Psoas hematoma in the elderly patient, a diagnostic challenge, a case report

Background: A psoas hematoma is an uncommon condition in patients on anticoagulant therapy and patients with bleeding disorders. It can present itself with non-specific symptoms, as anemia, pain and hemodynamically instability. The CT angioscan is the diagnostic test of choice. Case presentation: We report a series of 3 cases of iliopsoas hematoma in older patients. These patients were all on anticoagulant therapy and presented with non-specific symptoms as pain in back or groin, anemia and weakness of the leg. These symptoms could be well explained by other, concurrent diseases. Moreover in one case it was not possible to obtain a reliable history due to cognitive impairment of the patient. In our cases the diagnosis of a psoas hematoma was made after performing many diagnostics or found fortuitously. All three patients recovered well after (temporarily) ceasing of anticoagulant therapy. Discussion: The diagnosis of a psoas hematoma is difficult, especially in elderly patients as illustrated in these cases. The symptoms of a psoas hematoma are often aspecific and can also be explained by other, comorbid diseases. Moreover, elderly patients often have an unusual presentation of illness and the presence of cognitive impairment compromises the reliability of a patients history. It is important to be aware of this diagnosis and perform a CT-scan when a psoas hematoma is possible. Conclusion: A psoas hematoma is easily overlooked in older patients due to an unusual presentation of illness, comorbidity and cognitive impairment

'What matters to you?':Health outcome prioritisation in treatment decision-making for older patients

BACKGROUND: for shared decision-making, it is important to discuss of the patients' priorities in order to align treatment decisions with these priorities. OBJECTIVE: to assess the most important health outcome for older patients on the verge of making a treatment decision, using the Outcome Prioritization Tool (OPT). Secondary objectives were the feasibility of the OPT and patient variables associated with prioritising different health outcomes. DESIGN: retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: at the University Medical Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands, 350 patients were included who visited the geriatric outpatient clinic during the work-up regarding a complex treatment decision (such as cancer treatment or heart valve replacement). METHODS: during geriatric assessment, patients prioritised between four health outcomes, using the OPT. RESULTS: median age was 78.5 years, 172 (49.1%) were referred regarding a treatment decision for a malignant disease. Cognitive impairment was present in 23.6%. Most patients (55.2%) prioritised maintaining independence as their most important goal, followed by extending life in 21.1%. Only cognitive impairment was significantly associated with prioritising extending life as the most important health outcome. For 107 patients (30.6%), the OPT was not feasible; these patients more often had malnutrition and assisted living. CONCLUSIONS: the main health outcome of older patients on the verge of making a treatment decision was maintaining independence, followed by extending life. Patients with cognitive impairment more often prioritised extending life. The OPT was feasible as a decision aid for most patients. For optimal shared decision-making, it is crucial to take patient preferences into account

Development and internal validation of prediction models for future hospital care utilization by patients with multimorbidity using electronic health record data

OBJECTIVE: To develop and internally validate prediction models for future hospital care utilization in patients with multiple chronic conditions. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A teaching hospital in the Netherlands (542 beds) PARTICIPANTS: All adult patients (n = 18.180) who received care at the outpatient clinic in 2017 for two chronic diagnoses or more (including oncological diagnoses) and who returned for hospital care or outpatient clinical care in 2018. Development and validation using a stratified random split-sample (n = 12.120 for development, n = 6.060 for internal validation). OUTCOMES: ≥2 emergency department visits in 2018, ≥1 hospitalization in 2018 and ≥12 outpatient visits in 2018. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Multivariable logistic regression with forward selection. RESULTS: Evaluation of the models’ performance showed c-statistics of 0.70 (95% CI 0.69–0.72) for the hospitalization model, 0.72 (95% CI 0.70–0.74) for the ED visits model and 0.76 (95% 0.74–0.77) for the outpatient visits model. With regard to calibration, there was agreement between lower predicted and observed probability for all models, but the models overestimated the probability for patients with higher predicted probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: These models showed promising results for further development of prediction models for future healthcare utilization using data from local electronic health records. This could be the first step in developing automated alert systems in electronic health records for identifying patients with multimorbidity with higher risk for high healthcare utilization, who might benefit from a more integrated care approach

Experiences of informal caregivers of people with dementia with nursing care in acute hospitals:A descriptive mixed-methods study

