Developing a person-centered stated preference survey for dementia with Lewy bodies: value of a personal and public involvement process.

Introduction: The development of high-quality stated preference (SP) surveys requires a rigorous design process involving engagement with representatives from the target population. However, while transparency in the reporting of the development of SP surveys is encouraged, few studies report on this process and the outcomes. Recommended stages of instrument development includes both steps for stakeholder/end-user engagement and pretesting.

Prescribing and deprescribing in older people with life-limiting illnesses receiving hospice care at the end of life: A longitudinal, retrospective cohort study.

Background: Although prescribing and deprescribing practices in older people have been the subject of much research generally, there are limited data in older people at the end of life. This highlights the need for research to determine prescribing and deprescribing patterns, as a first step to facilitate guideline development for medicines optimisation in this vulnerable population.

Aims: To examine prescribing and deprescribing patterns in older people at the end of life and to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use.

European Glaucoma Society research priorities for glaucoma care.

Background/aims: The goal of health research is to improve patients care and outcomes. Thus, it is essential that research addresses questions that are important to patients and clinicians. The aim of this study was to develop a list of priorities for glaucoma research involving stakeholders from different countries in Europe.

Healthcare professionals' perspectives of deprescribing in older patients at the end of life in hospice care: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate healthcare professionals' barriers to and enablers of deprescribing in older hospice patients at the end of life and prioritise relevant theoretical domains for behaviour change to be incorporated into future interventions to facilitate deprescribing.

Methods: Twenty doctors, nurses and pharmacists from four hospices in Northern Ireland participated in qualitative semistructured interviews using Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)-based topic guides. Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively using thematic analysis.

Implementation of remote asthma consulting in general practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: an evaluation using extended Normalisation Process Theory.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rapid and reactive deployment of remote consulting in UK general practice. The delivery of acute and chronic asthma care has been affected. Extended Normalisation Process Theory (eNPT) provides a framework for evaluating the implementation of new complex interventions in routine practice, including examination of how context-intervention interactions affect implementation.

Improving preparedness prior to reconstructive breast surgery via inclusion of 3D images during pre-operative counselling: a qualitative analysis.

Background: A proportion of women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer choose to undergo breast reconstruction. Evidence suggests that women's preparedness for this surgery is low and that this may contribute to feelings of unmatched expectations and anxiety. There is substantial interest in decision-aids to remedy this.

Validation of the Distress Thermometer in patients with advanced cancer receiving specialist palliative care in a hospice setting.

Background: Ongoing assessment of psychological reaction to illness in palliative and end of life care settings is recommended, yet validated tools are not routinely used in clinical practice. The Distress Thermometer is a short screening tool developed for use in oncology, to detect individuals who would benefit from further psychological assessment. However the optimal cut-off to detect indicative psychological morbidity in patients with advanced cancer receiving specialist palliative care is unclear.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

Background: Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health concerns in our ageing society. Whilst these experiences occur across the life span, 50% of individuals aged over 60 are at risk of social isolation and one-third will experience some degree of loneliness later in life. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the range of interventions to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older adults that have been evaluated; in terms of intervention conceptualisation, categorisation, and components.

'Take more laxatives was their answer to everything': A qualitative exploration of the patient, carer and healthcare professional experience of constipation in specialist palliative care.

Background: Constipation is a major problem for many older adults, more so for those who are receiving specialist palliative care. However, limited research reports the subjective experiences of constipation, despite evidenced differences between the healthcare professional and patient/carer perspective.

Aim: The main aim of this study is to explore the experience of how constipation is assessed and managed within specialist palliative care from the patient, carer and healthcare professional perspective.

Examining constipation assessment and management of patients with advanced cancer receiving specialist palliative care: a multi-site retrospective case note review of clinical practice.

Background: Constipation is a common symptom for patients receiving palliative care. Whilst international clinical guidelines are available on the clinical management of constipation for people with advanced cancer receiving specialist palliative care (SPC), the extent to which the guidelines are implemented in practice is unclear. This study aimed to examine clinical practices for the assessment and management of constipation for patients with advanced cancer within inpatient SPC settings.

Co-producing a shared understanding and definition of empowerment with people with dementia.

Background: Empowerment for people with dementia (PWD) is not well defined within the research literature and we feel that this is an important area for development. It is important to seek, consult, and co-produce such a definition with PWD who are more actively involved in their communities post diagnosis (e.g.

A translational case study of empowerment into practice: A realist evaluation of a member-led dementia empowerment service.

Involving people with dementia in decision-making is widely accepted as a means of empowering them to lead more independent lives and have more meaningful roles in shaping their care. However, there is a need to conduct rigorous evaluations of empowerment-driven services and policies in order to develop a deeper understanding about how to optimise successful implementation. This paper presents the results of an evaluation of Dementia Northern Ireland, an organisation initiated and led by people with dementia.

