0000000001120290
AUTHOR
Tamara Alhambra-borrás
Association between physical, psychological and social frailty and health-related quality of life among older people
Abstract Background Studies on the association between frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are scarce and show contradictory results. This study aimed to evaluate the association between physical, psychological and social frailty and HRQoL among community-dwelling older people. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed with baseline data collected in 2015 from the Urban Health Centers Europe (UHCE) project in five European countries, the United Kingdom, Greece, Croatia, The Netherlands and Spain. A total of 2325 participants were included in the baseline measurements of the Urban Health Centers Europe project; 2167 participants (mean age = 79.7; SD=5.6) were included in t…
Promoting active ageing through a physical exercise program aimed at reducing frailty and risk of falling among older adults
Introduction: Risk of falling and frailty have been revealed as the most important conditions causing dependency among older people [1]. Older adults taking physical activity regularly can benefit of a proper maintenance of muscle strength and mass, which helps to retain function and independence, and to prevent falls and other injuries [2]. Concretely, the effectiveness of balance and strength training programs on the reduction of falls [3] and frailty [4] has been sufficiently proved.Theory/Methods: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an intervention based on a physical exercise program addressed at 65+ people suffering from risk of falling and frailty, and ultimately aimed…
The social engagement framework for addressing the chronic-disease-challenge
Abstract Background The Social Engagement Framework for Addressing the Chronic-disease-challenge (SEFAC) intends to empower citizens to self-manage chronic conditions by combining mindfulness, social engagement and ICT support. This study evaluates effects in terms of perceived effectiveness, utility, efficiency, sustainability and satisfaction with SEFAC intervention. Methods A prospective cohort study with 6-month pre-post design was conducted in Croatia, Italy and the Netherlands. A total of 270 citizens ≥50 and at risk of or with a chronic condition were recruited. Self-reported effects of SEFAC intervention were assessed post-intervention using 5-point Likert scale [Strongly disagree -…
Introduction to the SCIROCCO online participatory tool and its evaluation
Abstract This presentation will first introduce the SCIROCCO and SCIROCCO Exchange projects and the Maturity Model developed by the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. Then, a demonstration will be made of the three main functionalities of the SCIROCCO tool: assessing the maturity of healthcare systems, assessing the maturity needs of good practices, twinning and coaching with its two variants. For each piece of functionality, the methodology of using the tool will also be presented. Finally, the two main types of evaluation that were carried out for the SCIROCCO tool, and their results, will be described: Testing the validity and reliability of the SCIROCCO tool. …
Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness among older adults.
Abstract Background International studies provide an overview of socio-demographic characteristics associated with loneliness among older adults, but few studies distinguished between emotional and social loneliness. This study examined socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness. Methods Data of 2251 community-dwelling older adults, included at the baseline measure of the Urban Health Centers Europe (UHCE) project, were analysed. Loneliness was measured with the 6-item De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between age, sex, living situation, educational level, migration background…
Longitudinal association between physical activity and health-related quality of life among community-dwelling older adults: a longitudinal study of Urban Health Centres Europe (UHCE).
Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) may play a key role in healthy aging and thus in promoting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, longitudinal studies on the association between PA and HRQoL are still scarce and have shown inconsistent results. In this study, we aimed to examine the longitudinal association between frequency of moderate PA and physical and mental HRQoL. Secondly, to assess the association between a 12-month change in frequency of moderate PA and HRQoL. Methods A 12-month longitudinal study was conducted in Spain, Greece, Croatia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom with 1614 participants (61.0% female; mean age = 79.8; SD = 5.2) included in the anal…
Steps forward for the SCIROCCO tool and its evaluation as part of SCIROCCO Exchange
Abstract The ambition of the SCIROCCO Exchange project is to maximise the value and impact of the B3-Maturity Model and the SCIROCCO tool. To this aim, SCIROCCO Exchange will develop an enhanced tool including a Knowledge Management Hub. The first objective of this presentation will be describing the progress and plans towards this enhanced tool. The SCIROCCO enhanced tool will support measures for scaling up integrated care, and an important part of it will involve building cross system community to facilitate transfer and scaling. Through its Knowledge Management Hub, the enhanced tool will include the capacity to integrate knowledge from highly relevant sources of information on integrat…
The Appraisal of Self-Care Agency Scale - Revised (ASA-R): Adaptation and Validation in a Sample of Spanish Older Adults.