Aims To explore the experiences of informal caregivers of people with dementia with the hospitalization of their relative concerning patient care, interactions with nurses, caregivers' situation and the acute hospital environment. Design Mixed-methods design. Methods The data were collected using an online questionnaire among a panel of caregivers (n = 129), together with a focus group and individual interviews from February to November 2019. The data were triangulated and analysed using a conceptual framework. Results Almost half of the respondents were satisfied with the extent to which nurses considered the patient's dementia. Activities to prevent challenging behaviours and provide person-centred care were rarely seen by the caregivers. Caregivers experienced strain, intensified by a perceived lack of adequate communication and did not feel like partners in care; they also expressed concern about environmental safety. A key suggestion of caregivers was to create a special department for people with dementia, with specialized nurses. Conclusion Positive experiences of caregivers are reported in relation to how nurses take dementia into account, involvement in care and shared decision making. Adverse experiences are described in relation to disease-oriented care, ineffective communication and an unfamiliar environment. Caregivers expressed increased involvement when included in decisions and care when care was performed as described by the triangle of care model. Caregivers reported better care when a person-centred approach was observed. Outcomes can be used in training to help nurses reflect and look for improvements. Impact This study confirms that caregivers perceive that when they are more involved in care, this can contribute to improving the care of patients with dementia. The study is relevant for nurses to reflect on their own experiences and become aware of patients' caregivers' perspectives. It also provides insights to improve nurses' training and for organizations to make the care and environment more dementia-friendly

Decision aids to help older people make health decisions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Decision aids have been overall successful in improving the quality of health decision making. However, it is unclear whether the impact of the results of using decision aids also apply to older people (aged 65+). We sought to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) evaluating the efficacy of decision aids as compared to usual care or alternative intervention(s) for older adults facing treatment, screening or care decisions. Methods A systematic search of (1) a Cochrane review of decision aids and (2) MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane library central registry of studies and Cinahl. We included published RCTs/CCTs of interventions designed to improve shared decision making (SDM) by older adults (aged 65+) and RCTs/CCTs that analysed the effect of the intervention in a subgroup with a mean age of 65+. Based on the International Patient Decision aid Standards (IPDAS), the primary outcomes were attributes of the decision and the decision process. Other behavioral, health, and health system effects were considered as secondary outcomes. If data could be pooled, a meta-analysis was conducted. Data for which meta-analysis was not possible were synthesized qualitatively. Results The search strategy yielded 11,034 references. After abstract and full text screening, 22 papers were included. Decision aids performed better than control resp. usual care interventions by increasing knowledge and accurate risk perception in older people (decision attributes). With regard to decision process attributes, decision aids resulted in lower decisional conflict and more patient participation. Conclusions This review shows promising results on the effectiveness of decision aids for older adults. Decision aids improve older adults’ knowledge, increase their risk perception, decrease decisional conflict and seem to enhance participation in SDM. It must however be noted that the body of literature on the effectiveness of decision aids for older adults is still in its infancy. Only one decision aid was specifically developed for older adults, and the mean age in most studies was between 65 and 70, indicating that the oldest-old were not included. Future research should expand on the design, application and evaluation of decision aids for older, more vulnerable adults

Postoperative recovery of accelerometer-based physical activity in older cancer patients

Introduction: Recovery of physical activity is an important functional outcome measure after cancer surgery. However, objective data on physical activity for older cancer patients is scarce. The aims of this study were to quantify perioperative physical activity levels, assess recovery of physical activity three months after surgery, and characterise patients who achieved recovery. Materials and methods: This observational cohort study analysed physical activity data collected from patients aged >65 who were scheduled for cancer surgery between May 2018 and July 2019. Perioperative daily step count was measured using a Fitbit device. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients who returned to (>90% of) their preoperative (baseline) physical activity levels three months after surgery. Results: Fifty patients (mean age 73) were recruited, and available Fitbit data was analysed. Median daily step counts at baseline (n = 40), before hospital discharge (n = 40), and three months postoperative (n = 37) were 5,974 (IQR 4,250-7,922),1,619 (IQR 920-2,839), and 4,674 (IQR 3,047-7,592), respectively. The 15/37 (41%) patients who had reached baseline levels three months after surgery seemed to have more preoperative self-reported physical activity, better anaesthesiologists' physical status classification, and fewer in-hospital complications compared to patients who had not, although the differences were statistically non-significant. Conclusion: Perioperative physical activity was quantified for older cancer patients, and 41% returned to baseline levels within three months. Accelerometer-based physical activity provided a valuable outcome measure for postoperative physical recovery. Future studies using objective physical activity measures are needed to evaluate effects of interventional studies aimed at improving physical activity. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd

Reducing Inappropriate Proton Pump Inhibitors Use for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients:Systematic Review of De-Implementation Studies

Background: A large proportion of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescriptions, including those for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP), are inappropriate. Our study purpose was to systematically review the effectiveness of de-implementation strategies aimed at reducing inappropriate PPI use for SUP in hospitalized, non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) patients. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases (from inception to January 2020). Two authors independently screened references, performed data extraction, and critical appraisal. Randomized trials and comparative observational studies were eligible for inclusion. Criteria developed by the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) group were used for critical appraisal. Besides the primary outcome (inappropriate PPI prescription or use), secondary outcomes included (adverse) pharmaceutical effects and healthcare use. Results: We included ten studies in this review. Most de-implementation strategies contained an educational component (meetings and/or materials), combined with either clinical guideline implementation (n = 5), audit feedback (n = 3), organizational culture (n = 4), or reminders (n = 1). One study evaluating the de-implementation strategy effectiveness showed a significant reduction (RR 0.14; 95% CI 0.03–0.55) of new inappropriate PPI prescriptions. Out of five studies evaluating the effectiveness of de-implementing inappropriate PPI use, four found a significant reduction (RR 0.21; 95% CI 0.18–0.26 to RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.68–0.86). No significant differences in the occurrence of pharmaceutical effects (n = 1) and in length of stay (n = 3) were observed. Adverse pharmaceutical effects were reported in two studies and five studies reported on PPI or total drug costs. No pooled effect estimates were calculated because of large statistical heterogeneity between studies. Discussion: All identified studies reported mainly educational interventions in combination with one or multiple other intervention strategies and all interventions were targeted at providers. Most studies found a small to moderate reduction of (inappropriate) PPI prescriptions or use

Involvement, topics, and roles of nurses in shared decision-making with patients with dementia in acute hospitals:An integrative review

Aim: To describe nurses' roles, involvement, and topics in shared decision-making with older patients with dementia in acute hospitals. Design: An integrative review. Methods: A systematic search was performed until April 2022 in PubMed, PsychInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane, followed by a manual search on the reference lists of relevant systematic reviews. Studies were independently screened, appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, and extracted by two reviewers. Results: Nine studies were included. Nurses were involved as treatment team members, intermediates, or patient supporters. Nurses' roles were most explicit in the preparatory phase of shared decision-making. The step of ‘developing tailor-made options’ was limitedly identified. ‘Deliberating and trying options to reach a decision’ were described from an outsider's perspective in which nurses attempted to influence the decision. In conclusion, nurses primarily have a role in decision-making by supplementing patient information. Patient and Public Contribution No Patient or Public Contribution.</p

Translation and validation of the Dutch Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale for older adults

Background The original Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS) was developed to assess perceived fatigability in older adults. The objective of this study was to translate the PFS into Dutch and investigate its validity and reliability among hospitalized older adults aged >= 70 years. Methods The PFS was translated into Dutch and pretested for comprehensibility by the Three-Step Test Interview method. The factor structure underlying the final version was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analyses (EFA). Internal consistency of the identified subscales was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was evaluated by hypothesis testing. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland Altman plots. Results The validation sample included 233 patients. CFA of the original factor structure resulted in poor model fit in our Dutch sample. EFA of PFS physical and mental subscales resulted in a two-factor solution underlying the data with good internal consistency of the identified subscales (Cronbach's alpha: 0.80-0.92). Five out of six hypotheses were confirmed, indicating good construct validity. Retest assessments were performed among 50 patients and showed good reliability for both the physical (ICC: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.68; 0.88) and mental subscale (ICC: 0.81, 95%CI: 0.68; 0.89). Conclusion The Dutch PFS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess fatigability in older hospitalized patients

Presentaties van polymyalgia rheumatica bij oudere patienten

Bij de (zeer) oude patiënt is polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) door de comorbiditeit niet altijd eenvoudig en tijdig te herkennen. Door drie casus te beschrijven, laten we zien dat de diagnose PMR overwogen dient te worden bij een combinatie van symptomen die net anders zijn dan die passend bij de comorbiditeit van patiënt. PMR is een invaliderende aandoening die goed te behandelen is met prednison. Doctors delay staat tijdige en adequate behandeling vaak in de weg bij deze patiëntencategorie. Door tijdige en adequate behandeling kan worden voorkomen dat patiënten bijwerkingen van pijnstilling ontwikkelen en mobiliteitsverlies oplopen