Mouna J. Sawan, Alexander Clough, Jodie Hillen, Natalie Soulsby, Danijela Gnjidic
{"title":"Comparison of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults with and without dementia receiving residential medication management reviews","authors":"Mouna J. Sawan, Alexander Clough, Jodie Hillen, Natalie Soulsby, Danijela Gnjidic","doi":"10.1111/ajag.13316","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.13316","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Among residents who had a residential medication management review (RMMR), there is a lack of studies assessing exposure to polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in people with dementia. This study compared the exposure to polypharmacy and PIMs in residents with dementia and without dementia receiving RMMR.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A retrospective analysis was performed using data of 16,261 residents living in 343 Australian residential aged care facilities who had an RMMR in 2019. Medication use was assessed as polypharmacy (defined as ≥9 medications) and use of ≥1 PIMs using the 2019 updated Beers criteria. Dementia diagnosis was determined with ICD-10 coding from medical records. Descriptive analyses reported resident demographics and patterns of medication use. Pearson's <i>χ</i><sup>2</sup> tests and logistic regression analysis were conducted to compare medication exposure between residents with and without dementia.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Among 16,261 residents, 6781 (42%) had dementia. Residents with dementia were significantly more likely to be exposed to polypharmacy and PIMs, compared to those without dementia (74% vs. 70% and 83% vs. 73%, <i>p</i> < .001 respectively). Residents with dementia had 1.31 times the odds of exposure to polypharmacy (adjusted OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.22–1.41, <i>p</i> < .001) and 1.88 times the odds of being prescribed ≥1 PIMs than people without dementia (adjusted OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.73–2.04, <i>p</i> < .001).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In a study of residents receiving RMMR, polypharmacy and PIMs were highly common, and those with dementia were more likely to be exposed to inappropriate polypharmacy. There is a need for targeted deprescribing strategies to immediately address inappropriate prescribing in residents, particularly those living with dementia.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"43 3","pages":"628-635"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.13316","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140588997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joyce Siette, Amy D. Nguyen, Laura Dodds, Lindsey Brett, Andrew Georgiou
{"title":"Co-production processes for translation and validation of psychosocial assessments for older adults in aged care","authors":"Joyce Siette, Amy D. Nguyen, Laura Dodds, Lindsey Brett, Andrew Georgiou","doi":"10.1111/ajag.13315","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.13315","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Given the diverse ethnic backgrounds of aged care clients, there is a critical requirement to translate psychosocial assessment tools into various languages to effectively evaluate social engagement and quality of life in older adults receiving aged care services. This study aimed to translate psychosocial tools into Turkish, Korean and Mandarin, the primary languages spoken by clients of an Australian community aged care provider.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A co-development approach encompassing forward and backward translations of the Australian Community Participation Questionnaire and ICEpop CAPability measure for Older people tools, along with focus group discussions involving bilingual staff (<i>n</i> = 7) and clients (<i>n</i> = 16), was employed to ensure precision and cultural relevance. Multiple iterations were undertaken until linguistic, conceptual and scaling equivalence was achieved, with recorded sessions transcribed and analysed thematically.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cultural appropriateness significantly impacted the delivery of questions within the tools, emphasising translation challenges tied to specific queries. These difficulties included the lack of terms for unique places of worship, the use of outdated language (e.g., references to reading newspapers), and varying priorities in social and well-being matters between Western and Eastern/Asian cultures. Staff feedback identified that formal translated tool versions eased administration for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) clients, enabling them to independently interpret questions, resulting in improved questionnaire completion rates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Insights indicate the need for continued efforts in tailoring assessment tools to diverse cultural contexts to ensure accurate and meaningful data collection.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"43 3","pages":"645-650"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.13315","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140588724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tan Van Nguyen, Huy Minh Tran, Ha Bich Thi Trinh, Vu Hoang Vu, Vien Ai Bang
{"title":"Prevalence of frailty according to the Hospital Frailty Risk Score and related factors in older patients with acute coronary syndromes in Vietnam","authors":"Tan Van Nguyen, Huy Minh Tran, Ha Bich Thi Trinh, Vu Hoang Vu, Vien Ai Bang","doi":"10.1111/ajag.13307","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.13307","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>(1) To investigate the prevalence of frailty defined by the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), a new scale for assessing frailty, in older patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS); (2) To identify associations between frailty and the prescriptions of cardiovascular medications, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and in-hospital adverse outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>An observational study was conducted in patients aged older than 60 years with ACS at Thong Nhat Hospital from August to December 2022. The Hospital Frailty Risk Score is retrospectively calculated for all participants based on ICD-10 codes, and those with HFRS scores ≥5 were defined as frail. Logistic regression models were applied to examine the relationship between frailty and the study outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There were 511 participants in the study. The median age was 72.7, 60% were male and 29% were frail. Frailty was associated with lower odds of beta-blocker use at admission (OR .49 95% CI .25–.94), treatment with PCI during hospitalisation (OR .48, 95% CI .30–.75), but did not show an association with prescriptions of cardiovascular drugs at discharge. Frailty was significantly associated with increased odds of adverse outcomes, including major bleeding (OR 4.07, 95% CI1.73–9.54), hospital-acquired pneumonia (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.20–5.42), all-cause in-hospital mortality (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.37–7.20) and non-cardiovascular in-hospital mortality (OR 10.73, 95% CI 1.93–59.55).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The HFRS was an effective tool for stratifying frailty and predicting adverse health outcomes in older patients with ACS. Further research is needed to compare the HFRS with other frailty assessment tools in this population.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"43 2","pages":"288-296"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.13307","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140588990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Implementation and evaluation of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT™) in acute care","authors":"Olivia Paulik, Robyn Whitaker, Monita Mesuria, Debbie Wong, Katie Swanson, Heidi Green, Nqobile Sikhosana, Ritin Fernandez","doi":"10.1111/ajag.13308","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.13308","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT™) has been used to identify patients at risk of deteriorating and dying within 1 year. Early identification and integration of advance care planning (ACP) provides the opportunity for a better quality of life for patients. The aims of this study were to identify the number of patients who were SPICT™ positive; their mortality rates at 6 and 12 months of the SPICT™ assessment; and level of adherence to ACP documentation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A retrospective audit of the Supportive and Palliative Care database was conducted at an acute aged care precinct in a major metropolitan tertiary referral hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Data comprising demographics, clinical conditions, SPICT™ positivity and compliance with ACP documentation were collected. SPICT™-positive patients and mortality were tracked at 6 and 12 months, respectively.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Data from 153 patients were collected. The mean age of the patients was 84.1 (±7.8) years, and the length of hospital stay was 10 (±24.7) (range 1–269) days. Approximately 37% were from residential care, and 80% had family deciding on their care. About 15% died during hospitalisation, and 48% were discharged to a care facility. The ACP documentation showed various levels of completion. Mortality rates at 6 and 12 months were 36% and 39%, respectively. Most patients (99%) were SPICT™-positive, with indicators correlating with higher mortality rates at both follow-ups.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study emphasises the critical need for addressing ACP and palliative care among older patients with life-limiting conditions. It underscores the importance of timely discussions, documentation, and cessation of futile interventions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"43 3","pages":"591-599"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.13308","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140337764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Help-seeking preference in obtaining social support for older adults in depopulated areas","authors":"Hanami Tone, Michiyo Hirano","doi":"10.1111/ajag.13303","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.13303","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To clarify the circumstances of help-seeking preference among older adults in depopulated areas and the relationship between help-seeking preference and social support.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This was a cross-sectional study that included a sample of 271 men and women aged 65–79 years living in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess help-seeking preference, social cohesion (community trust, norms of reciprocity and community attachment), socialising (interaction with neighbors and social network) and social support. Multiple regression analysis was performed with items that were found to be significantly associated with social support in the univariate analysis. Then, we examined the significance of the change in the coefficient of determination between a model that included help-seeking preference as an independent variable and a model that did not.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Social support was related to help-seeking preference, living arrangements, economic status, norms of reciprocity and social networks. There was a significant difference in the coefficient of determination between the models with and without help-seeking preference.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>For older adults in depopulated areas to obtain social support, it is important to build trusting relationships with others and shows a willingness to seek and accept help.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"43 3","pages":"561-569"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140337763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Before Dementia: 20 Questions You Need to Ask about Preventing, Preparing, Coping By K. Gregorevic. HarperCollins Publishers, 2023. ISBN 978-0-7333-4222-6 (paperback). ISBN 978-1-4607-1454-6 (ebook). Paperback AUD 14.99","authors":"Jane Fyfield","doi":"10.1111/ajag.13289","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13289","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"43 1","pages":"224"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140297290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"List of Reviewers","authors":"","doi":"10.1111/ajag.13298","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13298","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"43 1","pages":"225-226"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140297291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Innovating for a rapidly changing publishing environment","authors":"Mark Hughes","doi":"10.1111/ajag.13296","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajag.13296","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"43 1","pages":"5-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140295428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Time of Our Lives: Celebrating Older Women By M. Kirkman, Melbourne, Vic: Monash University Publishing. 2023. $28.50 (soft cover). ISBN 9781922633729","authors":"Joyce Siette","doi":"10.1111/ajag.13290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Time of Our Lives</i> by Dr. Maggie Kirkman unfolds as a literary tapestry, weaving together the resilience and diversity inherent in the lives of older women. Dr. Kirkman, a psychologist and senior research fellow at Monash University, brings a unique blend of expertise to this exploration of the ordinary made extraordinary.</p><p>Dr. Kirkman's work stands out from others in its genre, offering a distinct narrative style that unfolds organically, rendering the stories relatable and impactful. The exploration of past historical challenges and transformative journeys of women adds depth, creating a rich reflection of their experiences. Her writing style connects readers and the 20 women in the stories whilst avoiding imposing a singular definition of ‘superwoman’, recognising that not every woman aspires to or conforms to societal expectations of being extraordinary in every facet of life.</p><p>Indeed, within the narratives lies a celebration of the ‘extraordinary in the ordinary’ intrinsic to everyday life. This distinctive approach prompts critical reflection on societal norms and expectations. By intertwining historical struggles with personal narratives, she invites readers to consider the societal shifts and evolving perspectives that have shaped these women's lives. The book thus becomes not just a collection of stories but a continual exploration of the complex interchange between individual agency and societal constructs.</p><p>Moreover, Kirkman's ability to build empathy through her storytelling reveals an insightful, and at times, philosophical understanding of the human experience. The relatability of her narratives engages readers emotionally, allowing them to connect with the women on a more personal level. This emotional resonance serves as a powerful tool for challenging preconceived notions about ageing and womanhood.</p><p>In the broader context of the genre, where grandiose accomplishments often take centre stage, Dr. Kirkman's emphasis on the ordinary becomes a deliberate choice, reshaping perceptions of a fulfilled life. This departure prompts readers to question the societal inclination towards celebrating only exceptional achievements. The book encourages a reconsideration of the value assigned to ordinary moments, challenging readers to find beauty and significance in the simplicity of genuine selfhood. Her work prompts us to affirm that embracing one's authentic self is an act of courage and resilience. The book gently reminds us that, in a world clamouring for achievements to find fulfilment, the genuine embrace of the ordinary becomes a narrative of its unique extraordinariness.</p><p>Ultimately, Dr. Kirkman's work goes beyond being a mere anthology; it becomes a catalyst for introspection and societal questioning. It prompts readers to not only appreciate the individuality of the women portrayed but also to contemplate the broader implications for societal perceptions and expectations. Through this lens, <i>Time o","PeriodicalId":55431,"journal":{"name":"Australasian Journal on Ageing","volume":"43 1","pages":"223"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajag.13290","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140297218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}