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Bauer AK, Fassmer AM, Zuidema SU, Janus SIM, Hoffmann F. End-of-life care in German and Dutch nursing homes: a cross-sectional study on nursing home staff's perspective in 2022. Arch Public Health 2024; 82:85. [PMID: 38877598 PMCID: PMC11177492 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01316-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As society ages, the need for nursing home care is steadily increasing and end-of-life care of nursing home residents has become increasingly more important. End-of-life care differs between Germany and the neighbouring Netherlands. For example, a much higher proportion of German compared to Dutch nursing home residents is hospitalized at the end of life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate end-of-life care in German and Dutch nursing homes. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a postal survey was sent to 600 randomly selected German and Dutch nursing homes each and addressed to the nursing staff management. Participants were asked to estimate the percentage of nursing home residents whose wishes for emergency situations (e.g. cardiopulmonary resuscitation) are known and to indicate whether facilities offer advanced care planning (ACP). They were also asked to estimate whether general practitioners (GPs)/elder care physicians (ECPs) and nursing home staff are usually well trained for end-of-life care. Finally, participants were asked to estimate the proportion of nursing home residents who die in hospital rather than in the nursing home and to rate overall end-of-life care provision. RESULTS A total of 301 questionnaires were included in the analysis; 199 from German and 102 from Dutch nursing homes (response 33.2% and 17.0%). German participants estimated that 20.5% of residents die in the hospital in contrast to the Dutch estimation of 5.9%. In German nursing homes, ACP is offered less often (39.2% in Germany, 75.0% in the Netherlands) and significantly fewer wishes for emergency situations of residents were known than in Dutch nursing homes. GPs were considered less well-trained for end-of-life care in Germany. The most important measures to improve end-of-life care were comparable in both countries. CONCLUSION Differences in (the delivery and knowledge of) end-of-life care between Germany and the Netherlands could be observed in this study. These could be due to structural differences (ECPs available 24/7 in the majority of Dutch nursing homes) and cultural differences (more discussion on quality of life versus life-sustaining treatments in the Netherlands). Due to these differences, a country-specific approach is necessary to improve end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Bauer
- Department of Health Service Research, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | | | - Sytse U Zuidema
- Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah I M Janus
- Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Falk Hoffmann
- Department of Health Service Research, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Fassmer AM, Zuidema SU, Janus SIM, Hoffmann F. Differences in emergency department visits and hospitalization between German and Dutch nursing home residents: a cross-national survey. Eur Geriatr Med 2024; 15:787-795. [PMID: 38679640 PMCID: PMC11329595 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-024-00975-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assessing and comparing German and Dutch nursing home perspectives on residents' hospital transfers. METHODS Cross-sectional study among German and Dutch nursing homes. Two surveys were conducted in May 2022, each among 600 randomly selected nursing homes in Germany and the Netherlands. The questionnaires were identical for both countries. The responses were compared between the German and Dutch participants. RESULTS We received 199 German (response: 33.2%) and 102 Dutch questionnaires (response: 17.0%). German nursing homes estimated the proportion of transfers to hospital during 1 year to be higher than in Dutch facilities (emergency department visits: 26.5% vs. 7.9%, p < 0.0001; hospital admissions: 29.5% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.0001). In German nursing homes, the proportion of transfers to hospital where the decision was made by the referring physician was lower than in the Dutch facilities (58.8% vs. 88.8%, p < 0.0001). More German nursing homes agreed that nursing home residents are transferred to the hospital too frequently (24.5% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.0069). German nursing homes were much more likely than Dutch facilities to believe that there was no alternative to transfer to a hospital when a nursing home resident had a fall (66.3% vs. 12.8%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION German nursing home residents are transferred to hospital more frequently than Dutch residents. This can probably be explained by differences in the care provided in the facilities. Future studies should, therefore, look more closely at these two systems and examine the extent to which more intensive outpatient care can avoid transfers to hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Fassmer
- Division of Outpatient Care and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Health Services Research, School VI - School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.
| | - Sytse U Zuidema
- Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah I M Janus
- Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Falk Hoffmann
- Division of Outpatient Care and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Health Services Research, School VI - School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
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Bocquier A, Erkilic B, Babinet M, Pulcini C, Agrinier N. Resident-, prescriber-, and facility-level factors associated with antibiotic use in long-term care facilities: a systematic review of quantitative studies. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024; 13:29. [PMID: 38448955 PMCID: PMC10918961 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01385-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial stewardship programmes are needed in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) to tackle antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to identify factors associated with antibiotic use in LTCFs. Such information would be useful to guide antimicrobial stewardship programmes. METHOD We conducted a systematic review of studies retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycINFO, APA PsycTherapy, ScienceDirect and Web of Science. We included quantitative studies that investigated factors associated with antibiotic use (i.e., antibiotic prescribing by health professionals, administration by LTCF staff, or use by residents). Participants were LTCF residents, their family, and/or carers. We performed a qualitative narrative synthesis of the findings. RESULTS Of the 7,591 screened records, we included 57 articles. Most studies used a longitudinal design (n = 34/57), investigated resident-level (n = 29/57) and/or facility-level factors (n = 32/57), and fewer prescriber-level ones (n = 8/57). Studies included two types of outcome: overall volume of antibiotic prescriptions (n = 45/57), inappropriate antibiotic prescription (n = 10/57); two included both types. Resident-level factors associated with a higher volume of antibiotic prescriptions included comorbidities (5 out of 8 studies which investigated this factor found a statistically significant association), history of infection (n = 5/6), potential signs of infection (e.g., fever, n = 4/6), positive urine culture/dipstick results (n = 3/4), indwelling urinary catheter (n = 12/14), and resident/family request for antibiotics (n = 1/1). At the facility-level, the volume of antibiotic prescriptions was positively associated with staff turnover (n = 1/1) and prevalence of after-hours medical practitioner visits (n = 1/1), and negatively associated with LTCF hiring an on-site coordinating physician (n = 1/1). At the prescriber-level, higher antibiotic prescribing was associated with high prescription rate for antibiotics in the previous year (n = 1/1). CONCLUSIONS Improving infection prevention and control, and diagnostic practices as part of antimicrobial stewardship programmes remain critical steps to reduce antibiotic prescribing in LTCFs. Once results confirmed by further studies, implementing institutional changes to limit staff turnover, ensure the presence of a professional accountable for the antimicrobial stewardship activities, and improve collaboration between LTCFs and external prescribers may contribute to reduce antibiotic prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Bocquier
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, INSPIIRE, Nancy, F-54000, France.
| | - Berkehan Erkilic
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, INSPIIRE, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Martin Babinet
- CHRU-Nancy, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CIC, Epidémiologie clinique, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Céline Pulcini
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, INSPIIRE, Nancy, F-54000, France
- Centre régional en antibiothérapie du Grand Est AntibioEst, Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Nelly Agrinier
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, INSPIIRE, Nancy, F-54000, France
- CHRU-Nancy, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CIC, Epidémiologie clinique, Nancy, F-54000, France
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Fassmer AM, Zuidema SU, Janus SIM, Hoffmann F. Comparison of medical care needs and actual care in German and Dutch nursing home residents: A cross-sectional study conducted in neighboring European countries. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 117:105178. [PMID: 37716216 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105178] [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] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assessing and comparing characteristics of German and Dutch nursing homes, their residents as well as residents' medical care needs and the actual provision of care. METHODS Two surveys were conducted among 600 randomly selected nursing homes each from Germany and the Netherlands. Questionnaires were mailed in May 2022. Responses were compared between German and Dutch respondents. RESULTS We received 199 German (response: 33.2%) and 102 Dutch questionnaires (response: 17.0%). Residents' characteristics were comparable in both countries. While German nursing homes rated residents' general medical care needs higher than Dutch facilities (87.9% vs. 78.4%), the reverse was true for dental care needs (81.4% vs. 71.1%). For all 4 medical specialties surveyed, German nursing homes saw a need for treatment more frequently than Dutch facilities, e.g., 48.3% vs. 11.7% for neurology. In addition, Dutch nursing homes significantly more often considered general practitioners/elder care physicians (GPs/ECPs) to be able to cover these needs. The number of GP/ECP contacts per resident per year was similar in both countries (Germany: 26.5; Netherlands: 28.7). Almost all Dutch facilities had permanently employed allied health professionals (e.g. physiotherapists), whereas this was rarely the case in Germany. CONCLUSIONS We observed large differences in nursing home residents' medical care. It appears that GPs/ECPs in the Netherlands cover needs deemed to require specialist consultations in Germany. Some differences between countries can possibly be explained by system-cultural differences. Future studies should therefore look closely at the process of medical care provision and its quality in nursing homes in both countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Fassmer
- Division of Outpatient Care and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.