AbstractSelf-care agency is an important determinant of healthy aging. The Appraisal of Self-care Agency Scale (ASA-R) (Sousa et al., 2010) is one of the main instrument to assess self-care capacity. The objectives of the study were: 1) to adapt and validate ASA-R scale for use in Spanish population; 2) to examine the dimensionality, validity and reliability; 3) and to establish the convergent validity of ASA-R using a self-reported health measure. The ASA-R Scale and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were administered to 488 Spanish seniors aged 65 and over. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to analyze the dimensionality, validity and reliability. Convergent validity w…
Effectiveness and Estimation of Cost-Effectiveness of a Group-Based Multicomponent Physical Exercise Programme on Risk of Falling and Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
This study analyses the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based multicomponent physical exercise programme aimed at reducing the risk of falling and frailty in community-dwelling older adults. This is a pretest&ndash
Reliability and Validity of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator in 5 European Countries
OBJECTIVES: To assess the internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, and concurrent validity of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) within community-dwelling older people in Spain, Greece, Croatia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.SETTING: Primary care and community settings.PARTICIPANTS: In total, 2250 community-dwelling older people (60.3% women; mean age = 79.7 years; standard deviation = 5.7).METHODS: We assessed the reliability and validity of the full TFI as well as its physical, psychological, and social domains. Baseline data of the Urban Health Centers Europe project were used. The internal consistency was assessed with the Cronbac…
The Association between Loneliness and Health Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) among Community-Dwelling Older Citizens
Background: This study aimed to assess the association between loneliness and Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) among community-dwelling older citizens in five European countries. We characterize loneliness broadly from an emotional and social perspective. Methods: This cross-sectional study measured loneliness with the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and HR-QoL with the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. The association between loneliness and HR-QoL was examined using multivariable linear regression models. Results: Data of 2169 citizens of at least 70 years of age and living independently (mean age = 79.6 ±
A coordinated preventive care approach for healthy ageing in five European cities: A mixed methods study of process evaluation components
To evaluate specific process components of the Urban Health Centres Europe (UHCE) approach; a coordinated preventive care approach aimed at healthy ageing by decreasing falls, polypharmacy, loneliness and frailty among older persons in community settings of five cities in the United Kingdom, Greece, Croatia, the Netherlands and Spain.Mixed methods evaluation of specific process components of the UHCE approach: reach of the target population, dose of the intervention actually delivered and received by participants and satisfaction and experience of main stakeholders involved in the approach.The UHCE approach intervention consisted of a preventive assessment, shared decision-making on a care …
A scaling-up strategy supporting the expansion of integrated care: a study protocol
Purpose To ensure that more people will benefit from integrated care initiatives, scaling-up of successful initiatives is the way forward. However, new challenges present themselves as knowledge on how to achieve successful large-scale implementation is scarce. The EU-funded project SCIROCCO uses a step-based scaling-up strategy to explore what to scale-up, and how to scale-up integrated care initiatives by matching the complementary strengths and weaknesses of five European regions involved in integrated care. The purpose of this paper is to describe a multi-method evaluation protocol designed to understand what factors influence the implementation of the SCIROCCO strategy to support the …
The transfer of knowledge on integrated care among five European regions: a qualitative multi-method study
Abstract Background To examine how the knowledge transfer processes unfolded within SCIROCCO, a EU funded project (3rd Health Programme (2014–2020)) that aimed to facilitate the process of knowledge sharing across five European regions, to speed up adoption and scaling-up of integrated care initiatives. Methods A qualitative multi-method design was used. Data collection methods included focus groups, project documents and action plans of the regions. The data was analysed using a qualitative content-analysis procedure, which was guided by the frameworks of knowledge exchange and the why, whose, what, how framework for knowledge mobilisers. Results All five components (including the themes) …
Enhancing the SCIROCCO tool using quantitative and qualitative methods
Background: The SCIROCCO tool, developed as part of the SCIROCCO project, incorporates the Maturity Model for the adoption of Integrated Care developed by the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (B3 Action Group on Integrated Care). The online self-assessment tool can be used to facilitate scaling-up of integrated care across different health and care sectors, at different levels in health or care systems, and in a range of communities. Currently, more than 30 European regions are involved in testing the SCIROCCO tool. Since the project launch in April 2016, the tool underwent two iterations. Each of the iterations of the tool was followed by a round of refinement t…
Longitudinal Association Between Physical Activity and Frailty Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Objectives: To examine the longitudinal association between frequency of moderate physical activity (PA) and overall, physical, psychological, and social frailty among community-dwelling older adults older than 70 years. Second, we assessed the association between a 12-month change in frequency of moderate PA and frailty. Design: Longitudinal cohort study. Setting: Community settings in Spain, Greece, Croatia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Participants: A total of 1735 participants (61.1% female ; mean age = 79.6 years ; SD = 5.5 years). Measurements: The frequency of self-reported moderate PA was measured and classified into two categories: "regular frequency" and "low frequency…
Effectiveness of appropriate care pathways for frail older adults: a pilot study in Valencia (Spain)
Introduction Frail older adults often have multiple health and social problems [1] but experience reduced care coordination due to fragmented service provision [2], and therefore are in need of integrated care. A comprehensive model integrating the provision of health and psychosocial care can promote health and wellbeing among frail older adults. This study explored the effects of a comprehensive model (APPCARE model) on health and wellbeing, and the healthcare resources use, of +75 frail older adults with complex and co-morbid clinical situations after their hospitalization. Methods Within the APPCARE model, two specific care pathways were designed and piloted in the city of Valencia (Spa…
Older people’s dialogue about loneliness and social support: a cross-cultural qualitative study conducted in Spain and South Africa (Diálogo entre las personas mayores sobre la soledad y el apoyo social: un estudio cualitativo transcultural en España y Sudáfrica)
This study aimed to explore and gain insight from the dialogue and subjective perception of older people about loneliness and social support using a cross-cultural approach. A total of six focus gr...
