Care Settings For Older People Research Articles

Incontinence-associated dermatitis in older adults in residential care settings: a point prevalence study.

To identify, for the first time, the proportion of older adults in extended care settings in Ireland affected by IAD. Cross-sectional, multisite, point prevalence survey, across three community extended care settings for older people in Ireland. Two clinical nurse specialists, using the Scottish Excoriation and Moisture Related Skin Damage Tool, identified the presence of IAD through clinical observation and visual skin inspection. IAD prevalence was calculated for the total population and incontinent population sets using percentages and confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of incontinence was 86.4% (n=165), a significantly higher proportion were female (P=0.003). The point prevalence of IAD across the total population and incontinent population was 11.5% (22/191; 95% CI, 7.4-19.9%) and 13.3% (22/164; 95% CI, 8.5-19.5%), respectively. Being incontinent was associated with being female, more dependent (Barthel), having possible cognitive impairment, poorer mobility (Braden and Waterlow) and a high risk of pressure ulcers (Waterlow). A logistic regression analysis found no predictor variables for IAD among the variables that met the cut-off point for this analysis. The study provides the first point prevalence empirical data on the occurrence of IAD in Ireland. It can inform decision-making on future planning and budgeting of new quality improvement projects and act as a benchmark for ongoing auditing of IAD.

Effectiveness of an educational intervention to increase professional nurses' person‐centred care competence in long‐term care of older people—Quasi‐experimental study

AbstractBackgroundBased on previous evidence person‐centred care (PCC) as a quality indicator is important in long‐term care (LTC) settings for older people. Effective ways to increase nurses' person‐centred care competence are missing.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of a continuing education (CE) intervention named ‘Person First—Please’ (PFP) for improving nurses' PPC competence and its connection to PPC climate.MethodsQuasi‐experimental cluster design with intervention and control groups was carried out in LTC settings for older people. The intervention group (n = 77) received a 10‐week CE intervention, with control group (n = 123) working as usual. The primary outcome was professional nurses' PCC competence. Secondary outcome was the PCC climate as perceived by nurses and, residents with their next of kin. Measurements were conducted pre−/post‐intervention and after 6 weeks using the validated, Person‐centred Care Competence scale and the Person‐centred Care Climate questionnaire, staff and patient versions. Data was analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsPCC competence was significantly increased in the intervention group and remained after 6 weeks of follow‐up. PCC climate increased in the intervention group in total score and also in all sub‐scales, across residents with their next of kin. The control group did not show any significant change. Comparisons of PCC competence and PCC climate in time between intervention and control groups confirmed that changes seen between groups were statistically significant in intervention group.LimitationsMeasurements were self‐assessments, which may have been affected by bias, especially in context of competence assessment.ConclusionThe intervention was effective in increasing professional nurses' PCC competence and on person‐centred care climate in long‐term care settings for older people.

‘Extra hands’ or the ‘icing on the cake’? The boundaries of the volunteer role in formal care settings in England

The adult social care sector in England has been encouraged to increase the role of volunteers in service delivery. To understand the volunteer role in care delivery and its impact upon paid care work, we undertook 94 qualitative interviews in seven care settings for older people in England. While the boundaries between care worker and volunteer were clearly established in some organisations, they were more indistinguishable in others. We discuss how both clear and murky boundary making, especially regarding ‘emotional’ and ‘bodily’ aspects of care, can contribute towards paid care work’s invisibility, lack of recognition and poor remuneration.

Development and acceptability of the person-centred observation and reflection tool for supporting staff and practice development in dementia care services.

Observational tools can support the understanding of the complex needs of older people with dementia and aid delivery of person-centred care. However, existing tools are complex and resource intensive to use. To develop and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a low-resource, observational tool to support staff reflection and practice development. Intervention development of the Person-Centred Observation and Reflection Tool (PORT) and acceptability and feasibility study, using surveys and focus groups in the UK, Norway and Spain. PORT was reported as easy, accessible and acceptable to use. The observation was identified as powerful for individual staff development and provided an evidence-based source for underpinning individualised care planning. Potential time challenges associated with implementation were identified. Initial evaluation indicates PORT is an acceptable and feasible tool for use in health and social care settings for older people. Further research is needed on implementation models and the impacts of PORT use. PORT may be a useful tool to support individual staff development in care settings and person-centred care planning for people with dementia.

