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Harhara T, Buhumaid R, Oyoun Alsoud L, Ibrahim H. Palliative care education: a nationwide qualitative study of emergency medicine residency program directors in the United Arab Emirates. Int J Emerg Med 2024; 17:69. [PMID: 38783214 PMCID: PMC11119274 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-024-00643-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency medicine (EM) physicians routinely care for patients with serious life-limiting illnesses. Educating EM residents to have general skills and competencies in palliative medicine is a global priority. The purpose of this study was to describe the current status of palliative and end-of-life education in EM residency programs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to identify barriers and opportunities to inculcating palliative care (PC) instruction into EM training in a non-Western setting. METHODS Using the American College of Emergency Medicine's milestones for Hospice and Palliative Medicine for Emergency Medicine as a question guide, semi-structured interviews were conducted with program directors of all 7 EM residency programs in the UAE from January through July 2023. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes. RESULTS All program directors agreed that PC knowledge and skills are essential components of training for EM residents but have had variable success in implementing a structured PC curriculum. Six themes emerged, namely the educational curriculum, PC policies and practices, comprehensive PC services, cultural and religious barriers to PC, EM scope of practice, and supporting residents after patient death. CONCLUSION UAE national EM residency curriculum development is evolving with an emphasis on developing a structured PC curriculum. As EM residencies implement policies and programs to improve care for patients and families dealing with serious illness, future studies are needed to assess the impact of these initiatives on patient quality of life and physician well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thana Harhara
- Department of Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rasha Buhumaid
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leen Oyoun Alsoud
- Department of Medical Sciences, Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Halah Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Sciences, Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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2
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Goett R, Lyou J, Willoughby LR, Markwalter DW, Gorgas DL, Southerland LT. Integrating Hospice and Palliative Medicine Education Within the American Board of Emergency Medicine Model. West J Emerg Med 2024; 25:213-220. [PMID: 38596921 PMCID: PMC11000566 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.18448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) is a board-certified subspecialty within emergency medicine (EM), but prior studies have shown that EM residents do not receive sufficient training in HPM. Experts in HPM-EM created a consensus list of competencies for HPM training in EM residency. We evaluated how the HPM competencies integrate within the American Board of Emergency Medicine Milestones, which include the Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine (EM Model) and the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) list. Methods Three emergency physicians independently mapped the HPM-EM competencies onto the 2019 EM Model items and the 2021 KSAs. Discrepancies were resolved by a fourth independent reviewer, and the final mapping was reviewed by all team members. Results The EM Model included 78% (18/23) of the HPM competencies as a direct match, and we identified recommended areas for incorporating the other five. The KSAs included 43% (10/23). Most HPM competencies included in the KSAs mapped onto at least one level B (minimal necessary for competency) KSA. Three HPM competencies were not clearly included in the EM Model or in the KSAs (treating end-of-life symptoms, caring for the imminently dying, and caring for patients under hospice care). Conclusion The majority of HPM-EM competencies are included in the current EM Model and KSAs and correspond to knowledge needed to be competent in EM. Programs relying on the EM Milestones to plan their curriculums may miss training in symptom management and care for patients at the end of life or who are on hospice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Goett
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Department of Emergency Medicine, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Jason Lyou
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lauren R. Willoughby
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Daniel W. Markwalter
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, UNC Palliative Care Program, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Diane L. Gorgas
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lauren T. Southerland
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
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3
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Breyre AM, Wang DH, Brooten JK, Colwell CB, Hanson KC, Taigman M, Lyng JW. EMS Care of Adult Hospice Patients- a Position Statement and Resource Document of NAEMSP and AAHPM. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2023; 27:560-565. [PMID: 36961936 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2023.2193978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Emergency medical services (EMS) systems are designed to provide care in the field and while transporting patients to a hospital; however, patients enrolled in hospice may not want invasive therapies nor benefit from hospitalization. For many reasons, encounters with hospice patients can be challenging for EMS systems, EMS clinicians, hospice clinicians, hospice patients, and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia M Breyre
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David H Wang
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Scripps Health, San Diego, California
| | - Justin K Brooten
