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Gomes Da Rocha Carla

Gomes Da Rocha Carla

Adjoint-e scientifique HES B

Main skills

Syndromes gériatriques

État confusionnel Aigu du Sujet Âgé

Douleur chez la Personne Âgée

Evidence-based Practice

Examen clinique infirmier

Population centenaire

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Main contract

Adjoint-e scientifique HES B

Phone: +41 58 606 84 73

Desktop: AGA408

HES-SO Valais-Wallis - Haute Ecole de Santé
Chemin de l'Agasse 5, 1950 Sion, CH
HEdS - VS
BSc HES-SO en Soins infirmiers - HES-SO Valais-Wallis - Haute Ecole de Santé
  • Evidence-based Practice
  • Syndromes gériatriques
  • Introduction aux Recommendations de Bonnes Pratiques (RBP) Cliniques

Completed

Swiss Centenarian Study (SWISS100): Vulnerability and Resilience at Age 100

Role: Collaborator

Requérant(e)s: Jopp Daniela S., Université de Lausanne, von Gunten Armin, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Herrmann François R., Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Cavalli Stefano, Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana

Financement: Swiss National Science Foundation

Description du projet :

Première étude en Suisse sur la population centenaire selon une approche interdisciplinaire (médecine, biologie, sociologie, psychologie et psychiatrie).

Carla Gomes da Rocha participe à ce projet de recherche en qualité de doctorante, en étroite collaboration avec le Prof. von Gunten (Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Âge Avancé du CHUV). 

 

Research team within HES-SO: Gomes Da Rocha Carla

Partenaires académiques: Jopp Daniela S., Université de Lausanne; von Gunten Armin, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois; Herrmann François R., Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève; Cavalli Stefano, Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana

Durée du projet: 01.07.2019 - 30.09.2023

Statut: Completed

2025

Building Consensus on the Relevant Criteria to Screen for Depressive Symptoms Among Near-Centenarians and Centenarians: Modified e-Delphi Study
Scientific paper

Gomes Da Rocha Carla, Armin von Gunten, Pierre Vandel, Daniela S. Jopp, Olga Ribeiro, Verloo Henk

JMIR Aging, 2025 , vol.  8

Link to the publication

Summary:

Background:The number of centenarians worldwide is expected to increase dramatically, reaching 3.4 million by 2050 and >25 million by 2100. Despite these projections, depression remains a prevalent yet underdiagnosed and undertreated condition among this population that carries significant health risks.

Objective:This study aimed to identify and achieve consensus on the most representative signs and symptoms of depression in near-centenarians and centenarians (aged ≥95 years) through an e-Delphi study with an international and interdisciplinary panel of experts. Ultimately, the outcomes of this study might help create a screening instrument that is specifically designed for this unique population.

Methods:A modified e-Delphi study was carried out to achieve expert consensus on depressive symptoms in near-centenarians and centenarians. A panel of 28 international experts was recruited. Consensus was defined as 70% agreement on the relevance of each item. Data were collected through a web-based questionnaire over 3 rounds. Experts rated 104 items that were divided into 24 dimensions and 80 criteria to identify the most representative signs and symptoms of depression in this age group.

Results:The panel consisted of experts from various countries, including physicians with experience in old age psychiatry or geriatrics as well as nurses and psychologists. The response rate remained consistent over the rounds (20/28, 71% to 21/28, 75%). In total, 4 new dimensions and 8 new criteria were proposed by the experts, and consensus was reached on 86% (24/28) of the dimensions and 80% (70/88) of the criteria. The most consensual potentially relevant dimensions were lack of hope (21/21, 100%), loss of interest (27/28, 96%), lack of reactivity to pleasant events (27/28, 96%), depressed mood (26/28, 93%), and previous episodes of depression or diagnosed depression (19/21, 90%). In addition, the most consensual potentially relevant criteria were despondency, gloom, and despair (25/25, 100%); depressed (27/27, 100%); lack of reactivity to pleasant events or circumstances (28/28, 100%); suicidal ideation (28/28, 100%); suicide attempt(s) (28/28, 100%); ruminations (27/28, 96%); recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (27/28, 96%); feelings of worthlessness (25/26, 96%); critical life events (20/21, 95%); anhedonia (20/21, 95%); loss of interest in activities (26/28, 93%); loss of pleasure in activities (26/28, 93%); and sadness (24/26, 92%). Moreover, when assessing depression in very old age, the duration, number, frequency, and severity of signs and symptoms should also be considered, as evidenced by the high expert agreement.

