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Rodríguez-Campos L, Andres Rodriguez-Lesmes P, Palomino Cancino A, Del Valle Díaz I, Fernando Gamboa L, Castillo Niuman A, Sebastián Salas J, Sarmiento G, Martínez-Bernal J, González-Vélez AE. Cost-utility analysis of a palliative care program in Colombia. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:165. [PMID: 38970056 PMCID: PMC11227163 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01476-6] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The economic assessment of health care models in palliative care promotes their global development. The purpose of the study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of a palliative care program (named Contigo) with that of conventional care from the perspective of a health benefit plan administrator company, Sanitas, in Colombia. METHODS The incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) and the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) were estimated using micro-costing in a retrospective, analytical cross-sectional study on the care of terminally ill patients enrolled in a palliative care program. A 6-month time horizon prior to death was used. The EQ-5D-3 L questionnaire (EQ-5D-3 L) and the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) were used to measure the quality of life. RESULTS The study included 43 patients managed within the program and 16 patients who received conventional medical management. The program was less expensive than the conventional practice (difference of 1,924.35 US dollars (USD), P = 0.18). When compared to the last 15 days, there is a higher perception of quality of life, which yielded 0.25 in the EQ-5D-3 L (p < 0.01) and 1.55 in the MQOL (P < 0.01). The ICUR was negative and the INMB was positive. CONCLUSION Because the Contigo program reduces costs while improving quality of life, it is considered to be net cost-saving and a model with value in health care. Greater availability of palliative care programs, such as Contigo, in Colombia can help reduce existing gaps in access to universal palliative care health coverage, resulting in more cost-effective care.
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Grants
- 143580764115 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of Colombia
- 143580764115 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of Colombia
- 143580764115 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of Colombia
- 143580764115 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of Colombia
- 143580764115 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of Colombia
- 143580764115 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of Colombia
- 143580764115 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of Colombia
- 143580764115 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of Colombia
- 143580764115 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of Colombia
- 143580764115 Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of Colombia
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Rodríguez-Campos
- Pain and Palliative Medicine. Home Primary Care Unit, Centros Médicos Colsanitas, Calle 163A # 22 08, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | | | - Analhi Palomino Cancino
- National Medical Coordinator Palliative Care Program, Sanitas Health Insurance, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Iris Del Valle Díaz
- Medical Director Primary Home Care Unit, Centros Médicos Colsanitas, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis Fernando Gamboa
- Epidemiology. Division of Planning, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management, Sanitas CREA, Sanitas Health Insurance, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrea Castillo Niuman
- Division of Planning, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management, Sanitas CREA, Sanitas Health Insurance, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Sebastián Salas
- Internal Medicine Postgraduate Training, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gabriela Sarmiento
- Pain and Palliative Medicine. Home Primary Care Unit, Centros Médicos Colsanitas, Calle 163A # 22 08, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Abel E González-Vélez
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health medical specialist, Teacher and Researcher Professional of Medicine Department, Universidad de Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
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Huang H, Yang Z, Dong Y, Wang YQ, Wang AP. Cancer cost-related subjective financial distress among breast cancer: a scoping review. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:484. [PMID: 38958768 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08698-7] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This article provided a comprehensive scoping review, synthesizing existing literature on the financial distress faced by breast cancer patients. It examined the factors contributing to financial distress, the impact on patients, coping mechanisms employed, and potential alleviation methods. The goal was to organize existing evidence and highlight possible directions for future research. METHODS We followed the scoping review framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) to synthesize and report evidence. We searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, for relevant literature. We included English articles that met the following criteria: (a) the research topic was financial distress or financial toxicity, (b) the research subjects were adult breast cancer patients, and (c) the article type was quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research. We then extracted and integrated relevant information for reporting. RESULTS After removing duplicates, 5459 articles were retrieved, and 43 articles were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles addressed four main themes related to financial distress: factors associated with financial distress, impact on breast cancer patients, coping mechanisms, and potential methods for alleviation. The impact of financial distress on patients was observed in six dimensions: financial expenses, financial resources, social-psychological reactions, support seeking, coping care, and coping lifestyle. While some studies reported potential methods for alleviation, few discussed the feasibility of these solutions. CONCLUSIONS Breast cancer patients experience significant financial distress with multidimensional impacts. Comprehensive consideration of possible confounding factors is essential when measuring financial distress. Future research should focus on exploring and validating methods to alleviate or resolve this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Huang
