Nursing Home Population Research Articles

FC50: Development of a novel psychoeducational intervention promoting mental health in older adults: survey collection and curriculum design

Objectives: 1) To evaluate interest, logistics, and content for a curriculum to promote well-being in older adults by gathering data through surveys of nursing home populations. 2) To design a curriculum syllabus that can be carried out and shared by analyzing our survey data and combining it with evidence-based practices from the literature including positive psychiatry approaches and elements of different psychotherapies.Methods: Long-term and short-term care patients from Budd Terrace and A.G. Rhodes nursing homes were recruited to participate in a survey. Categorical frequency calculations were used to evaluate participant interest and logistical preferences. Ranked scores and distribution columns were used to evaluate course content.Results: 100 participants completed the survey. 55.1% expressed interest in attending this type of course. For class length, frequency, duration, and size, average preference was for 30 minutes, once a week, 2– 4 weeks, and 6–10 people, respectively. Between pillars, in order of priority, preferences were: meaning in life (ranked score 215), mindfulness (198), and social connection (157). Within the meaning in life pillar, preferences in order of priority were: gratitude for life lived (268), life priorities (249), sources of meaning (235), and goals (188). Within the mindfulness pillar, preferences in order of priority were: emotional stability (272), focusing awareness on the present moment (261), acknowledging and accepting thoughts and feelings (240), and self-compassion (187). Within the social connection pillar, preferences in order of priority were: increasing opportunities for social connections (266), enhancing social support (245), improving social skills (240), and addressing worries about social situations (169).Conclusions: By combining logistical and content preferences from our population sample with evidence-based practices from the literature, we have developed a psychoeducational course to promote mental health in older adults, centered around three pillars: meaning in life, mindfulness, and social connection. A curriculum syllabus complete with course description, learning Objectives, weekly topics/timelines, materials needed, notes, and handouts will be included with the final manuscript. The handouts can also be selected and distributed outside of a course context, such as outpatient clinics or inpatients settings, and curriculum elements can be incorporated into group or individual therapy.

Fecal incontinence is not associated with UTI: A contemporary case-control study.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a leading cause of infection in adults. The most common cause is gastrointestinal bacteria ascending the urethra into the bladder. Studies showing fecal incontinence (FI) is a risk factor for UTI have been limited to nursing home populations. Healthy patients with recurrent UTI, especially women, often receive counseling, suggesting improper personal hygiene contributes to UTIs. This advice can be stigmatizing. Given UTI prevalence, it is important to elucidate risk factors for improved diagnosis, treatment, and patient education. Our objective was to perform a hospital-centered, retrospective case-control analysis to assess the effect of FI on UTI development in ambulatory patients. Patients (n = 3035) with a diagnosis of FI were identified from a single institution and propensity score-matched with screening colonoscopy patients (n = 3035) from 2018 to 2021. Patients were matched on age, sex, race, ethnicity, body mass index, and comorbidities, for example, diabetes, vesicoureteral reflux, and urinary incontinence. The association between FI and UTI was tested using Pearson's χ2 test. Median age was 64 years with more females than males (73.81% vs. 71.20% female for case/control, p = 0.02). Patients with FI were more often to have concurrent urinary incontinence (18.62% vs. 10.25% for case/control, p < 0.001), as well as specifically urgency incontinence (13.28% vs. 11.57% for case/control, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the incidence of UTI between patients with FI and those presenting for screening colonoscopy (p = 0.44). FI was not associated with an increased number of UTIs. Based on our results, current stigmatizing beliefs regarding the association between FI and UTI should be reevaluated.

