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Background: The management of pain in long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia is complex. A prospective exploratory study was conducted to describe the course of pain and pain management strategies following a guideline-based pain assessment procedure in LTC residents with pain and dementia.Measures: Pain observations with the Mobilization Observation Behaviour Intensity Dementia (MOBID-2) Pain Scale, a review of the electronic patient file and pharmacy files and physical examination of LTC residents with pain and dementia.Intervention: Communication of the assessment results to the attending physician including guideline-based treatment recommendations.Outcomes: After three months, complete follow-up data were obtained for 64 residents. Pain intensity was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). The proportion of residents with persistent pain was 58% and the total number of analgesic prescriptions did not change significantly.Conclusions: There is room for improvement regarding pain management in LTC residents with pain and dementia, and performance feedback seems a promising strategy to explore further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Burdensome symptoms frequently develop as part of the dementia trajectory and influence quality of life. We explore the course of symptoms and their treatment during nursing home stay to help target adequate symptom management. Design Data were collected as part of the Dutch End of Life in Dementia study, a longitudinal observational study with up to 3.5 years of follow-up. Physicians performed assessments at baseline, semiannually, and shortly after death of pain, agitation, shortness of breath, and treatment provided for these symptoms. Setting Long-term care facilities (28) in the Netherlands. Participants Newly admitted nursing home residents (372) in variable stages of dementia. Measurements We described prevalence and course of symptoms, and treatment provided for these symptoms. We used generalized estimating equations to evaluate the longitudinal change in symptoms and their treatment, and the associations between the symptoms of pain and agitation, as well as between stage of dementia and symptoms. Results Pain was common (varying from 47% to 68% across the semiannual assessments) and frequently persistent (36%–41% of all residents); it increased to 78% in the last week of life. Agitation was the most common symptom (57%–71%), and also frequently persistent (39%–53%), yet it decreased to 35% in the last week of life. Shortness of breath was less common (16%–26%), but it increased to 52% at the end of life. Pain was not significantly associated with agitation. Advanced dementia was associated with more pain only. Treatment changed in particular at the end of life. Pain was treated mostly with acetaminophen (34%–52%), and at the end of life with parenteral opioids (44%). Agitation was mostly treated nonpharmacologically (78%–92%), and at the end of life anxiolytics were the most frequently prescribed treatment (62%). Overall, aerosolized bronchodilators were the most frequently prescribed treatment for shortness of breath (29%–67%), but at the end of life, this was morphine (69%). Conclusion Pain and agitation were common and frequently persisted in residents with dementia during nursing home stay, but symptom management intensified only at the end of life. Symptom control may be suboptimal from admission, and a stronger focus on symptom control is needed at an earlier stage than the end of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and multiresistance of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in nursing homes and to determine which factors are associated with this prevalence. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Nursing homes. Participants: Residents of long-stay somatic care wards and rehabilitation patients were recruited from five nursing homes and two rehabilitation wards in hospitals in the central region of the Netherlands. Measurements: From each included patient, an anal swab was analyzed for E. coli and its antibiotic susceptibility and extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Nasal swabs were analyzed for S. aureus and its susceptibility, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Associations were determined between resistance of E. coli to amoxicillin/co-amoxiclav and recent use (previous 6 months) of these antibiotics, hospital admission (previous 3 months), and presence of a urinary catheter. Results: A total of 125 patients were included in the study. The resistance and intermediate susceptibility of E. coli varied from 4% (ceftriaxone) to 43% (amoxicillin). Extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were found in 6% of the patients. Amoxicillin and/or co-amoxiclav users were significantly more resistant to these antibiotics (69%) than nonusers (38%). No associations were found between amoxicillin and/or co-amoxiclav resistance and hospital admission or presence of a urine catheter. The resistance of S. aureus varied from 0% to 69% (penicillin). No MRSA was found. The ciprofloxacin resistance in E. coli and S. aureus was 14% and 39%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and S. aureus in nursing homes was considerably high in this study, although no MRSA was found. This may lead to failing of empiric therapy of infections in patients in nursing homes. In particular, the high resistance to ciprofloxacin may make empiric quinolone therapy unreliable. Antibiotic use was associated with antibiotic resistance of E. coli. Therefore, antibiotic use should be restricted as much as possible. Analysis of risk factors for antibiotic resistance should be extended to be able to prevent further development of antibiotic resistance in nursing homes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives Physician treatment orders (PTOs) prevent burdensome unnecessary medical treatment of frail nursing home patients. The aim was to determine the prevalence of PTOs and time duration between nursing home admittance and PTO completion. Design Population-based, retrospective cohort study. Setting Nursing homes across the Netherlands. Data Collection Digital medical records of patients who subsequently were submitted to 14 Dutch nursing homes across The Netherlands were studied between 2010 and 2013. The prevalence's of do-resuscitate, do-not-resuscitate, life-sustaining, and palliative care PTOs and the time intervals between nursing home admittance and documentation of PTOs were measured. Information regarding demographic patient characteristics, type of nursing home ward, and mention of a discussion of PTOs with the patient or caregivers was obtained. Results Eighty-two percent of the nursing home patients received a PTO regarding resuscitation, life-sustaining, or palliative care treatment. Twenty-four percent of the patients received a do-resuscitation PTO, 55% received a do-not-resuscitate PTO, 44% a life-sustaining PTO, and 16% a palliative care PTO. The median duration between nursing home admittance and documentation of the first PTO was 1 day. Most nursing home patients had PTOs within 1 week after