Nottingham Extended Activities Of Daily Living Scale Research Articles

Dietary Protein Intake and Physical Function in Māori and Non-Māori Adults of Advanced Age in New Zealand: LiLACS NZ.

The population of older adults is growing exponentially. Research shows that current protein intake recommendations are unlikely to meet the ageing requirements and may be linked to reduced physical function. Ensuring optimal function levels is crucial for independence and quality of life in older age. This study aims to quantify the protein intake in those over 90 years of age and determine the association between historical protein intake (2011) and subsequent physical function at ten years follow-up (2021). Eighty-one participants (23 Māori and 54 non-Māori) undertook dietary assessment 24 h multiple-pass recall (MPR) and a standardised health and social questionnaire with physical assessment in 2011 and 2021. Intake24, a virtual 24 h MPR, was utilised to analyse dietary intake. Functional status was measured using the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADL), and physical performance was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Māori men and women consumed less protein (g/day) in 2021 than in 2011 (P = 0.043 in men), but weight-adjusted protein intake in Māori participants over the ten years was not significantly reduced. Both non-Māori men and women consumed significantly less protein (g/day) between 2011 and 2021 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively), which was also significant when protein intake was adjusted for weight in non-Māori women (p = 0.01). Weight-adjusted protein intake in 2011 was independently associated with functional status (NEADL score) in 2021 (p =< 0.001). There was no association between past protein intake and SPPB score (p = 0.993). Animal protein was replaced with plant-based protein over time. In conclusion, a reduction in protein intake was seen in all participants. The independent association between past protein intake and future functional status supports recommendations to keep protein intake high in advanced age.

Tele-pulmonary rehabilitation with face to face in COVID-19 pandemic: A hybrid modeling.

Post-illness pulmonary rehabilitation indications of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) may include fatigue, respiratory restriction, exercise limitation, muscle weakness, deterioration in body composition, quality of life, and psychological status. Since tele-pulmonary rehabilitation (tele-PR) is the prominent approach in the current situation and questions such as who, how, and when are still unclear, in this study we aimed to investigate the efficacy of tele-PR as a hybrid model with face-to-face in post-COVID-19 patients. Thirty one patients who had completed viral infection treatment with the diagnosis of COVID-19 but still had persistent symptoms were enrolled in an eight-week synchronized video-conference mediated telePR program in a hybrid format, with the initial and final assessments and the first two sessions conducted in person. Before and after the tele-PR, pulmonary functions, exercise capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, body composition, quality of life, and psychological states were evaluated. After the tele-PR program; a statistically significant improvement was observed in dyspnea sensation evaluated with modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and BORG levels, body mass index (BMI), incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT), handgrip test, deltoid, and quadriceps 1-repetition maximum (1RM) results, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP, MEP), peripheral muscle strengths, fatigue severity scale and Nottingham extended activities of daily living scale (NEADLS). In this study, it has been shown that the hybrid model of tele-PR enables a comprehensive evaluation as well as the effective and safe applicability of a multidisciplinary and remotely directed program even in high workloads for post-COVID-19 patients.

Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Self-care Ability Scale for the Elderly.

PurposeThe Self-care Ability Scale for the Elderly (SASE) is a frequently used scale that was created in Sweden according to Orem’s self-care deficit theory and later modified according to Pörn’s theory of environment and purpose. This study translated and cross-culturally adapted the Turkish version of the SASE (T-SASE) and demonstrated its psychometric properties, including its reliability and construct validity.MethodsThis study recruited a total of 122 participants and applied international guidelines for the translation and adaptation of the scale. The test-retest reliability of the SASE was calculated at 1-week intervals. Internal consistency was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha. For construct validity, we compared the T-SASE to the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADLS) and the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (ESCAS).ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 68.6±5.7 years. The test-retest reliability of the T-SASE was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.914; 95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.95). The internal consistency of the total T-SASE score was also excellent (Cronbach’s α=0.912), as were the Cronbach’s alpha scores for the individual items, ranging from 0.901 to 0.915. The items were also highly consistent with each other (Cronbach’s α>0.80). The construct validity of the T-SASE was acceptable (0.35<r<0.50) in a convergent manner. The T-SASE was also strongly correlated with the NEADLS and ESCAS (r1=0.405, r2=0.437, p<0.01).ConclusionsThe T-SASE was a reliable and valid tool for assessing the self-care ability of community-dwelling older adults. Owing to its multidimensional structure, the T-SASE is an essential tool for evaluating self-care in older adults.

