| 1. |
- Eckerblad, Jeanette, et al.
(författare)
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Nurses conceptions of facilitative strategies of weaning patients from mechanical ventilation-A phenomenographic study
- 2009
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Ingår i: Intensive and Critical Care Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 0964-3397. ; 25:5, s. 225-232
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Mechanical ventilator withdrawal can amount up to 40% of total ventilator time. Being on a mechanical ventilator is associated with risk of anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, nosocomial pneumonia and premature mortality. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to describe different conceptions of nurses facilitating decision-making strategies regarding weaning patients from mechanical ventilations cared for in intensive care unit (ICU). Method: Semi-structured interviews were analysed within the phenomenographic framework. Twenty ICU nurses were interviewed. Findings: The findings revealed three main categories of nurses facilitating decision-making strategies: "The intuitive and interpretative strategy" featured nurses pre-understandings. "The instrumental strategy" involved analysis and assessment of technological and physiological parameters. "The cooperative strategy" was characterised by interpersonal relationships in the work situation. Absence of a common strategy and lack of understanding of others strategies were a source of frustration. The main goals were to end mechanical ventilator support, create a sense of security, and avoid further complications. Conclusion: Although these findings need to be confirmed by further studies we suggest that nurses variable use of individual strategies more likely complicate an efficient and safe weaning process of the patients from mechanical ventilation.
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| 2. |
- Eckerblad, Jeanette, 1966-
(författare)
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Symptom burden among people with chronic disease
- 2015
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Introduction: Chronic diseases tend to increase with old age. Older people with chronic disease are commonly suffering from conditions which produce a multiplicity of symptoms and a decreased health-related quality of life. Nurses have a responsibility to prevent, ease or delay a negative outcome through symptom management, or assist in achieving an acceptable level of symptom relief.Aim: The overall aim of the thesis was to describe different aspects of symptom burden from the perspective of community-dwelling people with chronic disease.Methods: This thesis is based upon four papers that used both quantitative and qualitative data to describe different aspects of symptom burden, experienced by people with chronic diseases. Paper (I) is a cross-sectional study with 91 participants diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Papers (II and IV) are based upon secondary outcome data from a randomized controlled trial with 382 community-dwelling older people with multimorbidity. Paper (II) is a cross-sectional study and Paper (IV) has a descriptive and an explorative design reporting on the trajectory of symptom prevalence and symptom burden. Paper (III) is a qualitative study with participants from the AGe-FIT.Results: Among people diagnosed with COPD the most prevalent symptoms with the highest symptom burden scores were shortness of breath, dry mouth, cough, sleep problems, and lack of energy, with just a few differences between participants with moderate and severe airflow limitation (I). For older people with multimorbidity, pain was the symptom with the highest prevalence and burden. Other highly prevalent symptoms were lack of energy and a dry mouth. Poor vision, likelihood of depression, and diagnoses of the digestive system were independently related to the total symptom burden score (II). The symptoms experienced by the older people were persistent and the symptom burden remained high over time (IV). The experience of living with a high symptom burden was described as an endless struggle. The analysis revealed an overall theme, “To adjust and endure” and three sub-themes, “to feel inadequate and limited”, “to feel dependent”, and “to feel dejected” (III).Conclusions: The results of this thesis indicate the importance of early symptom identification. People with chronic diseases have an unmet need for optimized treatment that focuses on the total symptom burden, and not only disease specific symptoms. A large proportion of older people with multimorbidity suffer a high and persistent symptom burden, and the prevalence and trajectory of pain are high. Older people sometimes think their high age is the reason they experience a diversity of symptoms, and they do not always communicate these to their health-care provider.
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| 3. |
- Eckerblad, Jeanette, et al.
(författare)
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Symptom burden in community-dwelling older people with multimorbidity : a cross-sectional study
- 2015
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Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 1471-2318. ; 15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Globally, the population is ageing and lives with several chronic diseases for decades. A high symptom burden is associated with a high use of healthcare, admissions to nursing homes, and reduced quality of life. The aims of this study were to describe the multidimensional symptom profile and symptom burden in community-dwelling older people with multimorbidity, and to describe factors related to symptom burden. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 378 community-dwelling people >= 75 years, who had been hospitalized >= 3 times during the previous year, had >= 3 diagnoses in their medical records. The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to assess the prevalence, frequency, severity, distress and symptom burden of 31 symptoms. A multiple linear regression was performed to identify factors related to total symptom burden. Results: The mean number of symptoms per participant was 8.5 (4.6), and the mean total symptom burden score was 0.62 (0.41). Pain was the symptom with the highest prevalence, frequency, severity and distress. Half of the study group reported the prevalence of lack of energy and a dry mouth. Poor vision, likelihood of depression, and diagnoses of the digestive system were independently related to the total symptom burden score. Conclusion: The older community-dwelling people with multimorbidity in this study suffered from a high symptom burden with a high prevalence of pain. Persons with poor vision, likelihood of depression, and diseases of the digestive system are at risk of a higher total symptom burden and might need age-specific standardized guidelines for appropriate management.