admittance. Conclusion A minority (18%) of Dutch nursing home patients has no documented PTOs during their nursing home stay, which could have negative effects on end-of-life care of nursing home residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: The Grip on Challenging Behavior care program was developed using the current guidelines and models on managing challenging behavior in dementia in nursing homes. It was hypothesized that the use of the care program would lead to a decrease in challenging behavior and in the prescription of psychoactive drugs without increase in use of restraints. Design: A randomized controlled trial was undertaken using a stepped-wedge design to implement the care program and to evaluate the effects. An assessment of challenging behavior and psychoactive medication was undertaken every 4 months on all participating units followed by the introduction of the care program in a group of 3 to 4 units. A total of 6 time assessments took place over 20 months. Setting: Seventeen dementia special care units of different nursing homes. Participants: A total of 659 residents of dementia special care units. All residents with dementia on the unit were included. Units were assigned by random allocation software to 1 of 5 groups with different starting points for the implementation of the care program. Intervention: A care program consisting of various assessment procedures and tools, which ensure a multidisciplinary approach and which structure the process of managing challenging behavior in dementia. Measurements: Challenging behavior was measured using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Research assistants (blinded for intervention status of the unit) interviewed nurses on the units about challenging behavior. Data on psychoactive drugs and restraints were retrieved from resident charts. Results: A total of 2292 assessments took place involving 659 residents (1126 control measurements, 1166 intervention measurements). The group of residents who remained in the intervention condition compared with the group in the control condition differed significantly in the CMAI change scores between successive assessments [–2.4 CMAI points, 95% confidence interval (CI) –4.3 to –0.6]. No significant effects were found for the control-to-intervention group compared with the group who remained in the control group (0.0 CMAI points, 95% CI –2.3 to 2.4). Significant effects were found on 5 of the 12 Neuropsychiatric Inventory items and on the use of antipsychotics (odds ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.37– 0.80) and antidepressants (odds ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.44–0.94). No effect on use of restraints was observed. Conclusions: The Grip on Challenging behavior program was able to diminish some forms of challenging behavior and the use of psychoactive drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The researchers aimed to (1) explore the occurrence of psychological resilience in the face of a major life stressor and conflict in older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs), and (2) identify factors associated with resilience in this population. Longitudinal cohort study using the Dutch InterRAI-LTCF cohort. Older residents (≥60 years old) of 21 LTCFs in the Netherlands. The researchers selected 2 samples of residents who had at least 2 assessments surrounding (1) an incident major life stressor, or (2) incident conflict with other resident or staff. A resilient outcome was operationalized as not having clinically meaningful mood symptoms at the post-stressor assessment and equal or fewer mood symptoms at the post-stressor relative to the pre-stressor assessment. The researchers used 2 resilience outcomes per stressor: 1 based on observer-reported mood symptoms and 1 based on self-reported mood symptoms. The most important factors from among 21 potential resilience factors for each of the 4 operationalizations of resilience were identified using a backward selection procedure with 2-level generalized estimating equations analyses. Forty-eight percent and 50% of residents were resilient in the face of a major life stressor, based on observer-reported (n = 248) and self-reported (n = 211) mood, respectively. In the face of conflict, 26% and 51% of the residents demonstrated resilience, based on the observer-reported (n = 246) and self-reported (n = 183) mood, respectively. Better cognitive functioning, a strong and supportive relationship with family, participation in social activities, and better self-reported health were most strongly associated with resilience in the face of a major life stressor. Better communicative functioning, absence of psychiatric diagnoses, a strong and supportive relationship with family, not being lonely, social engagement, and not reminiscing about life were most strongly associated with resilience in the face of conflict. Factors with a social aspect appear to be particularly important to psychological resilience in older LTCF residents, and provide a potential target for intervention in the LTCF setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to explore the effects of the Dutch COVID-19 lockdown (March 20–May 25, 2020) on mood, behavior, and social and cognitive functioning of older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) prospectively. Mixed methods: historically controlled longitudinal cohort study and focus groups. Residents of Dutch LTCFs. Residents who were assessed during and prior to the lockdown were compared to residents of the same wards with 2 assessments prior to the lockdown. We used mixed models and generalized estimating equation analyses to explore differences in changes in mood, withdrawal and aggressive behavior, loneliness and conflict, and cognition and delirium. We also explored whether the effect of the lockdown differed for different subgroups. In 2 online focus groups, LTCF care professionals, ranging from care staff to physicians, reflected on their experiences of the effect of the lockdown and the cohort study results. The lockdown group of 298 residents was compared to the control group of 625 residents. Self-reported mood symptoms showed a slightly greater increase during the lockdown. During the first half of the lockdown, the level of conflict with other residents decreased whereas it increased in the control group. The subgroup with moderate-severe cognitive impairment showed a decrease in withdrawal during the lockdown, whereas the group with no-mild cognitive impairment showed a statistically nonsignificant relative increase. Professionals described great individual variation in the effects of the lockdown on residents. Facilities attempted to preserve the experienced positive effects, for example, by promoting tranquility in shared rooms and continuing to organize individualized ward-based activities. We did not find clinically relevant negative effects of the lockdown on mood, behavior, and social and cognitive functioning in older residents of LTCFs at the group level. Possibly, staff mitigated the negative effects at the group level. Meanwhile, they learned lessons that they continue to apply to enhance resident well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]