Long-Term Outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Surgery in a Scottish Cohort of Patients With Refractory Glaucoma.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety profile of the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in cases of refractory glaucoma. Methods We conducted a retrospective audit of patients that underwent AGV implantation between 2006 and 2017 by two glaucoma surgeons in a tertiary glaucoma centre (Glasgow, UK). Primary outcome measures included the post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, best-corrected visual acuity, complications, re-operation rates, and failure (defined as IOP > 21 mmHg or not reduced by 20% from baseline, IOP ≤ 5 mmHg, reoperation for glaucoma, removal of implant, or loss of light perception) at pre-defined time points (years 1 to 8).

The impact of SIGN glaucoma guidelines on false-positive referrals from community optometrists in Central Scotland.

Background: Since the introduction of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence glaucoma guidelines 2009, the number of referrals from community optometrists to hospital eye services has increased across the UK, resulting in increase in first visit discharge rates (FVDRs).

Aim: To assess the impact of Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) 144 on quality of referrals from community optometrists.

Methodology: A retrospective study of patient records who attended as new adult glaucoma referrals to clinics in Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Edinburgh, and in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, was carried out across October-November 2014 (group 1) and September-October 2016 (group 2), before and after the introduction of SIGN 144.

Working With LGBT Baby Boomers and Older Adults: Factors That Signal a Welcoming Service Environment.

Many providers recognize the importance of creating culturally competent services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Although multiple resources list steps to make professional practices more LGBT-welcoming, these resources provide no empirical data to support their recommendations. LGBT older adults (N = 327) were asked to describe what signals that a provider is LGBT-welcoming.

Working with LGBT older adults: an assessment of employee training practices, needs, and preferences of senior service organizations in Minnesota.

As the population ages and LGBT older adults become more visible among senior service providers, the need for cultural competency training will grow. Although this training is a relatively new phenomenon, curricula exist. These are generally in person for 2- to 8-hr durations.

Friends, family, and caregiving among midlife and older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults.

The study examines the frequency and nature of the informal caregiving experience for midlife and older lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) adults. Responses from a Twin Cities Metropolitan Area LGBT aging needs assessment survey were analyzed for social supports, current caregiving activity and availability of a caregiver. The majority of respondents identified a primary caregiver who was not a legal relation; and compared to the general population were (a) less likely to have traditional sources of caregiver support and (b) more likely to be serving as a caregiver and caring for someone to whom they were not legally related.

Training, geography, and provision of aging services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults.

This research study surveyed leaders of Area Agencies on Aging (agencies) to understand their services, training, and beliefs about serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Half of the existing agencies in the United States (320) participated. Few agencies provided LGBT services or outreach.

Effectiveness of education and individualized counseling in reducing environmental hazards in the homes of community-dwelling older women.

Objectives: To test the effectiveness of an education and counseling intervention on reducing environmental hazards in the homes of older women.

Design: Secondary analysis from a randomized, controlled trial with two arms: fall prevention program and health education program (control). Environmental hazards were assessed at baseline and immediately posttreatment (12-weeks).

Measuring the direct healthcare costs of a fall injury event.

Background: Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults. Obtaining cost data for a randomized controlled trial aimed at preventing falls was problematic, and an approach was needed to obtain these data on a relatively small sample of women who used healthcare services.

Approach: The study population was 272 community-dwelling women aged 70 and over who were participants in a fall prevention trial.

Use of time studies for determining intervention costs.

Background: Cost-effectiveness analyses are increasingly recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions. Determining the costs associated with delivery of a particular intervention is essential in conducting a cost-effectiveness analysis. Yet, there are few guidelines available to assist investigators in how to assess intervention costs associated with the personnel portion of an intervention.