| | - Sytse U Zuidema
- Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah I M Janus
- Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Falk Hoffmann
- Division of Outpatient Care and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
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Hormazábal-Salgado R, Osman AD, Poblete-Troncoso M, Whitehead D, Hills D. Advanced Care Directives in Residential Aged Care for Residents with Major Neuro-Cognitive Disorders (Dementia): A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK IN END-OF-LIFE & PALLIATIVE CARE 2024; 20:83-114. [PMID: 37382889 DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2023.2229041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to identify, assess, collate, and analyze existing research that has made a direct contribution to aiding understanding of the ethical and decision-making issues related to the use of advance care directives for people with dementia and/or other major neurocognitive disorders and/or their surrogate decision-makers on treatment. The Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Ultimate, and MEDLINE databases were searched between August and September 2021 and July to November 2022 limited to primary studies written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Twenty-eight studies of varying quality that addressed related thematic areas were identified. These themes being support for autonomy in basic needs (16%), making decisions ahead/planning ahead and upholding these decisions (52%), and support in decision-making for carers (32%). Advance care directives are an important mechanism for documenting treatment preferences in patient care planning. However, the available literature on the topic is limited in both quantity and quality. Recommendations for practice include involving decision makers, promoting educational interventions, exploring how they are used and implemented, and promoting the active involvement of social workers within the healthcare team.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdi D Osman
- College of Sports, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Dean Whitehead
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, Berwick, Australia
| | - Danny Hills
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, Berwick, Australia
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Schwettmann L, Hamprecht A, Seeber GH, Pichler S, Voss A, Ansmann L, Hoffmann F. Differences in healthcare structures, processes and outcomes of neighbouring European countries: the example of Germany and the Netherlands. RESEARCH IN HEALTH SERVICES & REGIONS 2023; 2:17. [PMID: 39177688 PMCID: PMC11281766 DOI: 10.1007/s43999-023-00031-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Although healthcare systems across Europe face rather similar challenges, their organization varies widely. Even neighbouring countries substantially differ with respect to healthcare structures, processes, and resulting outcomes. Focusing on Germany and the Netherlands as examples of such neighbouring countries, this paper will first identify and discuss similarities and major differences between both systems on the macro-level of healthcare. It further argues that it is often unknown how these differences trickle down to individual healthcare organizations, providers, patients or citizens, i.e., to the meso- and micro-level of healthcare. Hence, in a second step, potential implications of macro-level differences are described by considering the examples of total hip arthroplasty, antibiotic prescription practices and resistance, and nursing home care in Germany and the Netherlands. The paper concludes with an outlook on how these differences can be studied using the example of the project "Comparison of healthcare structures, processes and outcomes in the Northern German and Dutch cross-border region" (CHARE-GD). It further discusses potential prospects and challenges of corresponding cross-national research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Schwettmann
- Division Health Economics, Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, 26111, Germany.
- Cross-Border Institute of Healthcare Systems and Prevention (CBI), University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Axel Hamprecht
- Cross-Border Institute of Healthcare Systems and Prevention (CBI), University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Gesine H Seeber
- University Hospital for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery Pius-Hospital, Medical Campus University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Pichler
- Cross-Border Institute of Healthcare Systems and Prevention (CBI), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Andreas Voss
- Cross-Border Institute of Healthcare Systems and Prevention (CBI), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Lena Ansmann
- Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Division Organisational Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Chair of Medical Sociology, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research and Rehabilitation Science (IMVR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Falk Hoffmann
- Division Outpatient Care and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Fassmer AM, Allers K, Helbach J, Zuidema S, Freitag M, Zieschang T, Hoffmann F. Hospitalization of German and Dutch Nursing Home Residents Depend on Different Long-Term Care Structures: A Systematic Review on Periods of Increased Vulnerability. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:609-618.e6. [PMID: 36898411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate proportions of hospitalized nursing home residents during periods of increased vulnerability, ie, the first 6 months after institutionalization and the last 6 months before death, and comparing the figures between Germany and the Netherlands. DESIGN Systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022312506). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Newly admitted or deceased residents. METHODS We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL from inception through May 3, 2022. We included all observational studies that reported the proportions of all-cause hospitalizations among German or Dutch nursing home residents during these defined vulnerable periods. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's tool. We assessed study and resident characteristics and outcome information and descriptively reported them separately for both countries. RESULTS We screened 1856 records for eligibility and included 9 studies published in 14 articles (Germany: 8; Netherlands: 6). One study for each country investigated the first 6 months after institutionalization. A total of 10.2% of the Dutch and 42.0% of the German nursing home residents were hospitalized during this time. Overall, 7 studies reported on in-hospital deaths, with proportions ranging from 28.9% to 29.5% for Germany and from 1.0% to 16.3% for the Netherlands. Proportions for hospitalization in the last 30 days of life ranged from 8.0% to 15.7% (Netherlands: n = 2) and from 48.6% to 58.0% (Germany: n = 3). Only German studies assessed the differences by age and sex. Although hospitalizations were less common at older ages, they were more frequent in male residents. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS During the observed periods, the proportion of nursing homes residents being hospitalized differed greatly between Germany and the Netherlands. The higher figures for Germany can probably be explained by differences in the long-term care systems. There is a lack of research, especially for the first months after institutionalization, and future studies should examine the care processes of nursing home residents following acute events in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Fassmer
- Division of Outpatient Care and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.
| | - Katharina Allers
- Division of Outpatient Care and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Jasmin Helbach
- Division of Outpatient Care and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Sytse Zuidema
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Freitag
- Division of General Practice, Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Tania Zieschang
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Falk Hoffmann
- Division of Outpatient Care and Pharmacoepidemiology, Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
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Couprie C, van der Steen JT. Talking about Meaning and Loss with Relatives of Persons with Dementia: An Ethnographic Study in a Nursing Home. Geriatrics (Basel) 2023; 8:geriatrics8010023. [PMID: 36826365 PMCID: PMC9956037 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics8010023] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Advance care planning (ACP) can help prepare for future losses and decisions to be taken. However, relatives of persons with dementia may wait for healthcare professionals to initiate ACP conversations which may not adequately address their individual information needs. To evaluate inducing and enhancing conversations about meaning and loss, we conducted an ethnographic study on nurse-led ACP conversations using a question prompt list (QPL) on six dementia wards of a nursing home in the Netherlands from January to September 2021. Staff received training in using the QPL, with information and sample questions to inspire relatives to ask their questions, in particular on meaning and loss. Thematic analysis was applied to transcribed interviews and memos of observations. Nursing staff in particular was concerned about having to be available to answer questions continuously. Relatives used the study as an opportunity to get in touch with professionals, and they saw the QPL as an acknowledgement of their needs. There was a mismatch in that staff wished to discuss care goals and complete a care plan, but the relatives wanted to (first) address practical matters. A QPL can be helpful to conversations about meaning and loss, but nursing staff need dedicated time and substantial training. Joint agenda setting before the conversation may help resolve a mismatch in the preferred topics and timing of conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Couprie
- Department of Theology and Religion Studies, Spiritual Care, VU Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pieter van Foreest, Kalfjeslaan 2, 2623 AA Delft, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Jenny T. van der Steen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Hippocratespad 21, Gebouw 3, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Community Care and Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Booij JA, van de Haterd JC, Huttjes SN, van Deijck RH, Koopmans RT. Short- and Long-Term Mortality and Mortality Risk Factors among Nursing Home Patients after COVID-19 Infection. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022; 23:1274-1278. [PMID: 35809633 PMCID: PMC9212799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess short- and long-term mortality and risk factors in nursing home patients with COVID-19 infection. DESIGN Retrospective 2-center cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Dutch nursing home patients with clinically suspected COVID-19 infection confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing. METHODS Data were gathered between March 2020 and November 2020 using electronic medical records, including demographic characteristics, comorbidities, medical management, and symptoms on the first day of suspected COVID-19 infection. Mortality at 30 days and 6 months was assessed using multivariate logistic regression models and Kaplan-Meier analysis. At 6 months, a subgroup analysis was performed to estimate the mortality risk between COVID-negative patients and patients who survived COVID-19. Risk factors for mortality were assessed through multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS A total of 321 patients with suspected COVID-19 infection were included, of whom 134 tested positive. Sixty-two patients in the positive group died at 30 days, with a short-term mortality rate of 2.9 (95% CI 1.7-5.3). Risk factors were fatigue (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-6.2) and deoxygenation (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-7.6). At 6 months, the mortality risk was 2.1 (95% CI 1.3-3.7). Risk factors for 6-month mortality were shortness of breath (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3-7.0), deoxygenation (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.5) and medical management (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.7-25.8). However, among patients who survived COVID-19 infection, the long-term mortality risk was not sustained (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.4-2.7). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Overall, COVID-19 infection increases short- and long-term mortality risk among nursing home patients. However, this study shows that surviving COVID-19 infection does not lead to increased mortality in the long term within this population. Therefore, advanced care planning should focus on quality of life among nursing home patients after COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes A. Booij
