0-1.2). ConclusionsThis pilot study showed that the KELA.AE app has the potential to improve dietary intakes. Processes related to procedure, resources, tools, and app improvement for a future trial were assessed. A more extended intervention using a randomized controlled trial is required to estimate parameters concerning app efficacy accurately.

Introduction: The aims of the study were to investigate the four-factor structure of the German version of the Aging Semantic Differential (ASD) and to gain initial insights into the attitudes of nursing, medical and humanities students towards older people in Austria., Method: A cross-sectional study design with a convenience sample was chosen., Results: The ASD was completed by 255 Austrian nursing, medicine, and humanities students, who described their attitudes towards persons who are 80 years of age and older. The applicability of the four-factor structure (instrumentality, autonomy, acceptability and integrity) of the German version was confirmed by performing a confirmatory factor analysis. The mean age of students in our sample was 23.6 years; 79% of these were female. The sample displayed negative attitudes regarding the factors of autonomy and instrumentality, but more positive attitudes regarding the factors integrity and acceptability. The attitudes of the students in the three study programmes differed, with the medical students displaying the most negative attitudes. Students who displayed positive attitudes had statistically significantly higher levels of knowledge about ageism and better possibilities to hold personal conversations with older people (80+) in the family or circle of friends., Conclusion: We conclude that having more knowledge about ageism and close personal contacts to older persons can support positive attitudes towards older individuals., (© 2021 The Authors. International Journal of Older People Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: To describe the skin areas most often affected by intertrigo, the clinical severity and duration of intertrigo and possible risk factors., Materials and Methods: Secondary analysis of data from 2013 to 2016 collected by the International Prevalence Measurement of Care Quality in Dutch hospitals, care homes and community care., Results: In total, n = 7865 (mean age 80.1 years) subjects were included in this analysis. The inguinal, breast and gluteal cleft skin areas were most often affected by intertrigo. The skin was often inflamed but not eroded. Strongest associations between intertrigo at inguinal skin and diabetes mellitus (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-3.1), intertrigo at sub mammary folds and urinary incontinence (OR 1.6; 95% CI 0.9-2.9) and between intertrigo at gluteal cleft and urinary incontinence (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.4-5.2) were observed., Conclusion: The inguinal region, sub mammary folds and gluteal clefts are most often affected by intertrigo. Female sex, urinary incontinence and high BMI seem to enhance intertrigo risk at all of these skin areas., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To explore factors associated with the presence of category I-IV pressure ulcers on the sacrum and heels., Design: Cross-sectional, secondary data analysis using data collected from the Landelijke Prevalentiemeting Zorgproblemen (LPZ) project, a multicentre prevalence study including nursing home residents and community care clients (N = 4,842) in the Netherlands in 2017., Methods: A single binary logistic regression model was designed to identify factors associated with the presence of pressure ulcers. Additionally, a multiple binary logistic regression model including modifiable explanatory factors associated with the presence of pressure ulcers was designed., Results: Impaired mobility, friction and shear (evaluated using the Braden Scale) are significantly associated with the presence of both sacral and heel category I-IV pressure ulcers. Incontinence-associated dermatitis is significantly associated with category I-IV sacral pressure ulcers., Conclusion: In pressure ulcer prevention, nursing interventions should focus on frequent repositioning and mobilization while avoiding exposure of the skin to friction and shear. The need to consider incontinence-associated dermatitis, incontinence and moisture as important factors in pressure ulcer risk assessment is confirmed., Impact: Pressure ulcers occur when skin and tissues are deformed between bony prominences and the support surface in a sitting or lying position. They are the result of a complex interaction between direct causal factors and a wide range of indirect factors. Recognition of these factors influences risk assessment guidance and practice. Knowledge of skin-specific factors at the patient level, modifiable by nursing interventions, enables a better targeted and tailored preventive approach., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background/objectives: Malnutrition risk screening represents a crucial starting point for the successful management of malnourished patients. This study was conducted to (1) examine the effect of the use of a malnutrition screening tool on process indicators of nutritional care and (2) explore healthcare professionals' perceptions and opinions regarding this tool., Methods: A mixed methods design was used. A controlled pretest-posttest study was conducted to carry out quantitative analyses, and semi-structured, qualitative interviews were held. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests, Student's t-tests and Kruskal-Wallis H tests, using SPSS 23. Qualitative data were analysed by performing a qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA 12. Two comparable hospitals participated in the study, representing one intervention group (IG) and one control group (CG). The Graz Malnutrition Screening Tool (GMS) was implemented and used in the IG for at least 1 month, while the CG received no intervention., Results: The use of the screening tool positively correlated with significant improvements in the process indicators of nutritional care after 1 month, in terms of the number of nutritional interventions and the frequency of documentation of the diagnosis and the patient's weight and height. The content of the interviews revealed that nearly all professionals involved perceived the overall screening process positively. Few barriers were identified., Conclusions: The results of this study show that the use of a screening tool has a positive, short-term impact on the hospital's process quality of nutritional care. Ongoing efforts are required to sustainably maintain these positive changes. During this process, positive attitudes, nomination of motivated 'opinion-leaders' and concerted management support are helpful facilitators.