Conclusions:The classification of most elements as relevant highlights the importance of a multidimensional approach for optimal depression screening among individuals of very old age. This study offers a first step toward improving depression assessment in near-centenarians and centenarians. The development of a more adapted screening tool could improve early detection and intervention, enhancing the quality of mental health care for this population.

The role of functional dependence in depressive symptoms among centenarians: Findings from the SWISS100 study
Scientific paper

Gomes Da Rocha Carla, Daniela S. Jopp, Adar Hoffmann, Justine Falciola, Stefano Cavalli, François R. Herrmann, Christina Röcke, Verloo Henk, Olga Ribeiro, Armin von Gunten

International Psychogeriatrics, 2025

Link to the publication

Summary:

Objective: To analyse the prevalence of depressive symptoms in centenarians, identify their predictors, and explore the role of functional dependence as a contributing factor.

Design setting, and participants: Cross-sectional baseline data from the Swiss Centenarian Study (n = 102), including community-dwelling and institutionalised participants with complete data on depressive symptoms and functional capacity.

Measurements: Functional capacity was assessed using the Older Americans Resources and Services Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale – Short Form. Group differences were analysed using Chi-squared tests; relationships were examined with correlations. Multiple linear regressions identified predictors. Mediation analysis explored the interplay between functional capacity, living situation, and depressive symptoms.

Results: Functional capacity varied, with basic activities of daily living generally better preserved than mental activities. Almost one-fourth of participants screened positive for possible clinical depression, which was significantly more common among institutionalised centenarians (p < .05). Health conditions, anxiety, and lower functional capacity were significant predictors of depressive symptoms and together explained 24.7 % of the variance, with anxiety being the strongest predictor followed by health conditions and functional capacity. Mediation analysis showed that functional capacity mediated the relationship between living situation and depressive symptoms, highlighting its critical role in mental health.

Conclusions: A significant proportion of centenarians screened positive for depression, underscoring the need for greater attention to depressive symptoms and systematic screening. Targeted interventions promoting functional independence may play an important role to prevent depression, and strategies are needed to encourage institutionalised very old individuals to re-develop and maintain a certain level of independence.

2024

Implementation of the primary nursing care model in a hospital service :
Scientific paper ArODES
a quasi-experimental study

João Miguel Ventura-Silva, M. M. Martins, L. L. Trindade, Anna C. Faria, S. C. Barros, Susana. F. Castro, Carla Gomes da Rocha, M. Mendes, Olga. M. Ribeiro

Nursing forum,  2024, 1, 5549115

Link to the publication

Summary:

Background. In recent years, the healthcare landscape has seen a paradigm shift towards patient-centeredness in the provision of nursing care. The Primary Nursing Care Model has aroused interest as an approach that prioritizes the individualization and continuity of care, as well as the involvement of the patient in decision-making about their health, which may impact professional satisfaction, as well as the quality and safety of nursing care. Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing the Primary Nursing Care Model in a hospital service. Methods. This study employed a quasi-experimental, single-group design with pre- and postintervention evaluations. It involved a convenience sample of 48 nurses from an internal medicine department. Data collection took place between June and November 2023. The intervention consisted of the implementation of the Primary Nursing Care Model. A questionnaire was used to characterize the sociodemographics of the participants, followed by instruments that made it possible to assess missed care, professional nursing practice environments, safety culture, job satisfaction for nurses, and the perception of activities that contribute to the quality of care. Results. The implementation of the Primary Nursing Care Model showed positive results compared to preimplementation. There were statistically significant differences when applying the Wilcoxon test, p < 0.005, with a reduction in missed care, an enhancement of the professional nursing practice environment and safety culture in nursing practice, as well as nurses’ job satisfaction and enhanced perception of the activities that contribute to the quality of care. Conclusion. The implementation of the Primary Nursing Care Model in a hospital setting has demonstrated valuable contributions, underscoring its potential to improve the quality of nursing care and promote patient-centered care approaches. Further research is recommended to explore its application in diverse healthcare settings.