Factors affecting activities of daily living, physical balance, and prosthesis adjustment in non-traumatic lower limb amputees.

Objectives This study aims to identify the factors affecting the activities of daily living, balance, and prosthesis satisfaction in patients with non-traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA). Patients and methods This cross-sectional study included a total of 195 patients (120 males, 75 females; mean age 65.9±11.6 years; range, 40 to 90 years) who underwent LLA between January 2009 and April 2017. All patients were evaluated in terms of age, sex, amputation etiology, side, level, comorbidity, length of hospital stay, prosthesis adjustment, ambulation level, functional outcome, and complications. Prosthesis adjustment, physical balance ability, and daily living activities were assessed using the Turkish versions of the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADLS), respectively. Results There was no significant difference between male and female patients in terms of prosthesis and amputation adaptation, physical balance, and activities of daily living. The BBS, TAPES, and NEADLS scores were lower in the patients aged over 65 years (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). Prosthesis and amputation adaptation, physical balance, and daily living activities were also worse in this age group. Transfemoral amputees had lower BBS, TAPES, and NEADLS scores than the transtibial amputees (p=0.009, p=0.020, and p=0.004, respectively). Prosthesis and amputation adaptation, physical balance, and daily living activities were worse in the transfemoral amputees. Conclusion Age and amputation level affect physical balance, prosthesis satisfaction, and daily living activities after non-traumatic LLA. Therefore, orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists should conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation, particularly in patients aged over 65 years and in transfemoral amputees to improve outcomes.

Occupational therapy assessment and treatment approach in patients with subacute and chronic stroke: A single-blind, prospective, randomized clinical trial

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the effects of occupational therapy (OT) combined with standard rehabilitation (SR) on the activities of daily living, quality of life, and psychological symptoms of hemiplegic patients.Patients and methods Between August 2014 and February 2016, a total of 35 hemiplegic patients with post-diagnostic periods (19 males, 16 females; mean age 58.3 years; range 37 to 77 years) were included. The patients were randomized into two groups as OT+SR group (n=17) and SR only group (n=18). The study was completed by 16 patients in each group. The patients in the OT group were given 45-min SR five days a week plus 45-min OT three days a week over an eight-week period, while the patients in the SR group received SR only (of the same duration and frequency as the OT group). The patients were assessed at enrolment (pre-treatment), and again after eight weeks of treatment using the Pinch and Grip Strength and the Purdue Pegboard tests, Global Daily Living Activities Scale, Performance Assessment of Self-care Skills (PASS), Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) Scale, Quality of Life Short Form (SF-36) Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) for their psychological state.Results Significant improvements were observed in within-group scores for PASS, Pinch and Grip Strength Test, NEADL Scale, and Purdue Pegboard test (p<0.05). After treatment, a significant increase was found in the SF-36 physical function, general health and physical total in-group scores of the OT group, whereas a significant increase was observed only in the physical total scores of the SR group (p<0.05). There was no significant improvement in the HAD scores within both groups (p>0.05). Inter-group comparisons revealed a further significant improvement in PASS instrumental daily activity index-physical subscale and Purdue Pegboard Test scores of the OT group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in PASS activity, self-care and instrumental daily activity cognitive subscale, SF-36, HAD and hand grip and pinch strength scores between the groups (p>0.05).ConclusionOccupational therapy combined with SR applications has a beneficial impact on certain daily living activities and hand functions. Occupational therapy does not have any additional benefits on the quality of life, pinch and grip strength, and the psychological state.

Somatosensory impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis: association with dynamic postural control and upper extremity motor function

Purpose: We planned this study to bring attention to the somatosensory impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and to investigate relationship of somatosensory impairments with dynamic postural stability and upper extremity motor function.Methods: Seven males and 23 females, 30 patients with mean EDSS 2.9 (SD = 1.4), aged between 18 and 65 years (mean = 41.43 ± 14.90 years) were included in this clinical study. Light touch sensorial assessment was made with Semmes Weinstein monofilament test and proprioception by distal proprioception test. Hand strength was measured by the Jamar dynamometer, fine motor skill was examined with nine-hole peg test, functional reach test in sitting and standing position was applied. Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADLS) was used to measure everyday activities.Results: We found a negative and moderate correlation between FRT in standing and light touch of the middle of the heel (right: –0.515), metatarsal bone (right r: 0.453, left r: –0.426), and medial of the foot (right r: –0.462). There was a negative and moderate correlation between NEADLS and light touch of the metatarsal bone (right r: –0.564, left r: –0.472), medial of the foot (right r: –0.531, left r: –0.479), and lateral of the foot (right r: –0.526). We found a positive and moderate correlation between proprioception of the ankle (right r: 0.421 left r: 0.588) and NEADLS.Conclusions: We found impairment in light touch and proprioception and, associations between sensorial functions and dynamic postural stability in PwMS. Also impaired sensorial functions cause dependent patients in daily living activities. In the assessment of balance and falling risk, independency in daily living activities; foot light touch and proprioception sense should be taken into account, hence it may provide guidance in planning rehabilitation programmes.Abbreviations: MS: multiple sclerosis; PwMS: patients with multiple sclerosis; VAS: visual analogue scale; FRT: functional reach test; 9-HPT: Nine-hole peg test; EDSS: The Expanded Disability Status Scale; NEADLS: Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale

Testosterone in advance age: a New Zealand longitudinal cohort study: Life and Living in Advanced Age (Te Puāwaitanga o Ngā Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu)

ObjectivesSerum testosterone (T) levels in men decline with age. Low T levels are associated with sarcopenia and frailty in men aged >80 years. T levels have not previously been directly...

Developing a multidisciplinary rehabilitation package following hip fracture and testing in a randomised feasibility study: Fracture in the Elderly Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation (FEMuR).

Proximal femoral fracture is a major health problem in old age, with annual UK health and social care costs of £2.3B. Rehabilitation has the potential to maximise functional recovery and maintain independent living, but evidence of clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness is lacking. To develop an enhanced community-based rehabilitation package following surgical treatment for proximal femoral fracture and to assess acceptability and feasibility for a future definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) and economic evaluation. Phase I - realist review, survey and focus groups to develop the rehabilitation package. Phase II - parallel-group, randomised (using a dynamic adaptive algorithm) feasibility study with focus groups and an anonymised cohort study. Recruitment was from orthopaedic wards of three acute hospitals in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, North Wales. The intervention was delivered in the community following hospital discharge. Older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) who had received surgical treatment for hip fracture, lived independently prior to fracture, had mental capacity (assessed by the clinical team) and received rehabilitation in the North Wales area. Participants received usual care (control) or usual care plus an enhanced rehabilitation package (intervention). Usual care was variable and consisted of multidisciplinary rehabilitation delivered by the acute hospital, community hospital and community services depending on need and availability. The intervention was designed to enhance rehabilitation by improving patients' self-efficacy and increasing the amount and quality of patients' practice of physical exercise and activities of daily living. It consisted of a patient-held information workbook, a goal-setting diary and six additional therapy sessions. The primary outcome measure was the Barthel Activities of Daily Living (BADL) index. The secondary outcome measures included the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale, EuroQol-5 Dimensions, ICEpop CAPability measure for Older people, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I), Self-Efficacy for Exercise scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and service use measures. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up by blinded researchers. Sixty-two participants were recruited (23% of those who were eligible), 61 were randomised (control, n = 32; intervention, n = 29) and 49 (79%) were followed up at 3 months. Compared with the cohort study, a younger, healthier subpopulation was recruited. There were minimal differences in most outcomes between the two groups, including the BADL index, with an adjusted mean difference of 0.5 (Cohen's d = 0.29). The intervention group showed a medium-sized improvement on the NEADL scale relative to the control group, with an adjusted mean difference between groups of 3.0 (Cohen's d = 0.63). There was a trend for greater improvement in FES-I and HADS in the intervention group, but with small effect sizes, with an adjusted mean difference of 4.2 (Cohen's d = 0.31) and 1.3 (Cohen's d = 0.20), respectively. The cost of delivering the intervention was £231 per patient. There was a possible small relative increase in quality-adjusted life-years in the intervention group. No serious adverse events relating to the intervention were reported. Trial methods were feasible in terms of eligibility, recruitment and retention, although recruitment was challenging. The NEADL scale was more responsive than the BADL index, suggesting that the intervention could enable participants to regain better levels of independence compared with usual care. This should be tested in a definitive Phase III RCT. There were two main limitations of the study: the feasibility study lacked power to test for differences between the groups and a ceiling effect was observed in the primary measure. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN22464643. This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 21, No. 44. See the NIHR Journals Library for further project information.