'Safety First': Residents, Families, and Healthcare Staff Experiences of COVID-19 Restrictions at an Irish Residential Care Centre.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the need to stem the transmission and protect the most vulnerable in society led to infection control restrictions effectively locking down an entire country. These restrictions were also imposed on residential care settings for older people, initially in March 2020, and subsequently at varying times throughout the year that followed. Furthermore, the restrictions led to the suspension in all visiting to residents expect in exceptional circumstances and on compassionate grounds. The purpose of this research study was to develop an understanding of the experience of residents, their families, and carers in an Irish residential care setting during the COVID-19 lockdown. Data were collected in a residential care centre for older people in Ireland, using semi-structured interviews of residents, family members and staff. Interviews were conducted in person for residents and virtually for family members and staff. In total 29 people were interviewed. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic data analysis approach. Four themes and three subthemes were developed from the data. The main themes were 'difficult but safe', 'communication', 'staff going above and beyond', 'what about the future?' Residents, families and staff of the residential care setting had to manage and cope with the challenges of the restrictions imposed during COVID-19 lockdown. This study highlighted the negative impacts of visiting restrictions on staff, residents and their family members during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Perceptions on Oral Care Needs, Barriers, and Practices Among Managers and Staff in Long-Term Care Settings for Older People in Flanders, Belgium: A Cross-sectional Survey.

Background and ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore oral health perception and oral care needs, barriers, and current practices as perceived by managers and staff in long-term care organizations for older people in Flanders.Research Design and MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study where 2 questionnaires were developed, one for managers and one for caregivers, and were validated in Flemish long-term care organizations. Descriptive analyses and multivariable generalized linear models evaluated the main outcomes and their associations with determinants such as the size of the organization, the presence of an oral health policy, collaboration with a dentist, among others.ResultsA total of 145 managers and 197 caregivers completed the questionnaire. More than 50% of caregivers and managers perceived their residents’ oral health as mediocre to good. Collaboration with a dentist (B = 0.84) and oral health care involvement (B = 0.08) within the organization showed a strong association with a positive perception of oral health. Lack of time (57%) and care resistance (70%) were the most important barriers perceived by caregivers. Guidelines concerning oral care were not available or were unknown to 52% of the caregivers. Having an oral health policy within the organization was strongly associated with the correct use of guidelines for daily care of natural teeth (B = 1.25) and of dental prosthesis (B = 1.15).Discussion and ImplicationsThe results emphasize that collaborating with a dentist and the presence of an oral health policy in care organizations are important for a positive perception of the oral health of the residents and for the adoption of guidelines by caregivers and managers. In addition, training on handling care refusal should be included in the overall training. These results are crucial input for the development of a methodology for implementing a structured oral care policy in long-term care facilities.

Evaluating the use of participatory action research to implement evidence‐based guidance on dementia palliative care in long‐term care settings: A creative hermeneutic analysis

BackgroundDementia affects a large proportion of society and places a significant burden on older people and healthcare systems internationally. Managing symptoms at the end of life for people with dementia is complex. Participatory action research can offer an approach that helps to encourage implementation of evidence‐based practices in long‐term care settings.MethodsThree evidence‐based guidance documents (pain assessment and management, medication management, nutrition and hydration management) were introduced in three long‐term care settings for older people. Data generated from work‐based learning groups were analysed using a critical hermeneutic approach to explore the use of participatory action research to support the implementation of guidance documents in these settings.ResultsEngagement and Facilitation emerged as key factors which both enabled and hindered the PAR processes at each study site.ConclusionsThis study adds to the body of knowledge that emphasises the value of participatory action research in enabling practice change. It further identifies key practice development approaches that are necessary to enable a PAR approach to occur in care settings for older people with dementia. The study highlights the need to ensure that dedicated attention is paid to strategies that facilitate key transformations in clinical practice.

Experiences of residents, family members and staff in residential care settings for older people during COVID-19: A mixed methods study.