- Department of Public Service, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Public Service, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Dong
- Department of Public Service, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Qi Wang
- Department of Public Service, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ai Ping Wang
- Department of Public Service, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
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Xie Z, Chen G, Oladeru OT, Hamadi HY, Montgomery L, Robinson MT, Hong YR. Inpatient Palliative Care and Healthcare Utilization Among Older Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) and High Risk of Mortality in U.S. Hospitals. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024:10499091241252685. [PMID: 38710104 DOI: 10.1177/10499091241252685] [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: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background. Despite the potential of palliative care (PC) to enhance the quality of life for patients with advanced dementia, there is limited knowledge of its inpatient utilization patterns. This study investigated inpatient PC consultation utilization patterns and evaluated its impact on hospital length of stay (LOS) and medical costs among older patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia who were at a high risk of mortality (ADRD-HRM). Methods. Using the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample database, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify individual and hospital characteristics influencing PC consultation utilization. We subsequently performed generalized linear models to estimate LOS (using Poisson distribution) and hospital charges (via log-transformation). Results. Our sample encompassed 965,644 hospital discharges (weighted n = 4,828,219) of patients aged 65 years and above with ADRD-HRM. Among them, 14.6% received inpatient PC. There was a notable uptrend in PC consultation utilization from 13.3% in 2016 to 16.3% in 2019 (p trend<.001). Factors positively influencing and associated with PC utilization included patients that are older, non-Hispanic White, with higher income, receiving care from teaching hospitals, and facilitated with greater bed capacity (all P < .05). Although patients who received PC were more likely to have 3.0% longer LOS (P < .001), they had 19.2% lower hospital charges (P < .001). Conclusions. PC substantially reduced hospital expenditures for older patients with ADRD-HRM, but the prevalence remained low at 14.6% in the study period. Future studies should explore the unmet needs of patients with lower sociodemographic status and those in rural hospitals to further increase their PC consultation utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Xie
- Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Guanming Chen
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Hanadi Y Hamadi
- Department of Health Administration, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Lucinda Montgomery
- Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Young-Rock Hong
- Department of Health Services Research, Management, and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Perea-Bello AH, Trapero-Bertran M, Dürsteler C. Palliative Care Costs in Different Ambulatory-Based Settings: A Systematic Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2024; 42:301-318. [PMID: 38151673 PMCID: PMC10861396 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-023-01336-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-of-illness studies in palliative care are of growing interest in health economics. There is no standard methodology to capture direct and non-direct healthcare and non-healthcare expenses incurred by health services, patients and their caregivers in the course of the ambulatory palliative care process. OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the type of healthcare and non-healthcare expenses incurred by patients with cancer and non-cancer patients and their caregivers for palliative care in ambulatory-based settings and the methodology used to capture the data. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of studies on the costs of ambulatory-based palliative care in patients with cancer (breast, lung, colorectal) and non-cancer conditions (chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia) found in six bibliographic databases (PubMed, EMBASE [via Ovid], Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EconLit, the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Database and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database at the University of York, and Google Scholar). The studies were published between January 2000 and December 2022. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology for study selection and assessed study quality using the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021250086). RESULTS Of 1434 identified references, 43 articles met the inclusion criteria. The primary data source was databases. More than half of the articles presented data from public healthcare systems (65.12%) were retrospective (60.47%), and entailed a bottom-up costing analysis (93.2%) made from a healthcare system perspective (53.49%). The sociodemographic characteristics of patients and families/caregivers were similar across the studies. Cost outcomes reports were heterogeneous; almost all of the studies collected data on direct healthcare costs (97.67%). The main driver of costs was inpatient care (55.81%), which increased during the end-of-life period. Nine studies (20.97%) recorded costs due to productivity losses for caregivers and three recorded such costs for patients. Caregiving costs were explored through an opportunity cost analysis in all cases, based on interviews conducted with and questionnaires administered to patients and caregivers, mainly via telephone calls (23.23%). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review reveals that studies on the costs of ambulatory-based palliative care are increasing. These studies are mostly conducted from a healthcare system perspective, which leaves out costs related to patients'/caregivers' economic burden. There is a need for prospective studies to assess this financial burden and evaluate, with strong evidence, the interventions and actions designed to improve the quality of life of palliative care patients. Future studies should propose cost calculation approaches using a societal perspective to better estimate the economic burden imposed on patients in ambulatory-based palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Trapero-Bertran