Occupational Therapy Predischarge Home Visits in Acute Hospital Care: A Randomized Trial.

To determine whether an enhanced occupational therapy discharge planning intervention that involved pre- and postdischarge home visits, goal setting, and follow-up (the HOME program) would be superior to a usual care intervention in which an occupational therapy in-hospital consultation for planning and supporting discharge to home is provided to individuals receiving acute care. Randomized controlled trial. Acute and medical wards. Individuals aged 70 and older (N = 400). Primary outcomes: activities daily living (ADLs; Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living) and participation in life roles and activities (Late Life Disability Index (LLDI)). Occupational therapist recommendations differed significantly between groups (P < .001) (HOME n = 892 recommendations; control n = 329 recommendations). There was no difference between groups in ADLs (Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living scale (NEADL): β = -0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.99-0.66) or participation (LLDI-Frequency: β = -0.23, 95% CI = -2.05-1.59; LLDI-Limitation: β = -0.14, 95% CI = -2.86-2.58). Both groups maintained prehospital functional status at 90 days, and there was no difference between groups in the number of people with unplanned readmissions (HOME 23.5%, n = 43; control 21.9%, n = 37). When groups were combined, being male (P = .03) or having lower perceived participation because of physical problems (P = .04) resulted in higher risk of unplanned readmissions. HOME discharge planning, which had a strong emphasis on task modification, well-being, and prevention strategies, implemented twice as many occupational therapy recommendations as the in-hospital only consultation, which had a greater emphasis on equipment provision, but HOME did not demonstrate greater benefit in global measures of ADLs or participation in life tasks than in-hospital consultation alone. It is not recommended that home visits be conducted routinely as part of discharge planning for acutely hospitalized medical patients. Further work should develop guidelines for quality in-hospital consultation.

Validity and Responsiveness of the Revised Nottingham Sensation Assessment for Outcome Evaluation in Stroke Rehabilitation.

This study establishes the concurrent validity, predictive validity, and responsiveness of the Revised Nottingham Sensation Assessment (rNSA) during rehabilitation for people with stroke. The study recruited 147 patients with stroke. The main assessment used was the rNSA, and outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment sensory subscale (FMA-S) and motor subscale (FMA-M) and the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale. Correlation coefficients were good to excellent between the rNSA and the FMA-S. The rNSA proprioception measure was a predictor for the FMA-S. The rNSA stereognosis and tactile-pinprick measures for the proximal upper limb were predictors for the FMA-M and the NEADL scale, respectively. Responsiveness was moderate to large for three subscales of the rNSA (standardized response mean = .51-.83). This study may support the concurrent validity, predictive validity, and responsiveness of the rNSA for people with stroke.

Comparision of two different dry-needling techniques in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome.

To compare the efficacy of two different dry needling (DN) techniques (deep dry needling & peppering) in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Seventy-two patients, who were diagnosed as MPS at our outpatient clinic were randomly assigned into two groups as deep dry needling (DDN) and peppering. All patients were evaluated four times as: before the treatment and 1-5-12 weeks after the completion of treatment protocol. In each evaluation, Visual analogue scale (VAS), Nottingham extended activities of daily living scale (NEADLS), Beck depression inventory (BDI) scores were recorded. Additionally, all patients were evaluated for the pain felt during the procedure and side effect profile. Twenty-six patients from DDN group and twenty-eight patients from peppering group accomplished the follow-up period. Both DDN and peppering seem to be effective for relieving pain and depressive symptoms and improving functionality compared to baseline when evaluated on the 1st, 5th and 12th weeks. On the other hand the intergroup analyses showed no significant differences between DDN and peppering groups. The only significant difference between the groups is the lesser pain felt during the procedure in the DDN group. Both DDN and peppering are effective in MPS and the effects last up to 12 weeks. Also the adverse event profiles of the two techniques are similar. On the other hand, DDN is a painless procedure.

