Home healthcare nowPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-09-09DOI: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000001288
Lori Kokoszka, Christine Pariseault, Christine A Pariseault, Devon Hunter
{"title":"Caring for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease during a Pandemic: An Integrative Literature Review.","authors":"Lori Kokoszka, Christine Pariseault, Christine A Pariseault, Devon Hunter","doi":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001288","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000001288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The population experiencing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their caregivers have been tremendously impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Outpatient services became less accessible during the pandemic lockdown which caused increased caregiver burden more than usual. Further examination discovered that caregivers were unable to properly take care of themselves because of the need to provide around-the-clock care to loved ones, who pre-pandemic were able to receive supplemental caregiving services. The purpose of this integrative review was to provide a synthesis of information regarding caregiver experiences, during a time of limited resources, such as with the COVID-19 global pandemic. A comprehensive search of the literature databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Medline was completed yielding qualitative and mixed-methods studies. The literature search yielded 14 articles which met the criteria. Three themes emerged during this review. They include: Deprivation of self-care and social connectedness, Fragmented care and resources, and Improved policy development. Multiple gaps in caregiver needs have been identified throughout the literature. Outpatient services, home health aides, and respite care remain necessary elements of care for those with AD and for the relief of the caregiver. Forward planning should include government policies to support caregiving of those with AD, especially in the light of service restrictions or unavailable services.</p>","PeriodicalId":37842,"journal":{"name":"Home healthcare now","volume":"42 5","pages":"267-276"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Home healthcare nowPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-09-09DOI: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000001284
Marilyn D Harris
{"title":"IHCNO Members Assemble in Asia.","authors":"Marilyn D Harris","doi":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001284","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000001284","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37842,"journal":{"name":"Home healthcare now","volume":"42 5","pages":"314"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Home healthcare nowPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-09-09DOI: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000001293
Lisa A Gorski
{"title":"Introducing Innovations: New Columns and Fresh Perspectives.","authors":"Lisa A Gorski","doi":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001293","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000001293","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37842,"journal":{"name":"Home healthcare now","volume":"42 5","pages":"259"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Home healthcare nowPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-09-09DOI: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000001281
Amisha Parekh de Campos, Diane Santostefano, Susan Daniels
{"title":"Using Existing Resources to Create a Successful End-of-Life Doula Program.","authors":"Amisha Parekh de Campos, Diane Santostefano, Susan Daniels","doi":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001281","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000001281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The end-of-life doula role has emerged as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team caring for patients. The doulas provide an extra layer of support from a non-clinical lens to prevent crises, follow-up with families, and guide them through their journey. This manuscript describes how a hospice agency developed a performance improvement project to train volunteers to become end-of-life doulas through a rigorous training program, based on the Doula Model of Care. The implementation of the program was evaluated based on caregiver and staff satisfaction, and volunteer knowledge competency. The results from the pilot program showed mixed outcomes for patient and staff satisfaction, but created a rigorous training program for hospice volunteers. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted data gathering and implementation of the program, so outcomes were varied. However, the program remains successful with ongoing training of the end-of-life doulas and an increase in new volunteers to support the program.</p>","PeriodicalId":37842,"journal":{"name":"Home healthcare now","volume":"42 5","pages":"285-294"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Home healthcare nowPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-09-09DOI: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000001274
Konrad J Dias, Rose M Pignataro, John D Heick
{"title":"Risk Factor Management for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in Home Healthcare.","authors":"Konrad J Dias, Rose M Pignataro, John D Heick","doi":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001274","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001274","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and persistent cardiac arrhythmia that impacts morbidity, mortality, disability, quality of life, and healthcare costs. Typically, AF is managed using a three-pillar approach of rate control, rhythm control, and anticoagulation. However, these interventions fail to address the underlying pathophysiological factors that contribute to AF. A compelling body of research expands traditional management by focusing on lifestyle modification to lower the risk of AF incidence, prevalence, progression, and severity. Home healthcare clinicians possess the knowledge and skills to examine and treat a wide range of risk factors that lead to AF, and therefore can substantially reduce incident and persistent AF and facilitate optimal outcomes. This perspective paper presents a clinical paradigm shift by proposing a five-factor Partner, Quantify, Recommend, Support, and Teach (PQRST) framework to support AF risk factor modification in home healthcare. The PQRST framework incorporates a greater focus on patient self-management through education and exercise to reduce incidence, prevalence, progression, and severity of AF.</p>","PeriodicalId":37842,"journal":{"name":"Home healthcare now","volume":"42 5","pages":"301-307"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Home healthcare nowPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-09-09DOI: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000001289
Nguyen Thi Thu Trieu, Michele Upvall, Nguyen Thi Yen Hoai, Pham Thi Thuy, Tran Van Long, Nguyen Thi Anh Phuong