- Department of Emergency Medicine & Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Christopher B Colwell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco Zuckerburg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Kenneth C Hanson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Central Michigan University College of Medicine-East Campus, Saginaw, Michigan
| | | | - John W Lyng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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4
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Pennarola A, Yoshioka T, Shah D, Larson S. Primary Palliative Care Education for Graduate Medical Trainees: Impacts and Needs. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:387-395. [PMID: 35583487 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221102141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As demand for palliative care (PC) services rise, there are insufficient numbers of PC specialists to provide PC for the US population. "Primary palliative care" refers to PC services that are administered by non-specialist PC providers. Educating trainees in graduate medical education (GME) programs is 1 strategy for expanding primary palliative care, though questions remain regarding the impact of PC education for GME trainees and where additional education is needed. This study is a multicenter, cross-sectional, web-based survey study of GME trainees assessing the needs for and impacts of primary palliative care education. The survey assessed the implementation of and participants' confidence with fundamental PC skills. The survey also asked about prior exposure to PC education and for participants' beliefs regarding areas that would be particularly helpful for future education. 170 residents and fellows from diverse training backgrounds participated in the survey out of 851 potential participants (response rate 19.98%). Exposure to PC education was associated with higher confidence and increased frequency of implementation of fundamental PC skills. Of the forms of education that were assessed, clinical/experiential education was associated most often with higher confidence and higher frequency of use of PC skills. Discussing goals of care, pain management for seriously ill patients, and communicating difficult information were those skills most frequently identified as important for additional training. This study demonstrates that by improving existing PC education or increasing access to PC education for GME trainees, it may be possible to improve primary palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pennarola
- 23217Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tammy Yoshioka
- 23217Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dhruvi Shah
- 23217Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sharon Larson
- 20284Main Line Health Center for Population Health Research at Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), Wynnewood, PA, USA
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5
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Wang DH, Breyre AM, Brooten JK, Hanson KC. Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Improving Partnerships with Emergency Medical Services. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:704-710. [PMID: 36607791 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians increasingly encounter seriously ill patients and their caregivers in times of distress. When crises arise or care coordination falls short, these high-stakes interactions highlight opportunities to improve care experience and outcomes. Efforts must address wide educational gaps, absence of specialized care protocols, and systematic fragmentation leading to hyperlocal practice. The authors represent cross-sectional expertise in palliative care and EMS. This article describes unmet needs at the EMS-palliative interface, challenges with collaboration, and where directional progress exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Wang
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Scripps Health, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Amelia M Breyre
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Justin K Brooten
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kenneth C Hanson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Central Michigan University College of Medicine-East Campus, Saginaw, Michigan, USA
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6
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Gunaga S, Zygowiec J. Primary Palliative Care in the Emergency Department and Acute Care Setting. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 187:115-135. [PMID: 37851223 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-29923-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Amidst a global COVID pandemic, the palliative care community and healthcare systems around the country continue to explore opportunities to improve early patient and family access to end-of-life care resources. They need not look any further than the Emergency Departments (ED) located on their campuses and around their communities for this chance. As advances in medical therapies continue to extend disease specific life expectancies and as the American population continues to age, we will continue to see older adults with chronic medical illnesses visiting the ED in their final stages of life (Smith et al. in Health Aff (Millwood) 31(6):1277-1285, 2012; Albert et al. in NCHS Data Brief 130:1-8, 2013). If the ED is to continue to be the primary portal of hospital entry for patients requiring emergent care for acute and chronic terminal illnesses, then it stands to reason that it should also be equally prepared to provide the earliest access to palliative care and advance care planning resources for patients and families who may want and benefit from these services. This chapter will explore the unique horizon of opportunities that exist for emergency medicine and the palliative care specialty to fulfill this obligation. Discussion will be centered around core principles in screening, assessment, and management of palliative care needs in the ED, importance of goals of care conversations, and the coordination of early palliative care and hospice consults that can facilitate safe transitions of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satheesh Gunaga
- Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital and Envision Healthcare, Wyandotte, MI, USA.
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, USA.