The cluster-randomized BRIGHT trial: Proactive case finding for community-dwelling older adults.

People are now living longer, but disability may affect the quality of those additional years of life. We undertook a trial to assess whether case finding reduces disability among older primary care patients. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial of the Brief Risk Identification Geriatric Health Tool (BRIGHT) among 60 primary care practices in New Zealand, assigning them to an intervention or control group. Intervention practices sent a BRIGHT screening tool to older adults every birthday; those with a score of 3 or higher were referred to regional geriatric services for assessment and, if needed, service provision. Control practices provided usual care. Main outcomes, assessed in blinded fashion, were residential care placement and hospitalization, and secondary outcomes were disability, assessed with Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADL), and quality of life, assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale, abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF). All 8,308 community-dwelling patients aged 75 years and older were approached; 3,893 (47%) participated, of whom 3,010 (77%) completed the trial. Their mean age was 80.3 (SD 4.5) years, and 55% were women. Overall, 88% of the intervention group returned a BRIGHT tool; 549 patients were referred. After 36 months, patients in the intervention group were more likely than those in the control group to have been placed in residential care: 8.4% vs 6.2% (hazard ratio = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.68; P = .02). Intervention patients had smaller declines in mean scores for physical health-related quality of life (1.6 vs 2.9 points, P = .007) and psychological health-related quality of life (1.1 vs 2.4 points, P = .005). Hospitalization, disability, and use of services did not differ between groups, however. Our case-finding strategy was effective in increasing identification of older adults with disability, but there was little evidence of improved outcomes. Further research could trial stronger primary care integration strategies.

The Relationship between Intact Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Daily Physical Activity in Hemodialysis Patients

Poor physical activity and decreased daily activities are commonly seen in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Along with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), various abnormalities of mineral and bone metabolism develop, such as osteitis fibrosa and adynamic bone disease, which are related with intact parathyroid hormone (intact-PTH). Surprisingly, scarce data exists regarding the relationship between intact-PTH and daily physical activity in HD patients. Demographics, clinical parameters, laboratory data were recorded for all patients. Depressive symtoms, quality of life and daily activities of HD patients were measured by Beck Depression Inventory, SF-36, and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADLS), respectively. In total 114 patients (male/female: 63/51, aged: 53.0 ± 13.8 years) were enrolled. The value of intact-PTH for <25th (Group 1), < 25th-50th (Group 2), 50th-75th (Group 3) and >75th (Group 4) quartiles were <132.5 pg/ml, ≥132.5 <261.0, ≥261.0 <510.4 and ≥510.4, respectively. The NEADLS scores were 25.3 ± 10.8, 35.0 ± 9.4, 27.2 ± 13.9 and 26.4 ± 12.9 as going from Group 1 to Group 4 (p = 0.009). Post-hoc analysis of these four groups revealed that only Group 1 and Group 2 (p = 0.012), and Group 2 and Group 4 (p = 0.034) were different with respect to NEADLS scores. Intact-PTH levels were inversely associated with daily activities in whole group. However, the post hoc analysis demonstrated that the association between intact PTH and daily activity is not linear and daily physical activity was lower only in patients with lowest and highest quartiles of intact-PTH.

Variation in Functional Independence among Stroke Survivors Having Fatigue and Depression

Objective. This study evaluated variation in functional independence in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) among individuals with poststroke fatigue (PSF) and poststroke depression (PSD). Methods. A cross-sectional survey involved 65 consenting poststroke survivors who were purposively recruited from physiotherapy clinics of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, and Federal Medical Center, Gusau. Participants were assessed for symptoms of PSD with short geriatric depression scale-15, PSF with fatigue severity scale, ADL with Barthel Index and IADL with Nottingham extended ADL scale. Data analysis was done using Chi-square and unpaired t-test with significance level being 0.05. Results. Participants' age ranged from 58 to 80 years. PSD alone (P = 0.002) and both PSF and PSD (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with ADL, while PSF alone was not (P = 0.233). PSD alone (P = 0.001) and both PSF and PSD (P = 0.001) significantly negatively affected IADL, while PSF alone had no significant effect (P = 0.2). Conclusions. Participants with PSD alone and those with both PSF and PSD had lower functional independence in ADL and IADL.