Objective: Prevention of pressure ulcers (PrUs) is based on relieving pressure, diminishing shear stress, and controlling the skin's microclimate. Based on the recommendations in the most recent guideline for prevention of PrUs, a pressure-relieving, shear stress-diminishing, and microclimate-controlling skin interface multilayer support system (Bedcare; Sense Textile, 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands) has been developed for use on top of a viscoelastic foam mattress (Formafoam, Kabelfabriek Eupen, Belgium). The aim of this study was to test the PrU preventive effect of this system compared with a viscoelastic foam mattress alone., Methods: A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial was executed in 21 nursing homes in the Netherlands. Residents with a Braden score less than 16, a life expectancy of more than 3 months, and no PrUs during the last 3 months were asked to participate and included after informed consent. Residents were divided into 2 groups. The control group received a new high-quality viscoelastic foam mattress covered with a cotton sheet. The intervention group received the same new mattress, in combination with the newly developed multilayer system. Research nurses followed the participating residents for 12 weeks. The outcome parameter was the development of PrUs., Results: Two hundred six residents participated in the study. Both groups had comparable demographics (eg, age, Braden score, care dependency, incontinence). In the control group, 5% of the residents developed a category 2, 3, or 4 PrU, and 9% in the intervention group did. These results were not statistically significant., Conclusions: This study shows that the multilayer system (Mini Overlay System, barrier mattress cover, and Stay and Transfer Sheet), when used as an integral system and in combination with a viscoelastic foam mattress, has no added value over the viscoelastic foam mattress/cotton sheet.

Although the number of studies on pressure ulcer (PU) occurrence continues to grow, research regarding the quality of PU care and its effect on outcomes is limited. Using an extended Donabedian model, a 1-day, multicenter, cross-sectional evaluation of the quality of PU care was conducted in a convenience sample of Indonesian hospitals among patients ≥18 years of age in the medical, surgical, and intensive care units. Structure (ie, hospital attributes), process (recommended PU preventive measures), and outcome indicators (nosocomial PU prevalence excluding nonblanchable erythema), along with patient characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, admission days, diseases [per ICD-10], recent surgery, PU categorization [4 categories according to National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel-European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel guidelines], PU history, care dependency, and Braden score) were examined. Patient data were collected by 2 nurses -1 from the patient's unit and 1 from another unit - using the Landelijke Prevalentiemeting Zorgproblemen-International questionnaire, a paper-and-pencil survey translated into Indonesian. Heads of wards and nursing units completed the questionnaires at institutional and ward levels, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate analyses, and multilevel logistic regression modeling was applied according to the generalized estimating equation approach. Among the 4 participating hospitals, 66 care units, 36 pairs of nurses, and 1132 adult patients (mean age 48.7 ± 17.4 years, 40.9% women) were involved. Ninety-one (91) patients developed 1 or more PUs; the nosocomial PU prevalence (excluding nonblanchable erythema, category I) was 3.6%. The most frequently used PU preventive measures were patient education (329, 29.1%), repositioning (269, 23.8%), and skin moisturizing (266, 23.5%). The factors most associated with nosocomial PU rate excluding category I were the inclusion of PU care in patient care files (P = .001), repositioning (P = .002), skin moisturizing (P = .009), age (P = .013), admission days (P = .001), care dependency scores (P = .047), immobility (P = .001), sensory perception limitation (P = .001), moist skin (P = .032, OR 13.74), and friction and shear problem (P = .001). The prevalence of nosocomial PUs in this study was comparable to previous research in the Netherlands and rather low, even though limited structural indicators and suboptimal preventive measures were noted. Also, outdated preventive measures such as massage, donuts, and water-filled gloves were still used. The quality of PU care in these hospitals may be improved by addressing the absence of structural factors, including protocols/guidelines. Future research is needed for guideline implementation programs in Indonesian hospitals.

Background: Patient aggression is a longstanding problem in general hospital nursing. Staff training is recommended to tackle workplace aggression originating from patients or visitors, yet evidence on training effects is scarce., Aims: To review and collate current research evidence on the effect of aggression management training for nurses and nursing students working in general hospitals, and to derive recommendations for further research., Design: Systematic, narrative review., Data Sources: Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, pubmed, psycArticles, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection were searched for articles evaluating training programs for staff and students in acute hospital adult nursing in a 'before/after' design. Studies published between January 2000 and September 2011 in English, French or German were eligible of inclusion., Review Methods: The methodological quality of included studies was assessed with the 'Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies'. Main outcomes i.e. attitudes, confidence, skills and knowledge were collated., Results: Nine studies were included. Two had a weak, six a moderate, and one a strong study design. All studies reported increased confidence, improved attitude, skills, and knowledge about risk factors post training. There was no significant change in incidence of patient aggression., Conclusion: Our findings corroborate findings of reviews on training in mental health care, which point to a lack of high quality research. Training does not reduce the incidence of aggressive acts. Aggression needs to be tackled at an organizational level., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Incontinent patients are at risk for incontinence-associated dermatitis. Prolonged exposures of the skin to urine and/or stool are causal factors but the exact aetiology and pathophysiology are not fully understood., Objectives: The aim of the current investigation was to identify person and health-related variables most strongly associated with incontinence-associated dermatitis development., Design: Secondary data analysis of a multicentre-prevalence study in 2012., Settings: Hospitals, nursing homes, home care in Austria and the Netherlands., Participants: Nursing home residents, hospital patients, home care clients who completed an incontinence assessment and who were incontinent (n = 3713). Mean age 81.2 (SD 11.2) years., Methods: Demographic, functional and physiological parameters were compared between subjects with incontinence-associated dermatitis and without. A logistic regression model predicting incontinence-associated dermatitis was build., Results: Subjects with incontinence-associated dermatitis were statistically significantly more often male, had more often diabetes mellitus, had a higher BMI, were less often affected by urinary but more often by faecal incontinence and showed higher degrees of functional and psychical impairments. Being faecal incontinent (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.14-2.55), having diabetes mellitus (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.03-2.06) and having "friction and shear" problems (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.51-0.81) according to the Braden scale item were the strongest covariates for the presence of incontinence-associated dermatitis., Conclusions: It is recommended to target special preventive skin care interventions especially to persons who are faecal incontinent and who have moist perineal skin, who have higher BMIs, who are diabetics, and who need increased assistance in moving., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)