SCIROCCO tool to support knowledge transfer in integrated care
Background: Knowledge transfer has been well recognised as an effective enabler to access existing evidence and learning on integrated care. It requires dedicated support to ensure that the flow of appropriate information and knowledge between adopting and transferring entities is tailored appropriately to the context and maturity of the adopting system. SCIROCCO is an online participatory tool that helps stakeholders to understand: 1) The context requirements of a particular good practice that is considered for adoption; 2) The level of maturity required for a health and social care system to adopt and scale up integrated care; 3) The actions that more progressive regions have taken to be …
Exploring the application of the navigation model with people experiencing homelessness: a scoping review
People experiencing homelessness are known to be at risk of disproportionately poor health outcomes and often face barriers in accessing healthcare. Patient navigation (PN) has been identified as a way to address health disparities and engage underserved populations with healthcare services . This scoping review aims to understand how PN models have been utilized with people experiencing homelessness and other comparable populations to date and more specifically identify (a) the defining features, (b) the barriers and facilitators in implementation, and (c) the outcomes associated with PN models. Database searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed and SCOPUS on 15th June 2021 and 21 …
Evaluation design of the Social Engagement Framework for Addressing the Chronic-disease-challenge (SEFAC): a mindfulness-based intervention to promote the self-management of chronic conditions and a healthy lifestyle
Background The Social Engagement Framework for Addressing the Chronic-disease-challenge (SEFAC) project intends to empower citizens at risk of or with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD) to self-manage their chronic conditions through the SEFAC intervention. The intervention combines the concepts of mindfulness, social engagement and information and communication technology support, in order to reduce the burden of citizens with chronic conditions and to increase the sustainability of the health system in four European countries. Methods A prospective cohort study with a 6-month pre-post design will be conducted in four European countries: Croatia, Italy, the Netherla…
Evaluation design of Urban Health Centres Europe (UHCE): preventive integrated health and social care for communitydwelling older persons in five European cities
BackgroundOlder persons often have interacting physical and social problems and complex care needs. An integrated care approach in the local context with collaborations between community-, social-, and health-focused organisations can contribute to the promotion of independent living and quality of life. In the Urban Health Centres Europe (UHCE) project, five European cities (Greater Manchester, United Kingdom; Pallini (in Greater Athens Area), Greece; Rijeka, Croatia; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and Valencia, Spain) develop and implement a care template that integrates health and social care and includes a preventive approach. The UHCE project includes an effect and process evaluation.Meth…
The B3 Maturity Model, SCIROCCO Tool and SCIROCCO Knowledge Management Hub: facilitating the capacity-building support for integrated care
Introduction SCIROCCO Exchange is an EU Health Programme project that builds upon the preliminary achievements of the B3 Action Group on Integrated Care of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) that first developed the concept of an Integrated Care Maturity Model. Through the activities of the SCIROCCO project, the Model has been further refined and is supported by a validated self-assessment tool (SCIROCCO Tool). SCIROCCO is an online participatory tool that helps stakeholders to understand: 1) The context requirements of a particular good practice; 2) The level of maturity required for a care system to adopt and scale-up integrated care; 3) The acti…
Additional file 1 of Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness among older adults
Additional file1: Supplementary tables Socio-demographic factors associated with emotional and social loneliness among older adults.
The effectiveness of a coordinated preventive care approach for healthy ageing (UHCE) among older persons in five European cities: A pre-post controlled trial.
Abstract Background Older persons often have multiple health and social problems and need a variety of health services. A coordinated preventive approach that integrates the provision of health and social care services could promote healthy ageing. Such an approach can be organised differently, depending on the availability and organizational structures in the local context. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of a coordinated preventive care approach in various European settings. Objectives This study explored the effects of a coordinated preventive health and social care approach on the lifestyle, health and quality of life of community-dwelling older persons in five …
Additional file 1 of Longitudinal association between physical activity and health-related quality of life among community-dwelling older adults: a longitudinal study of Urban Health Centres Europe (UHCE)
Additional file 1.