- De Zorggroep, Region Venlo (EBC), Venlo, the Netherlands,Address correspondence to Johannes A. Booij, MD, De Zorggroep, region Venlo (EBC), 5900 AR Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - Julie C.H.Q. van de Haterd
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Raymond T.C.M. Koopmans
- Department of Primary and Community Care: Center for Family Medicine, Geriatric Care, and Public Health, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands,De Waalboog, Joachim en Anna, Center for Specialized Geriatric Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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O'Sullivan A, Alvariza A, Öhlén J, Ex Håkanson CL. The influence of care place and diagnosis on care communication at the end of life: bereaved family members' perspective. Palliat Support Care 2021; 19:664-671. [PMID: 33781369 DOI: 10.1017/s147895152100016x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of care place and diagnosis on care communication during the last 3 months of life for people with advanced illness, from the bereaved family members' perspective. METHOD A retrospective survey design using the VOICES(SF) questionnaire with a sample of 485 bereaved family members (aged: 20-90 years old, 70% women) of people who died in hospital was employed to meet the study aim. RESULTS Of the deceased people, 79.2% had at some point received care at home, provided by general practitioners (GPs) (52%), district nurses (36.7%), or specialized palliative home care (17.9%), 27.4% were cared for in a nursing home and 15.7% in a specialized palliative care unit. The likelihood of bereaved family members reporting that the deceased person was treated with dignity and respect by the staff was lowest in nursing homes (OR: 0.21) and for GPs (OR: 0.37). A cancer diagnosis (OR: 2.36) or if cared for at home (OR: 2.17) increased the likelihood of bereaved family members reporting that the deceased person had been involved in decision making regarding care and less likely if cared for in a specialized palliative care unit (OR: 0.41). The likelihood of reports of unwanted decisions about the care was higher if cared for in a nursing home (OR: 1.85) or if the deceased person had a higher education (OR: 2.40). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS This study confirms previous research about potential inequalities in care at the end of life. The place of care and diagnosis influenced the bereaved family members' reports on whether the deceased person was treated with respect and dignity and how involved the deceased person was in decision making regarding care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna O'Sullivan
- Department of Healthcare Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anette Alvariza
- Department of Healthcare Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
- Capio Palliative Care, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Öhlén
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Person-Centred Care, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- The Palliative Centre, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Västra Götaland Region, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Larsdotter Ex Håkanson
- Department of Healthcare Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Nursing Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
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van Hamersveld-Kramer M, Perry SIB, Lodewijks E, Vasse E, de van der Schueren MAE. Decision-making regarding oral nutritional supplements for nursing home residents with advanced dementia: A cross-sectional pilot study. J Hum Nutr Diet 2021; 35:58-67. [PMID: 34694055 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surrogate decision-making regarding oral nutritional supplements (ONS) for nursing home residents with advanced dementia is a complex process. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed whether Dutch dietitians, elderly care physicians (physicians) and surrogate decision-makers (SDMs) differ in the factors that they regard important when considering ONS. We also investigated differences in opinion regarding whether or not ONS is a life-prolonging measure. METHODS Through an online survey, 90 dietitians, 53 physicians and 70 SDMs of nursing home residents (all aged ≥ 65 years old with advanced dementia) rated the level of perceived influence of 11 pre-defined factors on their decision-making, ranked factors in order of importance and stated whether they considered ONS a life-prolonging measure or not. By statistical analysis, we tested differences in the mean sum of ranks for perceived influence differing between groups. We also tested differences in proportions between groups of those who considered ONS a life-prolonging measure. RESULTS Rating of perceived influence significantly differed for six factors. Quality of life was ranked as the most influential factor by all groups. Dietitians significantly differed in their opinion on the life-prolonging effect of ONS from physicians (odds ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval = 0.13-0.65), as well as from SDMs (odds ratio = 0.22, 95% confidence interval = 0.10-0.45). CONCLUSIONS Although all groups proclaimed quality of life to be first priority in decision-making, we found that Dutch dietitians, physicians and SDMs differed in what they regarded important when considering ONS for nursing home residents with advanced dementia. Regarding the life-prolonging effect of ONS, dietitians differed in opinion from physicians, as well as from SDMs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sander I B Perry
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Lodewijks
- Department of Dietetics, Florence Healthcare, Rijswijk, The Netherlands.,University Network for the Care Sector Zuid Holland, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Emmelyne Vasse
- Department of Dietetics, Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Ede, The Netherlands.,Dutch Malnutrition Steering Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marian A E de van der Schueren
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Lifestyle, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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12
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Honinx E, Piers RD, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Payne S, Szczerbińska K, Gambassi G, Kylänen M, Deliens L, Van den Block L, Smets T. Hospitalisation in the last month of life and in-hospital death of nursing home residents: a cross-sectional analysis of six European countries. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047086. [PMID: 34385245 PMCID: PMC8362714 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the rate and characteristics of hospitalisation in the last month of life and place of death among nursing home residents and to identify related care processes, facility factors and residents' characteristics. SETTING A cross-sectional study (2015) of deceased residents in 322 nursing homes in six European countries. PARTICIPANTS The nursing home manager (N=1634), physician (N=1132) and primary nurse (N=1384) completed questionnaires. OUTCOME MEASURES Hospitalisation and place of death were analysed using generalised linear and logistic mixed models. Multivariate analyses were conducted to determine associated factors. RESULTS Twelve to 26% of residents were hospitalised in the last month of life, up to 19% died in-hospital (p<0.001). Belgian residents were more likely to be hospitalised than those in Italy, the Netherlands and Poland. For those dying in-hospital, the main reason for admission was acute change in health status. Residents with a better functional status were more likely to be hospitalised or to die in-hospital. The likelihood of hospitalisation and in-hospital death increased if no conversation on preferred care with a relative was held. Not having an advance directive regarding hospitalisations increased the likelihood of hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS Although participating countries vary in hospitalisation and in-hospital death rates, between 12% (Italy) and 26% (Belgium) of nursing home residents were hospitalised in the last month of life. Close monitoring of acute changes in health status and adequate equipment seem critical to avoiding unnecessary hospitalisations. Strategies to increase discussion of preferences need to be developed. Our findings can be used by policy-makers at governmental and nursing home level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Honinx
- Huisartsgeneeskunde, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ruth D Piers
- Geriatrics, University Hospital Ghent, Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health/EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research/Expertise Center for Palliative Care, VU University Medical Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sheila Payne
- Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster, Lancashire, UK
| | - Katarzyna Szczerbińska
- Sociology of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College Faculty of Medicine, Krakow, Poland
| | - Giovanni Gambassi
- Internal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Marika Kylänen
- Department of Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | - L Deliens
- Chronic Care, Universiteit Gent Faculteit Geneeskunde en Gezondheidswetenschappen, Gent, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- Huisartsgeneeskunde, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Faculteit Geneeskunde en Farmacie, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Tinne Smets
- Huisartsgeneeskunde, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Faculteit Geneeskunde en Farmacie, Brussel, Belgium
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13
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Guidance for Safe and Appropriate Use of Antibiotics in Hospice Using a Collaborative Decision Support Tool. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2021; 22:276-282. [PMID: 32568934 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Infections often impact care of hospice patients; however, limited guidance exists for end-of-life infection management. Regardless of patient prognosis, appropriate antibiotic use is necessary for maintaining quality of life. Antibiotics may be associated with serious adverse events, posing safety risks to patients that should be factored into the appropriateness determination. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are prescribed frequently in hospice. There are 8 fluoroquinolone drug safety warnings regarding risk for serious adverse events communicated by the US Food and Drug Administration. A retrospective chart review at a hospice pharmacy services provider identified decedents who used a fluoroquinolone during a 1-month period. Charts were evaluated for the presence of risk factors for serious adverse events, including advanced age (86.0%), orders for multiple QTc prolongation risk medications (51.5%), hypertension (64.1%), and concomitant corticosteroids (22.9%). Findings demonstrate notable risk with the use of at least 1 class of antibiotics in a hospice population. STAMPS is a hospice decision support tool, developed to guide symptom-driven antibiotic use that incorporates safety assessment and individual goals of care into infection management planning. The tool can also serve as a framework for patient-centered communications about appropriate antibiotic use in hospice between providers, patients, and families.
