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The Impact Of Hospital-based Aged Care And Dementia Services On Outcomes For People With Dementia Admitted To Hospital-a
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,308,580.00
Summary
This research explores how hospital based aged care and dementia services influence outcomes for people with dementia who are admitted to hospital. Using detailed data for NSW public hospitals, it will provide information about the kinds of hospital based aged care and dementia services available to assist people with dementia, and how the level and mix of these services is associated with different patient outcomes, including lower rates of admission to hospital. There is considerable evidence ....This research explores how hospital based aged care and dementia services influence outcomes for people with dementia who are admitted to hospital. Using detailed data for NSW public hospitals, it will provide information about the kinds of hospital based aged care and dementia services available to assist people with dementia, and how the level and mix of these services is associated with different patient outcomes, including lower rates of admission to hospital. There is considerable evidence that there are many hazards for people with dementia when they are hospitalized. The project will result in recommendations about the types of services and their features which produce better outcomes for people with dementia. Every stage of the research will be guided and informed by an Expert Panel comprising representatives of dementia service consumers, aged care providers, health service planning staff and key researchers. The Panel will provide contextual information about the service environment and how it affects people with dementia. Details of the patient's complete hospital stay can be investigated by linking existing administrative datasets. Data about hospital services will be gathered through a census of NSW hospitals, supplemented with in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and small group expert discussions with experts in each Area Health Service. The research team will also visit selected hospital sites. Multilevel modelling techniques will test for statistical associations between hospital based dementia services and care outcomes including admission rates to hospital, total length of hospital stay, mortality, admission rates to hospital, and the level of patient dependency on entry to residential aged care. The model will include the influence of regional variations in the provision of community aged care packages and residential aged care and the availability of informal care. The project will include a focus on the outcomes for people with co-morbidities and for people from different culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.Read moreRead less
Improving Quality Of Life Of People With Dementia Living In Residential Care Facilities A Randomised Trail Of Educat Int
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$777,409.00
Summary
The DIRECT study aims to determine if education of General Practitioners (GPs) and Residential Care Staff can improve the quality of life (QOL) of people with dementia living in Residential Care Facilities (RCF). Our hypothesis is that a systematic educational intervention delivered to GPs and RCF staff will improve care delivery, leading to measurable improvements in the quality of life of residential care recipients. We hypothesise that education delivered to GPs will have additive effects to ....The DIRECT study aims to determine if education of General Practitioners (GPs) and Residential Care Staff can improve the quality of life (QOL) of people with dementia living in Residential Care Facilities (RCF). Our hypothesis is that a systematic educational intervention delivered to GPs and RCF staff will improve care delivery, leading to measurable improvements in the quality of life of residential care recipients. We hypothesise that education delivered to GPs will have additive effects to education delivered to RCF staff. Dementia is the leading cause of non-fatal disease burden among older Australians. Of people with dementia, nearly half live in RCF. There appears to be much scope to improve care, and thus QOL, for people with dementia living in residential facilities. However, the most effective way to translate knowledge regarding the components of high quality care into practice is uncertain and there is a paucity of Australian data to guide practice. Education of RCF staff is likely to be the cornerstone of improved care for recipients of residential care who have dementia. GPs also play a key-role in the care of older people living in RCF, including collaboration in the development of management plans, prescription of medications and initiation of health referrals. A detailed action research process with data collected from surveys, focus groups and pilots will be used to develop educational programmes for delivery to GPs and RCF staff. The primary outcome of the study will be quality of life of the people with dementia, assessed by themselves, their family carers and the staff looking after them. Several tools incorporating different sources of information will be used to assess QOL in a comprehensive fashion. Secondary outcomes will include knowledge among GPs and RCF staff regarding dementia, markers of quality care, participants’ sleep quality, and carer satisfaction. It is anticipated that the results will fill this current gap in evidence and will be of value to policy makers and stakeholders from the Residential Care Industry and Peak Community and General Practice bodies. The study results will have tangible implications for proprietors, managers and staff from the residential care sector and policy makers. The results have potential to directly benefit the quality of life of both patients and carers.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Palliative Care In Residential Care Outcome Scale (PARCOS)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,000.00
Summary
The project seeks to develop and undertake psychometric testing of a scale suitable to measure outcomes for residents in residential aged care facilities for whom a palliative approach is appropriate. The project will include a Joanna Briggs Institute systematic review of existing outcome measures in palliative care with emphasis on their use in residential aged care facilities.
Telehealth In Residential Aged Care Facilities: Improving Access To Specialist Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$972,606.00
Summary
People in long term residential care have complex and chronic care issues. The staff may be able to provide more focused care if they have the support of specialists for advice on the care of residents. This project considers the value of a geriatric specialist assessment for all new residents via video conferencing, directly to the residential care facility. This will be supplemented by access to a wide range of other specialists coordinated through a telehealth service model on an "as needs" b ....People in long term residential care have complex and chronic care issues. The staff may be able to provide more focused care if they have the support of specialists for advice on the care of residents. This project considers the value of a geriatric specialist assessment for all new residents via video conferencing, directly to the residential care facility. This will be supplemented by access to a wide range of other specialists coordinated through a telehealth service model on an "as needs" basis.Read moreRead less
Optimising Medication Use To Maintain Or Improve Quality Of Life In Aged Care Facility Residents With And Without Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,627.00
Summary
This research aims to explore and understand how medications impact on the quality of life of aged care facility residents with and without dementia. The outcomes of this research will guide health professionals as they improve how medications are used in this population, with the aim of maintaining or improving quality of life. This research will also explore how these outcomes can be successfully included in regular practice and widely used nationally and internationally.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Deprescribing To Optimise Medical Therapy For Frail Older People: The Opti-Med Study.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,444,996.00
Summary
Many older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACF) are prescribed medications of uncertain benefit. The primary aim of the Opti-med study is to determine the safety and benefits of reducing the number of medications prescribed to frail older people in RACF. We will withdraw as many medications as possible from participants in the intervention group. Our study will provide randomised controlled data on the safety and efficacy of ceasing medications in frail older people.
BPSD-CARE: A Person-centred Approach To Managing Behavioural And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia In Residential Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,627.00
Summary
In residential aged care many people with dementia experience disturbing behavioural problems such as wandering, aggression or sleep disturbance. Not only the person with dementia but also other residents, family and staff find these symptoms disturbing. This study will adapt and trial a structured staff training program from Sweden to reduce behavioural problems in people with dementia, improve wellbeing for the person with dementia and give staff better skills to care for residents.
Consumer Directed Care In Residential Aged Care: Transforming Practice Through The Resident At The Centre Of Care (RCC) Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$836,087.00
Summary
The impending introduction of Consumer Directed Care (CDC) into Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) will require organisations to respond rapidly in both ‘mindset’ and service delivery to radically change the nature of their current care practices. This project will allow our industry partners to implement and evaluate a CDC model of care that, if successful, will lead to a sustainable site specific implementation plan of CDC for RACFs across Australia with better outcomes for residents.
Optimising Medicine Regimens For People With Dementia: Maintaining Function, Maximising Quality Of Life And Preventing Adverse Events
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,017.00
Summary
I am a pharmacist based at Monash University. My expanding research team generates and applies evidence to optimise medicine regimens for people with dementia. My research assesses the risks and benefits of medicines for dementia and other health conditions. I will also focus on research training and capacity building. My research ensures people with dementia and their clinicians are equipped with the best evidence to inform medicines management decisions to optimise health outcomes.