Scale for the environments evaluation of professional nursing practice—shortened version :
Scientific paper ArODES
psychometric evaluation

Olga Ribeiro, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Paulo João Figueiredo Cabral Teles, Marlene Patrícia Ribeiro, Soraia Cristina De Abreu Pereira, João Miguel Almeida Ventura da Silva, Clemente Neves de Sousa

International journal of nursing practice,  To be published

Link to the publication

Summary:

Aim : The aim of this study is to test the validity and reliability of the shortened version of the Scale for the Environments Evaluation of Professional Nursing Practice (SEE-Nursing Practice). Methods : This methodological, cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2022. The original version of the SEE-Nursing Practice was administered in questionnaire format across 17 hospitals. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to identify relevant items for the new shortened version of the scale and evaluate its construct validity. Results : The study involved 1713 registered nurses from various regions of Portugal. From the exploratory factor analysis, the SEE-Nursing Practice was condensed to 59 items and 3 subscales. In the structure subscale, 14 items were removed, and the remaining 29 items distributed over four factors; in the process subscale, 18 items were removed, and the remaining 19 items organized into three factors; in the outcome subscale, 2 items were removed, and the remaining 11 items distributed over two factors. The Cronbach's alpha for the three subscales exceeded 0.90, indicating high reliability. Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the validity of the 59-item model. Conclusion : The shortened version of the SEE-Nursing Practice shows adequate validity and reliability, reducing the burden associated with its longer version.

Profiles of centenarians’ functioning :
Scientific paper ArODES
linking functional and cognitive capacity with depressive symptoms

Kim Uittenhove, Charikleia Lampraki, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Christoph Rott, Armin Von Gunten, Daniela S. Jopp

BMC geriatrics,  2024, 24, 1, 451

Link to the publication

Summary:

Background : Despite most centenarians facing age-related declines in functional and cognitive capacities, the severity of these declines varies among individuals, as does the maintenance of good mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms) despite these declines. This study aims to examine this heterogeneity in centenarians from the Second Heidelberg Centenarian Study, which collected data from 112 centenarians living in Germany. In our study, we focus on a subsample of 73 centenarians who provided self-reports for our measures of interest (M age = 100.4, SD age = 0.55). Methods : We examined correlations between functional capacity (i.e., PADL, IADL), cognitive capacity (i.e., MMSE), and depressive symptoms (i.e., GDS), and the existence of different profiles using hierarchical clustering. Results : Higher functional capacity was related to higher cognitive capacity and to fewer depressive symptoms. Yet, higher cognitive capacity was associated with more depressive symptoms. Hierarchical clustering analysis elucidated this contradiction by identifying three profiles: low-capacity individuals (i.e., 24 individuals had low functional and cognitive capacities, with low depressive symptoms), high-capacity individuals (i.e., 33 individuals with high functional and cognitive capacities, with low depressive symptoms), and low-functional-high-cognitive-capacity individuals (i.e., 16 individuals showed low functional but high cognitive capacity, with high depressive symptoms). Our post-hoc analyses highlighted arthritis and pain as risk factors for functional dependence and depression. Conclusions : Our findings emphasize the importance of identifying centenarian subgroups with specific resource- and risk profiles to better address their needs, and of treating pain to improve functional capacity and mental health in centenarians.

Mental health among centenarians living in Switzerland
Scientific paper ArODES

Kim Uittenhove, Shauna L. Rohner, Justine Falciola, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Christina Röcke, Stefano Cavalli, François Herrmann, Daniela S. Jopp, Armin Von Gunten

Psychogeriatrics,  2024, 24, 4, 887-896

Link to the publication

Summary:

Background : Given the increasing number of people achieving exceptionally long lifespans, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of mental health in centenarians. This study aimed to understand the prevalence of mental health conditions—depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbances, disinhibition, and aberrant motor behaviour—among centenarians in Switzerland. Methods : Data were collected from N = 169 participants via telephone interviews or paper questionnaires, either directly from centenarians or through proxy informants. Half the data were collected during a period when protective measures were imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and half were collected after the measures were lifted. Results : Mental health conditions were prevalent in our sample, particularly depressive symptoms (44.51%) and anxiety (42.17%). Significant positive associations were found between depressive symptoms and anxiety, and between disinhibition and aberrant motor behaviour. Furthermore, we identified statistical predictors for the occurrence of mental health conditions. Notably, institutionalised living increased the odds of depressive symptomatology, while those with higher education levels or an absence of cognitive impairment experienced more sleep disturbances. Finally, cognitive impairment was linked to increased disinhibition and aberrant motor behaviour. Conclusions : The high prevalence of mental health conditions underscores the need for proactive mental health care strategies in advanced old age. Moreover, it is vital to consider the interconnected nature of mental health conditions and to prioritise vulnerable groups, such as centenarians in institutional settings.