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Bayuo J, Agbeko AE, Acheampong EK, Abu-Odah H, Davids J. Palliative care interventions for adults in the emergency department: A review of components, delivery models, and outcomes. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:1357-1378. [PMID: 35435306 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing evidence suggest the emergence of palliative care (PC) services in the emergency department (ED). To gain insight into the nature of these services and provide direction to future actions, there is a need for a comprehensive review that ascertains the components of these services, integration models, and outcomes. METHODS A scoping review design was employed and reported according to the PRISMA extension guidelines for scoping reviews. Extensive searches in peer-reviewed databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Medline) and gray literature sources (Trove, MedNar, OpenGrey, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) were undertaken and supplemented with hand searching. Titles, abstracts, and full text were reviewed in duplicate. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported on a PC intervention implemented in the ED for adults. Codes were formulated across the included studies, which facilitated the conduct of a narrative synthesis. RESULTS Twenty-three studies were retained with the majority (n = 15) emerging from the United States. The components of PC interventions in the ED were categorized as: (1) screening, (2) goals of care discussion and communication, (3) managing pain and other distressing symptoms in the ED, (4) transitions across care settings, (5) end-of-life (EoL) care, (6) family/caregiver support, and (7) ED staff education. Traditional PC consultations and integrated ED-PC services were the main modes of delivery. PC in the ED can potentially improve patient symptoms, facilitate access to relevant services, reduce length of stay, improve care at the EoL, facilitate bereavement and postbereavement support for family members, and improve ED staff confidence in delivering PC. CONCLUSIONS PC implementation in the ED may potentially improve patient and family outcomes. More studies are needed, however, to standardize trigger or screening tools. More prospective studies are also needed to test PC interventions in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bayuo
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | | | | | - Hammoda Abu-Odah
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Jephtah Davids
- College of Health Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
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8
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Aaronson EL, Wright RJ, Ritchie CS, Grudzen CR, Ankuda CK, Bowman JK, Kuntz JG, Ouchi K, George N, Jubanyik K, Bright LE, Bickel K, Isaacs E, Petrillo LA, Carpenter C, Goett R, LaPointe L, Owens D, Manfredi R, Quest T. Mapping the future for research in emergency medicine palliative care: A research roadmap. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:963-973. [PMID: 35368129 PMCID: PMC11298868 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intersection of emergency medicine (EM) and palliative care (PC) has been recognized as an essential area of focus, with evidence suggesting that increased integration improves outcomes. This has resulted in increased research in EM PC. No current framework exists to help guide investigation and innovation. OBJECTIVE The objective was to convene a working group to develop a roadmap that would help provide focus and prioritization for future research. METHODS Participants were identified based on clinical, operation, policy, and research expertise in both EM and PC and spanned physician, nursing, social work, and patient perspectives. The research roadmap setting process consisted of three distinct phases that were time staggered over 12 months and facilitated through three live video convenings, asynchronous input via an online document, and a series of smaller video convenings of work groups focused on specific topics. RESULTS Gaps in the literature were identified and informed the four key areas for future research. Consensus was reached on these domains and the associated research questions in each domain to help guide future study. The key domains included work focused on the value imperative for PC in the emergency setting, models of care delivery, disparities, and measurement of impact and efficacy. Additionally, the group identified key methodological considerations for doing work at the intersection of EM and PC. CONCLUSIONS There are several key domains and associated questions that can help guide future research in ED PC. Focus on these areas, and answering these questions, offers the potential to improve the emergency care of patients with PC needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Aaronson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Christine S. Ritchie
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Mongan Institute Center for Aging and Serious Illness, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Corita R. Grudzen
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health/Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Claire K. Ankuda
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason K. Bowman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joanne G. Kuntz
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kei Ouchi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Naomi George
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Division of Adult Critical Care, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Karen Jubanyik
- Emergency Department, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Leah E. Bright
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathleen Bickel
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Eric Isaacs
- Emergency Department, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Laura A. Petrillo
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher Carpenter
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rebecca Goett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lauren LaPointe
- Department of Social Work, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Darrell Owens
- University of Washington Medical Center, UW School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rita Manfredi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tammie Quest
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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9
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Rege RM, Peyton K, Pajka SE, Grudzen CR, Conroy MJ, Southerland LT. Arranging Hospice Care from the Emergency Department: A Single Center Retrospective Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e281-e286. [PMID: 34411660 PMCID: PMC9069289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arranging hospice services from the Emergency Department (ED) can be difficult due to physician discomfort, time constraints, and the intensity of care coordination needed. We report patient and visit characteristics associated with successful transition from the ED directly to hospice. METHODS Setting: Academic ED with 82,000 annual visits. POPULATION ED patients with a referral to hospice order placed during the ED visit from January 2014-December 2018. Charts were abstracted by trained, non-blinded personnel. Primary goal was to evaluate patient and visit factors associated with requiring admission for hospice transition. RESULTS Electronic Health Record inquiry yielded 113 patients, 93 of which met inclusion criteria. Patients were aged 65.8 years (range 32-92), 54% were female, and 78% were white, non-hispanic. The majority had cancer (78%, n = d72) and were on public insurance (60%, n = 56). Half (55%, n = 51) were full code upon arrival. Average ED length of stay was 4.6 ± 2.6 hours. Discharge from the ED to hospice was successful for 38% (n = 35), a few (n = 5) were dispositioned to an ED observation unit, and 57% (n = 53) were admitted. Only 10 (11%) required an inpatient length of stay longer than an observation visit (2 days). Case management and social work team arranged for transportation (54.8%, n = 51), hospital beds (16.1%, n = 16), respiratory equipment (18.3%, n = 17), facility placement (33.3%, n = 31), and home health aides (29.0%, n = 27). CONCLUSION Transitioning patients to hospice care from the ED is possible within a typical ED length of stay with assistance from a case manager/social work team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul M Rege
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, (R.M.R., K.P., M.J.C., L.T.S.) Columbus OH.