POTASSIUM-ENRICHED SALT EFFECTIVELY REDUCES SODIUM INTAKE IN THE NURSING HOME POPULATION OF NORTHERN CHINA: THE CHINA SALT TRIAL

Objective: to explore the promoting effect of long-term consumption of potassium-enriched salt (KCL/NACL=1:1) on dietary salt restriction in the nursing home population. Design and method: In northern China, a total of 29 nursing homes were selected using cluster random sampling. The nursing homes were divided into intervention group (using potassium-enriched salt in the dining room) and control group (using regular salt in the dining room). The usage of salt and high-sodium condiments in the dining room was recorded, including the amount of salt used and the number of diners. The average per capita daily sodium intake from condiments (TNA/PD) in the nursing home was calculated, as well as the average per capita daily sodium intake from dietary salt (SNA/PD). The two values were added together to calculate the total per capita daily sodium intake (ANA/PD). Results: Over 6 years, a total of 18,046 meals were consumed in the dining room. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in per capita daily sodium intake (ANA/PD) compared to the control group (3.0 vs 5.0g). There was no statistically significant difference in per capita daily sodium intake from condiments (TNA/PD) between the two groups, but the intervention group exhibited a significantly lower per capita daily sodium intake from dietary salt (SNA/PD) compared to the control group (2.2 vs 4.1g). Furthermore, the intervention group consistently maintained a lower urine sodium-to-potassium ratio than the control group. By incorporating potassium-enriched salt, the intervention group achieved an average increase of 1.2±0.31g in daily potassium intake. Subgroup analysis of 24-hour urine results indicated that the intervention group had significantly lower urinary sodium excretion and higher potassium excretion. Following one year of using potassium-enriched salt, the estimated dietary salt intake in the intervention group decreased from approximately 15g to around 9g based on urinary sodium excretion. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the utilization of potassium-enriched salt can effectively reduce sodium intake without necessitating alterations in dietary habits.

Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of mental illness among nursing home residents

BackgroundThere is a high prevalence of mental illness in nursing home residents compared to older adults living in the community. This was highlighted in the most recent comprehensive systematic review on the topic, published in 2010. In the context of a rapidly aging population and increased numbers of older adults requiring residential care, this study aims to provide a contemporary account of the prevalence of mental illness among nursing home residents.MethodsThis protocol was prepared in line with the PRISMA-P 2015 Statement. Systematic searches will be undertaken across six electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycNET, CINAHL, and s in Social Gerontology. Peer-reviewed studies published from 2009 onwards which report the prevalence of mental illness within nursing home populations will be included. Database searches will be supplemented by forward and backward citation searching. Titles and abstracts of records will be screened using a semi-automated process. The full text of selected records will be assessed to confirm inclusion criteria are met. Study selection will be recorded in a PRISMA flowchart. A pilot-tested form will be used to extract data from included studies, alongside the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. A study characteristics and results table will be prepared to present key details from each included study, supported by a narrative synthesis. Random-effects restricted maximum likelihood meta-analyses will be performed to compute pooled prevalence estimates for mental illnesses represented in the identified studies. Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochran’s Q and Higgins’ I2 statistics. A Funnel plot and Egger’s test will be used to assess publication bias. The GRADE approach will be used to assess the quality of the body of evidence identified.DiscussionThe study will provide a comprehensive and contemporary account of the prevalence of mental illness among nursing home residents. Meta-analyses will provide robust prevalence estimates across a range of presentations. Key insights will be highlighted, including potential sources of heterogeneity. Implications for residents, researchers, care providers, and policymakers will be noted.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO: CRD42023456226.

Unlocking Deprescribing Potential in Nursing Homes: Insights from a Focus Group Study with Healthcare Professionals.