{"title":"The Effect of Treatment Adherence on Health Status of Outpatients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.","authors":"Nguyen Thi Thu Trieu, Michele Upvall, Nguyen Thi Yen Hoai, Pham Thi Thuy, Tran Van Long, Nguyen Thi Anh Phuong","doi":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001289","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000001289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adherence to COPD treatment plays a crucial role in patient health outcomes. Understanding the correlation between treatment adherence and health status is vital for clinicians to develop effective disease management strategies. This study aimed to examine treatment adherence and its impact on the health status of COPD patients, specifically focusing on the effects of adhering to inhaled medications and breathing exercises. A cross-sectional study involving 420 outpatients diagnosed with COPD was conducted. The study encompassed administering questionnaires, observing patient breathing exercises, and measuring ventilatory function. Results showed that only 36.9% of participants adhered to treatment, with 44.7% following inhaler protocols and 36.9% regularly engaging in breathing exercises. The patients who were non-adherent exhibited a 0.3-fold increase in disease severity compared to the adherent group (p = .002). These findings suggest that consistent adherence to treatment, including inhaled medications and breathing exercises, may positively affect health status by reducing disease severity and airway obstruction in COPD patients. To address this, we recommend that home care clinicians implement a post-discharge assessment and intervention program. This program should focus on educating patients about the importance of treatment adherence and promoting behaviors that reinforce adherence to prescribed therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":37842,"journal":{"name":"Home healthcare now","volume":"42 5","pages":"260-266"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Home healthcare nowPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-09-09DOI: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000001295
{"title":"The Effect of Treatment Adherence on Health Status of Outpatients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.","authors":"","doi":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001295","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000001295","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37842,"journal":{"name":"Home healthcare now","volume":"42 5","pages":"E5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142297504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Home healthcare nowPub Date : 2024-07-01Epub Date: 2024-07-08DOI: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000001267
Konrad J Dias, Jeffrey Child, Mary T Blackinton, Stanley Wilson, Dustin R Brown, Sean M Collins
{"title":"Frontloading Home Physical Therapy Visits for Patients With Heart Failure: A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Konrad J Dias, Jeffrey Child, Mary T Blackinton, Stanley Wilson, Dustin R Brown, Sean M Collins","doi":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001267","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Frontloading home care visits has been found to be effective in the nursing profession but has not been investigated in physical therapy (PT) practice. This study aimed to examine the impact of frontloading home PT visits on function in persons with heart failure (HF). This was a prospective multi-center randomized controlled trial with blinded raters. A total of 82 ambulatory patients with a primary diagnosis of HF discharged from an acute care facility to home care participated in the study. Subjects were randomly allocated to an experimental frontloaded group (FLG) or control group (CG) for 4 weeks. FLG visit frequencies were five sessions per week for 2 weeks, and three sessions per week for 2 weeks. The CG received two sessions per week for 4 weeks. Functional measures including the 2-minute step test (2MST), 2-minute walk test (2MWT), gait speed (GS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and 30-second chair rise test (30-CRT) were collected at the onset of care, at the end of 2 weeks and 4 weeks. The groups were statistically similar at baseline for all measures. All subjects significantly improved scores in all functional measures over time, within-subject main effect (p < .01). Significant between-subject effects were noted for 30-CRT (p = .04). Interaction effects were noted for GS (p = .03) and TUG test (p = .02). This is the first study to report meaningful improvements in function in individuals with HF. Significant treatment effect differences between the FLG and CG were found for GS, TUG, and 30-CRT. Future studies should examine the use of a standardized intervention to validate the effectiveness of frontloading home visits on quality of life and readmission rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":37842,"journal":{"name":"Home healthcare now","volume":"42 4","pages":"227-235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141555589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Home healthcare nowPub Date : 2024-07-01Epub Date: 2024-07-08DOI: 10.1097/NHH.0000000000001275
Sally Huang, Joan Gygax Spicer
{"title":"Developing an Evidence-Based Patient Education Guide on Pain Management for Asian Patients on Hospice.","authors":"Sally Huang, Joan Gygax Spicer","doi":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001275","DOIUrl":"10.1097/NHH.0000000000001275","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial group in the United States. This article describes the development of a pain management assessment guide for Asian patients on hospice, their families, and their nurses. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the applicability of research on pain, pain management, and barriers to pain management from primarily Asian countries to Asian patients on hospice in the United States. Thematic analysis of interviews with such patients concurs with research findings. Four themes emerged: enduring pain, preference for Chinese medicine remedies, fear of addiction, and concern about the side effects of pain medications. Interviews with experienced hospice nurses also aligned with these themes. Hospice nurses were asked to share their strategies for assessing and managing pain among their Asian hospice patients. Thematic analysis of their interviews revealed six strategies: focusing on treatment goals, involving family and caregivers, explaining the physiology of pain, explaining the progression of pain medications, addressing concerns about addiction, and managing the side effects of medications. The themes that emerged from patient and hospice nurse interviews were used to develop an evidence-based pain management assessment guide to support Asian patients on hospice, their family, and the nurses who care for them.</p>","PeriodicalId":37842,"journal":{"name":"Home healthcare now","volume":"42 4","pages":"236-245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11224560/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141555588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}