| | - Kelee Peyton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, (R.M.R., K.P., M.J.C., L.T.S.) Columbus OH
| | - Sarah E Pajka
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, (S.E.P.) Columbus OH
| | - Corita R Grudzen
- Department of Population Health, (C.R.G.) NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Mark J Conroy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, (R.M.R., K.P., M.J.C., L.T.S.) Columbus OH
| | - Lauren T Southerland
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, (R.M.R., K.P., M.J.C., L.T.S.) Columbus OH
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Loffredo AJ, Chan GK, Wang DH, Goett R, Isaacs ED, Pearl R, Rosenberg M, Aberger K, Lamba S. United States Best Practice Guidelines for Primary Palliative Care in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med 2021; 78:658-669. [PMID: 34353647 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The growing palliative care needs of emergency department (ED) patients in the United States have motivated the development of ED primary palliative care principles. An expert panel convened to develop best practice guidelines for ED primary palliative care to help guide frontline ED clinicians based on available evidence and consensus opinion of the panel. Results include recommendations for screening and assessment of palliative care needs, ED management of palliative care needs, goals of care conversations, ED palliative care and hospice consults, and transitions of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Loffredo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.
| | - Garrett K Chan
- Department of Physiologic Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - David H Wang
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Scripps Health, San Diego, CA
| | - Rebecca Goett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Eric D Isaacs
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Rachel Pearl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Mark Rosenberg
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St Joseph's Health, Paterson and Wayne, NJ
| | - Kate Aberger
- Division of Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics, St Joseph's Health, Paterson, NJ; Department of Emergency Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, Somerville, NJ
| | - Sangeeta Lamba
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
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11
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Palliative care in the emergency department: A qualitative study exploring barriers, facilitators, desired clinician qualities, and future directions. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:363-368. [PMID: 34233782 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521001012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the perceived qualities of successful palliative care (PC) providers in the emergency department (ED), barriers and facilitators to ED-PC, and clinicians' perspectives on the future of ED-PC. METHOD This qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted in June-August 2020. Interviews were analyzed via a two-phase Rapid Analysis. The study's primary outcomes (innovations in ED-PC during COVID) are published elsewhere. In this secondary analysis, we examine interviewee responses to broader questions about ED-PC currently and in the future. RESULTS PC providers perceived as successful in their work in the ED were described as autonomous, competent, flexible, fast, and fluent in ED language and culture. Barriers to ED-PC integration included the ED environment, lack of access to PC providers at all times, the ED perception of PC, and the lack of a supporting financial model. Facilitators to ED-PC integration included proactive identification of patients who would benefit from PC, ED-focused PC education and tools, PC presence in the ED, and data supporting ED-PC. Increased primary PC education for ED staff, increased automation, and innovative ED-PC models were seen as areas for future growth. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Our findings provide useful information for PC programs considering expanding their ED presence, particularly as this is the first study to our knowledge that examines traits of successful PC providers in the ED environment. Our findings also suggest that, despite growth in the arena of ED-PC, barriers and facilitators remain similar to those identified previously. Future research is needed to evaluate the impact that ED-PC initiatives may have on patient and system outcomes, to identify a financial model to maintain ED-PC integration, and to examine whether perceptions of successful providers align with objective measures of the same.
