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The objective of this research was to explore social connectedness and associations with self‐perceived health amongst older adults in New Zealand at a population level. The data for this analysis were derived from the 2016 Health and Lifestyle Survey, a nationally representative survey administered via face‐to‐face interviews. The findings from this analysis of 1,374 respondents, all of whom were over the age of 55 years, highlight that being female, belonging to older age groups (above 70 years), being employed full‐time or part‐time, connecting online with known people, considering cultural connections to be important and not feeling isolated from others are significantly and positively associated with positive self‐perceived health. The findings underscore the resilience potential of older adults and importance of social connectedness for positive health and well‐being. In addition, the findings reveal target areas that would benefit by intervention and support by health professionals and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been growing recognition of the harmful consequences of loneliness for health and well‐being, and the need for community intervention, particularly in times of global crisis such as the Covid‐19 pandemic with its imperatives of distancing, isolation, and quarantine. Social capital and a sense of social cohesion are known to have roles in buffering against the effects of adverse life circumstances. Our study sought to investigate the association of a range of social attitudes and activities – as proxies for social capital – with loneliness while taking into account socio‐demographic factors. We undertook a national survey on a stratified random sample of the New Zealand (NZ) adult population aged 18+ in 2017 (n = 1,358), data from which included the requisite variables. The prevalence of loneliness was highest in young adults (18–30), falling with age until a slight rise in older people (76+). Loneliness was associated with socio‐demographic factors, being more prevalent in the more disadvantaged groups: the deprived, Māori (the indigenous people of NZ), the non‐partnered, and the less educated. Controlling for these socio‐demographic factors, pro‐social attitudes (that is towards political efficacy, trust in others, not feeling exploited, or being committed to family) and participation in social activities (that is being employed or being involved in recreation groups) – were protective against loneliness. Our study supports asset‐based approaches to tackling loneliness – with implications for health and social care – that emphasise mobilising existing social resources, building social capital, and raising social cohesion in our communities. Such intervention on loneliness would help to prevent and ameliorate its detrimental consequences for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In New Zealand, as in other industrialised societies, an ageing population has led to an increased need for palliative care services. A cross‐sectional postal survey of bereaved carers was conducted in order to describe both bereaved carer experience of existing services in the last 3 months of life, and to identify factors associated with overall satisfaction with care. A self‐complete questionnaire, using a modified version of the Views of Informal Carers – Evaluation of Services (VOICES) instrument was sent to 4,778 bereaved carers for registered deceased adult (>18yrs) patients in one district health board (DHB) for the period between November 2015 and December 2016. Eight hundred and twenty‐six completed questionnaires were returned (response rate = 21%). The majority of respondents (83.8%) rated their overall satisfaction with care (taking all care during the last 3 months into account), as high. However, satisfaction varied by care setting. Overall satisfaction with care in hospice was significantly higher compared to other settings. Additionally, patients who died in hospice were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and under 65 years of age. The factors associated with overall satisfaction with care in the last 2 days of life were: caregiver perceptions of treatment with dignity and respect; adequate privacy; sufficient pain relief and decisions in line with the patient's wishes. A more in‐depth exploration is required to understand the quality of, and satisfaction with, care in different settings as well as the factors that contribute to high/low satisfaction with care at the end‐of‐life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare support workers face challenging situations in their day‐to‐day work but may have minimal training on how to deal with such incidents. Although staff training is often recommended as an essential part of any comprehensive approach for preventing and managing workplace violence, there is paucity of evidence on the content and effectiveness of such training. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an intervention (communication skills training) to reduce the experience of aggression for healthcare support workers. A two arm, cluster randomised, single‐blinded, controlled trial among healthcare support workers in nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and District Health Boards (DHBs) in New Zealand was conducted. The trial was conducted across 14 NGOs and DHB in Otago, Southland, and Auckland regions of New Zealand. One hundred and twenty‐seven participants were randomised to one of two groups. Both the intervention (communication skills) and control condition (mindfulness) were group‐based, fully scripted, and structured training interventions that consisted of four once weekly workshops that were facilitated by one of two nonclinical facilitators. Measurements of perceived aggression, psychological well‐being, and distress and communication competence were taken pre‐, post‐, 3 months' post‐, and 6 months' postintervention. There was a significant drop in the rate of aggression over time with a mean score and standard deviation of 10.37 (9.169) at baseline dropping to 6.07 (6.923) for the Perception of Patient Aggression Scale‐New Zealand across both intervention and control. Equivalent results were noted with increased psychological well‐being and communication competence and decreased distress with both interventions. This was sustained at 6 months' follow‐up. However, the between groups effect did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups. Both mindfulness and communication skills training can reduce the experience of aggression reported by healthcare support workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of diabetes in people with an intellectual disability, although unknown, is indicated to be higher than the general population. Given the challenges individuals with intellectual disability may face, this population is often dependent upon key workers to manage their health and well-being. One aim of a wider study on the self-management of diabetes by people with intellectual disability was to explore how key workers supported their self-management. That aim was the focus of this paper. Between 2009 and 2010, 17 staff from five residential intellectual disability services and two supported independent living services within New Zealand, consented to a semi-structured interview. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using Thomas' General Inductive Approach. Three overarching themes emerged; having knowledge and understanding, being lifestyle police and ensuring future well-being. While knowledge, skills and perspectives varied, all participants were committed to ensuring that the lifestyle of the person concerned was compatible with the management of their diabetes. A range of perspectives existed between the expectations they had of themselves, colleagues and the individual with diabetes. There was an identified need for initial and ongoing education of permanent and casual staff and the people themselves with diabetes in collaboration with health and disability services to build confidence and promote self-management practices. In so doing, the impacts of this long-term condition may be reduced and the health outcomes improved for people with intellectual disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we assessed the quality of publicly available cancer-related physical activity ( PA) information appearing on reputable sites from Canada and other English-speaking countries. A cross-sectional Internet search was conducted on select countries (Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, UK) using Google to generate top 50 results per country for the keywords ''physical activity' AND 'cancer''. Top results were assessed for quality of PA information based on a coding frame. Additional searches were performed for Canadian-based sites to produce an exhaustive list. Results found that many sites offered cancer-related PA information (94.5%), but rarely defined PA (25.2%). Top 50 results from each country did not differ on any indicator examined. The exhaustive list of Canadian sites found that many sites gave information about PA for survivorship (78.3%) and prevention (70.0%), but rarely defined (6.7%) or referenced PA guidelines (28.3%). Cancer-related PA information is plentiful on the Internet but the quality needs improvement. Sites should do more than mention PA; they should provide definitions, examples and guidelines. With improvements, these websites would enable healthcare providers to effectively educate their patients about PA, and serve as a valuable resource to the general public who may be seeking cancer-related PA information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that altered brain connectivity may be a defining feature of disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, and ADHD. This study investigated whether resting state functional connectivity, measured by 128-channel EEG oscillation coherence, differs between developmental disorders. Analyses were conducted separately on groups with and without comorbid conditions. Analyses revealed increased coherence across central electrodes over the primary motor cortex and decreased coherence in the frontal lobe networks in those with ASD compared to neurotypical controls. There was increased coherence in occipital lobe networks in the ADHD group compared to other groups. Symptoms of generalised anxiety were positively correlated with both frontal-occipital intrahemispheric (alpha only) coherence and occipital interhemispheric coherence (alpha, approaching theta band). The patterns of coherence in the ASD pure group were different when comorbid conditions were included in the analyses, suggesting that aberrant coherence in the frontal and central areas of the brain is specifically associated with ASD. Our findings support the idea that comorbid conditions are additive, rather than being symptoms of the same disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores older people's views, experiences and sources of bereavement support following the death of a spouse, family member or other significant individual. Telephone interviews were conducted with 28 bereaved older adults recruited from the Brief Risk Identification Geriatric Health Tool trial participants in three geographically diverse District Health Boards in New Zealand. Analysis adhered to the principles of grounded theory and followed the National Centre for Social Research 'Framework' approach. Findings indicate that family and friends play a fundamental role supporting older bereaved adults, both emotionally and practically. Existing community-based organisations were identified as an important source of support following bereavement. Despite the emotional, financial and practical challenges associated with bereavement, the majority of participants questioned the role of, need for and value of formal bereavement support services. Instead, study participants cited a combination of being older and previous life experiences as factors that had enabled them to cope with these largely 'expected' events. Moreover, they demonstrated considerable resilience in managing the emotional and practical changes associated with loss and bereavement. This study poses a challenge to the argument that the growing secularisation of society has led to an increase in the use of professional bereavement services over more 'traditional' forms of support, such as family, friends and community and religious organisations. The paper highlights the value of adopting a public health-based approach as a way of optimising bereavement support via the use of existing community organisations previously known to older people. This is particularly important in those countries where the provision of bereavement support is limited due to resource constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To determine the rates and costs of nurse turnover, the relationships with staffing practises, and