Computer modeling with randomized-controlled trial data informs the development of person-centered aged care homes.

Aim: To answer questions on the essential components (services, operations and resources) of a person-centered aged care home (iHome) using computer simulation.

Materials & Methods: iHome was developed with AnyLogic software using extant study data obtained from 60 Australian aged care homes, 900+ clients and 700+ aged care staff. Bayesian analysis of simulated trial data will determine the influence of different iHome characteristics on care service quality and client outcomes.

Individualized guidelines for the management of aggression in dementia - Part 2: appraisal of current guidelines.

Background: Individualized guidelines have the potential to offer clinicians assistance in decision-making at the point of consultation to improve health outcomes for patients. This project aims to develop individualized guidelines for the management of aggression in dementia. At an earlier stage, we developed a map of concepts to consider when managing aggression.

Individualized guidelines for the management of aggression in dementia - Part 1: key concepts.

Background: Clinical guidelines have the potential to assist in the management of aggression in dementia. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for the construction of individualized guidelines for this group.

Methods: A concept map of the topic "How to manage aggression in dementia" was developed by reviewing research papers, clinical guidelines, and gray literature.

Who pays and who benefits? How different models of shared responsibilities between formal and informal carers influence projections of costs of dementia management.

Background: The few studies that have attempted to estimate the future cost of caring for people with dementia in Australia are typically based on total prevalence and the cost per patient over the average duration of illness. However, costs associated with dementia care also vary according to the length of the disease, severity of symptoms and type of care provided. This study aimed to determine more accurately the future costs of dementia management by taking these factors into consideration.

In silico modeling systems: learning about the prevalence and dynamics of dementia through virtual experimentation.

Background: Virtual experimentation using computer modeling creates opportunities for researchers who want to better understand disease processes, foresee effects of future demographics, and evaluate combinations of interventions when applied to larger target groups.

Methods: We created a computer model of dementia prevalence consisting of six population groups representing diagnosed and undiagnosed dementia at mild, moderate, and severe levels. Dynamic transitions between these groups corresponded to the gradual progression of disease.

A computer model of dementia prevalence in Australia: foreseeing outcomes of delaying dementia onset, slowing disease progression, and eradicating dementia types.

Background: A computer model was designed to test hypothetical scenarios regarding dementia prevalence in Australia (2001-2040).

Methods: The study implemented 3 scenarios: delaying dementia onset, slowing disease progression and, in a previously unpublished experiment, eradicating dementia types. Sensitivity analysis and parameter variation were the main methods of experimentation.

Anxiety as a factor influencing physiological effects of acupuncture.

Purpose: This study investigated the influence of manual acupuncture on heart rate variability and the role which anxiety can play in modifying physiological outcomes.

Method: Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) was used as a sensitive and a reliable indicator of the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation of the heartbeat. Two groups of healthy female subjects were recruited into the study.

Translating dementia research into practice.

There is a gap between the knowledge obtained in dementia research and the practical use of it. This review examines the concept of knowledge translation (KT) and the process of translating research into practice in the field of dementia. KT in dementia practice involves key players including researchers, educators, clinicians, policy-makers, the general public and consumers who act within a multidimensional network, disseminating findings widely to effect changes in community awareness, clinical practice and health policy.

Is relevance relevant? User relevance ratings may not predict the impact of Internet search on decision outcomes.

Objective: A common measure of Internet search engine effectiveness is its ability to find documents that a user perceives as 'relevant'. This study sought to test whether user provided relevance ratings for documents retrieved by an Internet search engine correlate with the decision outcome after use of a search engine.

Design: 227 university students were asked to answer four randomly assigned consumer health questions, then to conduct an Internet search on one of two randomly assigned search engines of different performance, and to again answer the question.

Electrodermal activity as a possible physiological marker for acupuncture.

Change in amplitude of skin potential is one of the physiological indicators of electrodermal activity (EDA) and has been associated with the onset of a variety of sensory, cognitive and emotional stimuli. This study investigated the EDA physiological response to manual acupuncture. A group of 60 healthy female volunteers were recruited into the study of which 30 were randomly assigned to a control group (no acupuncture) and 30 to the experimental group (received acupuncture).

General practitioners' use of online evidence during consultations.

Background: Clinicians have many unanswered questions during clinical encounters which may impact on the quality and outcomes of decisions made. Provision of online evidence at the point of care is one strategy that provides clinicians with easy access to up-to-date evidence in clinical settings to support evidence-based decision-making.

Aim: To determine if and when general practitioners use an online evidence system in routine clinical practice, the type of questions for which clinicians seek evidence and the extent to which the system provides clinically useful answers.