AimThe aim of this study was to explore the COVID‐19 pandemic as it was experienced by people on the front line in residential care settings for older people in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic had a disproportionate effect in residential care settings for older people in Ireland.MethodsA two‐phased mixed methods study was conducted, consisting of an online survey administered shortly after the first wave of the virus to staff, residents and family members and one‐to‐one interviews with family members shortly after wave 2 of the virus.ResultsIsolation, loss of connectedness as well as a reduction in the level/quality of care provision led to significant adverse impacts for both residents and their families. Staff reported high levels of stress, trauma and burnout. Family input to care was suspended, with adverse consequences.ConclusionThe pandemic had an extremely adverse impact on residents, family members and staff in care settings for older people.Implications for Nursing ManagementStrategies to ensure that residents' physical, emotional and social needs and staffs' professional and personal needs are appropriately supported during future waves of the pandemic should now be implemented.

Use of the Quality of Interactions Schedule (QuIS) in assessing negative staff-patient interactions in acute care settings for older people: A content validation study.

The Quality of Interactions Schedule (QuIS) is an observational tool to assess the quality of staff-patient interactions in a healthcare context. QuIS is a promising measure for the evaluation of compassionate care, particularly where care is being delivered to patient populations, such as older people, who may be excluded from self-completion data collection methods. This study investigates the content validity of QuIS in identification of negative staff-patient interactions in acute care. Staff-patient interactions (n=1598) on adult inpatient units with a high proportion of older patients in two UK National Health Service hospitals were observed and rated using QuIS. When rating interactions as negative quality, observers recorded brief field notes to explain the rating. Content analysis was used to develop categories of negative interaction type. These categories were compared with the QuIS negative interaction definitions. Eighty-eight negative ratings were accompanied by a field note that could be used in the analysis. Five interaction categories were identified: Patient calls for help, call not acknowledged; Staff focused on task and appear to ignore/not hear patient; Patient-led interactions appear dismissed or ignored; Patient prevented from doing something without explanation; Staff interact with each other or talk to relatives, not including patient. There was clear association between the derived categories and QuIS guidance for negative ratings. These findings support the validity of QuIS data in relation to measurement of interaction quality in acute care settings. Extending the research to a wider range of settings would be useful.

Factors associated with perceptions of dignity and well-being among older people living in residential care facilities in Sweden. A national cross-sectional study.

The care of older people living in residential care facilities (RCFs) should promote dignity and well-being, but research shows that these aspects are lacking in such facilities. To promote dignity and well-being, it is important to understand which associated factors to target. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between perceived dignity and well-being and factors related to the attitudes of staff, the care environment and individual issues among older people living in RCFs. A national retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in all RCFs for older people within 290 municipalities in Sweden. All older people 65years and older (n=71,696) living in RCFs in 2018 were invited to respond to the survey. The response rate was 49%. The survey included the following areas: self-rated health, indoor-outdoor-mealtime environment, performance of care, attitudes of staff, safety, social activities, availability of staff and care in its entirety. Data were supplemented with additional data from two national databases regarding age, sex and diagnosed dementia. Descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. Respondents who had experienced disrespectful treatment, those who did not thrive in the indoor-outdoor-mealtime environment, those who rated their health as poor and those with dementia had higher odds of being dissatisfied with dignity and well-being. To promote dignity and well-being, there is a need to improve the prerequisites of staff regarding respectful attitudes and to improve the care environment. The person-centred practice framework can be used as a theoretical framework for improvements, as it targets the prerequisites of staff and the care environment. As dignity and well-being are central values in the care of older people worldwide, the results of this study can be generalised to other care settings for older people in countries outside of Sweden.

Evaluating physical environments for older people-Validation of the Swedish version of the Sheffield Care Environment Assessment Matrix for use in Finnish long-term care.

To validate a Finnish version of the Sheffield Care Environment Assessment Matrix (S-SCEAM) instrument for assessing the physical environment of long-term care settings and to describe the current status of the environmental quality of long-term care settings for older people in Finland. The importance of providing a well-designed physical environment for older people is supported by the research literature. There is limited research of the physical environments of long-term care settings from the perspective of nursing science and nor is there much research into the instruments for assessing them. A descriptive, correlational and observational study. Forward and back translation process was used followed by structured observations with S-SCEAM-Fin in 20 long-term care units in intensive residential care facilities for older people with 24-h nursing assistance and with extensive support for daily activities. Spearman's rho correlation, Cohen's kappa, percentage of agreement and Kuder-Richardson formula coefficients were calculated to assess psychometric properties of the translated S-SCEAM-Fin. S-SCEAM-Fin standardised scores were calculated to describe the current status of the environmental quality. Inter-scale (domain) correlations showed low to moderate correlations between the domains. Consistency was acceptable in four of the domains. Cohen's kappa values indicated good (0.796 and 0.648) intra-rater and inter-rater (0.910 and 0.553) reliability. The overall mean of the standardised scores was 57.00, but there was variation between domains. Small units received the highest scores in the six domains. S-SCEAM-Fin was useful in assessing environmental quality. Assessment of the environmental quality disclosed deficiencies in ensuring settings adequate for older people. The increasing numbers of older people with health conditions are residing in long-term care settings. It is essential to create supportive physical environments. The instrument can be useful when planning new facilities or proposing new recommendations for institutional living environments.