The nursing home population is characterized by multimorbidity and disabilities, which often result in extensive prescription of medication and subsequent polypharmacy. Deprescribing, a planned and supervised process of dose reduction or total cessation of medication, is a solution to combat this. This study aimed to identify barriers and enablers of deprescribing as experienced by nursing home physicians (NHPs) and collaborating pharmacists in the specific nursing home setting. This qualitative study utilized a semi-structured interview format with two focus groups consisting of a mix of NHPs and pharmacists.Directed content analysis was performed based on the Theoretical Domains Framework, a validated framework for understanding determinants of behavior change among health care professionals. Sixteen health care professionals participated in two focus groups, including 13 NHPs and three pharmacists. The participating NHPs and pharmacists believed that deprescribing is a valuable process with enablers, such as multidisciplinary collaboration, good communication with patients and family, and involvement of the nursing staff. NHPs and pharmacists view deprescribing as a core task and feel assured in their ability to carry it out successfully. However, they also noted barriers: deprescribing is time-consuming; communication with residents, their relatives or medical specialists is difficult; and electronic patient systems often do not adequately support it. This study provides insight into the various barriers and enablers faced by NHPs and pharmacists when deprescribing in nursing homes. Specific for this population, deprescribing barriers focus on communication (with residents and their relatives, and also with medical specialists) and resources, while knowledge and expertise are mentioned as enablers.

Low micronutrient intake in nursing home residents, a cross-sectional study.

Low intake of micronutrients is associated with health-related problems in nursing home residents. As their food intake is generally low, it is expected that their micronutrient intake will be low as well. The nutrient intake of 189 residents (mean age 85.0 years (SD: 7.4)) in five different Dutch nursing homes was measured based on 3-day direct observations of intake. Micronutrient intake, without supplementation, was calculated using the Dutch food composition table, and SPADE software was used to model habitual intake. Intake was compared to the estimated average requirement (EAR) or adequate intake (AI) as described in the Dutch dietary reference values. A low intake was defined as>10% not meeting the EAR or when the P50 (median) intake was below the AI. Vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folate, B12, C, D, E, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium were investigated. Our data showed that vitamin and mineral intake was low for most assessed nutrients. An AI was only seen for vitamin B12 (men only), iodine (men only), and phosphorus. A total of 50% of the population had an intake below the EAR for riboflavin, vit B6, folate, and vitamin D. For reference values expressed in AI, P50 intake of vitamin E, calcium, iodine, magnesium, potassium, and selenium was below the AI. To conclude: micronutrient intake in nursing home residents is far too low in most of the nursing home population. A "food-first" approach could increase dietary intake, but supplements could be considered if the "food-first" approach is not successful.

Chronic kidney disease and polypharmacy as risk factors for recurrent falls in a nursing home population.

It is known that nursing home patients who have sustained a previous fall are at a higher average risk for recurrent falls. Therefore, these patients require closer attention and monitoring for fall prevention. We conducted a retrospective review in our Level 1 Trauma Center, who sustained a ground-level fall in a nursing home from January 2017 to December 2018. Inclusion criteria involved patients aged 65 or older, admitted from nursing homes. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with recurrent fall. A total of 445 patients were identified. Among them, 47 (10.6%) patients sustained recurrent falls, The median age was 83.3 years old and. The recurrent fall group was more likely to have chronic kidney disease (CKD) (27.1% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.02) and diabetes (47.9% vs. 31%, p = 0.02). The median number of medications taken by a patient was 8.78. Overall, 176 (39.5%) patients sustained any injury, and 25 (5.6%) patients died within the study period. The presence of CKD (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-4.76, p = 0.02) and polypharmacy (number of medications of 9 or above) (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.12-3.82, p = 0.02) were independent risk factors for recurrent falls. CKD and polypharmacy were associated with a risk of recurrent falls among nursing home patients. The incidence of falls has a multifactorial etiology, and it is important to identify such risk factors to better prevent the morbidities and mortalities associated with fall-related injuries.

Facilitators and Barriers to Verifying Penicillin Allergies in a Veteran Nursing Home Population.