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14
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Sternberg SA, Shinan-Altman S, Volicer L, Casarett DJ, van der Steen JT. Palliative Care in Advanced Dementia: Comparison of Strategies in Three Countries. Geriatrics (Basel) 2021; 6:44. [PMID: 33922208 PMCID: PMC8167764 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics6020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Palliative care including hospice care is appropriate for advanced dementia, but policy initiatives and implementation have lagged, while treatment may vary. We compare care for people with advanced dementia in the United States (US), The Netherlands, and Israel. We conducted a narrative literature review and expert physician consultation around a case scenario focusing on three domains in the care of people with advanced dementia: (1) place of residence, (2) access to palliative care, and (3) treatment. We found that most people with advanced dementia live in nursing homes in the US and The Netherlands, and in the community in Israel. Access to specialist palliative and hospice care is improving in the US but is limited in The Netherlands and Israel. The two data sources consistently showed that treatment varies considerably between countries with, for example, artificial nutrition and hydration differing by state in the US, strongly discouraged in The Netherlands, and widely used in Israel. We conclude that care in each country has positive elements: hospice availability in the US, the general palliative approach in The Netherlands, and home care in Israel. National Dementia Plans should include policy regarding palliative care, and public and professional awareness must be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shiri Shinan-Altman
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel;
| | - Ladislav Volicer
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA;
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jenny T. van der Steen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud university medical center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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15
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Janbek J, Frimodt-Møller N, Laursen TM, Waldemar G. Dementia identified as a risk factor for infection-related hospital contacts in a national, population-based and longitudinal matched-cohort study. NATURE AGING 2021; 1:226-233. [PMID: 37118634 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-020-00024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between incident dementia and rates of infection-related hospital contacts. We conducted a registry- and population-based matched-cohort study of all Danish residents who were born in or before 1950, included from 1 January 2000 or their 65th birthday (whichever came later), who were alive and resided in Denmark at the start of the study, excluding those who had received a dementia diagnosis before 1 January 2000 or their 65th birthday (n = 1,712,100). A total of 129,660 people (403,744 person years) with incident dementia were matched with 297,476 people (1,918,784 person years) without dementia. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of infection-related hospital contacts were calculated using Poisson regression, by infection type, sex and age. The IRR for any infection-related contact in dementia was 1.5, was highest for nervous and urinary system infections and sepsis, decreased with increasing age and was higher in men. More people with than without dementia had contacts five years before the index date. Our findings show that dementia is a risk factor for infection-related hospital contacts and infections might be an early sign of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Janbek
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Niels Frimodt-Møller
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Munk Laursen
- National Centre for Register-based Research, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gunhild Waldemar
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Nurse and Nursing Students´ Opinions and Perceptions of Enteral Nutrition by Nasogastric Tube in Palliative Care. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020402. [PMID: 33513972 PMCID: PMC7911468 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that nursing staff play a key role in palliative care (PC). The use of Nasogastric tubes (NG tubes) for Enteral Nutrition (EN) administration is still controversial in patients who receive PC. The aim of this study was to describe nurses' and nursing students´ opinions and perceptions about EN using NG tubes in adult patients in palliative care. To achieve this goal, a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire intended for nurses and nursing students was used. Data was descriptively and inferentially analyzed using a chi-square test to determine the differential frequency of responses. In addition, a multivariate logistic regression model was also conducted. A total of 511 participants completed the questionnaire. Among them, nursing staff represented 74.9% (n = 383) whereas nursing students were 25.1% (n = 128). When life expectancy was above six months, 90.0% (n = 460) reported that EN using NG should be implemented. In contrast, when life expectancy is less than a month, 57.5% (n = 294) discouraged it. Significant differences within groups were found when life expectancy was <1 month (p = 0.044). It was also found that 491 participants (96.1%) reported that patient´s autonomy must be carefully respected for deciding whether continuing EN by NG tube or not. Finally, it was concluded for both nurses and nursing students that life expectancy should be the mean reason for implementing and withdrawing EN by NG tube. Major differences were found regarding when it should be ceased, suggesting perceptions may change as nurses graduate and move into their professional roles.
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Fairweather J, Cooper L, Sneddon J, Seaton RA. Antimicrobial use at the end of life: a scoping review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2020:bmjspcare-2020-002558. [PMID: 33257407 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine antibiotic use in patients approaching end of life, in terms of frequency of prescription, aim of treatment, beneficial and adverse effects and contribution to the development of antimicrobial resistance. DESIGN Scoping review DATA SOURCES: An information scientist searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, The Cochrane library, PubMed Clinical Queries, NHS Evidence, Epistemonikos, SIGN, NICE, Google Scholar from inception to February 2019 for any study design including, but not limited to, randomised clinical trials, prospective interventional or observational studies, retrospective studies and qualitative studies. The search of Ovid MEDLINE was updated on the 10 June 2020. STUDY SELECTION Studies reporting antibiotic use in patients approaching end of life in any setting and clinicians' attitudes and behaviour in relation to antibiotic prescribing in this population DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers screened studies for eligibility; two reviewers extracted data from included studies. Data were analysed to describe antibiotic prescribing patterns across different patient populations, the benefits and adverse effects (for individual patients and wider society), the rationale for decision making and clinicians behaviours and attitudes to treatment with antibiotics in this patient group. RESULTS Eighty-eight studies were included. Definition of the end of life is highly variable as is use of antibiotics in patients approaching end of life. Prescribing decisions are influenced by patient age, primary diagnosis, care setting and therapy goals, although patients' preferences are not always documented or adhered to. Urinary and lower respiratory tract infections are the most commonly reported indications with outcomes in terms of symptom control and survival variably reported. Small numbers of studies reported on adverse events and antimicrobial resistance. Clinicians sometimes feel uncomfortable discussing antibiotic treatment at end of life and would benefit from guidelines to direct care. CONCLUSIONS Use of antibiotics in patients approaching the end of life is common although there is significant variation in practice. There are a myriad of intertwined biological, ethical, social, medicolegal and clinical issues associated with the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lesley Cooper
- Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group, Healthcare Improvement Scotland Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jacqueline Sneddon
- Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group, Healthcare Improvement Scotland Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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18
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Robinson L, Poole M, McLellan E, Lee R, Amador S, Bhattarai N, Bryant A, Coe D, Corbett A, Exley C, Goodman C, Gotts Z, Harrison-Dening K, Hill S, Howel D, Hrisos S, Hughes J, Kernohan A, Macdonald A, Mason H, Massey C, Neves S, Paes P, Rennie K, Rice S, Robinson T, Sampson E, Tucker S, Tzelis D, Vale L, Bamford C. Supporting good quality, community-based end-of-life care for people living with dementia: the SEED research programme including feasibility RCT. PROGRAMME GRANTS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/pgfar08080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background
In the UK, most people with dementia die in the community and they often receive poorer end-of-life care than people with cancer.
Objective
The overall aim of this programme was to support professionals to deliver good-quality, community-based care towards, and at, the end of life for people living with dementia and their families.
Design
The Supporting Excellence in End-of-life care in Dementia (SEED) programme comprised six interlinked workstreams. Workstream 1 examined existing guidance and outcome measures using systematic reviews, identified good practice through a national e-survey and explored outcomes of end-of-life care valued by people with dementia and family carers (n = 57) using a Q-sort study. Workstream 2 explored good-quality end-of-life care in dementia from the perspectives of a range of stakeholders using qualitative methods (119 interviews, 12 focus groups and 256 observation hours). Using data from workstreams 1 and 2, workstream 3 used co-design methods with key stakeholders to develop the SEED intervention. Worksteam 4 was a pilot study of the SEED intervention with an embedded process evaluation. Using a cluster design, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of recruitment and retention, outcome measures and our intervention. Four general practices were recruited in North East England: two were allocated to the intervention and two provided usual care. Patient recruitment was via general practitioner dementia registers. Outcome data were collected at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 months. Workstream 5 involved economic modelling studies that assessed the potential value of the SEED intervention using a contingent valuation survey of the general public (n = 1002). These data informed an economic decision model to explore how the SEED intervention might influence care. Results of the model were presented in terms of the costs and consequences (e.g. hospitalisations) and, using the contingent valuation data, a cost–benefit analysis. Workstream 6 examined commissioning of end-of-life care in dementia through a narrative review of policy and practice literature, combined with indepth interviews with a national sample of service commissioners (n = 20).