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| 4. |
- Eckerblad, Jeanette, et al.
(författare)
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Symptom burden in stable COPD patients with moderate or severe airflow limitation
- 2014
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Ingår i: Heart & Lung. - : Elsevier. - 0147-9563 .- 1527-3288. ; 43:4, s. 351-357
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To describe a multidimensional symptom profile in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and determine whether symptom experience differed between patients with moderate or severe airflow limitations.BACKGROUND: Patients with severe airflow limitation experience numerous symptoms, but little is known regarding patients with moderate airflow limitation.METHODS: A multidimensional symptom profile (Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale) was assessed in 42 outpatients with moderate and 49 with severe airflow limitations.RESULTS: The mean number of symptoms in the total sample was 7.9 (±4.3) with no difference between patients with moderate and severe airflow limitations. The most prevalent symptoms with the highest MSAS symptom burden scores were shortness of breath, dry mouth, cough, sleep problems, and lack of energy in both groups.CONCLUSIONS: Patients with moderate or severe airflow limitations experience multiple symptoms with high severity and distress. An assessment of their multidimensional symptom profile might contribute to better symptom management.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Eckerblad, Jeanette, et al.
(författare)
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Symptom trajectory and symptom burden in older people with multimorbidity, secondary outcome from the RCT AGe-FIT study
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of Advanced Nursing. - Hoboken, NJ, USA : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0309-2402 .- 1365-2648. ; 72:11, s. 2773-2783
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim. The aim of this study was to follow the symptom trajectory of community-dwelling older people with multimorbidity and to explore the effect on symptom burden from an ambulatory geriatric care unit, based on comprehensive geriatric assessment. Background. Older community-dwelling people with multimorbidity suffer from a high symptom burden with a wide range of co-occurring symptoms often resulting to decreased health-related quality of life. There is a need to move from a single-disease model and address the complexity of older people living with multimorbidity. Design. Secondary outcome data from the randomized controlled Ambulatory Geriatric Assessment Frailty Intervention Trial (AGe-FIT). Methods. Symptom trajectory of 31 symptoms was assessed with the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Data from 247 participants were assessments at baseline, 12 and 24 months, 2011-2013. Participants in the intervention group received care from an ambulatory geriatric care unit based on comprehensive geriatric assessment in addition to usual care. Results. Symptom prevalence and symptom burden were high and stayed high over time. Pain was the symptom with the highest prevalence and burden. Over the 2-year period 68-81% of the participants reported pain. Other highly prevalent and persistent symptoms were dry mouth, lack of energy and numbness/tingling in the hands/feet, affecting 38-59% of participants. No differences were found between the intervention and control group regarding prevalence, burden or trajectory of symptoms. Conclusions. Older community-dwelling people with multimorbidity had a persistent high burden of symptoms. Receiving advanced interdisciplinary care at an ambulatory geriatric unit did not significantly reduce the prevalence or the burden of symptoms.
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| 7. |
- Eckerblad, Jeanette, et al.
(författare)
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To adjust and endure : a qualitative study of symptom burden in older people with multimorbidity
- 2015
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Ingår i: Applied Nursing Research. - : Elsevier. - 0897-1897 .- 1532-8201. ; 28:4, s. 322-327
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context Older people with multimorbidity are vulnerable and often suffer from conditions that produce a multiplicity of symptoms and a reduced health-related quality of life. Objectives The aim of this study is to explore the experience of living with a high symptom burden from the perspective of older community-dwelling people with multi-morbidity.Method A qualitative descriptive design with semi-structured interviews, including 20 community-dwelling older people with multi-morbidity and a high symptom burden. The participants were 79-€“89 years old with a mean of 12 symptoms per person. Data were analyzed using content analyses.Results The experience of living with a high symptom burden revealed the overall theme, “To adjust and endure†and three sub-themes. The first sub-theme was "To feel inadequate and limited". Participants reported that they no longer had the capacity or the ability to manage, and they felt limited and isolated from friends or family. The second sub-theme was "To feel dependent". This was a new and inconvenient experience; the burden they put on others caused a feeling of guilt. The final sub-theme was "To feel dejected". The strength to manage and control their conditions was gone; the only thing left to do was to sit or lie down and wait for it all to pass.Conclusion This study highlights the importance of a holistic approach when taking care of older people with multi-morbidity. This approach should employ a broad symptom assessment to reveal diseases and conditions that are possible to treat or improve.
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| 8. |
- Eckerblad, Jeanette, et al.