Unconfirmed penicillin allergies are common and may contribute to adverse outcomes, especially in frail older patients. Evidence-based clinical pathways for evaluating penicillin allergies have been effectively and safely applied in selected settings, but not in nursing home populations. To identify potential facilitators and barriers to implementing a strategy to verify penicillin allergies in Veterans Health Administration nursing homes, known as Community Living Centers (CLCs). We conducted semistructured interviews with staff, patients, and family members at 1 CLC to assess their understanding of penicillin allergies and receptiveness to verifying the allergy. We also asked staff about the proposed allergy assessment strategy, including willingness to delabel by history and feasibility of performing oral challenges or skin testing on their unit. From 24 interviews (11 front-line staff, 4 leadership, 3 patients, 6 family members), we identified several facilitators or barriers. Staff recognized the importance of allergy verification and were willing to support and assist in implementing verification strategies. The CLC residents were willing to have their allergy status verified. However, some family members expressed reluctance to verifying their relative's allergy status owing to safety concerns. Front-line staff also expressed concern over having the necessary resources, including time and expertise, to implement the strategy. Staff suggested involving clinical pharmacists and educating staff, patients, and family members as ways to overcome these barriers. Concerns about safety and staff resources are important potential barriers to implementing verification strategies. Involvement of pharmacists and education of both staff and patients and family members will be important components of any successful intervention.

No Significant Association between 25-OH Vitamin D Status and SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response after COVID-19 Vaccination in Nursing Home Residents and Staff.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for various physiological functions, including immunity. While it has been suggested that higher vitamin D levels/supplementation are associated with a better immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, conflicting data exist. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) deficiency/supplementation, and SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses post-vaccination in nursing home residents (NHRs) and staff (NHS). Blood samples were collected from 115 NHRs and 254 NHS at baseline and 14 days after primary course BNT162b2 vaccination. Baseline samples were assessed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, while follow-up samples were analyzed for spike protein S1 receptor-binding domain (S1RBD) IgG antibody concentrations and 50% pseudoneutralization titers. Vitamin D supplementation status was obtained from NHRs medical records. We compared immune responses between (severe) vitamin D-deficient and -sufficient NHRs/NHS and between supplemented and non-supplemented NHRs, stratified for history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and participant type. No significant differences in either binding or neutralizing COVID-19 vaccine antibody response were found between groups. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was 45% (95% CI: 36-54%) among NHRs and 60% (95% CI: 54-66%) among NHS. Although we showed that vitamin D status may not be related to a better COVID-19 vaccine antibody response, addressing the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the nursing home population remains important.

The RESPECT-brochure: Development of a tool to inform and empower residents and informal caregivers on the medicines' pathway in nursing homes

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate a tool to inform and empower nursing home (NH) residents and informal caregivers regarding the medicines' pathway. MethodsFeedback on the tool's text, drafted by the research team, was collected from a professional organization; the lay-out was designed by an illustrator. The tool was pilot tested in NHs, focusing on feasibility, appropriateness, and meaningfulness. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with residents, informal caregivers, and healthcare professionals were performed, as well as document analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively. ResultsThe RESPECT-brochure was developed and described each process of the medicines' pathway. Piloting showed that the tool was well perceived among residents and informal caregivers and offered opportunities to discuss medication-related questions and concerns, but that skills to tailor the conversation, especially given the changing NH population, a matching vision and local champion are required for the tool's uptake. ConclusionAn informative and empowering tool has been successfully developed and pilot tested in NHs. Future research should investigate which strategies for implementation work best and can explore the impact of the tool's use in daily practice. InnovationThe tool is the first in its kind and grants nursing home staff a new strategy to promote person-centered care.

Medicaid home and community-based services spending for older adults: Is there a "woodwork" effect?