139 What are the Barriers and Facilitators to Effective Advance Care Planning (ACP) in Residential Care Settings for Older People?

Abstract Introduction ACP is recommended for all people approaching the end of life but there is an inequality in access to ACP for care home residents. In North East Essex there has been an Electronic Palliative Care Coordination system (EPaCCS) in place for 6 years, currently without care home staff access capability. The aim of this study was to investigate ACP within care homes within this context. Method A qualitative study, with semi-structured interviews with fourteen senior care home staff from ten care homes across North East Essex. The interview transcripts underwent thematic analysis regarding facilitators and inhibitors to effective ACP. Results Four overarching themes were identified. These were relationships, communication, healthcare systems and attitudes. Care home staff considered ACP to be part of their role but perceived their work in this area to be separate from that performed by other health care professionals. The care home staff awareness of ACP done by other health care professionals was limited. Care home staff were aware of the EPaCCS, but only a minority perceived it to impact on residents care. All interviewees were keen to have access to the EPaCCS. Many of the facilitators and barriers to effective ACP in this locality are consistent with those found in prior literature. Having an EPaCCS within the area did not alleviate a perceived barrier of poor communication. Relationships between staff, residents, families and health care professionals remain the most common facilitators to ACP, with continuity of care from primary care, specialist palliative care and paperwork tools remaining important. Conclusion To overcome the inequity of access to ACP for residents in care homes interventions could be commissioned to address current barriers. These could include communication skills training, aligned primary care and community services as well as technological support for communication with family and access to EPaCCS.

Validation of the Finnish Person-Centered care Climate Questionnaire-Patient and testing the relationship with individualised care.

The aim of the study was two-fold: (1) to test the psychometric properties of the Person-Centered care Climate Questionnaire-Patient-Finnish version (PCQ-P-Fin), and (2) to examine the associations between older patients' perceptions of the PCC climate and their perceptions of individuality in care delivered within acute care settings for older people. An exploratory, correlational, cross-sectional survey design. The study was conducted within acute care settings for older people with heart failure (n=111, response rate 54%). Data were collected with self-completed questionnaires, the Person-Centered care Climate Questionnaire-Patient version (PCQ-P-Fin) and the Individualized Care Scale-Patient (ICS-Patient-B), between 6/2016 and 5/2017. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficients, exploratory factor analysis and a Rasch analysis. The PCQ-P-Fin showed satisfactory structural, construct and concurrent validity and high reliability. The ICS-B-Patient and the PCQ-P-Fin correlated strongly positive suggesting an association between the perceptions of individuality in care and the care climate. The PCQ-P-Fin is a useful, reliable and valid tool. Characteristics of the care environment, especially the climate and the extent to which this is perceived to be person-centred, may be used to enhance perceptions of individualised care.

Integrated transitional care for older patients discharged from hospital and ED

Abstract Background Care integration through high level care continuation for older patients discharged from the hospital may secure positive health outcomes and reduce subsequent emergency visits. Integrated transitional care is, however, challenged by fragmented care delivery systems. We explored integrated transitional care from the delivery system perspective in three Nordic cities (Copenhagen, Stockholm and Tampere) to compare levels of integration of social and health service delivery systems and care paths for older patients discharged from hospital. Methods Information on organizational structure and care integration was obtained from administrative documents, legislation and statistics, webpages of the cities, and empirical studies. Based on the material we outlined the degree of integration at different levels and mapped the possible care paths for older patients discharged from the hospital for each city. Results All three cities are characterized by fragmented care systems for older patients based on financially and organizationally independent institutions. Sweden and Denmark, however, have introduced legislation to steer the integration of services between the local and regional level actors. However, older patients still have complex care paths after discharge from hospital care. Conclusions The fragmented care systems for older patients consisting of independent institutions across local and regional levels may impede integrated transitional care. Alternative care settings for older people with different needs could be an asset, but they can also form a hurdle for care continuation if the responsibilities and liaison between these sites are not clear. Key messages The fragmented organisation of care systems for older patients may impede integrated transitional care. The care facilities for older patients after discharge is targeted to accommodate the complex and varying needs, but pose challenges for continuity of care.