- Department of Economics and Business, Faculty of Law, Economics and Tourism, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Christian Dürsteler
- Pain Medicine Section, Department of Anaesthesiology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Surgery. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Nabukalu D, Gordon LG, Lowe J, Merollini KMD. Healthcare costs of cancer among children, adolescents, and young adults: A scoping review. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6925. [PMID: 38214042 PMCID: PMC10905233 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6925] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To collate and critically review international evidence on the direct health system costs of children and adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer. METHODS We conducted searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus. Articles were limited to studies involving people aged 0-39 years at cancer diagnosis and published from 2012 to 2022. Two reviewers screened the articles and evaluated the studies using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist. The reviewers synthesized the findings using a narrative approach and presented the costs in 2022 US dollars for comparability. RESULTS Overall, the mean healthcare costs for all cancers in the 5 years post diagnosis ranged from US$36,670 among children in Korea to US$127,946 among AYA in the USA. During the first year, the mean costs among children 0-14 years ranged from US$34,953 in Chile to over US$130,000 in Canada. These were higher than the costs for AYA, estimated at US$61,855 in Canada. At the end of life, the mean costs were estimated at over US$300,000 among children and US$235,265 among adolescents in Canada. Leukemia was the most expensive cancer type, estimated at US$50,133 in Chile, to US$152,533 among children in Canada. Overall, more than a third of the total cost is related to hospitalizations. All the included studies were of good quality. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare costs associated with cancer are substantial among children, and AYA. More research is needed on the cost of cancer in low- and middle-income countries and harmonization of costs across countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Nabukalu
- School of HealthUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsQueenslandAustralia
- Population Health ProgramQIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteHerstonQueenslandAustralia
| | - Louisa G. Gordon
- Population Health ProgramQIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteHerstonQueenslandAustralia
- School of NursingQueensland University of TechnologyKelvin GroveQueenslandAustralia
- School of Public HealthThe University of QueenslandHerstonQueenslandAustralia
| | - John Lowe
- School of HealthUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsQueenslandAustralia
| | - Katharina M. D. Merollini
- School of HealthUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsQueenslandAustralia
- Sunshine Coast Health InstituteSunshine Coast University HospitalBirtinyaQueenslandAustralia
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Pires L, Rosendo I, Seiça Cardoso C. [Palliative Care Needs in Primary Health Care: Characteristics of Patients with Advanced Cancer and Dementia]. ACTA MEDICA PORT 2024; 37:90-99. [PMID: 37579749 DOI: 10.20344/amp.20049] [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: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increase in life expectancy brought a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, with an emphasis on those who reached advanced stages and required palliative care. We aimed to characterize patients diagnosed with advanced neoplasms and/or dementia accompanied in primary health care and to test the sensitivity of two tools for identifying patients with palliative needs. METHODS We recruited three voluntary family physicians who provided data relative to 623 patients with active codification for neoplasm and/or dementia on the MIM@UF platform. We defined 'patient with palliative needs' as any patient with this codification in advanced stadium and made their clinical and sociodemographic characterization. Assuming the existence of advanced-stage disease as the gold standard, we calculated and compared the sensitivities of each of the tools under study: the surprise question, the question 'do you think this patient has palliative needs?' and an instrument that corresponded to identification by at least one of the questions. RESULTS Among the analyzed data, there were 559 (89.7%) active codifications of neoplasm and 64 (10.3%) of dementia; the prevalence of advanced neoplasm and dementia was 1.0% in the studied sample. The subgroup of patients with advanced dementia showed female sex predominance, an older age, and less access to health care. In both subgroups there was a scarcity of data related to education and income, and we observed polypharmacotherapy and multimorbidity. The sensitivity of the surprise question was 33.3% for neoplasia and 69.3% for dementia; of the new tool 50.0% for neoplasia and 92.3% for dementia; and, when used together, 55.6% for neoplasia and 92.3% for dementia. CONCLUSION Our results help characterize two subpopulations of patients in need of palliative care and advance with a possible tool for their identification, to be confirmed in a representative sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Pires
- Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra. Portugal
| | - Inês Rosendo
- Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra; Unidade de Saúde Familiar Coimbra Centro. Coimbra. Portugal
| | - Carlos Seiça Cardoso
- Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Coimbra. Coimbra; Unidade de Saúde Familiar Condeixa. Coimbra. Portugal