Although older adults prefer to age at home, Medicaid has a longstanding institutional bias in funding long-term services and supports (LTSS). Some states have resisted expanding Medicaid funding for home- and community-based services (HCBS) due to budgetary concerns related to the so-called "woodwork" effect whereby individuals enroll on Medicaid to access HCBS. To examine the implications associated with state Medicaid HCBS expansion, we obtained state-year data for 1999-2017 from various sources. We estimated difference-in-differences regressions comparing outcomes in states that expanded Medicaid HCBS aggressively versus those that expanded less aggressively, controlling for several covariates. We examined a range of outcomes including Medicaid enrollment, nursing home census, Medicaid institutional LTSS spending, total Medicaid LTSS spending, and Medicaid HCBS waiver enrollment. We measured HCBS expansion by the total share of state Medicaid LTSS spending for aged and disabled persons devoted to HCBS. HCBS expansion was not associated with increased Medicaid enrollment among individuals ages 65 and older. A 1% increase in HCBS spending was associated with reductions in the state nursing home population of 47.1 residents (95% confidence interval [CI]: -80.5, -13.8) and institutional Medicaid LTSS spending of $7.3 million (95% CI: -$12.1M, -$2.4M). A $1 increase in HCBS spending was associated with $0.74 increase (95% CI: $0.57, $0.91) in total LTSS spending, suggesting each dollar directed to HCBS was offset by $0.26 savings from decreased nursing home use. Increased HCBS waiver spending was associated with more older adults receiving LTSS at a lower cost per beneficiary served relative to the nursing home setting. We did not find evidence of a woodwork effect in those states that expanded Medicaid HCBS more aggressively, as measured by age 65 and older Medicaid enrollment. However, they did experience Medicaid savings from reduced nursing home use, suggesting states that expand Medicaid HCBS are able to use these additional dollars to serve more LTSS recipients.

Denture stomatitis-An interdisciplinary clinical review.

An interdisciplinary clinical review on denture stomatitis formulated by experts from prosthodontics, oral medicine, and oral microbiology is presented. The review outlines the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and management strategies of denture stomatitis from an interdisciplinary perspective. English-language articles relating to the definition, incidence, gender distribution, geographical distribution, etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, signs, treatment, and prognosis of denture stomatitis were retrieved via electronic literature search. Relevant articles were summarized for this manuscript with a view toward providing pragmatic information. Denture stomatitis represents a very common, multifactorial infectious, inflammatory, and hyperplastic condition which is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, poor denture hygiene, and full-time; mainly night-time denture wear, bringing about the emergence of advanced Candida-containing polymicrobial biofilms in close proximity to the host's mucosal tissues. Denture stomatitis shares clinically relevant associations with dental caries, periodontitis, median rhomboid glossitis, angular cheilitis, aspirational pneumonia, and associated mortality. Effective, long-term treatment of denture stomatitis relies upon sustained patient-driven behavioral change which should focus on daily prosthesis-level cleaning and disinfection, removal of dentures at night, every night, engagement with professional denture maintenance, and when required, denture replacement. Antifungal medications offer limited benefits outside of short-term use due to the emergence of antifungal resistance. For frail, older, medically compromised, and nursing home populations, treatment of denture stomatitis lowers the risk of aspirational pneumonia and associated mortality.

491 Anticholinergic cognitive burden score in a cohort of nursing home patients; an observational study.

Abstract Introduction Anticholinergic medications are commonly prescribed to older patients, particularly nursing home patients. Anticholinergic burden caused by these medications increases the risk of cognitive impairment, falls, delirium and increased mortality in this patient cohort. There are several published tools available to assess the impact of anticholinergic burden on patient negative outcomes (e.g. falls, cognitive impairment, hospitalisation, mortality). The Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale is a validated tool which calculates a patient’s total anticholinergic medication score, to allow an estimation of cognitive burden (1). Aim The aim of this study was to describe the anticholinergic cognitive burden of medications in a cohort of nursing home patients using the ACB scale. Methods An observational study was conducted which involved screening patients’ pharmacy dispensing records for three nursing homes. All nursing homes which the pharmacy provides services for were sent an information leaflet and invited to participate, three agreed, with Directors of Nursing and General Practitioners providing consent. Medications contributing to Anticholinergic cognitive burden were recorded in Microsoft Excel by the researcher and patients total ACB score was calculated (1). A sample of 20% of patient scores was independently checked by another researcher for accuracy. Patients’ comorbidity data and cognitive function measure (Mini Mental State Examination or Mental Test Score) was recorded from their nursing home records by the researcher. Long-term nursing home patients ≥65-years-old were eligible for inclusion. Descriptive analysis was conducted. Results In total, the medications of 254 patients were assessed using the ACB score (63.4% female, mean age 83.5 ±7.79 -years-old). Of these, 195/254 (76.8%) were prescribed at least one anticholinergic medication. There were 132/254 (51.9%) patients with a total ACB score of ≥3 which is clinically significant and increases the risk of negative outcomes. The three most commonly prescribed anticholinergics were quetiapine (82/254, 32.3%), olanzapine (32/254, 12.6%) and furosemide (31/254, 12.2%). Of the patients with an ACB score ≥3, 58/132 (49.9%) had dementia and 63/132 had hypertension (47.7%). Conclusion This study highlights the high prevalence of anticholinergic medication prescribing in an Irish nursing home population. This is high in comparison with other European and international studies where lower ACB scores in nursing home populations have been recorded (2). The study was limited as it was only conducted in three nursing homes, a larger study may identify different prescribing patterns and ACB scores. Further work in pharmacy practice to include the ACB score as part of patients’ medication reviews is recommended. Collaboration with nursing home prescribers and nurses to increase awareness of anticholinergic medication risks and review is vital. Reductions in ACB scores would reduce the risk of falls, cognitive impairment and harm to these patients.

