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Hickman SE, Torke AM, Sachs GA, Sudore RL, Tang Q, Bakoyannis G, Heim Smith N, Myers AL, Hammes BJ. Factors associated with concordance between POLST orders and current treatment preferences. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:1865-1876. [PMID: 33760241 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND POLST is widely used to document the treatment preferences of nursing facility residents as orders, but it is unknown how well previously completed POLST orders reflect current preferences (concordance) and what factors are associated with concordance. OBJECTIVES To describe POLST preference concordance and identify factors associated with concordance. DESIGN Chart reviews to document existing POLST orders and interviews to elicit current treatment preferences. SETTING POLST-using nursing facilities (n = 29) in Indiana. PARTICIPANTS Nursing facility residents (n = 123) and surrogates of residents without decisional capacity (n = 152). MEASUREMENTS Concordance was determined by comparing existing POLST orders for resuscitation, medical interventions, and artificial nutrition with current treatment preferences. Comfort-focused POLSTs contained orders for do not resuscitate, comfort measures, and no artificial nutrition. RESULTS Overall, 55.7% (123/221) of residents and 44.7% (152/340) of surrogates participated (total n = 275). POLST concordance was 44%, but concordance was higher for comfort-focused POLSTs (68%) than for non-comfort-focused POLSTs (27%) (p < 0.001). In the unadjusted analysis, increasing resident age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07, p < 0.01), better cognitive functioning (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.13, p < 0.01), surrogate as the decision-maker (OR 2.87, OR 1.73-4.75, p < 0.001), and comfort-focused POLSTs (OR 6.01, 95% CI 3.29-11.00, p < 0.01) were associated with concordance. In the adjusted multivariable model, only having an existing comfort-focused POLST was associated with higher odds of POLST concordance (OR 5.28, 95% CI 2.59-10.73, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Less than half of all POLST forms were concordant with current preferences, but POLST was over five times as likely to be concordant when orders reflected preferences for comfort-focused care. Findings suggest a clear need to improve the quality of POLST use in nursing facilities and focus its use among residents with stable, comfort-focused preferences.
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Hickman SE, Torke AM, Sachs GA, Sudore RL, Tang Q, Bakoyannis G, Smith NH, Myers AL, Hammes BJ. Do Life-sustaining Treatment Orders Match Patient and Surrogate Preferences? The Role of POLST. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:413-421. [PMID: 33111241 PMCID: PMC7878602 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06292-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is essential to high-quality medical care that life-sustaining treatment orders match the current, values-based preferences of patients or their surrogate decision-makers. It is unknown whether concordance between orders and current preferences is higher when a POLST form is used compared to standard documentation practices. OBJECTIVE To assess concordance between existing orders and current preferences for nursing facility residents with and without POLST forms. DESIGN Chart review and interviews. SETTING Forty Indiana nursing facilities (29 where POLST is used and 11 where POLST is not in use). PARTICIPANTS One hundred sixty-one residents able to provide consent and 197 surrogate decision-makers of incapacitated residents with and without POLST forms. MAIN MEASUREMENTS Concordance was measured by comparing life-sustaining treatment orders in the medical record (e.g., orders about resuscitation, intubation, and hospitalization) with current preferences. Concordance was analyzed using population-averaged binary logistic regression. Inverse probability weighting techniques were used to account for non-response. We hypothesized that concordance would be higher in residents with POLST (n = 275) in comparison to residents without POLST (n = 83). KEY RESULTS Concordance was higher for residents with POLST than without POLST (59.3% versus 34.9%). In a model adjusted for resident, surrogate, and facility characteristics, the odds were 3.05 times higher that residents with POLST had orders for life-sustaining treatment match current preferences in comparison to residents without POLST (OR 3.05 95% CI 1.67-5.58, p < 0.001). No other variables were significantly associated with concordance. CONCLUSIONS Nursing facility residents with POLST are significantly more likely than residents without POLST to have concordance between orders in their medical records and current preferences for life-sustaining treatments, increasing the likelihood that their treatment preferences will be known and honored. However, findings indicate further systems change and clinical training are needed to improve POLST concordance.
