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Togashi S, Masukawa K, Aoyama M, Sato K, Miyashita M. Aggressive End-of-Life Treatments Among Inpatients With Cancer and Non-cancer Diseases Using a Japanese National Claims Database. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:1339-1349. [PMID: 38019734 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231216888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To describe aggressive treatments at end-of-life among inpatients with cancer and non-cancer diseases and to evaluate factors associated with these treatments using the Japanese national database (NDB). We conducted a retrospective cohort study among inpatients aged ≥ 20 years who died between 2012 and 2015 using a sampling dataset of NDB. The outcome was the proportion of aggressive treatments in the last 14 days of life. We considered the underlying causes of death as cancer, dementia/senility, and heart, cerebrovascular, renal, liver, respiratory, and neurodegenerative diseases. We analyzed 54,105 inpatients, with underlying cause of death distributed as follows: cancer, 24.9%; heart disease, 16.5%; respiratory disease, 12.3%; and cerebrovascular disease, 9.7%. The proportion of intensive care unit (ICU) admission was 9.7%, being the highest in heart disease (20.5%), followed by cerebrovascular diseases (12.6%), and least in dementia/senility (.6%). The proportion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 19.6%, being the highest in heart disease (38.1%), followed by renal diseases (19.5%), and least in cancer (6.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that having heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, younger age, less comorbidities, and shorter length of stay were associated with an increasing risk of aggressive treatments in the last 14 days of life. The proportion of aggressive treatments at the end-of-life varies depending on the disease; additionally, these treatments were associated with having heart diseases, younger age, less comorbidity, and shorter length of stay. Our findings may help develop and set benchmarks for quality indicators at the end-of-life for patients with non-cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Togashi
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Center for Outcomes Research and Economic Evaluation for Health, National Institute of Public Health, Wako-shi, Japan
| | - Kento Masukawa
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Maho Aoyama
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sato
- Division of Integrated Health Sciences, Department of Nursing for Advanced Practice, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Togashi S, Wakabayashi R, Takehara A, Higashitsuji A, Ikarashi A, Nakashima N, Tanaka N, Nakano N, Shibata T, Oishi S, Sakashita A. A Web-Based Education Program About Primary Palliative Care for Heart Failure: A Study Protocol of Wait-Listed Randomized Controlled Trial. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2024:00005082-990000000-00225. [PMID: 39344007 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000001120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of patients with heart failure (HF) is rapidly increasing as palliative care is being integrated into HF management and the need for a nursing workforce to meet these demands grows. To address this, we have developed a Web-based educational program on primary palliative care for HF among general registered nurses caring for patients with HF in Japan. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the program's effectiveness on nurse-reported palliative care practice, difficulty, and knowledge. METHODS In this open-label, individual-level, wait-listed randomized controlled trial, 150 Japanese general registered nurses, with experience in caring for patients with HF and clinical ladder level ≥ 2 in inpatient, outpatient, and home-visiting care settings, will be randomly divided (1:1 ratio) into a Web-based educational program group and a wait-list control group. The follow-up period is 6 months after the intervention. The primary outcome is the nurse-reported practice score in primary palliative care, and the secondary outcomes are the nurse-reported difficulties score and knowledge score. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS We herein describe the study protocol of a wait-listed randomized controlled trial regarding a Web-based educational program, which is a novel approach for these nurses. If the results of this study support our hypothesis, they could help expand primary palliative care, including daily nursing practices, such as symptom management and interdisciplinary collaboration, in the field of cardiovascular nursing.