Les centenaires : pourquoi s'y intéresser ? :
Professional paper ArODES
Aperçu de l'étude SWISS100

Carla Gomes da Rocha, Daniela S. Jopp, Stefano Cavalli, François Herrmann, Armin Von Gunten

Gazette médicale,  2024, 13, 4, 14-16

Link to the publication

Summary:

Demographic ageing is a subject with a major impact and multiple challenges in the healthcare field. However, less attention is paid to one specific group: centenarians. This rapidly expanding population requires an in-depth understanding of its unique characteristics, and it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of these particularities, given their increasing interactions with this age group

2023

From the first to the fourth critical period of COVID-19 :
Scientific paper ArODES
what has changed in nursing practice environments in hospital settings?

Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes Ribeiro, Maria Filomena Cardoso, Letícia de Lima Trindade, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Paulo João Figueiredo Cabral Teles, Soraia Pereira, Vânia Coimbra, Marlene Patrícia Ribeiro, Ana Reis, Ana da Conceição Alves Faria, João Miguel Almeida Ventura da Silva, Paula Leite, Sónia Barros, Clemente Sousa

BMC Nursing,  2023, no. 22, article no. 53

Link to the publication

Summary:

Background : The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need to invest in nursing practice environments and health institutions were led to implement several changes. In this sense, this study aimed to analyze the impact of the changes that occurred in nursing practice environments between the first and fourth critical periods of the pandemic. Methods : Quantitative, observational study, conducted in a University Hospital, with the participation of 713 registered nurses. Data were collected through a questionnaire with sociodemographic and professional characterization and the Scale for the Environments Evaluation of Professional Nursing Practice, applied at two different points in time: from 1 to 30 June 2020 and from 15 August to 15 September 2021. Data were processed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results : Overall, the pandemic had a positive impact on nursing practice environments. However, the Process component remained favourable to quality of care, while the Structure and Outcome components only moderately favourable. Nurses working in Medicine Department services showed lower scores in several dimensions of the Structure, Process and Outcome components. On the other hand, nurses working in areas caring for patients with COVID-19 showed higher scores in several dimensions of the Structure, Process and Outcome components. Conclusions : The pandemic had a positive impact on various dimensions of nursing practice environments, which denotes that regardless of the adversities and moments of crisis that may arise, investment in work environments will have positive repercussions. However, more investment is needed in Medicine Department services, which have historically been characterised by high workloads and structural conditions that make it difficult to promote positive and sustainable workplaces.

2022

Impact of COVID-19 on the environments of professional nursing practice and nurses’ job satisfaction
Scientific paper ArODES

Vania Maria Oliveira Coimbra, Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes Ribero, Soraia Pereira, Ana Faria, Paulo Teles, Carla Gomes da Rocha

International journal of environmental research and public health,  2022, vol. 19, no. 24, article no.16908

Link to the publication

Summary:

Background: The repercussions of work environments were widely studied before the pandemic. However, there are still many difficulties to be discovered considering the impact generated by it. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on nursing practice environments and nurses’ job satisfaction. (2) Methods: A correlational study was conducted in a hospital in northern Portugal, with the participation of 416 registered nurses. Data were collected in June 2021 through questionnaires. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. (3) Results: COVID-19 had a favourable impact on the structure component of the practice environments; the process component decreased compared to the pre-pandemic period; the outcome component remained moderately favourable to the quality of care. Nurses were not very satisfied or not at all satisfied with their valuation and remuneration; moderately satisfied with the leadership and staffing; and satisfied with the organisation and resources, co-workers and valuation by patients and families. In more favourable environments, nurses’ job satisfactions were higher. (4) Conclusions: Identifying the dimensions with the best and worst scores allowed the institution’s managers to concentrate efforts on where improvements were needed, thus preparing professional contexts for the recovery of care activities.

