To determine the effectiveness of nurse-led/involved home-based interventions for older people with COPD and to explore the experiences of older people and nurses with the interventions.
A mixed-methods systematic review following the JBI methodology for mixed-methods systematic reviews.
The search included relevant and peer-reviewed studies published from January 2010 to December 2023 in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, EMBASE, JBI, EMCARE and ProQuest.
English-language reports of nurse-led/involved home-based interventions for people with COPD were included based on authors’ consensus. Three reviewers performed independent quality appraisal using JBI tools. A convergent segregated approach was used for data synthesis and integration.
Seven interventions were identified in two mixed-methods, two qualitative, two quasi-experimental studies, and one secondary analysis from a randomised control trial. The effectiveness of the interventions was measured with various outcomes and was effective to some extent, with reduced hospitalisation, hospitalisation days, hospitalisation cost and all-paid claims. However, the outcomes were not statistically significant, and the effectiveness was inconclusive. While patients appreciated support and resources, some perceived them as a double-edged sword.
Patients preferred more holistic interventions over extended periods. The inconclusive findings and limitations warrant further research with larger sample sizes and comparable measurement tools and outcomes.
This is the first mixed-methods systematic review on the effectiveness of home interventions for people with COPD with a clear definition of ‘nurse-led’. Nurses felt highly valued by patients and other health professionals; however, they reported a lack of support from management. The lack of interventions led by nurses challenges them to lead, deliver and evaluate what matters to people with COPD.
This systematic review was reported in accordance with the Referred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
Not applicable.
The study aims to understand the changing context of RACFs and the role of RACF managers in preparing to confront the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide insights into how the use of visual telehealth consultation might be incorporated to assist with managing whatever might arise.
An interpretive descriptive study design was employed, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews conducted via telephone or videoconference. Purposive recruitment targeted clinical managers responsible for the COVID-19 response in RACFs.
RACF clinical managers were invited to discuss their responses to COVID-19 including the management of RACF and staff. Semi-structured interviews explored the COVID-19-related challenges, the response to these challenges and how telehealth might assist in overcoming some of these challenges. This study followed Thorne's (2008) three-stage process of interpretive description. The COREQ checklist was used in preparing this manuscript.
Two main themes were identified. The first theme ‘keeping people safe’ was comprised of three subthemes; fear and uncertainty, managing the risks and retaining and recruiting staff. The second theme was ‘keeping people connected’, had two subthemes; being disconnected and isolated and embracing technology.
Findings from this study provide valuable insight into understanding the context and the challenges for RACFs and the staff as they attempt to keep residents safe and connected with healthcare providers and the outside world.
Understanding the experiences of RACF managers in preparing to respond to the pandemic will better inform practice development in aged care in particular the use of telehealth and safe practices during COVID-19. Increased awareness of the challenges faced by RACFs during a pandemic provides policymakers with valuable insights for future planning of pandemic responses.