Hygiene and emollient interventions for maintaining skin integrity in older people in hospital and residential care settings.

Ageing has a degenerative effect on the skin, leaving it more vulnerable to damage. Hygiene and emollient interventions may help maintain skin integrity in older people in hospital and residential care settings; however, at present, most care is based on "tried and tested" practice, rather than on evidence. To assess the effects of hygiene and emollient interventions for maintaining skin integrity in older people in hospital and residential care settings. We searched the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL, up to January 2019. We also searched five trials registers. Randomised controlled trials comparing hygiene and emollient interventions versus placebo, no intervention, or standard practices for older people aged ≥ 60 years in hospital or residential care settings. We used standard methodological procedures as expected by Cochrane. Primary outcomes were frequency of skin damage, for example, complete loss of integrity (tears or ulceration) or partial loss of integrity (fissuring), and side effects. Secondary outcomes included transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), erythema, and clinical scores of dryness or itch. We used GRADE to assess the quality of evidence. We included six trials involving 1598 residential care home residents; no included trial had a hospital setting. Most participants had a mean age of 80+ years; when specified, more women were recruited than men. Two studies included only people with diagnosed dry skin. Studies were conducted in Asia, Australasia, Europe, and North America. A range of hygiene and emollient interventions were assessed: a moisturising soap bar; combinations of water soak, oil soak, and lotion; regular application of a commercially available moisturiser; use of two different standardised skin care regimens comprising a body wash and leave-on body lotion; bed bath with "wash gloves" containing numerous ingredients; and application of a hot towel after usual care bed bath. In five studies, treatment duration ranged from five days to six months; only one study had post-treatment follow-up (one to eight days from end of treatment). Outcomes in the hot towel study were measured 15 minutes after the skin was wiped with a dry towel. Three studies each had high risk of attrition, detection, and performance bias. Only one trial (n = 984) assessed frequency of skin damage via average monthly incidence of skin tears during six months of treatment. The emollient group (usual care plus twice-daily application of moisturiser) had 5.76 tears per month per 1000 occupied bed-days compared with 10.57 tears in the usual care only group (ad hoc or no standardised skin-moisturising regimen) (P = 0.004), but this is based on very low-quality evidence, so we are uncertain of this result. Only one trial (n = 133) reported measuring side effects. At 56 ± 4 days from baseline, there were three undesirable effects (itch (mild), redness (mild/moderate), and irritation (severe)) in intervention group 1 (regimen consisting of a moisturising body wash and a moisturising leave-on lotion) and one event (mild skin dryness) in intervention group 2 (regimen consisting of body wash and a water-in-oil emulsion containing emollients and 4% urea). In both groups, the body wash was used daily and the emollient twice daily for eight weeks. There were zero adverse events in the usual care group. This result is based on very low-quality evidence. This same study also measured TEWL at 56 ± 4 days in the mid-volar forearm (n = 106) and the lower leg (n = 105). Compared to usual care, there may be no difference in TEWL between intervention groups, but evidence quality is low. One study, which compared application of a hot towel for 10 seconds after a usual care bed bath versus usual care bed bath only, also measured TEWL at 15 minutes after the skin was wiped with a dry towel for one second. The mean TEWL was 8.6 g/m²/h (standard deviation (SD) 3.2) in the hot towel group compared with 8.9 g/m²/h (SD 4.1) in the usual care group (low-quality evidence; n = 42), showing there may be little or no difference between groups. A lower score is more favourable. Three studies (266 participants) measured SCH, but all evidence is of very low quality; we did not combine these studies due to differences in treatments (different skin care regimens for eight weeks; wash gloves for 12 weeks; and single application of hot towel to the skin) and differences in outcome reporting. All three studies showed no clear difference in SCH at follow-up (ranging from 15 minutes after the intervention to 12 weeks from baseline), when compared with usual care. A clinical score of dryness was measured by three studies (including 245 participants); pooling was not appropriate. The treatment groups (different skin care regimens for eight weeks; a moisturising soap bar used for five days; and combinations of water soak, oil soak, and lotion for 12 days) may reduce dryness compared to standard care or no intervention (results measured at 5, 8, and 56 ± 4 days after treatment was initiated). However, the quality of evidence for this outcome is low. Outcomes of erythema and clinical score of itch were not assessed in any included studies. Current evidence about the effects of hygiene and emollients in maintaining skin integrity in older people in residential and hospital settings is inadequate. We cannot draw conclusions regarding frequency of skin damage or side effects due to very low-quality evidence. Low-quality evidence suggests that in residential care settings for older people, certain types of hygiene and emollient interventions (two different standardised skin care regimens; moisturising soap bar; combinations of water soak, oil soak, and lotion) may be more effective in terms of clinical score of dryness when compared with no intervention or standard care. Studies were small and generally lacked methodological rigour, and information on effect sizes and precision was absent. More clinical trials are needed to guide practice; future studies should use a standard approach to measuring treatment effects and should include patient-reported outcomes, such as comfort and acceptability.

