Dementia is fast becoming a global concern due to a demographic shift towards an older population. Many studies have shown that caring for a family member or friend has a profound and negative impact on the physical, emotional and psychosocial aspects of the caregivers' life. One significant activity that a family caregiver undertakes is assistance with the management of medicines. This review was undertaken to ascertain what the issues are that affect optimal medicines use from the perspectives of people living with dementia and their caregivers, both in the community and care home settings. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, employing a combination of search terms. A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six broad themes were identified, together with some recommendations to improve medicines use in people with dementia. Challenges to medicines use centred on medicines management and administration, the impact on the caregiver and care recipient, their partnership and interface with formal care. Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions that can overcome these challenges to achieve optimal medicines use.
SummaryWhat is known and objectives: The use of enteral tube feeding at home is becoming more widespread, with patients ranging in age and diseases. Dysphagia and swallowing difficulties can compromise nutritional intake and the administration of oral medications, affecting therapeutic outcomes negatively. Carers' experiences of medicines administration and medicines optimization have not been explored fully. The objectives of this study were to identify issues carers experience in medicines administration; the strategies they have developed to cope; and suggestions to improve the medicines administration process.Methods: An online survey was promoted nationally; 42 carers completed it. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied, as well as thematic analysis of open-endedresponses. Results were compared against the 4 principles of medicines optimization.Results and discussion: 93% of respondents administered medications with enteral feeding tubes, but only 62% had received advice from healthcare professionals and only 8% had received written information on how to do so. Responses identified 5 medicines administration issues experienced by carers; 4 strategies they developed to cope; and 3 main areas of suggestions to improve medicines administration via enteral feeding at home.
Plain English SummaryA one day public engagement workshop was held to focus on the priorities of older people about research and practice in health and social care. Seventy-five older people from the general public and a variety of backgrounds attended this event to share their views and discuss what should be prioritised. The main aim of this workshop was to identify and prioritise issues that are important to older people that would benefit from further research, as well as create an environment for older people to share ideas and problems related to these important issues. Key priorities brought up by participants included loneliness and isolation, support and training for professional and family carers, post-surgical care, negative perceptions of older people and inequalities related to public services and healthcare. Participants further suggested older people should be actively involved in all stages of the research process.AbstractAs the world’s population ages, there is an increasing need for research that addresses the priorities of older people. A public engagement workshop focusing on the priorities of older people for research and practice in health and social care was attended by seventy-five people aged 70 years and above in London, United Kingdom (UK). The workshop aimed to identify and prioritise issues important to older people that would benefit from further research and act as a platform to promote sharing of ideas and problems related to these important issues. Key priorities emerged including loneliness and isolation, support and training for professional and family carers, post-surgical care, negative perceptions of older people and inequalities related to public services and healthcare. Participants further suggested older people should be actively involved in all stages of the research process.
This pre‐Ramadan workshop was aimed at educating and counselling people with type 1 diabetes, who graduated from the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) Kuwait programme, on safe fasting practices as well as determining their views on the challenges associated with fasting. The workshop also served as a pilot for a Ramadan‐specific module to inform its implementation in all DAFNE programmes with the goal of meeting the needs of Muslim DAFNE graduates wishing to fast safely. A 2‐day workshop (5 hours each) was conducted at DAFNE Kuwait 3 days before the start of Ramadan 2018 and all DAFNE graduates were invited to attend. The workshop consisted of group discussions about fasting‐related challenges, followed by three interactive lectures and hands‐on experience with popular Ramadan dishes. A qualitative approach was employed to determine the experiences of the participants with fasting by conducting three focus group discussions. The discussions were recorded via handwritten notes and analysed thematically. Seventy‐two people with type 1 diabetes attended and 47 participated in the group discussions. Participants discussed their past experiences with fasting and the associated challenges, and shared practices adopted over the years. In addition, they confirmed the positive impact of DAFNE on their fasting experiences. The workshop provided a platform for people with type 1 diabetes to share their experiences with fasting and learn how to fast safely. Furthermore, it provided preliminary information that can be further explored to inform recommendations for safer fasting practices and the implementation of a specific fasting curriculum for people with type 1 diabetes.
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