From health literacy to self-care :
Scientific paper ArODES
Contributions of the specialist nurse in rehabilitation nursing

Marina do Rosário Jesus Dias, Ana da Conceição Alves Faria, Maria Salomé Martins Ferreira, Fabiana Faleiros, André Novo, Maria Narcisa Gonçalves, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Paulo João Figueiredo Cabral Teles, Marlene Patrícia Ribeiro, João Miguelel Almeida Ventura da Silva, Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes Ribeiro

International journal of environmental research and public health,  2022, vol. 19, no. 13, article no. 7767

Link to the publication

Summary:

Background: Initiatives aimed at assessing and intervening in health literacy have the potential to promote adherence to self-care behaviours, which is the main focus of intervention by rehabilitation nurses. Thus, the objectives were to analyse the level of health literacy of working-age citizens and identify priority areas for intervention by rehabilitation nurses. (2) Methods: Quantitative, correlational and cross-sectional study, conducted in a multinational company, with the participation of 161 workers. The data were collected between 14 April and 7 May 2021, using a self-completion questionnaire composed of sociodemographic and clinical characterization and the European Health Literacy Survey, following a favourable opinion from the Ethics Committee and the company’s management. (3) Results: Overall, low to moderate literacy scores were predominant. Age and education were significantly associated with literacy scores. Workers with higher levels of health literacy had no diagnosed illnesses, took less medication, reported less sadness, fewer memory changes and less muscle and joint pain. (4) Conclusions: The fact that higher levels of health literacy trigger self-care behaviours and, consequently, fewer health problems reinforces the need for rehabilitation nurses to invest in this area.

Social isolation and loneliness among near-centenarians and centenarians :
Scientific paper ArODES
results from the fordham centenarian study

Daniele Zaccaria, Stefano Cavalli, Barbara Masotti, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Armin Von Gunten, Daniela S. Jopp

International Journal of environmental research and public health,  2022, vol. 19, no. 10, article 5940

Link to the publication

Summary:

Social isolation and loneliness have been recognized as problems older people face due to their adverse effects on health and mortality, but very few researchers have analyzed their co-occurrence, which might be particularly prevalent and critical among the very old. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of combinations of social isolation and loneliness among near-centenarians and centenarians. We used data collected from 94 individuals aged 95–107 from the Fordham Centenarian Study. We built a four-group typology and explored associations with individual characteristics in various domains (demographic, socioeconomics, social, health, care, and psychological) with multinomial logistic regression models. Considering their combinations, the most prevalent groups were “isolated and lonely” and “neither isolated nor lonely” (29.8% and 28.7%, respectively). The “lonely but not isolated” (20.2%) and “isolated but not lonely” (21.3%) groups were also notably large. The likelihood of belonging to each group varied according to various individual characteristics, such as education, health, and personality. Social isolation and loneliness are distinct phenomena among centenarians. The consideration of their varied combination can help better assess life conditions at very old ages. Taking into account the differences between groups can facilitate the design of tailored interventions to improve the lives of near-centenarians and centenarians.

Impact of COVID-19 on professional nursing practice environments and patient safety culture
Scientific paper ArODES

Olga Ribeiro, Letícia de Lima Trindade, Cintia Fassarella, Soraia Pereira, Paulo Teles, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Paula Leite, João Miguel Almeida Ventura-Silva, Clemente Neves Sousa

Journal of nursing management,  2022, 30, 5, 1105-1114

Link to the publication

Summary:

Aim : To analyse the impact of COVID-19 on professional nursing practice environments and patient safety culture. Background : The relationship between work environments and patient safety has been internationally recognized. In 2020, the pandemic imposed enormous challenges, yet the impact on these variables remains unknown. Method : This is a quantitative observational study, conducted in a Portuguese hospital, with 403 registered nurses. A self-completion questionnaire was used. Results : The impact on the Structure and Outcome components of nursing professional practice environments was positive. Although the Process component remained favourable to quality of care, a negative trend was confirmed in almost all dimensions. The results regarding safety culture showed weaknesses; ‘teamwork within units’ was the only dimension that maintained a positive culture. Conclusion : Positive responses regarding patient safety were significantly associated with the quality of the nursing professional practice environment. The need to invest in all dimensions of safety culture emerges to promote positive professional environments. Implications for nursing management : Improving professional nursing practice environments can be achieved through managers' investment in the participation and involvement of nurses in the policies and functioning of institutions, as well as promoting an open, fair and participatory safety culture that encourages reporting events and provides adequate support for professionals.