(författare)
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What frail, older patients talk about when they talk about self-care-a qualitative study in heart failure care
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : BMC. - 1471-2318. ; 23:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundSelf-care plays a crucial role in the management of heart failure (HF) and is especially important for older patients who are frail. However, there is limited knowledge about how frail, older patients with HF perceive and experience self-care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the experiences of self-care among frail, older patients with HF.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design with semi-structured interviews with frail, older patients diagnosed with HF (n = 19; median age 82 years). Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke, was used to analyse the data.ResultsTwo main themes emerged from the analysis: 1) "To maintain my health," encompassing various aspects such as hygiene practices, engaging in physical activity, medication adherence, following a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate rest; and 2) "To maintain my well-being and happiness," highlighting the importance of hobbies, maintaining independence, participating in social activities, and creating a supportive environment.ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into the perspectives of frail, older patients with HF regarding self-care. It was observed that older patients often associate self-care with general well-being, hygiene, and happiness. Clear communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential to align different perspectives on self-care and ensure that self-care plans are tailored to individual needs. Moreover, addressing the emotional well-being and happiness of patients should be prioritized, as these factors play a significant role in promoting self-care adherence.
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| 9. |
- Ekdahl, Anne W, et al.
(författare)
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Costs and Effects of an Ambulatory Geriatric Unit (the AGe-FIT Study) : A Randomized Controlled Trial
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. - : Elsevier. - 1538-9375 .- 1525-8610. ; 16:6, s. 497-503
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To examine costs and effects of care based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) provided by an ambulatory geriatric care unit (AGU) in addition to usual care.DESIGN: Assessor-blinded, single-center randomized controlled trial.SETTING: AGU in an acute hospital in southeastern Sweden.PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling individuals aged 75 years or older who had received inpatient hospital care 3 or more times in the past 12 months and had 3 or more concomitant medical diagnoses were eligible for study inclusion and randomized to the intervention group (IG; n = 208) or control group (CG; n = 174). Mean age (SD) was 82.5 (4.9) years.INTERVENTION: Participants in the IG received CGA-based care at the AGU in addition to usual care.OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was number of hospitalizations. Secondary outcomes were days in hospital and nursing home, mortality, cost of public health and social care, participant' sense of security in care, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).RESULTS: Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups. The number of hospitalizations did not differ between the IG (2.1) and CG (2.4), but the number of inpatient days was lower in the IG (11.1 vs 15.2; P = .035). The IG showed trends of reduced mortality (hazard ratio 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.988-2.310; P = .057) and an increased sense of security in care interaction. No difference in HRQoL was observed. Costs for the IG and CG were 33,371£ (39,947£) and 30,490£ (31,568£; P = .432).CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study of CGA-based care was performed in an ambulatory care setting, in contrast to the greater part of studies of the effects of CGA, which have been conducted in hospital settings. This study confirms the superiority of this type of care to elderly people in terms of days in hospital and sense of security in care interaction and that a shift to more accessible care for older people with multimorbidity is possible without increasing costs. This study can aid the planning of future interventions for older people.TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01446757.
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| 10. |
- Ekdahl, Anne W., et al.
(författare)
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Long-Term Evaluation of the Ambulatory Geriatric Assessment: A Frailty Intervention Trial (AGe-FIT): Clinical Outcomes and Total Costs After 36 Months
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 1525-8610 .- 1538-9375. ; 17:3, s. 263-268
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To compare the effects of care based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) as a complement to usual care in an outpatient setting with those of usual care alone. The assessment was performed 36 months after study inclusion. Design: Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, single-center trial. Setting: A geriatric ambulatory unit in a municipality in the southeast of Sweden. Participants: Community-dwelling individuals aged >= 75 years who had received inpatient hospital care 3 or more times in the past 12 months and had 3 or more concomitant medical diagnoses were eligible for study inclusion. Participants were randomized to the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). Intervention: Participants in the IG received CGA-based care for 24 to 31 months at the geriatric ambulatory unit in addition to usual care. Outcome measures: Mortality, transfer to nursing home, days in hospital, and total costs of health and social care after 36 months. Results: Mean age (SD) of participants was 82.5 (4.9) years. Participants in the IG (n = 208) lived 69 days longer than did those in the CG (n = 174); 27.9% (n = 58) of participants in the IG and 38.5% (n = 67) in the CG died (hazard ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.05-2.12, P =.026). The mean number of inpatient days was lower in the IG (15.1 [SD 18.4]) than in the CG (21.0 [SD 25.0], P =.01). Mean overall costs during the 36-month period did not differ between the IG and CG (USD 71,905 [SD 85,560] and USD 65,626 [SD 66,338], P =.43). Conclusions: CGA-based care resulted in longer survival and fewer days in hospital, without significantly higher cost, at 3 years after baseline. These findings add to the evidence of CGAs superiority over usual care in outpatient settings. As CGA-based care leads to important positive outcomes, this method should be used more extensively in the treatment of older people to meet their needs. (c) 2016 AMDA - The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
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