the impacts on outcomes for nurses and patients. Background In the context of nursing shortages, information on the rates and costs of nursing turnover can improve nursing staff management and quality of care. Methods Quantitative and qualitative data were collected prospectively for 12 months. A re-analysis of these data used descriptive statistics and correlational analysis techniques. Results The cost per registered nurse turnover represents half an average salary. The highest costs were related to temporary cover, followed by productivity loss. Both are associated with adverse patient events. Flexible management of nursing resources (staffing below budgeted levels and reliance on temporary cover), and a reliance on new graduates and international recruitment to replace nurses who left, contributed to turnover and costs. Conclusions Nurse turnover is embedded in staffing levels and practises, with costs attributable to both. A culture of turnover was found that is inconsistent with nursing as a knowledge workforce. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers did not challenge flexible staffing practices and high turnover rates. Information on turnover and costs is needed to develop strategies that retain nurses as knowledge-based workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary What is known and objective: Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics are recommended for those people with a preference for this form of treatment and those who experience negative outcomes due to non-adherence with oral medication. LAI antipsychotics have been associated with improved outcomes and lower treatment discontinuation rates when compared with oral formulations. Risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) treatment is effective and well-tolerated in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to review RLAI prescribing practice and compare prescribing to best practice recommendations (including indication, initiation, dose and co-prescribing) for adults receiving care from five clinical practice settings of New Zealand. Methods: Patients starting publicly funded RLAI between 1 October 2005 and 31 October 2006 in five mental health services were included in the study. Data were retrospectively collected for 443 patients 1 year pre- and post-RLAI initiation at seven cross-sectional time-points (12, 6 and 3 months before; initiation; and 3, 6 and 12 months after). Patient characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity), DSM-IV-TR diagnosis, duration of mental illness, mental health act utilization, treatment setting and antipsychotic treatment (reasons for starting RLAI) were obtained from patient records. Results and discussion: The patients were mostly male (64·3%), of European background (42·9%) with a medium age of 34. In line with treatment recommendations, most had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or related psychoses, a history of medication adherence problems and previously been prescribed oral risperidone (72%). Treatment initiation also reflected recommended guidance; most were started on 25 mg/2 weeks (81·9%) and had treatment crossover (93·3%) until RLAI stabilized. For 58·3% of the group who continued for ≥12 months, mean fortnightly doses increased from 36·2 mg (3 months) to 41·3 mg (12 months); within the licensed range of 25-50 mg/2 weeks. Areas differing from recommended practice included high rates of antipsychotic co-prescribing at three cross-sectional time-points and ongoing at 12 months (12·3%). Patients prescribed higher RLAI starting doses were more likely to be prescribed higher doses 12 months later. What is new and conclusion: To our knowledge this is the largest multi-site explicit review of RLAI use in real world clinical practice. The review found that clinicians were using RLAI in clinical practice predominantly in accordance with best practice recommendations. However, high rates of antipsychotic co-prescribing with RLAI were identified which differ from practice reported in other small reviews of RLAI use and local studies of antipsychotic prescribing. We have demonstrated that clinical audit of practice is a powerful tool to identify areas of potentially poor practice, such as ongoing high rates of antipsychotic co-prescription cross-sectionally and 12 months after RLAI initiation and that this is an area of practice requiring further evaluation. Feedback to clinicians and stakeholders followed by re-audit of practice is needed in order to complete the audit cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

McTavish L, Wiltshire E. Effective treatment of hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Objective: To determine the most effective of four oral treatments for hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes using a weight-based protocol during diabetes camp. Methods: During diabetes camp treatment of hypoglycemia was randomized to one of the four treatments, randomly assigned for each episode using a sealed envelope: glucose tablets, jellybeans, orange juice, and sugar mints (Mentos dragees®). An equivalent carbohydrate dose was calculated for each patient for each treatment (0.3 g carbohydrate/kg) and provided to camp leaders. Glucose was measured at 0, 2, 5, 10, and 15 min and symptoms recorded. Results: A total of 191 episodes of hypoglycemia were recorded in 39 children (1-12 episodes per child), with 2 episodes excluded because of protocol violations. Fifty-two episodes were treated with glucose tablets, 45 with jellybeans, 44 with juice, and 48 with sugar mints. Change in glucose at 10 (p = 0.034) and 15 min (p = 0.005) and glucose at 15 min (p = 0.026) were significantly different between treatment groups - jellybeans produced the lowest and slowest response. Glucose tablets did not differ significantly from juice or Mentos dragees. There was a trend for repeat treatment to be required more often with a single treatment 'dose' of jellybeans (p = 0.058). Symptoms occurred in 112 episodes, with a median time to symptom resolution of 12 min (interquartile range (IQR) 8-15 min). Conclusions: Jellybeans are less effective treatment for hypoglycemia than the other three treatments. Glucose tablets, Mentos dragees® and orange juice are of similar efficacy. Treatment with 0.3 g/kg of carbohydrate (excluding jellybeans) effectively resolved hypoglycemia in most children, with 15 min often required to normalize blood glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]