The COVID-19 pandemic and professional nursing practice in the context of hospitals
Scientific paper ArODES

Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes Ribeiro, Letícia de Lima Trindade, André Filipe Morais Pinto Novo, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Clemente Neves Sousa, Paulo João Figueiredo Cabral Teles, Ana Catarina Rodrigues da Silva Reis, Alessandro Rodrigues Perondi, Karen Cristina Kades Andrigue, Soraia Cristina de Abreu Pereira, Paula Cristina da Silva Leite, João Miguel Almeida Ventura-Silva

Healthcare,  2022, vol 10, no. 2, art. 326

Link to the publication

Summary:

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed challenges to health systems and institutions, which had to quickly create conditions to meet the growing health needs of the population. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on professional nursing practice environments and to identify the variables that affected their quality. Quantitative, observational study, conducted in 16 Portuguese hospitals, with 1575 nurses. Data were collected using a questionnaire and participants responded to two different moments in time: the pre-pandemic period and after the fourth critical period of COVID-19. The pandemic had a positive impact on the Structure and Outcome components, and a negative trend in the Process component. The variables associated with the qualification of the components and their dimensions were predominantly: work context, the exercise of functions in areas of assistance to COVID-19 patients, length of professional experience and length of experience in the service. The investment in professional practice environments impacted the improvement of organizational factors, supporting the development of nurses’ work towards the quality of care. However, it is necessary to invest in nurses’ participation, involvement and professional qualifications, which are aspects strongly dependent on the institutions’ management strategies.

Environments of professional nursing practice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Scientific paper ArODES

Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes Ribeiro, Letícia de Lima Trindade, Clemente Neves de Sousa, Paulo João Figueiredo Cabral Teles, Maria Filomena Passos Teixeira Cardoso, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Sónia Cristina Costa Barros, João Miguel Almeida Ventura-Silva

Porto biomedical journal,  2022, vol. 7, no. 1, e170

Link to the publication

Summary:

Background: Although COVID-19 attracted attention to the environments of professional nursing practice, triggering a series of responses to address some of the most pressing problems, it is important to identify the size and scope of other weaknesses that have emerged. Methods: In an observational and cross-sectional study, using the Scale for the Evaluation of the Environment of Professional Nursing Practice, 752 nurses from a Portuguese university hospital, provided socio-demographic and professional data about the components structure, process and outcome of their professional nursing environment. Data collection took place from June 1–30, 2020, immediately after the first critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. Results: In the analysed environment of professional nursing practice, Process factors were favourable to the quality of care, while the Structure and Outcome factors had a moderately favourable effect. Structure factors related to work contexts (P < .001) and nursing functions in patient care areas with COVID-19 (P = .001). Process factors related significantly to work contexts (P < .001). A significant association was found between Outcome factors and work contexts (P < .001) and nursing functions in patient care areas with COVID-19 (P = .005). Conclusion: The environments of professional nursing practice in the hospital under study are moderately favourable to the quality of care. However, the need to invest in nurses’ participation, involvement and professional qualification is clear. Maintenance of a sustainable nursing workforce requires attention to be given to ensuring that practice environments are conducive to the quality of care and geared to promoting professional involvement and job satisfaction among nurses.

Perceptions of burden and preparedness for caregiving among the family caregivers of hospitalised older adults :
Scientific paper ArODES
a cross-sectional study

Carla Gomes da Rocha, Béatrice Perrenoud, Anne-Sylvie Ramelet

Geriatrics,  2022, vol. 7, no. 1, art. 19

Link to the publication

Summary:

Background: Due to the increasing care needs of older adults, family caregivers are more and more solicited. This can have a negative impact on their quality of life related to a lack of preparedness for caregiving and feelings of burden. Objectives: To measure perceptions of burden and preparedness for caregiving among the family caregivers of hospitalised older adults, and to explore their possible associations. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in two university hospital geriatrics wards in Switzerland. Principal family caregivers of hospitalised older adults were invited to complete sociodemographic, the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale questionnaires. Descriptive and correlational data analyses were performed. Results: Of the 38 responding caregivers, 80% provided informal care to their spouse or parent; 45% reported a lack of preparedness to provide care and 61% reported substantial levels of burden. There was no statistically significant correlation between preparedness and burden (ρ ≤ −0.30, p = 0.07). Conclusions: A significant proportion of caregivers reported burden and a lack of preparedness. Healthcare professionals should provide adequate support to help informal caregivers to fulfil their roles.

