Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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To evaluate whether implementation of symptom-triggered administration of a benzodiazepine protocol reduces the severity (total cumulative dose), duration, and complications of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). ⋯ A symptom-triggered protocol for dosing of benzodiazepine therapy in the management of AWS in individuals aged 70 and older significantly reduced the total duration of benzodiazepine use, cumulative benzodiazepine dose, and use of adjunctive medications in the treatment of AWS.
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Multicenter Study
Enhancing communication in end-of-life care: a clinical tool translating between the Clinical Frailty Scale and the Palliative Performance Scale.
To create a clinical tool to translate between the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), which geriatrics teams use, and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), which palliative care teams use, to create a common language and help improve communication between geriatric and palliative care teams. ⋯ This conversion chart is a reliable means of translating scores between the CFS and PPS and is useful for geriatric and palliative care teams collaborating in the care of elderly adults.
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Multicenter Study
An evidence-based program to improve analgesic practice and pain outcomes in residential aged care facilities.
Pain is common in individuals living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs), and a number of obstacles have been identified as recurring barriers to adequate pain management. To address this, the Australian Pain Society developed 27 recommendations for comprehensive good practice in the identification, assessment, and management of pain. This study reviewed preexisting pain management practice at five Australian RACFs and identified changes needed to implement the recommendations and then implemented an evidence-based program that aimed to facilitate better pain management. ⋯ Better evidence-based practice and outcomes in RACFs can be achieved with appropriate training and education. Investing resources in the aged care workforce using this program improved analgesic practice and pain relief in participating sites. Further attention to the continued targeted pain management training of aged care staff is likely to improve pain-focused care for residents.
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Observational Study
Abbreviated care-process quality indicator sets linked with survival and functional status benefit in older adults under ambulatory care.
To identify subsets of ambulatory care (outpatient only) quality indicators (QIs) associated with better survival and physical function outcomes. ⋯ Subsets of care processes can be linked with outcomes important to older adults. The AQS-17 and AQF-5 are potential tools for improving ambulatory care of older adults.
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Letter Multicenter Study
Falls prediction in acute care units: preliminary results from a prospective cohort study.