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12
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Aaronson EL, Petrillo L, Stoltenberg M, Jacobsen J, Wilson E, Bowman J, Ouchi K, Traeger L, Daubman BR, Ritchie CS, Jackson V. The Experience of Emergency Department Providers With Embedded Palliative Care During COVID. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:e35-e43. [PMID: 32882358 PMCID: PMC7456836 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although the importance of palliative care (PC) integration in the emergency department (ED) has long been recognized, few formalized programs have been reported, and none have evaluated the experience of ED clinicians with embedded PC. OBJECTIVES We evaluate the experience of ED clinicians with embedded PC in the ED during the coronavirus disease pandemic. METHODS ED clinicians completed a survey about their perceptions of embedded PC in the ED. We summarized responses to closed-ended items using descriptive statistics and analyzed open-ended items using thematic analysis. RESULTS There were 134 ED clinicians surveyed. About 101 replied (75% response rate). Of those who had interacted with PC, 100% indicated a benefit of having PC involved. These included freeing up ED clinicians for other tasks (89%), helping them feel more supported (84%), changing the patients care trajectory (67%), and contributing to clinician education (57%) and skills (49%). Among barriers related to engaging PC were difficulty locating them (8%) and lack of time to consult because of ED volume (5%). About 98% of respondents felt that having PC in the ED was either valuable or very valuable. Open-ended responses reflected a positive impact on clinician wellness and improvement in access to high-quality goal-concordant care. Clinicians expressed gratitude for having PC in the ED and noted the importance of having readily available and easily accessible PC in the ED. CONCLUSION ED clinicians' perception of embedded PC was overall positive, with an emphasis on the impact related to task management, enrichment of PC skills, providing support for the team, and improved care for ED patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Aaronson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Lawrence Center for Quality and Safety, Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts General Physicians' Organization, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Laura Petrillo
- Department of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Stoltenberg
- Department of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Juliet Jacobsen
- Department of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erica Wilson
- Department of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason Bowman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kei Ouchi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lara Traeger
- Department of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bethany-Rose Daubman
- Department of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christine S Ritchie
- Department of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vicki Jackson
- Department of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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13
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Spiker M, Paulsen K, Mehta AK. Primary Palliative Care Education in U.S. Residencies and Fellowships: A Systematic Review of Program Leadership Perspectives. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:1392-1399. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Spiker
- Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kate Paulsen
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ambereen K. Mehta
- Palliative Care Program, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Santa Monica, California, USA
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14
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Wang DH, Heidt R. Emergency Department Admission Triggers for Palliative Consultation May Decrease Length of Stay and Costs. J Palliat Med 2020; 24:554-560. [PMID: 32897797 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Emergency department (ED) initiated palliative consultation impacts downstream care utilization. Various admission consult triggers have been proposed without clear best practice or outcomes. Objective: This 18-month single-center study evaluated the clinical, operational, and financial impact of simplified admission triggers for ED-initiated palliative consults as compared to downstream Floor and intensive care unit (ICU) palliative consults initiated per usual practice. Methods: We distilled ED admission triggers into three criteria to ensure bedside actionability and sustainability: (1) end-stage illness, (2) functional limitation, and (3) clinician would not be surprised if the patient died this hospitalization. Eligible patients met all criteria, and received consultation within 24 hours of admission. We compared ED-initiated consults against Floor and ICU consults from March 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019, with matched cohort analysis to evaluate financial outcomes. Results: While overall palliative consult volume remained intentionally steady, the proportion of ED-initiated consults significantly increased (7% vs. 19%, p < 0.001). ED consistently comprised 15-25% of all monthly palliative consults. Compared with Floor, ED had similar ED length of stay (LOS) and inpatient mortality. Among live discharges, ED were more likely to be referred to hospice than Floor (59% vs. 47%, p = 0.24) or ICU (59% vs. 34%, p = 0.02). In a matched cohort analysis, ED demonstrated median cost avoidance of $9,082 per patient versus Floor ($5,578 vs. $14,660, p < 0.001) and $15,138 per patient versus ICU ($5,578 vs. $20,716, p < 0.001). ED had significantly shorter median LOS before consult than Floor (0 vs. 3 days, p < 0.001) or ICU (0 vs. 3 days, p < 0.001), which did not differ between live discharges or inpatient deaths. Overall hospital LOS was disproportionately shorter for ED, with a net difference-in-differences of 1-3.5 days compared to Floor and ICU. Conclusions: Simple ED admission triggers to expedite palliative engagement are associated with a 50-75% reduction in both hospital LOS and costs when compared against usual palliative consultation practice. ED initiation reduces both lead time before consultation and subsequent downstream hospitalization length.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Wang