2021

Why centenarians’ depressive symptoms must become a priority for nurses
Professional paper ArODES

Carla Gomes da Rocha, Armin Von Gunten, Daniela Jopp, Olga Ribeiro, Henk Verloo

Journal of the american medical directors association,  2021, vol. 22, no. 5, pp. 1118-1119

Link to the publication

Why Centenarians’ Depressive Symptoms Must Become a Priority for Nurses
Scientific paper

Gomes Da Rocha Carla, Armin von Gunten, Daniela Jopp, Olga Ribeiro, Verloo Henk

Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 2021

Link to the publication

2020

A comprehensive scoping review protocol of using living labs to explore needs and solutions for older adults with dementia
Scientific paper ArODES

Henk Verloo, Adrien Lorette, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Joëlle Rosselet Amoussou, Estelle Gillès de Pélichy, Alcina Matos Queiros, Montserrat Mendez Rubio, Armin Von Gunten

Smart Homecare Technology and TeleHealth,  2020, vol. 7, pp. 19–27

Link to the publication

Summary:

Background: A significant number of living labs (LLs) have been developed across Europe and beyond. A fraction of those LLs have established a new approach to maintaining and studying the health, autonomy, and well-being of older adults with dementia. LLs interact with a broad set of stakeholders, including students, academic institutions, private companies, healthcare organizations, and patient representative bodies - even with other LLs. It is crucial to identify what kinds of co-creations should be done and how they can be facilitated through LLs. Despite a growing body of literature, a clear overview and understanding of the services, research, and clinical activities developed in different LL settings for older adults with dementia are still lacking. Aim: The aim is to scope publications examining all types of LL activities which explore the needs of and suggest solutions for older adults with dementia, whether they live in the community or long-term healthcare facilities. Methods: The bibliographic databases to be searched will include Embase.com, Medline Ovid SP, Pubmed (not medline[sb]) and Web of Science, without language or date restrictions. We will examine the bibliographies of all relevant articles found, conduct a search for unpublished studies, and perform a handsearch in relevant journals associated with LLs involved in healthcare (Electronic Journal for Virtual Organization and Networks, Technology Innovation Management Review, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management). We will consider publications in English, French, and German. Results: Bibliographic database searches will be completed in March 2020, retrieved articles will be screened, and the entire study is expected to be completed by December 2020. Discussion: This comprehensive scoping review will provide a global indication of the types and extent of LL activities aimed at older adults with dementia, whether they live in the community or in long-term care facilities.

A Comprehensive Scoping Review Protocol of Using Living Labs to Explore Needs and Solutions for Older Adults with Dementia.
Scientific paper

Verloo Henk, Adrien Lorette, Gomes Da Rocha Carla, Joelle Rosselet Amoussou, Estelle Gilles de Pélichy, Alcina Matos Queirós, M M Rubio, Armin von Gunten

Smart Homecare Technology and TeleHealth, 2020 , vol.  7, pp.  1-9

2019

La douleur chez la personne âgée
Professional paper ArODES

Carla Gomes da Rocha

REISO, Revue d'information sociale,  2019, mis en ligne le 12 décembre 2019

Link to the publication

Summary:

Elle est souvent mal évaluée et insuffisamment traitée. La douleur n’est pourtant pas une fatalité de l’âge ! Une évaluation globale et un plan de soins coordonnés par l’infirmière peut améliorer tant l’état de santé que l’autonomie de la personne.

2018

Troubles fonctionnels urinaires chez les seniors : prise en soins
Professional paper

Rachid Akrour, Catherine Courret Gilgen, Gomes Da Rocha Carla, Pierre Olivier Lang, Christophe Nakamura, Annie Savoie

Soins infirmiers, 2018 , no  3, pp.  60-63

2017

Comment optimiser l’utilisation des cathéters urinaires chez les patients âgés hospitalisés
Professional paper

Rachid Akrour, Mirabelle Ishida, Alexandre D C F D Frias-Pinto, Gomes Da Rocha Carla, Christophe Nakamura, Grégoire Mary, Brigitte Schurch, Pierre Olivier Lang

mt, 2017 , vol.  23, no  2, pp.  105-114

Link to the publication

Maintenir l’indépendance fonctionnelle
Professional paper

Christophe Nakamura, Gomes Da Rocha Carla, Rachid Akrour, Annie Savoie, Pierre Olivier Lang, Françoise Ninane