Association between Malnutrition Assessed by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria and Mortality in Older People: A Scoping Review

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were introduced in 2018 for the diagnosis of malnutrition in adults. This review was aimed at gathering the evidence about the association between malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria and mortality in older people, an emerging and clinically meaningful topic in the implementation of the GLIM criteria in geriatric healthcare settings. This scoping review considered meta-analyses, systematic reviews, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies published in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews from the development of the GLIM criteria in 2018 to January 2023. Seventeen articles (15 cohort and 2 cross-sectional studies) were included. The association between GLIM criteria and mortality had been assessed in hospitalized (11 over the 17 articles) and community-dwelling older populations, and those in nursing homes. The review found a strong association between malnutrition according to GLIM criteria and mortality in hospitalized (1.2-fold to 7-fold higher mortality) and community-dwelling older people (1.6-fold to 4-fold higher mortality). These findings highlight the prognostic value of the GLIM criteria and support strategies towards the implementation of malnutrition evaluation according to the GLIM, in order to optimize comprehensive geriatric assessment and provide older people with the highest quality of nutritional care. Studies in nursing home populations were very scarce and may be urgently required.

Trends and correlates of concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine and/or gabapentinoid use among Ontario nursing home residents.

A concern with long-term opioid use is the increased risk arising when opioids are used concurrently with drugs that can potentiate their associated adverse effects. The drugs most often encountered are benzodiazepines (BZDs) and gabapentinoids. Our study objectives were to examine trends in the concurrent use of opioids and BZDs, or gabapentinoids, in a Canadian nursing home population over an 11-year period, and current resident-level correlates of this concurrent use. We conducted a population-based, repeated cross-sectional study among Ontario nursing home residents (>65 years) dispensed opioids between April 2009 and February 2020. For the last study year, we examined cross-sectional associations between resident characteristics and concurrent use of opioids with BZDs or gabapentinoids. Linked data on nursing home residents from clinical and health administrative databases was used. The yearly proportions of residents who were dispensed an opioid concurrently with a BZD or gabapentinoid were plotted with percent change derived from log-binomial regression models. Separate modified Poisson regression models estimated resident-level correlates of concurrent use of opioids with BZDs or gabapentinoids. Over the study period, among residents dispensed an opioid there was a 53.2% relative decrease (30.7% to 14.4%) in concurrent BZD and a 505.4% relative increase (4.4% to 26.6%) in concurrent gabapentinoid use. In adjusted models, increasing age and worsening cognition were inversely associated with the concurrent use of both classes, but most other significantly related covariates were unique to each drug class (e.g., sex and anxiety disorders for BZD, pain severity and presence of pain-related conditions for gabapentinoids). Co-administration of BZDs or gabapentinoids in Ontario nursing home residents dispensed opioids remains common, but the pattern of co-use has changed over time. Observed covariates of concurrent use in 2019/20 suggest distinct but overlapping resident populations requiring consideration of the relative risks versus benefits of this co-use and monitoring for potential harm.