Microalbuminuria, Kidney Function, and Daily Physical Activity

The present study was carried out to investigate independent relationship between daily physical activity, microalbuminuria, and kidney function. The demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters were recorded for all patients. The determination of daily activities was carried out by Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADLS) which was performed for each patient in an interview. Totally 139 patients were enrolled. In the whole group NEADLS score was correlated with age (rho: −0.759, P < 0.0001), clinical systolic blood pressure (rho: −0.212, P: 0.018), blood urea nitrogen (rho: −0.516, P < 0.0001), creatinine (rho: −0.501, P < 0.0001), uric acid (rho: −0.308, P < 0.0001), albumin (rho: 0.382, P < 0.0001), total cholesterol (rho: −0.194, P: 0.022), LDL-cholesterol (rho: −0.230, P: 0.008), hemoglobin (rho: 0.256, P: 0.002), creatinine clearance (rho: 0.565, P < 0.0001), 24-hour urinary protein excretion (rho: −0.324, P < 0.0001), and 24-hour urinary albumin excretion (UAE) (rho: −0.483, P < 0.0001). The multivariate linear regression of independent factors corelated with logarithmically converted NEADLS score (as a dependent variable) has shown that age (P < 0.0001), presence of coronary artery disease (P: 0.011), hemoglobin (P: 0.020), 24-hour creatinine clearance (P: 0.004), and 24-hour urinary albumin excretion (P < 0.0001) were independently corelated with NEADLS score. In conclusion, both UAE and kidney function were independently associated with daily physical activity.

P83 Relations of Different Quality of Life Tools to Subsequent Mortality and Readmission of Patients Surviving Hospitalisation For Acute Exacerbations of COPD

BackgroundIn patients hospitalised with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), quality of life (QoL) scores have been associated with subsequent mortality and readmission. We have investigated which of several QoL indices...

Occupational therapy discharge planning for older adults: a protocol for a randomised trial and economic evaluation.

BackgroundDecreased functional ability is common in older adults after hospitalisation. Lower levels of functional ability increase the risk of hospital readmission and nursing care facility admission. Discharge planning across the hospital and community interface is suggested to increase functional ability and decrease hospital length of stay and hospital readmission. However evidence is limited and the benefits of occupational therapists providing this service has not been investigated.This randomised trial will investigate the clinical effectiveness of a discharge planning program in reducing functional difficulties of older adults post-discharge. This trial will also examine the cost of the intervention and cost effectiveness when compared to in-hospital discharge planning.Methods/design400 participants admitted to participating hospitals will be recruited. Participants will be 70 years of age and over, have no significant cognitive impairment and be independently mobile at discharge. This study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Ryde Rehabilitation Human Research Ethics Committee, Western Sydney Local Health District (Westmead Campus) Human Research Ethics Committee, Alfred Health Human Research ethics committee for the randomised trial and NSW Population and Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee for data linkage. Participants will provide informed written consent.Participants will be randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. The intervention group will receive discharge planning therapies primarily within their home environment while the control group will receive an in-hospital consultation, both provided by trained occupational therapists. Primary outcome measures will be the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADL) and the Late Life Disability Index (LLDI) which will measure functional independence, and participation and limitation in daily life activities.DiscussionThis trial will investigate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of occupational therapy discharge planning in reducing functional difficulties. Results will have a direct impact on healthcare practice and policy.Trial registrationACTRN12611000615987.

