Journal of general internal medicine
-
The role of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in mortality has been studied among those 65 years or older. While middle-aged individuals are believed to be less susceptible to the harms of polypharmacy, PIMs have not been as carefully studied in this group. ⋯ PIMs were independently associated with increased mortality, and partially explained polypharmacy-associated mortality in middle-aged people. Other mechanisms of injury from polypharmacy should also be studied.
-
Observational Study
Health-Related Quality of Life for Patients with Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: Identification of Symptom Clusters and Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes.
Following COVID-19 infection, as many as a third of patients have long-term symptoms, known as post-acute sequelae (PASC). The mechanisms contributing to PASC remain largely unknown and, due to the heterogeneity of symptoms, treating PASC provides unique challenges. ⋯ Patients with PASC have distinct HRQL symptom profiles which were able to differentiate across COVID-19 severity and symptoms. Improvement over 12 months differed by profile. These profiles may be used to better understand the mechanisms behind PASC. Future research should evaluate their ability to guide treatment decisions to improve HRQL.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized Trial of Information for Older Women About Cessation of Breast Cancer Screening Invitations.
Older women receive no information about why Australia's breast screening program (BreastScreen) invitations cease after 74 years. We tested how providing older women with the rationale for breast screening cessation impacted informed choice (adequate knowledge; screening attitudes aligned with intention). ⋯ Providing information to older women about the rationale for breast cancer screening cessation increased informed decision-making in a hypothetical scenario. This study is an important first step in improving messaging provided by national cancer screening providers direct to older adults. Further research is needed to assess the impact of different elements of the intervention and the impact of providing this information in clinical practice, with more diverse samples.