Setting
The workstream 1 survey and workstream 2 included services throughout England. The workstream 1 Q-sort study and workstream 4 pilot trial took place in North East England. For workstream 4, four general practices were recruited; two received the intervention and two provided usual care.
Results
Currently, dementia care and end-of-life care are commissioned separately, with commissioners receiving little formal guidance and training. Examples of good practice rely on non-recurrent funding and leadership from an interested clinician. Seven key components are required for good end-of-life care in dementia: timely planning discussions, recognising end of life and providing supportive care, co-ordinating care, effective working with primary care, managing hospitalisation, continuing care after death, and valuing staff and ongoing learning. Using co-design methods and the theory of change, the seven components were operationalised as a primary care-based, dementia nurse specialist intervention, with a care resource kit to help the dementia nurse specialist improve the knowledge of family and professional carers. The SEED intervention proved feasible and acceptable to all stakeholders, and being located in the general practice was considered beneficial. None of the outcome measures was suitable as the primary outcome for a future trial. The contingent valuation showed that the SEED intervention was valued, with a wider package of care valued more than selected features in isolation. The SEED intervention is unlikely to reduce costs, but this may be offset by the value placed on the SEED intervention by the general public.
Limitations
The biggest challenge to the successful delivery and completion of this research programme was translating the ‘theoretical’ complex intervention into practice in an ever-changing policy and service landscape at national and local levels. A major limitation for a future trial is the lack of a valid and relevant primary outcome measure to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention that influences outcomes for both individuals and systems.
Conclusions
Although the dementia nurse specialist intervention was acceptable, feasible and integrated well with existing care, it is unlikely to reduce costs of care; however, it was highly valued by all stakeholders (professionals, people with dementia and their families) and has the potential to influence outcomes at both an individual and a systems level.
Future work
There is no plan to progress to a full randomised controlled trial of the SEED intervention in its current form. In view of new National Institute for Health and Care Excellence dementia guidance, which now recommends a care co-ordinator for all people with dementia, the feasibility of providing the SEED intervention throughout the illness trajectory should be explored. Appropriate outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of such a complex intervention are needed urgently.
Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN21390601.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full in Programme Grants for Applied Research, Vol. 8, No. 8. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Robinson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marie Poole
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emma McLellan
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Lee
- Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Amador
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nawaraj Bhattarai
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew Bryant
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dorothy Coe
- North East and North Cumbria Local Clinical Research Network, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anne Corbett
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Catherine Exley
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire Goodman
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Zoe Gotts
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Sarah Hill
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Denise Howel
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Susan Hrisos
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ashleigh Kernohan
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Helen Mason
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christopher Massey
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Paul Paes
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Katherine Rennie
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Professional Services, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stephen Rice
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tomos Robinson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Elizabeth Sampson
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Dimitrios Tzelis
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Luke Vale
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire Bamford
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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19
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Chu CP, Huang CY, Kuo CJ, Chen YY, Chen CT, Yang TW, Liu HC. Palliative care for nursing home patients with dementia: service evaluation and risk factors of mortality. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:122. [PMID: 32787961 PMCID: PMC7425598 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00627-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Difficulties in prognostication are common deterrents to palliative care among dementia patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of palliative care in reducing the extent of utilization of medical services and the potential risk factors of mortality among dementia patients receiving palliative care. Methods We surveyed dementia patients involved in a palliative care program at a long-term care facility in Taipei, Taiwan. We enrolled 57 patients with advanced dementia (clinical dementia rating ≥ 5 or functional assessment staging test stage 7b). We then compared the extent of their utilization of medical services before and after the provision of palliative care. Based on multivariable logistic regression, we identified potential risk factors before and after the provision of palliative care associated with 6-month mortality. Results The utilization of medical services was significantly lower among dementia patients after the provision of palliative care than before, including visits to medical departments (p < 0.001), medications prescribed (p < 0.001), frequency of hospitalization (p < 0.001), and visits to the emergency room (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients dying within 6 months after the palliative care program had a slightly but not significantly higher number of admissions before receiving hospice care (p = 0.058) on univariate analysis. However, no significant differences were observed in multivariate analysis. Conclusions The provision of palliative care to dementia patients reduces the extent of utilization of medical services. However, further studies with larger patient cohorts are required to stratify the potential risk factors of mortality in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Pang Chu
- Department of General Psychiatry, Songde Branch (Taipei City Psychiatric Center), Taipei City Hospital, 309 Sung-Te Road, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Cho-Yin Huang
- Department of General Psychiatry, Songde Branch (Taipei City Psychiatric Center), Taipei City Hospital, 309 Sung-Te Road, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Chian-Jue Kuo
- Department of General Psychiatry, Songde Branch (Taipei City Psychiatric Center), Taipei City Hospital, 309 Sung-Te Road, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Yeh Chen
- Department of General Psychiatry, Songde Branch (Taipei City Psychiatric Center), Taipei City Hospital, 309 Sung-Te Road, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.,Department of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Tse Chen
- Department of General Psychiatry, Songde Branch (Taipei City Psychiatric Center), Taipei City Hospital, 309 Sung-Te Road, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Wei Yang
- Department of General Psychiatry, Songde Branch (Taipei City Psychiatric Center), Taipei City Hospital, 309 Sung-Te Road, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Cheng Liu
- Department of General Psychiatry, Songde Branch (Taipei City Psychiatric Center), Taipei City Hospital, 309 Sung-Te Road, Taipei, 110, Taiwan. .,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan.
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20
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Aitken C, Boyd M, Nielsen L, Collier A. Medication use in aged care residents in the last year of life: A scoping review. Palliat Med 2020; 34:832-850. [PMID: 32286162 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320911596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A substantial number of older adults die in residential aged care facilities, yet little is known about the characteristics of and how best to optimise medication use in the last year of life. AIM The aim of this review was to map characteristics of medication use in aged care residents during the last year of life in order to examine key concepts related to medication safety and draw implications for further research and service provision. DESIGN A scoping review following Arskey and O'Malley's framework was conducted using a targeted keyword search, followed by assessments of eligibility based on title and content of abstracts and full papers. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the scoping review protocol was prospectively registered to the Open Science Framework on 27 November 2018. DATA SOURCES We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and Cochrane databases to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 1937 and 2018, written in English and looking at medication use in individuals living in aged care facilities within their last year of life. RESULTS A total of 30 papers were reviewed. Five key overarching themes were derived from the analysis process: (1) access to medicines at the end of life, (2) categorisation and classes: medicines and populations, (3) polypharmacy and total medication numbers, (4) use of symptomatic versus preventive medications and (5) 'inappropriate' medications. CONCLUSION Number of prescriptions or blunt categorisations of medications to assess their appropriateness are unlikely to be sufficient to promote well-being and medication safety for older people in residential aged care in the final stages of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michal Boyd
- The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Aileen Collier
- The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Hoffmann F, Allers K. [Hospitalization of nursing home residents in the last phase of life: an analysis of health insurance data]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2020; 54:247-254. [PMID: 32185465 PMCID: PMC8096747 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-020-01716-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Im internationalen Vergleich versterben Pflegeheimbewohner in Deutschland häufig im Krankenhaus. Daten zu längeren Zeiträumen vor dem Tod und zu regionalen Unterschieden fehlen. Ziel der Arbeit Es werden Häufigkeiten von Krankenhausaufenthalten bei Pflegeheimbewohnern in verschiedenen Perioden vor dem Tod analysiert. Zudem werden Unterschiede nach Alter, Geschlecht, Pflegestufe, Demenz und Bundesländern untersucht. Material und Methoden Wir verwendeten Daten einer großen Krankenkasse und schlossen Pflegeheimbewohner im Mindestalter von 65 Jahren ein, die zwischen dem 01.01.2010 und dem 31. 12.2014 verstarben. Outcome war mindestens ein Krankenhausaufenthalt nach Heimeintritt in verschiedenen Phasen des letzten Lebensjahres. Vertiefende Analysen wurden für die Zeiträume 0 (entspricht Versterben im Krankenhaus), 28 und 365 Tage vor Tod durchgeführt. Ergebnisse Von den insgesamt 67.328 verstorbenen Bewohnern (mittleres Alter: 85,3 Jahre; 69,8 % weiblich), verstarben 29,5 % im Krankenhaus. In den letzten 28 bzw. 365 Tagen vor Tod hatten 51,5 % bzw. 74,3 % mindestens einen Krankenhausaufenthalt. Diese Werte waren in ostdeutschen Bundesländern höher. In allen Zeiträumen wurden Männer häufiger hospitalisiert. Bewohner mit höherer Pflegestufe wurden seltener stationär behandelt, besonders unmittelbar vor dem Tod. Demenz hatte keinen nennenswerten Einfluss auf die Hospitalisierungshäufigkeiten. Diskussion Etwa die Hälfte der Pflegeheimbewohner wird im letzten Lebensmonat stationär behandelt, und ein Drittel verstirbt im Krankenhaus, was, international betrachtet, hoch ist. Dass wir keine Unterschiede bei Bewohnern mit und ohne Demenz fanden, widerspricht ebenso internationalen Befunden. Somit besteht erheblicher Handlungsbedarf, die palliative Versorgung von Pflegeheimbewohnern zu optimieren.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Hoffmann
- Department für Versorgungsforschung, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 140, 26129, Oldenburg, Deutschland.
