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Background: Antibiotics are often inappropriately prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing home (NH) residents. Research emphasises the importance of prescribing antibiotics only if there are UTI‐related signs and symptoms (S&S). However, for many NH residents it is challenging to find out whether such S&S are present, for example due to cognitive disorders. Objectives: To provide insight into the assessment of UTI‐related S&S in NH residents with impaired awareness or ability to communicate S&S, and to develop supportive tools for the observation of UTI‐related S&S in this subgroup of NH residents, by nursing staff. Methods: We performed a practice‐based study using mixed methods. Data of 295 cases of suspected UTI were analysed to determine how often UTI‐related S&S were 'not assessed/non‐assessable' in residents with and without dementia. Barriers and facilitators in observing UTI‐related S&S in NH residents with impaired awareness or ability to communicate S&S were derived from interviews and focus groups with nursing staff. Literature review, focus group data, additional telephone interviews and questionnaires with nursing staff were used in a step‐by‐step process, including pilot testing, to develop supportive tools for the observation of UTI‐related S&S. Results: UTI‐related S&S were assessable in the majority of NH residents with dementia. The proportion 'not assessed/non‐assessable' S&S in residents with dementia increased with increasing severity of dementia. In residents with very severe dementia, up to 58% of the S&S were 'not assessed/non‐assessable'. Knowing the resident, working methodologically, and being sufficiently skilled to interpret observations in residents facilitate the assessment of UTI‐related S&S. Insights acquired during the different study elements resulted in the development of an observation checklist and a 24‐h observation tool. Conclusions: The more NH residents have impaired awareness of ability to communicate S&S, the more difficult it seems to be to assess UTI‐related S&S. The observation checklist and 24‐h observation tool developed in the current study may support nursing staff in their observation of UTI‐related S&S in this group of NH residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pain is a frequent long-term consequence of stroke, but its relation to emotional and social well-being is poorly studied in stroke populations. We aimed to identify the prevalence of substantial pain among institutionalized stroke patients and to explore its relation to emotional distress (ED) and low social engagement (SE).Methods: In a cross-sectional design, we collected data of 274 chronic stroke patients in Dutch nursing homes. Observation lists were filled out in structured interviews with qualified nurse assistants who knew the residents well. Pain and SE were measured with the Resident Assessment Instrument for Long-term Care Facilities, and ED was measured with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPIQ).Results: Substantial pain was present in 28% of the residents, mostly located in the affected body side (68%). Multilevel regression analyses revealed that this pain was independently related to a 60% increase in NPIQ score (β 3.18 [1.84-4.53]) and to clinically relevant symptoms of delusions (odds ratio [OR] 8.45 [1.82-39.05]), agitation/aggression (OR 3.82 [1.76-8.29]), depression (OR 3.49 [1.75-6.98]), and anxiety (OR 2.32 [1.08-4.97]). Substantial pain was associated with low SE when adjusted for clinical covariates (OR 4.25 [1.72-10.53]), but only in residents with no/mild or severe cognitive impairment. This relation disappeared when additionally corrected for NPIQ score (OR 1.95 [0.71-5.39]).Conclusions: Pain is a serious and multidimensional problem among institutionalized stroke patients. It is related to increased ED, which in turn can be a pathway to low SE as an indicator of social vulnerability. Future research should reveal how pain management in nursing homes can be tailored to the needs of this patient group. [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]

Objectives The objective of this study is to explore factors that elucidate reasons for psychotropic drug (PD) prescription for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in nursing home (NH) residents with dementia. Design A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. Setting Twelve NHs in The Netherlands. Participants Fifteen physicians and 14 nurses. Measurements Individual, face-to-face, in-depth semistructured interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed using Atlas.ti. Results The qualitative analysis revealed 4 emerging themes with factors either or both enhancing or limiting PD prescription, which we used to develop a conceptual framework. First, the mindset of physicians and nurses toward NPS and PDs appeared to contribute. Second, inadequate knowledge of and experience with NPS and limited people skills of nurses may induce PD prescription. Also, knowledge of effectiveness and side effects of PDs from education, literature, and guidelines, and previous personal experiences was considered relevant. Third, effective communication and cooperation between professionals and with family may improve the appropriateness of PD prescription. Fourth, external factors including staffing issues, nursing home setting, access to consultants, national and local policies, and zeitgeist were considered to affect PD prescription. Conclusion We have developed a conceptual framework explaining how different factors influence PD prescription. This provides opportunities for improving PD prescription in NH residents with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current guidelines and theories on the origin of challenging behaviour in dementia indicate that a structured multidisciplinary approach to its management is necessary. In