Dental status and its correlation with polypharmacy and multimorbidity in a Swiss nursing home population: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the correlation between oral health status in terms of present teeth, implants, removable prostheses, and polypharmacy and/or multimorbidity in three Swiss nursing homes with affiliated or integrated dental care.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in three Swiss geriatric nursing homes with integrated dental care. Dental information consisted of the number of teeth, root remnants, implants, and presence of removable dental prostheses. Furthermore, the medical history was assessed in terms of diagnosed medical conditions and prescribed medication. Age, dental status, polypharmacy, and multimorbidity were compared and correlated using t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients.ResultsOne hundred eighty patients with a mean age of 85.5 ± 7.4 years were included of which a portion of 62% presented with multimorbidity and 92% with polypharmacy. The mean number of remaining teeth and remnant roots were 14.1 ± 9.9 and 1.0 ± 3.1, respectively. Edentulous individuals comprised 14%, and over 75% of the population did not have implants. Over 50% of the included patients wore removable dental prostheses. A negative correlation with statistical significance (p = 0.001) between age and tooth loss (r = − 0.27) was observed. Finally, there was a non-statistically correlation between a higher number of remnant roots and specific medications linked to salivary dysfunction; specifically antihypertensive medication and central nervous system stimulants.ConclusionThe presence of a poor oral health status was associated with polypharmacy and multimorbidity among the study population.Clinical relevanceIdentifying elderly patients in need of oral healthcare in nursing homes is a challenge. In Switzerland, the collaboration of dentists and nursing staff is still improvable, but is urgently needed due to the demographic changes and raising treatment demand of the oldest portion of the population.

Too low protein and energy intake in nursing home residents

ObjectivesAn optimal diet contributes to reducing malnutrition prevalence in the nursing home population. For this population, recommended daily intakes are ≥1.0 g protein/kg body weight and ≥27 energy kcal/kg body weight. The aim of this study was to identify the protein and energy intake of nursing home residents and to assess groups at increased risk for low intake. MethodsCross-sectional data regarding food intake was collected by three-day observations in 189 residents (aged ≥65 y, mean age 85.0 y) of five different nursing homes. Linear mixed models were used to examine associations of protein and energy intake as dependent variables with demographic and disease-related problems as determinants. Results were adjusted for age, sex, and mobility levels and stratified by a protein/energy-enriched diet (P/E+). ResultsThe daily protein intake of the residents was 0.80 (SD 0.22) g/kg body weight, with 84.7% having an intake below the recommended daily 1 g/kg body weight. Mean daily energy intake was 20.7 (SD 6.1) kcal/kg body weight, with 85.2% having an intake below recommendation. Protein/energy intake was higher in the P/E+ group compared with standard diet: 0.92 (SD 0.23) versus 0.74 (SD 0.19) g/kg body weight, and 23.9 (SD 6.1) versus 19.1 (SD 5.4) kcal/kg body weight, respectively. The oldest age groups (>85 y), chair-bound residents, women, and residents having difficulties with chewing, dysphagia, a reported decreased food intake, or a decreased appetite were at a higher risk for a low protein/energy intake. ConclusionNearly all nursing home residents were at increased risk for not meeting the minimum protein/energy requirements. Intakes should, on average, be increased with ≥15 g protein and ≥520 kcal to reach the minimum intake targets. Although using a P/E+ diet was associated with higher intakes, even these residents had intakes below the requirements.