The last week of life of nursing home residents with advanced dementia: a retrospective study

BackgroundBarriers to palliative care still exist in long-term care settings for older people, which can mean that people with advanced dementia may not receive of adequate palliative care in the last days of their life; instead, they may be exposed to aggressive and/or inappropriate treatments. The aim of this multicentre study was to assess the clinical interventions and care at end of life in a cohort of nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia in a large Italian region.MethodsThis retrospective study included a convenience sample of 29 NHs in the Lombardy Region. Data were collected from the clinical records of 482 residents with advanced dementia, who had resided in the NH for at least 6 months before death, mainly focusing on the 7 days before death.ResultsMost residents (97.1%) died in the NH. In the 7 days before death, 20% were fed and hydrated by mouth, and 13.4% were tube fed. A median of five, often inappropriate, drugs were prescribed. Fifty-seven percent of residents had an acknowledgement of worsening condition recorded in their clinical records, a median of 4 days before death.ConclusionsFull implementation of palliative care was not achieved in our study, possibly due to insufficient acknowledgement of the appropriateness of some drugs and interventions, and health professionals’ lack of implementation of palliative interventions. Future studies should focus on how to improve care for NH residents.

The role of the general practitioner in multidisciplinary teams: a qualitative study in elderly care

Background: In the western world, a growing number of the older people live at home. In the Netherlands, GPs are expected to play a pivotal role in the organization of integrated care for this patient group. However, little is known about how GPs can play this role best. Our aim for this study was to unravel how GPs can play a successful role in elderly care, in particular in multidisciplinary teams, and to define key concepts for success. Methods: A mixed qualitative research model in four multidisciplinary teams for elderly care in the Netherlands was used. With these four teams, consisting of 46 health care and social service professionals, we carried out two rounds of focus-group interviews. Moreover, we performed semi-structured interviews with four GPs. We analysed data using a hybrid inductive/deductive thematic analysis. Results: According to the health care and social service professionals in our study, the role of GPs in multidisciplinary teams for elderly care was characterized by the ability to ‘see the bigger picture’. We identified five key activities that constitute a successful GP role: networking, facilitating, team building, integrating care elements, and showing leadership. Practice setting and phase of multidisciplinary team development influenced the way in which GPs fulfilled their roles. According to team members, GPs were the central professionals in care services for older people. The opinions of GPs about their own roles were diverse. Discussion: In the opinions of health care and social professionals in our study, GPs should not be hesitant to take the initiative to organize multidisciplinary teams for the care of older people with complex needs. In position papers, physicians are urged to reform health care to more sustainable systems. Some advocate that GPs should take the lead in reforming primary care. Limitations of this study are the nature and size of our sample and the local setting. GPs’ key concepts for multidisciplinary elderly care teams will probably be relevant for countries where the GP has a similar pivotal position as in the Netherlands, such as in Scandinavian countries, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Our findings will gain strength by studying successful multidisciplinary teams in other western countries. Conclusions: GPs took an important role in successful care settings for older people. Five key concepts seemed to be important for best practices in care for frail older people. Team members from primary care and social services indicated that GPs had an indispensable role in such teams. It would be advantageous for GPs to be aware of this attributed role. Attention to leadership competencies and to the diversity of roles in multidisciplinary teams in GP training programmes seems useful. The challenge is to convince GPs to take a lead, also when they are not inclined to take this role in organizing multidisciplinary teams for older people.