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Kim J, Hwang YY, Cho K, Shin MH, Shin MS, Yang J, An M, Heo S. Perspectives on advance care planning and related end-of-life care in people with heart failure: A Q methodology study. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241273618. [PMID: 39169565 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241273618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Negative perspectives around advance care planning (ACP) prevent people with heart failure (HF) from preparing their end-of-life (EOL) effectively. A Q methodology study was conducted to identify types of ACP perspectives in Koreans with HF. The Q sample (31 statements representing ACP perspectives) was constructed through an extensive literature review and in-depth qualitative interview. The P sample (individuals with HF) completed each grid with a statement on the Q sorting table. The data were analyzed using the PQ program. Individuals with HF have both different and common perspectives on ACP. Three types of perspectives were identified: "positive acceptance," "contemplative support," and "hesitancy in acceptance." Common perspectives across types indicated that people with HF had positive attitudes toward ACP and emphasized their autonomy in EOL decisions. Clinicians need to consider these different and common perspectives on ACP to facilitate patients' engagement and provide relevant support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Myoung Hwan Shin
- Sookmyung Women's University School of Communication Media, South Korea
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Sivanathan V, Smallwood N, Ong J, Wee E, Zentner D. Heart failure and the cost of dying: must the ferryman always be paid? Intern Med J 2024; 54:1077-1086. [PMID: 38351669 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16338] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Provision of palliative care in chronic heart failure (CHF) can support complex decision-making, significantly improve quality of life and may lower healthcare costs. AIMS To examine whether healthcare costs differed in terminal admissions according to the adoption of a palliative approach. DESIGN Retrospective review of medical records and costing data for all admissions resulting in death from CHF (July 2011 to December 2019), analysed as two groups (2011-2016 and 2016-2019) because of background changes in costings. SETTING Admissions with CHF resulting in death in an Australian tertiary referral centre. RESULTS The cohort (n = 439) were elderly (median age 83.7 years, interquartile range (IQR) = 77.6-88.7 years) and mostly men (54.9%). Half (230, 52.4%) were referred to a specialist palliative care team, whereas over a third (172, 39.2%) received a palliative approach. Receiving a palliative approach was associated with a nonstatistically significant lower admission cost (AU$12 710 vs AU$15 978; P = 0.19) between 2011 and 2016 (n = 101, 38.8%) and a significantly lower cost (AU$11 319 vs AU$15 978; P < 0.01) between 2016 and 2019 (n = 71, 39.7%). Intensive care admission resulted in the single greatest additional cost at AU$14 624 (IQR = AU$4130-AU$44 197) (n = 48, 2011-2016). Median terminal admission cost was lower for patients with comfort goals of care (P < 0.01), without life-sustaining interventions (P < 0.01) or who received a palliative approach (P < 0.01). Referral to inpatient specialist palliative care or receiving a palliative approach resulted in comparable admission costings (AU$11 621 [IQR = AU$4705-AU$32 457] and AU$11 466 [IQR = AU$4973-AU$25 614]). CONCLUSION A palliative approach in terminal CHF admission may improve quality at the end of life and decrease costs associated with care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natasha Smallwood
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Ong
- Clinical Costing, Health Intelligence, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elin Wee
- Clinical Costing, Health Intelligence, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dominica Zentner
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Akiyama N, Ochiai R, Nitta M, Shimizu S, Kaneko M, Kuraoka A, Nakai M, Sumita Y, Ishizu T. In-Hospital Death and End-of-Life Status Among Patients With Adult Congenital Heart Disease - A Retrospective Study Using the JROAD-DPC Database in Japan. Circ J 2024; 88:631-639. [PMID: 38072440 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-23-0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The end-of-life (EOL) status, including age at death and treatment details, of patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) remains unclear. This study investigated the EOL status of patients with ACHD using a nationwide Japanese database. METHODS AND RESULTS Data on the last hospitalization of 26,438 patients with ACHD aged ≥15 years, admitted between 2013 and 2017, were included. Disease complexity (simple, moderate, or great) was classified using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes. Of the 853 deaths, 831 patients with classifiable disease complexity were evaluated for EOL status. The median age at death of patients in the simple, moderate, and great disease complexity groups was 77.0, 66.5, and 39.0 years , respectively. The treatments administered before death to patients in the simple, moderate, and great complexity groups included cardiopulmonary resuscitation (30.1%, 35.7%, and 41.9%, respectively), percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (7.2%, 16.5%, and 16.3%, respectively), and mechanical ventilation (58.7%, 72.2%, and 75.6%, respectively). Overall, 70% of patients died outside of specialized facilities, with >25% dying after ≥31 days of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS Nationwide data showed that patients with ACHD with greater disease complexity died at a younger age and underwent more invasive treatments before death, with many dying after ≥1 month of hospitalization. Discussing EOL options with patients at the appropriate time is important, particularly for patients with greater disease complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Akiyama
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University
| | - Ryota Ochiai
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University
| | - Manabu Nitta
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine
- Center for Novel and Exploratory Clinical Trials (Y-NEXT), Yokohama City University Hospital
| | - Sayuri Shimizu
- Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Data Science, Yokohama City University
| | - Makoto Kaneko
- Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Data Science, Yokohama City University
| | - Ayako Kuraoka
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital
| | - Michikazu Nakai
- Department of Medical and Health Information Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
- Clinical Research Support Center, University of Miyazaki Hospital
| | - Yoko Sumita
- Department of Medical and Health Information Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Tomoko Ishizu
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