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Hathaway EE, Carnahan JL, Unroe KT, Stump TE, Phillips EO, Hickman SE, Fowler NR, Sachs GA, Bateman DR. Nursing Home Transfers for Behavioral Concerns: Findings from the OPTIMISTIC Demonstration Project. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:415-423. [PMID: 33216954 PMCID: PMC10602584 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize pretransfer on-site nursing home (NH) management, transfer disposition, and hospital discharge diagnoses of long-stay residents transferred for behavioral concerns. DESIGN This was a secondary data analysis of the Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care project, in which clinical staff employed in the NH setting conducted medical, transitional, and palliative care quality improvement initiatives and gathered data related to resident transfers to the emergency department/hospital setting. R software and Microsoft Excel were used to characterize a subset of transfers prompted by behavioral concerns. SETTING NHs in central Indiana were utilized (N = 19). PARTICIPANTS This study included long-stay NH residents with behavioral concerns prompting transfer for acute emergency department/hospital evaluation (N = 355 transfers). MEASUREMENTS The measures used in this study were symptoms prompting transfer, resident demographics and baseline characteristics (Minimum Data Set 3.0 variables including scores for the Cognitive Function Scale, ADL Functional Status, behavioral symptoms directed toward others, and preexisting psychiatric diagnoses), on-site management (e.g., medical evaluation in person or by phone, testing, and interventions), avoidability rating, transfer disposition (inpatient vs emergency department only), and hospital discharge diagnoses. RESULTS Over half of the transfers, 56%, had a medical evaluation before transfer, and diagnostic testing was conducted before 31% of transfers. After transfer, 80% were admitted. The most common hospital discharge diagnoses were dementia-related behaviors (27%) and altered mental status (27%), followed by a number of medical diagnoses. CONCLUSION Most transfers for behavioral concerns merited hospital admission, and medical discharge diagnoses were common. There remain significant opportunities to improve pretransfer management of NH transfers for behavioral concerns.
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Hofschulte-Beck SL, Hickman SE, Blackburn JL, Mack LM, Unroe KT. Attitudes and Experiences of Frontline Nursing Home Staff Toward Coronavirus Testing. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:215-217. [PMID: 33253637 PMCID: PMC7643623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Montgomery C, Hickman SE, Wilkins C, Fromme EK, Anderson S. Montgomery et al's Response to Morrison: Advance Directives/Care Planning: Clear, Simple, and Wrong (DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0272). J Palliat Med 2020; 24:12-13. [PMID: 32881594 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Unroe KT, Caterino JM, Stump TE, Tu W, Carnahan JL, Vest JR, Sachs GA, Hickman SE. Long‐Stay Nursing Facility Resident Transfers: Who Gets Admitted to the Hospital? J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 68:2082-2089. [DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Comer AR, Hickman SE, Slaven JE, Monahan PO, Sachs GA, Wocial LD, Burke ES, Torke AM. Assessment of Discordance Between Surrogate Care Goals and Medical Treatment Provided to Older Adults With Serious Illness. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e205179. [PMID: 32427322 PMCID: PMC7237962 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.5179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE An important aspect of high-quality care is ensuring that treatments are in alignment with patient or surrogate decision-maker goals. Treatment discordant with patient goals has been shown to increase medical costs and prolong end-of-life difficulties. OBJECTIVES To evaluate discordance between surrogate decision-maker goals of care and medical orders and treatments provided to hospitalized, incapacitated older patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective cohort study included 363 patient-surrogate dyads. Patients were 65 years or older and faced at least 1 major medical decision in the medical and medical intensive care unit services in 3 tertiary care hospitals in an urban Midwestern area. Data were collected from April 27, 2012, through July 10, 2015, and analyzed from October 5, 2018, to December 5, 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Each surrogate's preferred goal of care was determined via interview during initial hospitalization and 6 to 8 weeks after discharge. Surrogates were asked to select the goal of care for the patient from 3 options: comfort-focused care, life-sustaining treatment, or an intermediate option. To assess discordance, the preferred goal of care as determined by the surrogate was compared with data from medical record review outlining the medical treatment received during the target hospitalization. RESULTS A total of 363 dyads consisting of patients (223 women [61.4%]; mean [SD] age, 81.8 [8.3] years) and their surrogates (257 women [70.8%]; mean [SD] age, 58.3 [11.2] years) were included in the analysis. One hundred sixty-nine patients (46.6%) received at least 1 medical treatment discordant from their surrogate's identified goals of care. The most common type of discordance involved full-code orders for patients with a goal of comfort (n = 41) or an intermediate option (n = 93). More frequent in-person contact between surrogate and patient (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23-0.82), patient residence in an institution (AOR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23-0.82), and surrogate-rated quality of communication (AOR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99) were associated with lower discordance. Surrogate marital status (AOR for single vs married, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.01-3.66), number of family members involved in decisions (AOR for ≥2 vs 0-1, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.05-3.21), and religious affiliation (AOR for none vs any, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.12-21.09) were associated with higher discordance. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that discordance between surrogate goals of care and medical treatments for hospitalized, incapacitated patients was common. Communication quality is a modifiable factor associated with discordance that may be an avenue for future interventions.