Turning the Co-Production Corner: Methodological Reflections from an Action Research Project to Promote LGBT Inclusion in Care Homes for Older People.

Background: Older lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) residents are often invisible in long-term care settings. This article presents findings from a community-based action research project, which attempted to address this invisibility through co-produced research with LGBT community members. Particular Question: What conditions enable co-produced research to emerge in long-term residential care settings for older people? Aims of Project: To analyse outcomes and challenges of action-oriented, co-produced research in the given context. In particular, we explore how co-production as a collaborative approach to action-orientated research can emerge during the research/fieldwork process; and reflect critically on the ethics and effectiveness of this approach in advancing inclusion in context. Methods: The project was implemented across six residential care homes in England. Reflections are based on qualitative evaluation data gathered pre- and post-project, which includes 37 interviews with care home staff, managers and community advisors (two of whom are co-authors). Results and Conclusions: We discuss how the co-production turn emerged during research and evaluate how the politics of this approach helped advance inclusion—itself crucial to well-being. We argue for the value of co-produced research in instigating organizational change in older people’s care environments and of non-didactic storytelling in LGBT awareness-raising amongst staff.

The role of the general practitioner in multidisciplinary teams: a qualitative study in elderly care

BackgroundIn the western world, a growing number of the older people live at home. In the Netherlands, GPs are expected to play a pivotal role in the organization of integrated care for this patient group. However, little is known about how GPs can play this role best. Our aim for this study was to unravel how GPs can play a successful role in elderly care, in particular in multidisciplinary teams, and to define key concepts for success.MethodsA mixed qualitative research model in four multidisciplinary teams for elderly care in the Netherlands was used. With these four teams, consisting of 46 health care and social service professionals, we carried out two rounds of focus-group interviews. Moreover, we performed semi-structured interviews with four GPs. We analysed data using a hybrid inductive/deductive thematic analysis.ResultsAccording to the health care and social service professionals in our study, the role of GPs in multidisciplinary teams for elderly care was characterized by the ability to ‘see the bigger picture’. We identified five key activities that constitute a successful GP role: networking, facilitating, team building, integrating care elements, and showing leadership. Practice setting and phase of multidisciplinary team development influenced the way in which GPs fulfilled their roles. According to team members, GPs were the central professionals in care services for older people. The opinions of GPs about their own roles were diverse.ConclusionsGPs took an important role in successful care settings for older people. Five key concepts seemed to be important for best practices in care for frail older people: networking (community), facilitating (organization), team building (professional), integrating care elements (patient), and leadership (personal). Team members from primary care and social services indicated that GPs had an indispensable role in such teams. It would be advantageous for GPs to be aware of this attributed role. Attention to leadership competencies and to the diversity of roles in multidisciplinary teams in GP training programmes seems useful. The challenge is to convince GPs to take a lead, also when they are not inclined to take this role in organizing multidisciplinary teams for older people.

Introducing consumer directed care in residential care settings for older people in Australia: views of a citizens' jury.

Objectives Health services worldwide are increasingly adopting consumer directed care approaches. Traditionally, consumer directed care models have been implemented in home care services and there is little guidance as to how to implement them in residential care. This study used a citizens' jury to elicit views of members of the public regarding consumer directed care in residential care. Methods A citizens' jury involving 12 members of the public was held over two days in July 2016, exploring the question: For people with dementia living in residential care facilities, how do we enable increased personal decision making to ensure that care is based on their needs and preferences? Jury members were recruited through a market research company and selected to be broadly representative of the general public. Results The jury believed that person-centred care should be the foundation of care for all older people. They recommended that each person's funding be split between core services (to ensure basic health, nutrition and hygiene needs are met) and discretionary services. Systems needed to be put into place to enable the transition to consumer directed care including care coordinators to assist in eliciting resident preferences, supports for proxy decision makers, and accreditation processes and risk management strategies to ensure that residents with significant cognitive impairment are not taken advantage of by goods and service providers. Transparency should be increased (perhaps using technologies) so that both the resident and nominated family members can be sure that the person is receiving what they have paid for. Conclusions The views of the jury (as representatives of the public) were that people in residential care should have more say regarding the way in which their care is provided and that a model of consumer directed care should be introduced. Policy makers should consider implementation of consumer directed care models that are economically viable and are associated with high levels of satisfaction among users.