Background: While malnutrition is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in older people, it is commonly under-recognised. We know little on the views of community-dwelling older people and their carers regarding the management of malnutrition. The aim of the study was: (a) to explore views and dietary practices of older people at risk of malnutrition and their carers; (b) to identify gaps in knowledge, barriers and facilitators to healthy eating in later life; (c) to explore potential interventions for malnutrition in primary care. Methods: A qualitative study was performed using semi-structured interviews with participants recruited from four general practices and a carers’ focus group in London. Community-dwelling people aged ≥75, identified as malnourished or at risk of malnutrition (n = 24), and informal carers of older people (n = 9) were interviewed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Older people at risk of malnutrition rarely recognise appetite or weight loss as a problem. Commonly held perceptions include that being thin is healthy and ‘snacking’ is unhealthy. Changes in household composition, physical or mental health conditions and cognitive impairment can lead to inadequate food intake. Most carers demonstrate an awareness of malnutrition, but also a lack of knowledge of what constitutes a nutritious diet. Although older people rarely seek any help, most would value advice from their GP/practice nurse, a dietitian or another trained professional. Conclusion: Older people at risk of malnutrition and their carers lack knowledge on nutritional requirements in later life but are receptive to intervention. Training for health professionals in delivering tailored dietary advice should be considered.

Delirium affects 18%–35% patients in the acute hospital setting, yet is often neither detected nor managed appropriately. It is associated with increased risk of falls, longer hospital stay and increased morbidity and mortality rates. It is a frightening and unpleasant experience for both patients and their families. We used quality improvement tools and a multicomponent intervention to promote detection and improve management of delirium on the acute medical unit (AMU). We reviewed whether a delirium screening tool (4AT) had been completed for all patients aged over 65 years admitted to the AMU over 1 week. If delirium was detected, we assessed whether investigation and management was adequate as per national guidance. After baseline data collection, we delivered focused sessions of delirium education for doctors and nursing staff, including training on use of the 4AT tool and the TIME (Triggers, Investigate, Manage, Engage) management bundle. We introduced TIME checklists, an online delirium order set and created a bedside orientation tool. We collected data following the interventions and identified areas for further improvement. Following our first PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycle, use of the 4AT screening tool improved from 40% to 61%. Adequate assessment for the causes of and exacerbating factors for delirium increased from 73% to 94% of cases. Use of personal orientation tools improved from 0% to 38%. In summary, a targeted staff education programme and practical aids for the ward have improved the screening and management of delirium on the AMU. This may be improved further through more frequent training sessions to account for regular change-over of junior doctors and through implementing a nursing champion for delirium.

Objective:To review the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in older adults with depression or anxiety and comorbidities affecting functioning.Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, including searches of 10 databases (inception-Jul 2017).Setting:Home/community.Participants:People aged 60 and over experiencing functional difficulties from physical or cognitive comorbidities and have symptoms or a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety.Interventions:Non-pharmacological interventions targeted at depression/anxiety.Measurements:We extracted outcome data on depressive symptoms, quality of life, functioning, and service use. We used random effects meta-analysis to pool study data where possible. Two authors assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.Results:We identified 14 eligible trials including 2099 randomized participants and two subgroup analyses. Problem-solving therapy (PST) reduced short-term clinician-rated depressive symptoms (n = 5 trials, mean difference in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score −4.94 [95% CI −7.90 to −1.98]) but not remission, with limited evidence for effects on functioning and quality of life. There was limited high-quality evidence for other intervention types. Collaborative care did not appear to affect depressive symptoms, functioning, or quality of life; and had mixed evidence for effects upon remission. No intervention consistently affected service use, but trials were limited by small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. No anxiety interventions were identified.Conclusion:PST may reduce depressive symptoms post-intervention in older people with depression and functional impairments. Collaborative care appears to have few effects in this population. Future research needs to assess cost-effectiveness, long-term outcomes, and anxiety interventions for this population.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) can cause hypercalcaemia secondary to a pathologically high secretion of parathyroid hormone. Rarely this can first manifest as acute psychosis. It is imperative to exclude organic causes of psychosis before labelling the psychosis as primarily psychological. If hypercalcaemia is revealed, investigation is required to elucidate the underlying cause whilst instigating treatment to lower serum calcium levels. If PHPT is the underlying pathology, subsequent treatment involves surgical exploration and resection of the parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia.