Development and evidence base of a new efficient assessment instrument for international use by nurses in community settings with older people

BackgroundWith the increasing prevalence of diabetes in patients aged over 75, the task of ensuring a good quality of life became even greater. This study aimed to evaluate quality of life of the very elderly (≥75 years) type 2 diabetic primary care patient, in an urban family practice setting.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed with the Portuguese version of EASY-Care. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed.ResultsEighty three elderly type 2 diabetics were included in the study, with a mean age of 80.9 ± 4.3 years old. Most were women, widowed or married, with low educational levels, living with family members in urban areas and presented medium/low incomes. Participants were diagnosed with diabetes for 11.2 ± 10.1 years. Most of them were treated with oral antidiabetic agents, presented complications of diabetes and had good glycemic control. Despite that, excess weight, uncontrolled blood pressure and poor lipid management were noticed.In general, the participants perceived a positive quality of life. The worst perceived domain was “mental health and well-being”. Within the sociodemographic variables, gender, monthly income, and living arrangements interfered the most with the quality of life domains. Studied clinical variables affected quality of life very modestly.ConclusionsIn an urban primary care setting, when treating very elderly type 2 diabetic patients, and despite good glycemic control, attention should be paid to the QoL of women, the low income diabetics, their living arrangements and thoroughly evaluate the mental health and well-being of these patients.

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“…The reliability, validity and cost-effectiveness of this instrument have been tested worldwide with promising results [12,17]. …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring quality of life of old type 2 diabetic patients in primary care in Portugal: a cross-sectional study

Prazeres

Figueiredo

2014

J Diabetes Metab Disord

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“…Functioning in the study group was assessed using EASY-Care Standard 2010 questionnaire recognised as a good tool to evaluate the need of assistance [19, 21]. Of the 7 analyzed areas, the greatest need of assistance was found in: Mental health and well-being (100%), Staying healthy (99.0%), Getting around (63.0%), Seeing, hearing and communicating (47.5%).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…3 or more points is understood as risk of falls. EASY-Care Standard 2010 tool has been subject to psychometric evaluation during previous studies [19, 21]. …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is independence of older adults safe considering the risk of falls?

et al. 2017

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BackgroundFalls affect approx. 30% of elderly population per year. They cause major injuries and reduce independence of the older adults’ functioning. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the degree of independence and find the fall risk factors in the study group.MethodsThe study included 506 – older adults. The study group included patients from GP clinics and members of two senior centers. The study duration was 12 months. Our study tools included EASY- Care Standard 2010 questionnaire, Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), Index Barthel, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Timed Up and Go (TUG).ResultsThe study included 357 (70.6%) female and 149 (29.4%) male subjects. The mean age of the study group patients was 75.7 years ± 8.0. Most of the older adult subjects were independent in both basic (Index Barthel) and instrumental (IADL) activities. Gait fluency evaluated in TUG scale found slow and unsteady gait in 33.7% of the subjects. 27.5% of the subjects used mobility aids when walking. In the Risk of falls scale, 131 subjects (25.89%) were at risk of falls. According to logistic regression the main risk of fall determinants (p <0.05) in the study group were: age, previous falls, feet problems, lack of regular care, impaired vision, urinary incontinence, pain, sleeping disorders, and lowered mood.ConclusionsRisk of falls increases in people less independent in terms of basic and complex life activities and in people with depression. Most of the risk factors can be modified. It is necessary to develop a standard procedure aimed at preventing falls in the elderly.

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“…The EASYCare project was developed towards this end [35]. In the last few years, we have validated the approach for use in poor, middle income and rich countries, showing it to be acceptable and perceived to be useful by frontline practitioners and by older people themselves [36,37] (Table 1). Impact of the EASYCare Project depends on how it is embedded within a service intervention.…”

Section: Preventive Care: An International Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

The contribution of geriatric medicine to integrated care for older people

Philp

2014

Age and Ageing

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Aims: to describe contribution of geriatric medicine to the development of integrated care for older people and to suggest future directions for the further development of integrated care for older people. Methods: literature review and case studies. Results: geriatricians have made a significant contribution to the development of integrated care for older people. The feasibility of this approach has been shown in demonstration projects. Although there is only limited evidence from randomised controlled trials, integrated care seems likely to be beneficial. There is an opportunity to develop new approaches to integrated care for older people in prevention and provision of community alternatives to hospital care. Conclusion: the principles and practice of geriatric medicine have been shown to underpin the successful development of integrated care for older people and should continue to do so as new challenges emerge.

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Development and evidence base of a new efficient assessment instrument for international use by nurses in community settings with older people

Cited by 27 publications

References 8 publications

Measuring quality of life of old type 2 diabetic patients in primary care in Portugal: a cross-sectional study

Measuring quality of life of old type 2 diabetic patients in primary care in Portugal: a cross-sectional study

Is independence of older adults safe considering the risk of falls?

The contribution of geriatric medicine to integrated care for older people

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