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Wocial LD, Slaven JE, Montz K, Monahan PO, Hickman SE, Callahan CM, Helft PR, Sachs GA, Inger L, Burke ES, Torke AM. Factors Associated with Physician Moral Distress Caring for Hospitalized Elderly Patients Needing a Surrogate Decision-maker: a Prospective Study. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:1405-1412. [PMID: 32096085 PMCID: PMC7210358 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-05652-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When working with surrogate decision-makers, physicians often encounter ethical challenges that may cause moral distress which can have negative consequences for physicians. OBJECTIVE To determine frequency of and factors associated with physicians' moral distress caring for patients requiring a surrogate. DESIGN Prospective survey. PARTICIPANTS Physicians (n = 154) caring for patients aged 65 years and older and their surrogate decision-makers (n = 362 patient/surrogate dyads). Patients were admitted to medicine or medical intensive care services, lacked decisional capacity and had an identified surrogate. MAIN MEASURES Moral distress thermometer. KEY RESULTS Physicians experienced moral distress in the care of 152 of 362 patients (42.0%). In analyses adjusted for physician, patient, and surrogate characteristics, physician/surrogate discordance in preferences for the plan of care was not significantly associated with moral distress. Physicians were more likely to experience moral distress when caring for older patients (1.06, 1.02-1.10), and facing a decision about life-sustaining treatment (3.58, 1.54-8.32). Physicians were less likely to experience moral distress when caring for patients residing in a nursing home (0.40, 0.23-0.69), patients who previously discussed care preferences (0.56, 0.35-0.90), and higher surrogate ratings of emotional support from clinicians (0.94, 0.89-0.99). Physicians' internal discordance when they prefer a more comfort-focused plan than the patient is receiving was associated with significantly higher moral distress (2.22, 1.33-3.70) after adjusting for patient, surrogate, and physician characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Physician moral distress occurs more frequently when the physician is male, the patient is older or requires decisions about life-sustaining treatments. These findings may help target interventions to support physicians. Prior discussions about patient wishes is associated with lower distress and may be a target for patient-centered interventions.
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Blackburn J, Stump TE, Carnahan JL, Hickman SE, Tu W, Fowler NR, Unroe KT. Reducing the Risk of Hospitalization for Nursing Home Residents: Effects and Facility Variation From OPTIMISTIC. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 21:545-549.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Daddato AE, Griff M, Shanbhag P, Hickman SE, Lum HD. Appropriate Use of Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment in the Outpatient Setting. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:449-450. [PMID: 32216694 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Unroe KT, O'Kelly Phillips E, Effler S, Ersek MT, Hickman SE. Comfort Measures Orders and Hospital Transfers: Insights From the OPTIMISTIC Demonstration Project. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 58:559-566. [PMID: 31233842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nursing facility residents and their families may identify "comfort measures" as their overall goal of care, yet some hospital transfers still occur. OBJECTIVES Describe nursing facility residents with comfort measures and their hospital transfers. METHODS Mixed methods, including root cause analyses of transfers by registered nurses and interviews with a subset of health care providers and family members involved in transfers. Participants were residents in 19 central Indiana facilities with comfort measures orders who experienced unplanned transfers to the hospital between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. Project demographic and clinical characteristics of the residents were obtained from the Minimum Data Set 3.0. Interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved in transfer decisions. Participants were prompted to reflect on reasons for the transfer and outcomes. Interviews were transcribed and coded using qualitative descriptive methods. RESULTS Residents with comfort measures orders (n = 177) experienced 204 transfers. Most events were assessed as unavoidable (77%). Communication among staff, or between staff and the resident/family, primary care provider, or hospital was the most frequently noted area needing improvement (59.5%). In interviews, participants (n = 11) highlighted multiple issues, including judgments about whether decisions were "good" or "bad," and factors that were important to decision-making, including communication, nursing facility capabilities, clinical situation, and goals of care. CONCLUSION Most transfers of residents with comfort measures orders were considered unavoidable. Nonetheless, we identified several opportunities for improving care processes, including communication and addressing acute changes in status.