Comparison of 2 Extended Activities of Daily Living Scales With the Barthel Index and Predictors of Their Outcomes

Basic activities of daily living measures are often supplemented by extended activities of daily living. We compared the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) with the Barthel Index (BI) in terms of distribution of scores, concurrent validity, reliability, and their agreement and investigated the predictors of scales outcomes. Two hundred thirty-eight patients from the population-based South London Stroke Register were assessed with the BI, FAI, and NEADL 3 months after a first-ever stroke. The pairwise relationship was studied using correlations, fractional polynomial regression, and Bland and Altman plot; the baseline predictors, for example, sociodemography, case severity: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and 7-day Abbreviated Memory Test, comorbidities, and acute treatments by negative binomial regression. The BI was highly affected by a ceiling effect (33% had the highest score), FAI was only affected by floor effect (19%), but NEADL was symmetrical with only 4% highest and lowest score. Despite high concurrent validity of the scales (r ≥0.80, P<0.001), they agreed poorly only for the highest and the lowest level of activities. The association and agreement of NEADL with BI was higher than that of FAI with BI. Severe stroke patients (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale >13) had 28% lower BI (79% lower FAI and 62% lower NEADL) score than nonsevere patients (P≤0.001). Cognitively intact patients (Abbreviated Memory Test: 8-10) had 2.3 times greater FAI values (65% higher NEADL) compared with impaired patients (P<0.001). The NEADL scale was symmetrical, concurrently valid with no floor and ceiling effects. It corresponded better with BI than FAI did confirming its basic activities of daily living properties, yet it is a more sensitive tool for extended activities of daily living without the floor and ceiling effects. Future functional status could be predicted by the acute stage National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, whereas only extended activities of daily living status could be predicted by the Abbreviated Memory Test score. Predicting future functional status at the acute stage may decrease unnecessary length of stay in acute care settings.

Responsiveness, Minimal Detectable Change, and Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale in Patients With Improved Performance After Stroke Rehabilitation

Wu C-Y, Chuang L-L, Lin K-C, Lee S-D, Hong W-H. Responsiveness, minimal detectable change, and minimal clinically important difference of the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living scale in patients with improved performance after stroke rehabilitation. Objectives To determine the responsiveness, minimal detectable change (MDC), and minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) of the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale and to assess percentages of patients' change scores exceeding the MDC and MCID after stroke rehabilitation. Design Secondary analyses of patients who received stroke rehabilitation therapy. Setting Medical centers. Participants Patients with stroke (N=78). Interventions Secondary analyses of patients who received 1 of 4 rehabilitation interventions. Main Outcome Measures Responsiveness (standardized response mean [SRM]), 90% confidence that a change score at this threshold or higher is true and reliable rather than measurement error (MDC 90), and MCID on the NEADL score and percentages of patients exceeding the MDC 90 and MCID. Results The SRM of the total NEADL scale was 1.3. The MDC 90 value for the total NEADL scale was 4.9, whereas minima and maxima of the MCID for total NEADL score were 2.4 and 6.1 points, respectively. Percentages of patients exceeding the MDC 90 and MCID of the total NEADL score were 50.0%, 73.1%, and 32.1%, respectively. Conclusions The NEADL is a responsive instrument relevant for measuring change in instrumental activities of daily living after stroke rehabilitation. A patient's change score has to reach 4.9 points on the total to indicate a true change. The mean change score of a stroke group on the total NEADL scale should achieve 6.1 points to be regarded as clinically important. Our findings are based on patients with improved NEADL performance after they received specific interventions. Future research with larger sample sizes is warranted to validate these estimates.

Rehabilitation of older patients: day hospital compared with rehabilitation at home. Clinical outcomes

to test the hypothesis that older people and their informal carers are not disadvantaged by home-based rehabilitation (HBR) relative to day hospital rehabilitation (DHR). pragmatic randomised controlled trial. four geriatric day hospitals and four home rehabilitation teams in England. eighty-nine patients referred for multidisciplinary rehabilitation. The target sample size was 460. multidisciplinary rehabilitation either in the home or in the day hospital. the primary outcome measure was the Nottingham extended activities of daily living scale (NEADL). Secondary outcome measures included EQ-5D, hospital anxiety and depression scale, therapy outcome measures, hospital admissions and the General Health Questionnaire for carers. at the primary end point of 6 months NEADL scores were not significantly in favour of HBR cf. DHR; mean difference -2.139 (95% confidence interval -6.87 to 2.59, P = 0.37). A post hoc analysis suggested non-inferiority for HBR for NEADL but there was considerable statistical uncertainty. taken together the statistical analyses and lack of power of the trial outcomes do not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that patients in receipt of HBR are disadvantaged compared with those receiving DHR.