Soins infirmiers, 2017 , no  11, pp.  58-61

2023

Depressive symptoms in centenarians during the covid-19 panademic :
Conference ArODES
findings from the swiss100 study

Carla Gomes da Rocha, Armin Von Gunten, Justine Falciola, Kim Uittenhove, Stefano Cavalli, Francois Herrmann, Daniela Jopp

Innovation in Aging

Link to the conference

Summary:

Depressive symptoms (DS) are prevalent among older adults (WHO, 2021). However, data on DS appear to be scarce in centenarians. In addition, DS may have been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in centenarians who may have been more susceptible to the negative consequences of pandemic restrictions. Thus, as part of the SWISS100 study (Jopp et al., 2023), we measured DS in centenarians living in Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Randomly selected centenarians from across the country and their proxies were invited to participate in a telephone interview between December 2020 and June 2022. The study sample was composed of 171 centenarians, with a mean age of 101.8 (SD=1.7) years; 128 (74.9%) participants were female and 63 (36.8%) lived at home. DS were assessed via five selected items of the Geriatric Depression Scale (Sheikh and Yesavage,1986). The mean DS score was 1.6 (SD=1.6). Considering a cut-off ≥2 (Brañez-Condorena et al., 2021), 75 (43.9%) centenarians were screened positive for possible depression. Further analysis indicated that women had a higher level of DS, and that nursing home residents were more depressed than community-dwelling centenarians. Thus, our study suggests that almost half of the centenarians may have presented with relevant DS during the pandemic in Switzerland, which is notably higher than in other studies. DS in centenarians should be screened systematically, not less so in the context of a health crisis. Depressive symptomatology in the very old is highly relevant for successful professional care and needs further investigation to develop best practice.

2021

Centenarians’ experience of the COVID pandemic in Switzerland
Conference ArODES

Daniela Jopp, Stefano Cavalli, Armin Von Gunten, François Herrmann, Carla Gomes da Rocha, Garnelle Ziade, Kim Uittenhove

Innovation in aging

Link to the conference

Summary:

Being considered as individuals with elevated risk of severe health reactions to the COVID19 infections, governments around the world have put in place wide-ranging measures to protect very old individuals from the virus. In the present study, we investigated centenarians’ experience of the COVID19 pandemic, to reach a better understanding of their vulnerability and resilience. As part of the SWISS100 study, we conducted telephone interviews with 30 centenarians and 40 family members. While almost all centenarians felt not, qualitative data suggested the existence of two groups: One included centenarians lived rather withdrawn and isolated before the crisis and therefore did not experience major changes. The other group included centenarians who suffered substantially from no longer being able to see family and friends and missed valued activities. Family members reported challenges, including centenarians’ decline in mental and physical health. Findings highlight the importance of different vulnerability profiles and lock-down side effects.

Achievements

2021

1er prix: "La relation entre la symptomatologie dépressive et l’état fonctionnel chez les centenaires : un projet d’étude longitudinale"

 2021 ; Poster

Collaborateurs: Gomes Da Rocha Carla

Link to the achievement

1er prix Poster dans la catégorie "Psychiatrie de la Personne Âgée" lors du Congrès Français de Psychiatrie (CFP) 2021 qui a eu lieu du 1 au 4 décembre à Montpellier, France. Ce prix a été attribué par l'Association Monégasque pour la Recherche sur la Maladie d'Alzheimer (AMPA).

Co-auteurs: Prof. Henk Verloo (HES-SO Valais-Wallis); Prof. Armin von Gunten (CHUV / Unil); Prof. Daniella Jopp (Unil; LIVES); Prof. Stefano Cavalli (SUPSI) et Prof. Olga Ribeiro (ESEP).

2018

1er prix: "L’expertise gériatrique au service des patients et des soignants"

 2018 ; Poster

Collaborateurs: Gomes Da Rocha Carla

Link to the achievement

1er prix dans la catégorie "Soins" au 11è Congrès International Francophone de Gérontologie et Gériatrie (CIFFGG) qui a eu lieu du 13 au 15 juin 2018 à Montreux, Suisse.

Co-auteurs: Christophe Nakamura (CHUV) et Rachid Akrour (CHUV)

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