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Morita K, Miyamoto Y, Mizuno A, Shirane S, Ohbe H, Hashimoto Y, Kaneko H, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Yasunaga H. Impact of a financial incentive scheme for team-based palliative care in patients with heart failure in Japan: A nationwide database study. Int J Cardiol 2023; 387:131145. [PMID: 37364713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care provided to patients with heart failure (HF) are reported to be inadequate. Herein, we examined the impact of the recently introduced financial incentive scheme for team-based palliative care for patients with HF in acute care hospitals in Japan. METHODS Using a nationwide inpatient database, we identified patients aged ≥65 years with HF who had died between April 2015 and March 2021. Interrupted time-series analyses were used to compare practice patterns in end-of-life care (symptom management and invasive medical procedures within one week before death) before and after the financial incentive scheme issuance in April 2018. RESULTS Overall, 53,857 patients in 835 hospitals were eligible. The adoption of the financial incentive was 1.10 to 1.22% after the introduction. There were upward pre-trends in opioid use (+0.11% per month; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06 to 0.15) and antidepressant use (+0.06% per month; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.09). Opioid use showed a downward slope change during the post-period (-0.07% change in trend; 95% CI, -0.13 to -0.01). Intensive care unit stay showed a downward pre-trend (-0.09% per month; 95% CI, -0.14 to -0.04) and upward slope changes during the post-period (+0.12% change in trend; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.19). Invasive mechanical ventilation showed downward slope changes during the post-period (-0.11% change in trend; 95% CI, -0.18 to -0.04). CONCLUSIONS The financial incentive scheme for team-based palliative care was rarely adopted and not associated with changes in end-of-life care. Further multifaceted strategies to promote palliative care for HF are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kojiro Morita
- Global Nursing Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yoshihisa Miyamoto
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizuno
- Department of Cardiology, QI center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1, Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
| | - Sachie Shirane
- Department of Palliative Therapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan; Department of Palliative Care, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8560, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ohbe
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yohei Hashimoto
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Kaneko
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Advanced Cardiology, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kiyohide Fushimi
- Department of Health Policy and Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hideo Yasunaga
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Ijaopo EO, Zaw KM, Ijaopo RO, Khawand-Azoulai M. A Review of Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Imminent End-of-Life in Individuals With Advanced Illness. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2023; 9:23337214231183243. [PMID: 37426771 PMCID: PMC10327414 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231183243] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: World population is not only aging but suffering from serious chronic illnesses, requiring an increasing need for end-of-life care. However, studies show that many healthcare providers involved in the care of dying patients sometimes express challenges in knowing when to stop non-beneficial investigations and futile treatments that tend to prolong undue suffering for the dying person. Objective: To evaluate the clinical signs and symptoms that show end-of-life is imminent in individuals with advanced illness. Design: Narrative review. Methods: Computerized databases, including PubMed, Embase, Medline,CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar were searched from 1992 to 2022 for relevant original papers written in or translated into English language that investigated clinical signs and symptoms of imminent death in individuals with advanced illness. Results: 185 articles identified were carefully reviewed and only those that met the inclusion criteria were included for review. Conclusion: While it is often difficult to predict the timing of death, the ability of healthcare providers to recognize the clinical signs and symptoms of imminent death in terminally-ill individuals may lead to earlier anticipation of care needs and better planning to provide care that is tailored to individual's needs, and ultimately results in better end-of-life care, as well as a better bereavement adjustment experience for the families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khin Maung Zaw
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
- Miami VA Medical Center, FL, USA
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Takaoka Y, Hamatani Y, Shibata T, Oishi S, Utsunomiya A, Kawai F, Komiyama N, Mizuno A. Quality indicators of palliative care for cardiovascular intensive care. J Intensive Care 2022; 10:15. [PMID: 35287745 PMCID: PMC8922808 DOI: 10.1186/s40560-022-00607-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare providers working for cardiovascular intensive care often face challenges and they play an essential role in palliative care and end-of-life care because of the high mortality rates in the cardiac intensive care unit. Unfortunately, there are several barriers to integrating palliative care, cardiovascular care, and intensive care. The main reasons are as follows: cardiovascular disease-specific trajectories differ from cancer, there is uncertainty associated with treatments and diagnoses, aggressive treatments are necessary for symptom relief, and there is ethical dilemma regarding withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy. Quality indicators that can iterate the minimum requirements of each medical discipline could be used to overcome these barriers and effectively practice palliative care in cardiovascular intensive care. Unfortunately, there are no specific quality indicators for palliative care in cardiovascular intensive care. A few indicators and their domains are useful for understanding current palliative care in cardiovascular intensive care. Among them, several domains, such as symptom palliation, patient- and family-centered decision-making, continuity of care, and support for health care providers that are particularly important in cardiovascular intensive care. Historically, the motivation for using quality indicators is to summarize mechanisms for external accountability and verification, and formative mechanisms for quality improvement. Practically, when using quality indicators, it is necessary to check structural indicators in each healthcare service line, screen palliative care at the first visit, and integrate palliative care teams with other professionals. Finally, we would like to state that quality indicators in cardiovascular intensive care could be useful as an educational tool for practicing palliative care, understanding the minimum requirements, and as a basic structure for future discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimitsu Takaoka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1, Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Hamatani
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Shibata
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shogo Oishi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hyogo Brain and Heart Center, Himeji, Japan
| | - Akemi Utsunomiya
- Department of Critical Care Nursing, Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Fujimi Kawai
- St. Luke's International University Library, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Komiyama
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1, Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizuno
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1, Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. .,Penn Medicine Nudge Unit, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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