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Hickman SE, Vandenbroucke A, Carney J, Sandler V, Lum HD, Hammes BJ. Artificial Nutrition Belongs on POLST. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 67:1985-1987. [PMID: 31412136 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Crane S, Haase JE, Hickman SE. Well-Being of Child and Family Participants in Phase 1 Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trials. Oncol Nurs Forum 2019; 45:E67-E97. [PMID: 30118445 DOI: 10.1188/18.onf.e67-e97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION Pediatric oncology phase 1 clinical trials (P1Ts) are essential to developing new anticancer therapies; however, they raise complex ethical concerns about balancing the need for this research with the well-being of participating children. The purpose of this integrative review was to synthesize and appraise the evidence of how P1T participation, which begins with consent and ends with the transition off the P1T, can affect the well-being (either positively or negatively) of children with cancer. The Resilience in Individuals and Families Affected by Cancer Framework, which has an outcome of well-being, was used to synthesize findings. LITERATURE SEARCH Articles on the experiences of child (n = 21) and adult (n = 31) P1T participants were identified through systematic searches. DATA EVALUATION Articles were evaluated on rigor and relevance to P1T participant experiences as high, medium, or low. SYNTHESIS Minimal empirical evidence was found regarding the effect of P1T participation on the well-being of children with cancer. Adult P1T participant experiences provide insights that could also be important to children's P1T experiences. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE To achieve a balanced approach in P1T consent discussions, nurses and healthcare providers who work with children considering participation in a P1T should share the potential effect of participation on participants' well-being.
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Hickman SE, Torke AM, Sachs GA, Sudore RL, Myers AL, Tang Q, Bakoyannis G, Hammes BJ. A Tool to Assess Patient and Surrogate Knowledge About the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Program. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:1143-1150.e5. [PMID: 30853552 PMCID: PMC6857935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT It is especially important that patients are well informed when making high-stakes, preference-sensitive decisions like those on the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form. However, there is currently no way to easily evaluate whether patients understand key concepts when making these important decisions. OBJECTIVES To develop a POLST knowledge survey. METHODS Expert (n = 62) ratings of key POLST facts were used to select items for a POLST knowledge survey. The survey was administered to nursing facility residents (n = 97) and surrogate decision-makers (n = 112). A subset (n = 135) were re-administered the survey after a standardized advance care planning discussion to assess the scale's responsiveness to change. RESULTS The 19-item survey demonstrated adequate reliability (α = 0.72.). Residents' scores (x = 11.4, standard deviation 3.3) were significantly lower than surrogate scores (x = 14.7, standard deviation 2.5) (P < 0.001). Scores for both groups increased significantly after administration of a standardized advance care planning discussion (P < 0.001). Although being a surrogate, age, race, education, cognitive functioning, and health literacy were significantly associated with higher POLST Knowledge Survey scores in univariate analyses, only being a surrogate (P < 0.001) and being white (P = 0.028) remained significantly associated with higher scores in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION The 19-item POLST Knowledge Survey demonstrated adequate reliability and responsiveness to change. Findings suggest the survey could be used to identify knowledge deficits and provide targeted education to ensure adequate understanding of key clinical decisions when completing POLST.