the Grip on Challenging Behaviour study, a care programme was developed to improve the management of challenging behaviour. Method: In developing the care programme, the overlapping parts of dementia care guidelines were supplemented with discipline-specific parts. Three meetings with experts were arranged to further develop the structure of the care programme and to ensure a good fit with practice. Results: The care programme consists of four steps: detection, analysis, treatment, and evaluation. For each step, forms were developed to guide and structure the process and assign responsibilities for each discipline. As well as a description of the development and the content of the care programme, this paper presents two case studies in which the programme was used. Conclusion: The Grip on Challenging Behaviour care programme provides a way for dementia special care units to manage challenging behaviour in a structured way and with a multidisciplinary approach making use of their own resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibiotic overprescribing for suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) in nursing homes (NHs) is common. Typical clinical scenarios in which antibiotics are inappropriately prescribed include response to nonspecific signs and symptoms and/or a positive urine test in the absence of symptoms referable to the urinary tract. These and other scenarios for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing were addressed in a recent international Delphi study which resulted in the development of a decision tool for the empiric treatment of UTI in frail older adults. The aim of the current study is to implement this decision tool, by integrating it into the electronic health record (EHR) and providing education on its content and use, and to evaluate its effect on appropriate antibiotic prescribing. An additional aim is to evaluate the quality of the intervention and the implementation process.Methods: A cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (cRCT) is conducted in sixteen NHs and aims to include 897 residents diagnosed with suspected UTI. NHs in the intervention group use the EHR-integrated decision tool, and receive education for physicians and nursing staff; in the control group care as usual is provided. Data is collected through case report forms within the EHR at the day of diagnosis and at 3, 7, and 21 days thereafter. The primary outcome is appropriate antibiotic prescribing for suspected UTI at the day of diagnosis. Secondary outcomes include the course of symptoms, alternative diagnoses, treatment changes, complications, hospitalization, and mortality. Data on total antibiotic prescribing are additionally collected in the participating NHs 12 months before and during the study. Finally, the process evaluation combines cRCT data with questionnaires and qualitative interviews with NH professionals.Discussion: This is the first cRCT to evaluate the recently developed, international decision tool for empiric treatment of suspected UTI in NH residents. Study findings will elucidate the effect of the intervention on appropriate antibiotic prescribing for suspected UTI, and provide insight into the applicability of the decision tool in NHs in general and in specific subgroups of NH residents. With this study we aim to contribute to antibiotic stewardship efforts in long-term care.Trial Registration: The ANNA study was registered at the Netherlands Trial Register on 26 February 2019, with identification number NTR NL7555 . [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]

Abstract: Objectives: In view of the development of an integrated care and treatment program for institutionalized stroke patients tailored to their needs, we aimed to explore their status of functioning in the physical, cognitive, emotional, communicative and social domains. In addition, we explored the relation between status of functioning and stroke characteristics. Design: A cross-sectional, observational study. Setting: Dutch nursing homes (NHs). Participants: Residents with stroke as main diagnosis for NH-admission, who experienced a stroke ≥3 months ago and stayed ≥1 month in a long term care ward. Measurements: Attending physicians provided information about stroke subtype, stroke location and time post-stroke. Status of functioning was measured through an observation list comprising the Barthel Index, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire, and sections of the Resident Assessment Instrument for Long-Term Care Facilities. The list was filled out in a structured interview with a qualified nurse assistant who knew the resident well. Results: We included 274 residents (mean age 76.6, 58.4% female). The stroke that caused NH-dependency was in 81.3% ischemic, and in 49.8% right-sided. Median time post-stroke was 47 months; 90.9% of the residents were severely dependent in basic activities of daily living and 58% were in pain. Nearly half of the residents showed moderate (24.4%) or severe (23%) cognitive impairment. Irritability (52.9%), depressive symptoms (52.6%) and apathy (34.3%) occurred as the most frequent neuropsychiatric symptoms; 27.7% had a poor ability to express themselves and 30.3% had a low social engagement. We found more severe cognitive impairment, agitation/aggression and poor expression in left-sided strokes, more nighttime behavioral disturbances and delusions in right-sided strokes, and lower social engagement in residents with the largest time-interval post-stroke. Conclusion: This study among institutionalized stroke patients in Dutch NHs revealed very high prevalence of impairments on all domains of functioning, above the well-known severe disabilities in basic activities of daily living. The monitoring and management of both pain and neuropsychiatric symptoms should be key elements in an integrated care and treatment program. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]