Clinical expressions, characteristics and treatments of confirmed COVID-19 in nursing home residents: a systematic review

BackgroundThe coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a high rate of infections, frequent outbreaks, and high mortality rates in nursing homes (NH) worldwide. To protect and improve the treatment and care of the vulnerable NH population, it is pivotal to systematise and synthesise data from cases of COVID-19 among NH residents. In our systematic review, we therefore aimed to describe the clinical expressions, characteristics, and treatments of NH residents confirmed to have COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted two comprehensive literature searches in several electronic databases: (1) PubMed, (2) CINAHL, (3) AgeLine, (4) Embase, and (5) PsycINFO in April and July 2021. Of the 438 articles screened, 19 were included in our sample, and we used the Newcastle–Ottawa Assessment Scale to assess the quality of the reported studies. A weighted mean (Mweighted), was calculated to account for the large variation in sample sizes of the studies, and due to heterogeneity among the studies, we report our findings in a narrative synthesis.ResultsAccording to the mean weights (Mweighted), common symptoms and signs in NH residents confirmed to have COVID-19 were fever (53.7%), cough (56.5%), hypoxia (32.3%), and delirium or confusion (31.2%). Common comorbidities were hypertension (78.6%), dementia or cognitive impairment (55.3%), and cardiovascular diseases (52.0%). Six studies presented data concerning medical and pharmacological treatments, such as inhalers, oxygen supplementation, anticoagulation, and parenteral/enteral fluids or nutrition. The treatments were used to improve outcomes, as part of palliative care, or as end-of-life treatment. Transfers to hospital for NH residents with confirmed COVID-19 were reported in six of the included studies, and the rate of hospital transfers ranged from 6.9% to 50% in this population. In the 17 studies reporting mortality, 40.2% of the NH residents died during the studies’ observation periods.ConclusionsOur systematic review allowed us to summarise important clinical findings about COVID-19 among NH residents and to identify the population’s risk factors for serious illness and death caused by the disease. However, the treatment and care of NH residents with severe COVID-19 warrant further investigation.

SLUMS is superior to BIMS in the cognitive assessment of the nursing home population

SLUMS is superior to BIMS in the cognitive assessment of the nursing home population

How severe would prioritization-induced bottlenecks need to be offset the benefits from prioritizing COVID-19 vaccination to those most at risk in New York City?

BackgroundPrioritization of higher-risk people for COVID-19 vaccination could prevent more deaths, but could slow vaccination speed. We used mathematical modeling to examine the trade-off between vaccination speed and prioritization for individuals age 65+ and essential workers.MethodsWe used a stochastic, discrete-time susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) model with age- and comorbidity-adjusted COVID-19 outcomes (infections, hospitalizations, and deaths). The model was calibrated to COVID-19 hospitalizations, ICU census, and deaths in NYC. We assumed 10,000 vaccinations per day, initially restricted to healthcare workers and nursing home populations, and subsequently expanded to other populations at alternative times (4, 5, or 6 weeks after vaccine launch) and speeds (20,000, 50,000, 100,000, or 150,000 vaccinations per day), as well as prioritization options (+/− prioritization of people age 65+ and essential workers). In sensitivity analyses, we examined the effect of a SARS-COV-2 variant with greater transmissibility.ResultsTo be beneficial, prioritization must not create a bottleneck that decreases vaccination speed by > 50% without a more transmissible variant, or by > 33% with the emergence of the more transmissible variant. More specifically, prioritizing people age 65+ and essential workers increased the number of lives saved per vaccine dose delivered: 3000 deaths could be averted by delivering 83,000 vaccinations per day without prioritization or 50,000 vaccinations per day with prioritization. Other tradeoffs involve vaccination speed and timing. Compared to the slowest-examined vaccination speed of 20,000 vaccinations per day, achieving the fastest-examined vaccination speed of 150,000 vaccinations per day would avert additional 313,700 (28.6%) infections and 1693 (24.1%) deaths. Emergence of a more transmissible variant would double COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths over the first 6 months of vaccination. The fastest-examined vaccination speed could only offset the harm of the more transmissible variant if achieved within 5 weeks of vaccine launch.ConclusionsFaster vaccination speed with sooner vaccination expansion would save more lives. Prioritization of COVID-19 vaccines to higher-risk populations would be more beneficial only if it does not create an excessive vaccine delivery bottleneck.