Quality indicators for Palliative Day Services: A modified Delphi study.

Background:: The goal of Palliative Day Services is to provide holistic care that contributes to the quality of life of people with life-threatening illness and their families. Quality indicators provide a means by which to describe, monitor and evaluate the quality of Palliative Day Services provision and act as a starting point for quality improvement. However, currently, there are no published quality indicators for Palliative Day Services.

Assessment and management of constipation for patients receiving palliative care in specialist palliative care settings: A systematic review of the literature.

Background: Constipation is an important issue for patients receiving palliative care within specialist palliative care settings. Questions and ambiguity, however, persist about international best practice and management.

Aim: To synthesise the current evidence base on the assessment and management of constipation for palliative care patients within a specialist palliative care setting.

Use of parecoxib by continuous subcutaneous infusion for cancer pain in a hospice population.

Objectives: To characterise the use of the parenteral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug parecoxib when given by continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) in a hospice population. Clinical experience suggests parecoxib CSCI may be of benefit in this population, but empirical evidence in relation to its safety and efficacy is lacking.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients with a cancer diagnosis receiving parecoxib CSCI from 2008 to 2013 at the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast.

A Systematic Review of the Patient- and Carer-Related Factors Affecting the Experience of Pain for Advanced Cancer Patients Cared for at Home.

Context: Effective pain management is a priority in the palliative care of advanced cancer patients. A body of research is emerging examining the factors that influence the management and experience of pain for such individuals. Identifying such factors should allow for the development of targeted interventions to improve pain management in the home while ultimately reducing unnecessary suffering for the patient.

Identifying models of delivery, care domains and quality indicators relevant to palliative day services: a scoping review protocol.

Background: With an ageing population and increasing numbers of people with life-limiting illness, there is a growing demand for palliative day services. There is a need to measure and demonstrate the quality of these services, but there is currently little agreement on which aspects of care should be used to do this. The aim of the scoping review will be to map the extent, range and nature of the evidence around models of delivery, care domains and existing quality indicators used to evaluate palliative day services.

Psychological factors associated with diabetes self-management among adolescents with Type 1 diabetes: A systematic review.

This review aims to synthesise the literature examining the psychosocial variables related to self-management (insulin adherence, non-adherence and administration, blood sugar monitoring, dietary behaviour, exercise behaviour) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. A systematic search of three electronic databases was carried out and, after the application of eligibility criteria, 21 articles were assessed for quality prior to data extraction. Numerous psychological factors were found to be associated with self-management; however, correlations were typically small to moderate.

Improving the wellbeing of staff who work in palliative care settings: A systematic review of psychosocial interventions.

Background: Staff in palliative care settings perform emotionally demanding roles which may lead to psychological distress including stress and burnout. Therefore, interventions have been designed to address these occupational risks.

Aim: To investigate quantitative studies exploring the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions that attempt to improve psychological wellbeing of palliative care staff.

Illness perceptions and coping in physical health conditions: A meta-analysis.

Objective: There is a considerable body of research linking elements of Leventhal's Common Sense Model (CSM) to emotional well-being/distress outcomes among people with physical illness. The present study aims to consolidate this literature and examine the evidence for the role of coping strategies within this literature.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted where the outcomes of interest were: depression, anxiety and quality of life.

Change in psychological distress in longer-term oesophageal cancer carers: are clusters of illness perception change a useful determinant?

Objective: This study provides a longitudinal assessment of distress in longer-term oesophageal cancer carers, while examining illness perception schema as a possible determinant of change in distress over time.

Methods: Oesophageal cancer carers (n = 171), 48 months post-diagnosis, were assessed at baseline and 12 months later with the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised, Cancer Coping Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Concerns About Recurrence Scale.

Results: Findings report deterioration from normal to probable anxiety in 35.

Use of corticosteroids for anorexia in palliative medicine: a systematic review.

Background: Anorexia is a significant problem in patients approaching the end of life, for which corticosteroids are widely prescribed. It is not clear which regimen is the most safe and effective for this indication.

Objective: The study objective was to identify the evidence for the use of corticosteroids, and the most safe and effective dosing regimen for management of anorexia in palliative care patients.

Exploring public awareness and perceptions of palliative care: a qualitative study.

Background: Research suggests that the public appear to be confused about the meaning of palliative care. Given the ageing population and associated increase in the number of patients requiring palliative care, it is vital to explore the public's understanding of this concept. Health-promoting palliative care seeks to translate hospice and palliative care ideals into broader public health practice.