| | - Katharina Allers
- Department für Versorgungsforschung, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 140, 26129, Oldenburg, Deutschland
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Perception of the Quality of Communication With Physicians Among Relatives of Dying Residents of Long-term Care Facilities in 6 European Countries: PACE Cross-Sectional Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 21:331-337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Puente-Fernández D, Campos-Calderón CP, Esteban-Burgos AA, Hueso-Montoro C, Roldán-López CB, Montoya-Juárez R. Palliative Care Symptoms, Outcomes, and Interventions for Chronic Advanced Patients in Spanish Nursing Homes with and without Dementia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E1465. [PMID: 32106468 PMCID: PMC7084766 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the symptomatology, palliative care outcomes, therapeutic procedures, diagnostic tests, and pharmacological treatments for people with dementia (PWD) and without dementia (PW/OD) admitted to Spanish nursing homes. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study which is part of a long-term prospective follow-up of elderly people performed in nursing homes to measure end-of-life care processes. PARTICIPANTS 107 nursing home patients with advanced or terminal chronic diseases were selected according to the criteria of the Palliative Care Spanish Society. SETTING Two trained nurses from each nursing home were responsible for participant selection and data collection. They must have treated the residents and had a minimum seniority of 6 months in the nursing home. MEASUREMENTS Sociodemographic data; Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale; Palliative Care Outcome Scale; and prevalence of diagnostic tests, pharmacological treatments, and therapeutic procedures were evaluated. RESULTS Pain, fatigue, and nausea were found to be significantly higher in the nondementia group and insomnia, poor appetite, and drowsiness were significantly higher in the dementia group. Patient anxiety, support, feeling that life was worth living, self-worth, and practical matters management were higher in the nondementia group. Regarding drugs, use of corticoids was higher in the nondementia group, while use of anxiolytics was higher in the dementia group. Diagnostic procedures such as urine analysis and X-ray were higher in the dementia group. CONCLUSIONS Differences in symptom perception, diagnostic tests, and pharmacological procedures were found between patients with and without dementia. Specific diagnostic tools need to be developed for patients with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Puente-Fernández
- Doctoral Programme in Clinical Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain;
| | | | - Ana Alejandra Esteban-Burgos
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.A.E.-B.); (C.H.-M.); (R.M.-J.)
| | - César Hueso-Montoro
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.A.E.-B.); (C.H.-M.); (R.M.-J.)
- Mind, Brain and Behaviour Research Institute, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Montoya-Juárez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.A.E.-B.); (C.H.-M.); (R.M.-J.)
- Mind, Brain and Behaviour Research Institute, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Strautmann A, Allers K, Fassmer AM, Hoffmann F. Nursing home staff's perspective on end-of-life care of German nursing home residents: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:2. [PMID: 31900141 PMCID: PMC6942381 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0512-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing homes are becoming more important for end-of-life care. Within the industrialised world, Germany is among the countries with the most end-of-life hospitalizations in nursing home residents. To improve end-of-life care, investigation in the status quo is required. The objective was to gain a better understanding of the perspectives of nursing home staff on the current situation of end-of-life care in Germany. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted as a postal survey among a random sample of 1069 German nursing homes in 2019. The survey was primarily addressed to nursing staff management. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Staff was asked to rate different items regarding common practices and potential deficits of end-of-life care on a 5-point-Likert-scale. Estimations of the proportions of in-hospital deaths, residents with advance directives (AD), cases in which documented ADs were ignored, and most important measures for improvement of end-of-life care were requested. RESULTS 486 (45.5%) questionnaires were returned, mostly by nursing staff managers (64.7%) and nursing home directors (29.9%). 64.4% of the respondents rated end-of-life care rather good, the remainder rated it as rather bad. The prevalence of in-hospital death was estimated by the respondents at 31.5% (SD: 19.9). Approximately a third suggested that residents receive hospital treatments too frequently. Respondents estimated that 45.9% (SD: 21.6) of the residents held ADs and that 28.4% (SD: 26.8) of available ADs are not being considered. Increased staffing, better qualification, closer involvement of general practitioners and better availability of palliative care concepts were the most important measures for improvement. CONCLUSIONS Together with higher staffing, better availability and integration of palliative care concepts may well improve end-of-life care. Prerequisite for stronger ties between nursing home and palliative care is high-quality education of those involved in end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Strautmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
- Department of Health Services Research, School VI - Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, D-26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Katharina Allers
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | | | - Falk Hoffmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Toscani F, Finetti S, Giunco F, Basso I, Rosa D, Pettenati F, Bussotti A, Villani D, Gentile S, Boncinelli L, Monti M, Spinsanti S, Piazza M, Charrier L, Di Giulio P. The last week of life of nursing home residents with advanced dementia: a retrospective study. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:117. [PMID: 31882007 PMCID: PMC6935223 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0510-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Barriers to palliative care still exist in long-term care settings for older people, which can mean that people with advanced dementia may not receive of adequate palliative care in the last days of their life; instead, they may be exposed to aggressive and/or inappropriate treatments. The aim of this multicentre study was to assess the clinical interventions and care at end of life in a cohort of nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia in a large Italian region. METHODS This retrospective study included a convenience sample of 29 NHs in the Lombardy Region. Data were collected from the clinical records of 482 residents with advanced dementia, who had resided in the NH for at least 6 months before death, mainly focusing on the 7 days before death. RESULTS Most residents (97.1%) died in the NH. In the 7 days before death, 20% were fed and hydrated by mouth, and 13.4% were tube fed. A median of five, often inappropriate, drugs were prescribed. Fifty-seven percent of residents had an acknowledgement of worsening condition recorded in their clinical records, a median of 4 days before death. CONCLUSIONS Full implementation of palliative care was not achieved in our study, possibly due to insufficient acknowledgement of the appropriateness of some drugs and interventions, and health professionals' lack of implementation of palliative interventions. Future studies should focus on how to improve care for NH residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Toscani
- Lino Maestroni Foundation, Palliative Medicine Research Institute, via Palestro 1, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Silvia Finetti
- Lino Maestroni Foundation, Palliative Medicine Research Institute, via Palestro 1, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Giunco
- Department of Health and Social Services Polo Lombardia 2, Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, Via Palazzolo, 21, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Ines Basso
- Intensive Care Unit, SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Hospital, Via Venezia, 16, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Debora Rosa
- University of Milan, section of Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Via A. Capecelatro, 66, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pettenati
- Lino Maestroni Foundation, Palliative Medicine Research Institute, via Palestro 1, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bussotti
- Agenzia Continuità Ospedale Territorio, Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Villani
- Neuro-Rehabilitation and Alzheimer Disease Evaluation Unit, Figlie di San Camillo Hospital, Via F. Filzi , 56, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Simona Gentile
- Rehabilitation and Alzheimer Disease Evaluation Unit, Ancelle della Carità Hospital, Via G. Aselli, 14 Cremona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Boncinelli
- Intensive Care Unit Geriatric, AOU Careggi-Largo Brambilla,3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Monti
- Geriatric Institute Pio Albergo Trivulzio, via Trivulzio, 15, 20146 Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Spinsanti
- Istituto Giano, Via Stazzo Quadro 7, 00060 Riano (Rm), Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Piazza
- Italian Foundation of Leniterapia (FILE), Via San Niccolò, 1, 50125 Florence, Italy
| | - Lorena Charrier
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
- SUPSI, Manno, Switzerland
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Abstract
BACKGROUND End-of-life hospitalizations in nursing home residents are common, although they are often burdensome and potentially avoidable. AIM We aimed to summarize the existing evidence on end-of-life hospitalizations in nursing home residents. DESIGN Systematic review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42017072276). DATA SOURCES A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus (date of search 9 April 2019). Studies were included if they reported proportions of in-hospital deaths or hospitalizations of nursing home residents in the last month of life. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality of studies. Median with interquartile range was used to summarize proportions. RESULTS A total of 35 studies were identified, more than half of which were from the United States (n = 18). While 29 studies reported in-hospital deaths, 12 studies examined hospitalizations during the last month of life. The proportion of in-hospital deaths varied markedly between 5.9% and 77.1%, with an overall median of 22.6% (interquartile range: 16.3%-29.5%). The proportion of residents being hospitalized during the last month of life ranged from 25.5% to 69.7%, and the median was 33.2% (interquartile range: 30.8%-38.4%). Most studies investigating the influence of age found that younger age was associated with a higher likelihood of end-of-life hospitalization. Four studies assessed trends over time, showing heterogeneous findings. CONCLUSION There is a wide variation in end-of-life hospitalizations, even between studies from the same country. Overall, such hospitalizations are common among nursing home residents, which indicates that interventions tailored to each specific health care system are needed to improve end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Allers
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Falk Hoffmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Rieke Schnakenberg
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Achterberg WP, Everink IH, van der Steen JT, Gordon AL. We're all different and we're the same: the story of the European nursing home resident. Age Ageing 2019; 49:3-4. [PMID: 31838507 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afz145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wilco P Achterberg
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Irma H Everink