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Wu CH, Ma KJ, Liang YW, Chung WS, Wang JY. Exploring the effects of acceptable palliative care models on survival time and healthcare expenditure among patients with cancer: a national longitudinal population-based study. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:116. [PMID: 38240819 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08297-y] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hospice care ensures better end-of-life quality by relieving terminal symptoms. Prior research has indicated that hospice care could prolong survival and reduce end-of-life medical expenditures among patients with cancer. However, the dearth of studies on the effects of hospice care type and use sequence on survival time and end-of-life medical expenditures substantiates the need for investigation. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Two million random records were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database. STUDY DESIGN We estimated the effects of the type and sequence of hospice care use on survival time and medical expenditures among advanced cancer patients. This was a cross-sectional study. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Patient data were collected from 2 million random records provided by the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. We included people with cancer and excluded patients under 20 years of age; 2860 patients remained after matching. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The results indicated that the average survival time of patients who received inpatient palliative care (1022 days) was significantly shorter than that of patients who did not receive palliative care (P < 0.001), but the health care expenditure during the entire course of cancer therapy was not the lowest. Interestingly, patients who received inpatient palliative care had the lowest health care expenditure at 1 year or month before the end of life (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The type and sequence of palliative care affected the survival time and health care expenditures of cancer patients. Receiving palliative care did not prolong survival but rather reduced health care expenditures. The sequence of receiving palliative care significantly affected health care expenditures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hsi Wu
- Department of Family Medicine, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung, 41265, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Jie Ma
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Liang
- Department of Senior Citizen Service Management, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung, 40343, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Sheng Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung, 40343, Taiwan.
| | - Jong-Yi Wang
- Department of Health Services Administration, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Arian M, Hajiabadi F, Amini Z, Oghazian MB, Valinejadi A, Sahebkar A. Introduction of Various Models of Palliative Oncology Care: A Systematic Review. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2024; 19:109-126. [PMID: 38155467 DOI: 10.2174/0115748871272511231215053624] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to synthesize the existing evidence on various palliative care (PC) models for cancer patients. This effort seeks to discern which facets of PC models are suitable for various patient cohorts, elucidate their mechanisms, and clarify the circumstances in which these models operate. METHODS A comprehensive search was performed using MeSH terms related to PC and cancer across various databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and a comprehensive evidence map were also applied. RESULTS Thirty-three reviews were published between 2009 and 2023. The conceptual PC models can be classified broadly into time-based, provider-based, disease-based, nurse-based, issue-based, system-based, team-based, non-hospice-based, hospital-based, community-based, telehealth-based, and setting-based models. The study argues that the outcomes of PC encompass timely symptom management, longitudinal psychosocial support, enhanced communication, and decision-making. Referral methods to specialized PC services include oncologist-initiated referral based on clinical judgment alone, via referral criteria, automatic referral at the diagnosis of advanced cancer, or referral based on symptoms or other triggers. CONCLUSION The gold standard for selecting a PC model in the context of oncology is a model that ensures broad availability of early PC for all patients and provides well-timed, scheduled, and specialized care for patients with the greatest requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Arian
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hajiabadi
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zakiyeh Amini
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Oghazian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Ali Valinejadi
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Osagiede O, Nayar K, Raimondo M, Kumbhari V, Lukens FJ. The Determinants of Inpatient Palliative Care Use in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023:10499091231218257. [PMID: 37991926 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231218257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Symptom burden management is a major goal of pancreatic cancer care given that most patients are diagnosed late. Early palliative care is recommended in addition to concurrent active treatment; however, disparities exist. We sought to determine the factors associated with inpatient palliative treatment among pancreatic cancer patients and compare treatment outcomes in terms of mortality, discharge disposition and resource utilization. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 22,053 pancreatic cancers using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (January - December 2020). Patient and hospital characteristics, mortality, discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), hospital costs and charges were compared between pancreatic cancer patients based on palliative treatment. Multivariate regression was used to evaluate patient and hospital characteristics and outcomes associated with palliative treatment. RESULTS A total number of 3839 (17.4%) patients received palliative care. Patients who received palliative care were more likely to be older, