Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Six-month outcomes of co-occurring delirium, depression, and dementia in long-term care.
To describe the 6-month outcomes of co-occurring delirium (full syndrome and subsyndromal symptoms), depression, and dementia in a long-term care (LTC) population. ⋯ Co-occurrence of delirium, SSD, depression, and dementia in LTC residents appears to affect some 6-month outcomes. Because of limited statistical power, it was not possible to draw conclusions about the effects of the co-occurrence of some syndromes on poorer outcomes.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Contrasting effects of geriatric versus general medical multimorbidity on quality of ambulatory care.
To determine whether greater burden of geriatric conditions would have contrasting effects on quality of care (QOC) than nongeriatric, general medical conditions. ⋯ Greater burden of geriatric conditions, or geriatric multimorbidity, is associated with poorer QOC. Geriatric multimorbidity should be targeted for better care using a comprehensive approach.
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Letter Multicenter Study
Falls prediction in acute care units: preliminary results from a prospective cohort study.
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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.