- Department of Health Services Research and Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jenny T van der Steen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adam L Gordon
- Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Royal Derby Hospital; Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK
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Allers K, Fassmer AM, Spreckelsen O, Hoffmann F. End-of-life care of nursing home residents: A survey among general practitioners in northwestern Germany. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 20:25-30. [PMID: 31760683 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe general practitioners' (GPs) perspectives on end-of-life care of nursing home residents. METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 1121 GPs in the German federal states of Bremen and Lower Saxony in 2018. Data were compared between GPs with a qualification in palliative medicine and those without such qualifications, and multivariable logistic regression was performed. RESULTS Overall, 375 questionnaires were returned (response rate 34%). The majority of GPs (71%) agreed that nursing home residents are treated too often in hospitals at the end of life, and more than half rated end-of-life care in nursing homes as "rather poor" (54%). For both questions, GPs with a qualification in palliative medicine showed higher agreements. In the multivariable analysis, a prior qualification in palliative medicine was also strongly associated with rating end-of-life care as "rather poor" (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.10-3.23). Respondents cited higher staffing ratios and better trained nursing staff as the most important measures to improve end-of-life care. Furthermore, it was estimated that just 37% of residents have an advance directive, with only one-third including valid information on end-of-life hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that GPs tend to be critical regarding end-of-life care in nursing homes. To improve end-of-life care, better training in palliative care for nursing staff and GPs might be warranted. In addition, advance care planning can help to ensure that residents' wishes are respected. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 25-30.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Allers
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Alexander M Fassmer
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Ove Spreckelsen
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Falk Hoffmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Iturbide-Casas MA, Cámara-Martos F, Molina-Luque R, Molina-Recio G. Survival Analysis of Enterally Fed Patients: Prognosis and Mortality Risk According to Baseline Characteristics. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2019; 44:1057-1065. [PMID: 31736137 DOI: 10.1002/jpen.1745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteral nutrition is widely used. However, its benefits remain unclear in specific conditions like dementia. This study assesses the survival of enterally fed patients and the baseline characteristics associated with higher mortality. METHODS A retrospective analysis of biochemical and clinical data from 377 patients (age 77.5 ± 13.8) who received enteral tube feeding (ETF) at a tertiary hospital in Spain was performed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regressions were used to analyze survival expectancy and mortality risk (MR). Risk was evaluated for 30/180 days and up to 5 years. RESULTS The most common individual diagnoses leading to ETF prescription were dementia (37.9%) and head/neck/upper-gastrointestinal-tract cancer (17.5%). Comorbidities (high blood pressure [HBP] and/or diabetes) were present in 72.4% of patients. The first 30 days after tube placement showed the highest mortality rate, corresponding to 85.4% of patients that did not continue being tube-fed. Multivariate Cox analysis (P < .05, 95% CI) showed HBP and glycemia to be predictive of overall (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.600; HR = 1.756) and long-term (HR = 3.092; HR = 4.539) death. In the short-term, only glycemia showed an increased MR (HR = 1.572). CONCLUSION This enterally fed population showed a noticeably high initial mortality rate. Despite official recommendations against it, ETF is very common in advanced dementia. Baseline characteristics are useful for identifying patients that would be less benefited by the intervention. Accordingly, families should be informed about realistic outcomes and risks derived from this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando Cámara-Martos
- Departamento de Bromatología y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
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Progress in advance care planning among nursing home residents dying with advanced dementia-Does it make any difference in end-of-life care? Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2019; 86:103955. [PMID: 31561064 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2019.103955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased awareness of the clinical course of nursing home residents with advanced dementia and advance care planning (ACP) has become the cornerstone of good palliative care. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study is to describe changes in ACP in the form of physician treatment orders (PTOs), symptom prevalence and possible burdensome interventions among nursing home (NH) residents who died between 2004-2009 and 2010-2013 METHODS: Retrospective study RESULTS: The number of PTOs regarding forgoing antibiotics or parenteral antibiotics, forgoing artificial nutrition or hydration or forgoing hospitalisation doubled between 2004-2009 and 2010-2013 (38.1% vs. 64.9%, p < 0.001; 40.0% vs. 81.7%, p < 0.001; 28.1% vs. 69.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). PTOs were also done significantly earlier in 2010-2013 than in 2004-2009. The prevalence of distressing symptoms and possible burdensome interventions remained unchanged, although the prevalence of consistency with the PTOs was high. CONCLUSION Despite the increased number of PTOs, this had little effect on symptom prevalence and possible burdensome interventions experienced by NH residents in the last days of life.
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Hoffmann F, Strautmann A, Allers K. Hospitalization at the end of life among nursing home residents with dementia: a systematic review. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:77. [PMID: 31506100 PMCID: PMC6737675 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0462-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Half of nursing home residents (NHR) suffer from dementia. End-of-life hospitalizations are often burdensome in residents with dementia. A systematic review was conducted to study the occurrence of hospitalizations at the end of life in NHR with dementia and to compare these figures to NHR without dementia. Methods A systematic literature search in MEDLINE, CINAHL and Scopus was conducted in May 2018. Studies were included if they reported proportions of in-hospital deaths or hospitalizations of NHR with dementia in the last month of life. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed quality of studies. Results Nine hundred forty-five citations were retrieved; 13 studies were included. Overall, 7 studies reported data on in-hospital death with proportions ranging between 0% in Canada and 53.3% in the UK. Studies reporting on the last 30 days of life (n = 8) varied between 8.0% in the Netherlands and 51.3% in Germany. Two studies each assessed the influence of age and sex. There seem to be fewer end-of-life hospitalizations in older age groups. The influence of sex is inconclusive. All but one study found that at the end of life residents with dementia were hospitalized less often than those without (n = 6). Conclusions We found large variations in end-of-life hospitalizations of NHR with dementia, probably being explained by differences between countries. The influence of sex and age might differ when compared to residents without dementia. More studies should compare NHR with dementia to those without and assess the influence of sex and age. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number CRD42018104263.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Hoffmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 140, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Anke Strautmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 140, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Allers
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 140, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
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Bolt S, van der Steen J, Schols J, Zwakhalen S, Meijers J. What do relatives value most in end-of-life care for people with dementia? Int J Palliat Nurs 2019; 25:432-442. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2019.25.9.432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background:End-of-life care for older people with dementia is often sub-optimal. Understanding the experiences of the relatives involved in the care of the person with dementia may help to improve care practice.Aims:To investigate relatives' experiences with end-of-life care for people with dementia, comparing the nursing home and home setting.Methods:In-depth interviews were conducted with 32 individuals who were bereaved of someone with dementia. Thematic analysis was performed to identify main themes from the data.Findings:Experiences translated into four themes: acknowledging human dignity; being recognised as an important caregiver; (not) talking about death and dying and making decisions together. A lack of person-centered care was mainly evident in nursing homes. Relatives took on a more prominent role in the care of the older person with dementia when the relative was cared for in a home setting and this involvement in the care of the older person was something that the relatives valued. Surrogate decision-making induced similar challenges in both settings.Conclusion:It is important that healthcare professionals inform and support relatives to help them make decision about end-of-life care and preferences. Nursing homes should learn to offer the same standard of person-centred care as a home care setting, and ensure that relatives are still involved in the care of the person with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Bolt
- PhD candidate, Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Medicine and Lifesciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jenny van der Steen
- Associate Professor, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Schols
- Professor, Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Medicine and Lifesciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Zwakhalen
- Professor, Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Medicine and Lifesciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Meijers
- Assistant Professor, Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Medicine and Lifesciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands, Zuyderland Care, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The review englobes the latest studies published regarding the problem of antimicrobial usage with palliative intent. RECENT FINDINGS In the advanced stages of illness like cancer, dementia, or neurodegenerative diseases, important decisions have to be made concerning the global treatment plan. Infections are very common among this kind of patients as they typically have multiple comorbidities and are incapacitated. These infections, in a majority of the cases, will be treated with antimicrobial therapy because this is a standard medical procedure. For a health professional, the decision of whether to treat, withhold, or withdraw a treatment can be difficult. In fact, in palliative care, the challenge is to balance compassionate care for people suffering from end-of-life diseases with the need for responsible antibiotic usage. Antimicrobial treatment could alleviate symptoms from an infection and make patients more comfortable, on the other hand, its overuse of it could bring a broader public health risk. SUMMARY On the contrary, in 18 months there are few studies about this problem, what reveals no concern about the use of antimicrobians in end-of-life patients.