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Kim H, Bradway C, Hickman SE, Ersek M. Exploring provider-surrogate communication during POLST discussions for individuals with advanced dementia. Aging Ment Health 2019; 23:781-791. [PMID: 29608338 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2018.1452899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This qualitative descriptive study explored provider-surrogate communication during Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) discussions for patients with advanced dementia. METHODS Data from participant observations and audio-recordings of ten POLST discussions were analyzed using directed content analysis within the context of an existing conceptual model of Communication and Surrogate Decision Making. RESULTS Surrogates primarily focused on making sense of the clinical information about life-sustaining treatments during POLST conversations. Providers delivered clinical information about the trajectory of dementia, life-sustaining treatments, and/or features of POLST. They also demonstrated emotional support, by valuing what the surrogate said, acknowledging the surrogate's emotions, listening carefully, understanding the patient as a person, and eliciting questions. However, providers rarely conveyed comprehensive information about the patient's current condition and end-of-life treatment options. Also, open communication of expectations and preferred decision-making roles was rarely observed during the discussions. CONCLUSION Findings highlight areas that require providers' attention to conduct effective communication, such as delivering comprehensive information about life-sustaining treatments including discussion of risks and benefits in the context of dementia. Findings also support the use of the conceptual model as a framework to examine provider-surrogate communication in the context of POLST discussions, advanced dementia, and non-hospital settings. Additional research is necessary to confirm these findings in larger, more diverse groups of patients, surrogates, and providers.
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Hickman SE, Unroe KT, Ersek M, Stump TE, Tu W, Ott M, Sachs GA. Systematic Advance Care Planning and Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations of Nursing Facility Residents. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 67:1649-1655. [DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hickman SE, Tilden VP, Tolle SW. Family Perceptions of Worry, Symptoms, and Suffering in the Dying. J Palliat Care 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/082585970402000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Ersek M, Hickman SE, Thomas AC, Bernard B, Unroe KT. Stakeholder Perspectives on the Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, and Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care (OPTIMISTIC) Project. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2019; 58:1177-1187. [PMID: 29045609 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnx155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives The need to reduce burdensome and costly hospitalizations of frail nursing home residents is well documented. The Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, and Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care (OPTIMISTIC) project achieved this reduction through a multicomponent collaborative care model. We conducted an implementation-focused project evaluation to describe stakeholders' perspectives on (a) the most and least effective components of the intervention; (b) barriers to implementation; and (c) program features that promoted its adoption. Research Design and Methods Nineteen nursing homes participated in OPTIMISTIC. We conducted semistructured, qualitative interviews with 63 stakeholders: 23 nursing home staff and leaders, 4 primary care providers, 10 family members, and 26 OPTIMISTIC clinical staff. We used directed content analysis to analyze the data. Results We found universal endorsement of the value of in-depth advance care planning (ACP) discussions in reducing hospitalizations and improving care. Similarly, all stakeholder groups emphasized that nursing home access to specially trained, project registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) with time to focus on ACP, comprehensive resident assessment, and staff education was particularly valuable in identifying residents' goals for care. Challenges to implementation included inadequately trained facility staff and resistance to changing practice. In addition, the program sometimes failed to communicate its goals and activities clearly, leaving facilities uncertain about the OPTIMISTIC clinical staff's roles in the facilities. Discussion and Implications These findings are important for dissemination efforts related to the OPTIMISTIC care model and may be applicable to other innovations in nursing homes.
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Crane S, Haase JE, Hickman SE. Parental Experiences of Child Participation in a Phase I Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trial: "We Don't Have Time to Waste". QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:632-644. [PMID: 29642777 PMCID: PMC6167192 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318766513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Children with cancer are only eligible for phase I clinical trials (P1Ts) when no known curative therapy remains. However, the primary aims of P1Ts are not focused on directly benefiting participants. This raises ethical concerns that can be best evaluated by exploring the experiences of participants. An empirical phenomenology study, using an adapted Colaizzi method, was conducted of 11 parents' lived experiences of their child's participation in a pediatric oncology P1T. Study findings were that parents' experiences reflected what it meant to have a child fighting to survive high-risk cancer. Although elements specific to P1T participation were identified, more pervasive was parents' sense of running out of time to find an effective treatment and needing to use time they had with their child well. Even though some problems were identified, overall parents did not regret their child's P1T participation and would recommend P1Ts to other parents of children with cancer.