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Scripps Health, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Ryan Heidt
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Scripps Health, San Diego, California, USA
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15
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George N, Bowman J, Aaronson E, Ouchi K. Past, present, and future of palliative care in emergency medicine in the USA. Acute Med Surg 2020; 7:e497. [PMID: 32395248 PMCID: PMC7204801 DOI: 10.1002/ams2.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergency department (ED) provides immediate access to medical care for patients and families in times of need. Increasingly, older patients with serious illness seek care in the ED, hoping for relief from symptoms and suffering associated with advanced disease. Until recently, emergency medicine (EM) clinicians have been ill‐equipped to meet the needs of patients with serious illness, and palliative services have been largely unavailable in the ED. However, in the past decade, there has been growing recognition from within both the EM and palliative medicine communities on the importance of palliative care provision in the ED. The past 10 years have seen a surge in EM–palliative care training and education, quality improvement projects, and research. As a result, the practice paradigm within EM for the seriously ill has begun to shift to incorporate more palliative care practices. Despite this progress, substantial work has yet to be done in terms of identifying ED patients in need of palliative care, training EM clinicians to provide high‐quality primary palliative care, creating pathways for ED referral to palliative care and hospice, and researching the outcomes and impact of palliative care provision on patients with serious illness in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi George
- University of New Mexico Albuquerque New Mexico.,Division of Critical Care Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts
| | - Jason Bowman
- Division of Critical Care Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts.,Department of Emergency Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Boston Massachusetts
| | - Emily Aaronson
- Department of Emergency Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Boston Massachusetts
| | - Kei Ouchi
- Division of Critical Care Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts.,Department of Palliative Care and Psychosocial Oncology Dana Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts
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16
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Wang DH, Kuntz J, Aberger K, DeSandre P. Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Caring for Patients in the Emergency Department. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:1597-1602. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David H. Wang
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Scripps Health, San Diego, California
| | - Joanne Kuntz
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kate Aberger
- Division of Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics, St. Joseph's Health, Paterson, New Jersey
| | - Paul DeSandre
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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17
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Palliative and end-of-life care education in Canadian emergency medicine residency programs: A national cross-sectional survey. CAN J EMERG MED 2019; 21:219-225. [DOI: 10.1017/cem.2018.470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTObjectivesEmergency physicians play an important role in providing care at the end-of-life as well as identifying patients who may benefit from a palliative approach. Several studies have shown that emergency medicine (EM) residents desire further training in palliative care. We performed a national cross-sectional survey of EM program directors. Our primary objective was to describe the number of Canadian postgraduate EM training programs with palliative and end-of-life care curricula.MethodsA 15-question survey in English and French was sent by email to all program directors of both the Canadian College of Family Physicians emergency medicine (CCFP(EM)) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada emergency medicine (RCPSC-EM) postgraduate training programs countrywide using FluidSurveys™ with a modified Dillman approach.ResultsWe received a total of 26 responses from the 36 (response rate = 72.2%) EM postgraduate programs in Canada. Ten out of 26 (38.5%) programs had a structured educational program pertaining to palliative and end-of-life care. Lectures or seminars were the exclusive choice to teach content. Clinical palliative medicine rotations were mandatory in one out of 26 (3.8%) programs. The top two barriers to implementation of palliative and end-of-life care curricula were lack of time (84.6%) and curriculum development concerns (80.8%).ConclusionsPalliative and end-of-life care training within EM has been identified as an area of need. This cross-sectional survey demonstrates that a minority of Canadian EM programs have palliative and end-of-life care curricula. It will be important for all EM training programs, RCPSC-EM and CCFP(EM), in Canada, to develop an agreed upon set of competencies and to structure their curricula around them.
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