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Di Giulio P, Finetti S, Giunco F, Basso I, Rosa D, Pettenati F, Bussotti A, Villani D, Gentile S, Boncinelli L, Monti M, Spinsanti S, Piazza M, Charrier L, Toscani F. The Impact of Nursing Homes Staff Education on End-of-Life Care in Residents With Advanced Dementia: A Quality Improvement Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:93-99. [PMID: 30315916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.10.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT End-of-life care in nursing homes (NHs) needs improvement. We carried out a study in 29 NHs in the Lombardy Region (Italy). OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare end-of-life care in NH residents with advanced dementia before and after an educational intervention aimed to improving palliative care. METHODS The intervention consisted of a seven-hour lecture, followed by two 3-hour meetings consisting of case discussions. The intervention was held in each NH and well attended by NH staff. This multicenter, comparative, observational study included up to 20 residents with advanced dementia from each NH: the last 10 who died before the intervention (preintervention group, 245 residents) and the first 10 who died at least three months after the intervention (postintervention group, 237 residents). Data for these residents were collected from records for 60 days and seven days before death. RESULTS The use of "comfort hydration" (<1000 mL/day subcutaneously) tended to increase from 16.9% to 26.8% in the postintervention group. The number of residents receiving a palliative approach for nutrition and hydration increased, though not significantly, from 24% preintervention to 31.5% postintervention. On the other hand, the proportion of tube-fed residents and residents receiving intravenous hydration decreased from 15.5% to 10.5%, and from 52% to 42%, respectively. Cardiopulmonary resuscitations decreased also from 52/245 (21%) to 18/237 (7.6%) cases (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION The short educational intervention modified some practices relevant to the quality of end-of-life care of advanced dementia patients in NHs, possibly raising and reinforcing beliefs and attitudes already largely present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; SUPSI, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Finetti
- Lino Maestroni Foundation, Palliative Medicine Research Institute, Cremona, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Giunco
- Department of Health and Social Services Polo Lombardia 2, Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, Milano, Italy
| | - Ines Basso
- Intensive Care Unit, SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Debora Rosa
- Nursing Degree Course, Section of Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pettenati
- Lino Maestroni Foundation, Palliative Medicine Research Institute, Cremona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bussotti
- Agenzia Continuità Ospedale Territorio, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | - Daniele Villani
- Neuro-Rehabilitation and Alzheimer Disease Evaluation Unit, "Figlie di San Camillo" Hospital, Cremona, Italy
| | - Simona Gentile
- Rehabilitation and Alzheimer Disease Evaluation Unit, Ancelle della Carità Hospital, Cremona, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Monti
- Geriatric Institute "Pio Albergo Trivulzio", Milano, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Piazza
- Italian Foundation of Leniterapia (FILE), Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorena Charrier
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Franco Toscani
- Lino Maestroni Foundation, Palliative Medicine Research Institute, Cremona, Italy
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Allers K, Hoffmann F. Mortality and hospitalization at the end of life in newly admitted nursing home residents with and without dementia. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2018; 53:833-839. [PMID: 29721593 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-018-1523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The proportion of deaths occurring in nursing homes is increasing and end of life hospitalizations in residents are common. This study aimed to obtain the time from nursing home admission to death and the frequency of hospitalizations prior to death among residents with and without dementia. METHODS This retrospective cohort study analyzed claims data of 127,227 nursing home residents aged 65 years and older newly admitted to a nursing home between 2010 and 2014. We analyzed hospitalizations during the last year of life and assessed mortality rates per 100 person-years. Factors potentially associated with time to death were analyzed in Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS The median time from nursing home admission to death was 777 and 635 days in residents with and without dementia, respectively. Being male, older age and a higher level of care decreased the survival time. Sex and age had a higher influence on survival time in residents with dementia, whereas level of care was found to have a higher influence in residents without dementia. Half of the residents of both groups were hospitalized during the last month and about 37% during the last week before death. Leading causes of hospitalizations were infections (with dementia: 20.6% vs. without dementia: 17.2%) and cardiovascular diseases (with dementia: 16.6% vs. without dementia: 19.0%). CONCLUSIONS A high proportion of residents with and without dementia are hospitalized shortly before death. There should be an open debate about the appropriateness of hospitalizing nursing home residents especially those with dementia near death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Allers
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Falk Hoffmann
- Department of Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Demenzerkrankungen bei Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund und ethische Konflikte im medizinischen und pflegerischen Alltag. Ethik Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00481-018-0491-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Sampson EL, Candy B, Davis S, Gola AB, Harrington J, King M, Kupeli N, Leavey G, Moore K, Nazareth I, Omar RZ, Vickerstaff V, Jones L. Living and dying with advanced dementia: A prospective cohort study of symptoms, service use and care at the end of life. Palliat Med 2018; 32:668-681. [PMID: 28922625 PMCID: PMC5987852 DOI: 10.1177/0269216317726443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing number of people are dying with advanced dementia. Comfort and quality of life are key goals of care. AIMS To describe (1) physical and psychological symptoms, (2) health and social care service utilisation and (3) care at end of life in people with advanced dementia. DESIGN 9-month prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Greater London, England, people with advanced dementia (Functional Assessment Staging Scale 6e and above) from 14 nursing homes or their own homes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES At study entry and monthly: prescriptions, Charlson Comorbidity Index, pressure sore risk/severity (Waterlow Scale/Stirling Scale, respectively), acute medical events, pain (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia), neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory), quality of life (Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia Scale), resource use (Resource Utilization in Dementia Questionnaire and Client Services Receipt Inventory), presence/type of advance care plans, interventions, mortality, place of death and comfort (Symptom Management at End of Life in Dementia Scale). RESULTS Of 159 potential participants, 85 were recruited (62% alive at end of follow-up). Pain (11% at rest, 61% on movement) and significant agitation (54%) were common and persistent. Aspiration, dyspnoea, septicaemia and pneumonia were more frequent in those who died. In total, 76% had 'do not resuscitate' statements, less than 40% advance care plans. Most received primary care visits, there was little input from geriatrics or mental health but contact with emergency paramedics was common. CONCLUSION People with advanced dementia lived with distressing symptoms. Service provision was not tailored to their needs. Longitudinal multidisciplinary input could optimise symptom control and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Sampson
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.,2 Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust Liaison Psychiatry Team, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bridget Candy
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Davis
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anna Buylova Gola
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jane Harrington
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael King
- 3 Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nuriye Kupeli
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gerry Leavey
- 4 The Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Kirsten Moore
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Irwin Nazareth
- 5 Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rumana Z Omar
- 6 Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Vickerstaff
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.,5 Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Louise Jones
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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