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Torke AM, Hickman SE, Hammes B, Counsell SR, Inger L, Slaven JE, Butler D. POLST Facilitation in Complex Care Management: A Feasibility Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2018; 36:5-12. [PMID: 30153739 DOI: 10.1177/1049909118797077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is an advance care planning tool designed for seriously ill patients. The discussions needed for high-quality POLST decision-making are time intensive and often do not occur in the outpatient setting. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a single-arm feasibility study of POLST facilitation by nonphysicians using Respecting Choices Last Steps, a standardized, structured approach to facilitation of POLST conversations. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older enrolled in a complex care management program in a Midwestern urban hospital. MEASUREMENTS: We assessed the feasibility and acceptability by determining the proportion of eligible patients who enrolled and completed the study, by adherence to the Respecting Choices protocol, and by responses to qualitative and quantitative survey items about the intervention. RESULTS: We enrolled 18 (58.1%) of 31 eligible patients, with a mean age of 77.8 years (standard deviation: 6.95); 12 were African American. The POLST facilitation was delivered to all 18; 10 (55.6%) completed POLST forms. Direct observation of intervention delivery using a checklist found 85% of the required elements were performed by facilitators. We completed 6- to 8-week follow-up interviews in 16 of 18 patients (88.9%). We found 87.5% of decision makers agreed or strongly agreed that "Talking about the (POLST) form helped me think about what I really want." CONCLUSIONS: The POLST facilitation can be successfully delivered to frail older adults in a complex care management setting, with high fidelity to protocol. Further research is needed to demonstrate the effects of this approach on decision quality and other patient-reported outcomes.
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Unroe KT, Fowler NR, Carnahan JL, Holtz LR, Hickman SE, Effler S, Evans R, Frank KI, Ott ML, Sachs G. Improving Nursing Facility Care Through an Innovative Payment Demonstration Project: Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, and Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care Phase 2. J Am Geriatr Soc 2018; 66:1625-1631. [PMID: 30019762 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, and Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care (OPTIMISTIC) is a 2-phase Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovations demonstration project now testing a novel Medicare Part B payment model for nursing facilities and practitioners in 40 Indiana nursing facilities. The new payment codes are intended to promote high-quality care in place for acutely ill long-stay residents. The focus of the initiative is to reduce hospitalizations through the diagnosis and on-site management of 6 common acute clinical conditions (linked to a majority of potentially avoidable hospitalizations of nursing facility residents): pneumonia, urinary tract infection, skin infection, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, and dehydration. This article describes the OPTIMISTIC Phase 2 model design, nursing facility and practitioner recruitment and training, and early experiences implementing new Medicare payment codes for nursing facilities and practitioners. Lessons learned from the OPTIMISTIC experience may be useful to others engaged in multicomponent quality improvement initiatives.
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Unroe KT, Hickman SE, Carnahan JL, Hass Z, Sachs G, Arling G. Investigating the Avoidability of Hospitalizations of Long Stay Nursing Home Residents: Opportunities for Improvement. Innov Aging 2018; 2:igy017. [PMID: 30480137 PMCID: PMC6234922 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives To examine the relationship between hospital diagnoses associated with hospital transfers of long stay nursing home residents, ratings of avoidability of transfer, and RN-identified quality improvement opportunities. Research Design and Methods Prospective clinical demonstration project, named OPTIMISTIC, with trained RNs embedded in nursing homes that performed root cause analyses for 1,931 transfers to the hospital between November 2014 and July 2016. OPTIMISTIC RNs also rated whether transfers were avoidable, identified quality improvement opportunities, and recorded hospital diagnoses. Resident characteristics were obtained from Minimum Data Set assessments. Relationships between six hospital diagnoses commonly considered “potentially avoidable” and OPTIMISTIC RN root cause analysis findings were examined. Facilities were participating in the OPTIMISTIC demonstration project designed to reduce hospital transfers during the study period. Results Twenty-five percent of acute transfers associated with six common diagnoses were considered definitely or probably avoidable by project RNs versus 22% of transfers associated with other diagnoses. The most common quality improvement opportunity identified for transfers rated as avoidable was that the condition could have been managed safely if appropriate resources were available, a factor cited in 45% of transfers associated with any of the six diagnoses. Problems with communication among stakeholders were the most commonly noted area for improvement (48%) for transfers associated with other diagnoses. Many other areas for quality improvement were noted, including earlier detection of change in status and the need for understanding patient preferences or a palliative care plan. Discussion and Implications Although some nursing home transfers may later be deemed potentially avoidable based on post-transfer hospital diagnosis from Medicare claims data, OPTIMISTIC nurses caring for these residents at time of transfer categorized the majority of these transfers as unavoidable irrespective of the hospital diagnosis. Multiple quality improvement opportunities were identified associated with these hospital transfers, whether the transfer was considered potentially avoidable or unavoidable.
