JAMA internal medicine
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JAMA internal medicine · Mar 2016
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA Mind-Body Program for Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Treatment of chronic low back pain (LBP) in older adults is limited by the adverse effects of analgesics. Effective nonpharmacologic treatment options are needed. ⋯ A mind-body program for chronic LBP improved short-term function and long-term current and most severe pain. The functional improvement was not sustained, suggesting that future development of the intervention could focus on durability.
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JAMA internal medicine · Mar 2016
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyComprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Transitional Care in Acutely Hospitalized Patients: The Transitional Care Bridge Randomized Clinical Trial.
Older adults acutely hospitalized are at risk of disability. Trials on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and transitional care present inconsistent results. ⋯ A systematic CGA, followed by the transitional care bridge program, showed no effect on ADL functioning in acutely hospitalized older patients.
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JAMA internal medicine · Mar 2016
A National Profile of Family and Unpaid Caregivers Who Assist Older Adults With Health Care Activities.
Family and unpaid caregivers commonly help older adults who are at high risk for poorly coordinated care. ⋯ Family caregivers providing substantial assistance with health care experience significant emotional difficulty and role-related effects, yet only one-quarter use supportive services.
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JAMA internal medicine · Mar 2016
Examining Variation in Hospice Visits by Professional Staff in the Last 2 Days of Life.
In the final days of life, symptoms are exacerbated and often families need both education and emotional support from hospice professional staff. The Medicare Hospice Benefit provides a per-diem payment with no requirements on the frequency of patient visits. ⋯ Hospice visits in the last 2 days of life by professional staff vary by race, hospice program, and geographic region of the country. Visits were less likely when the Medicare beneficiary was black, dying on a Sunday, and receiving care in a nursing home.