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Hickman SE, Critser R. National Standards and State Variation in Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Forms. J Palliat Med 2018; 21:978-986. [PMID: 29624461 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Paradigm is used across the country to document the treatment preferences of seriously ill or frail patients as medical orders. The National POLST Paradigm Task Force maintains consensus-based standards for POLST programs and uses these to determine whether a state POLST program is developing, endorsed, or mature. OBJECTIVES To evaluate state program form adherence to national standards. DESIGN Document review. MEASUREMENTS Forms from endorsed/mature (n = 21) and developing (n = 23) states were compared with national standards to assess adherence to required and optional form elements. RESULTS Required elements were present on 84% of endorsed/mature state POLST forms and 73% of the developing state POLST forms. Compliance with required elements in endorsed states ranged from 50% to 100%. Three endorsed/mature states (14%) had forms that met all of the required elements fully and 14 (67%) had forms that met the all of the elements fully or partially. CONCLUSIONS There is variability in adherence to required and optional standards as well as challenges in interpreting and applying existing standards. Although there may be legal and logistical barriers to the existence of a national POLST form, standardization remains an important goal to support patient-centered care.
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Hickman SE, Sudore RL, Sachs GA, Torke AM, Myers AL, Tang Q, Bakoyannis G, Hammes BJ. Use of the Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment Program in Indiana Nursing Homes. J Am Geriatr Soc 2018; 66:1096-1100. [PMID: 29566429 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the use of the Indiana Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) form to record nursing home (NH) resident treatment preferences and associated practices. DESIGN Survey. SETTING Indiana NHs. PARTICIPANTS Staff responsible for advance care planning in 535 NHs. MEASUREMENTS Survey about use of the Indiana POST, related policies, and educational activities. METHODS NHs were contacted by telephone or email. Nonresponders were sent a brief postcard survey. RESULTS Ninety-one percent (n=486) of Indiana NHs participated, and 79% had experience with POST. Of the 65% of NHs that complete POST with residents, 46% reported that half or more residents had a POST form. POST was most often completed at the time of admission (68%). Only 52% of participants were aware of an existing facility policy regarding use of POST; 80% reported general staff education on POST. In the 172 NHs not using POST, reasons for not using it included unfamiliarity with the tool (23%) and lack of facility policies (21%). CONCLUSION Almost 3 years after a grassroots campaign to introduce the voluntary Indiana POST program, a majority of NHs were using POST to support resident care. Areas for improvement include creating policies on POST for all NHs, training staff on POST conversations, and considering processes that may enhance the POST conversation, such as finding an optimal time to engage in conversations about treatment preferences other than a potentially rushed admission process.
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Unroe KT, Carnahan JL, Hickman SE, Sachs GA, Hass Z, Arling G. The Complexity of Determining Whether a Nursing Home Transfer Is Avoidable at Time of Transfer. J Am Geriatr Soc 2018; 66:895-901. [PMID: 29437221 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the relationship between nursing facility resident risk conditions and signs and symptoms at time of acute transfer and diagnosis of conditions associated with potentially avoidable acute transfers (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, dehydration, pressure sores). DESIGN As part of a demonstration project to reduce potentially avoidable hospital transfers, Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care (OPTIMISTIC) project clinical staff collected data on residents who transferred to the emergency department (ED) or hospital. Cross-tabulations were used to identify associations between risk conditions or symptoms and hospital diagnoses or death. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to describe the significance of risk conditions, signs, or symptoms as predictors of potentially avoidable hospital diagnoses or death. SETTING Indiana nursing facilities (N=19). PARTICIPANTS Long-stay nursing facility residents (N=1,174), who experienced 1,931 acute transfers from November 2014 to July 2016. MEASUREMENTS Participant symptoms, transfers, risk factors, and hospital diagnoses. RESULTS We found that 44% of acute transfers were associated with 1 of 6 potentially avoidable diagnoses. Symptoms before transfer did not discriminate well among hospital diagnoses. Symptoms mapped into multiple diagnoses and most hospital diagnoses had multiple associated symptoms. For example, more than two-thirds of acute transfers of residents with a history of CHF and COPD were for reasons other than exacerbations of those two conditions. CONCLUSION Although it is widely recognized that many transfers of nursing facility residents are potentially avoidable, determining "avoidability" at time of transfer is complex. Symptoms and risk conditions were only weakly predictive of hospital diagnoses.
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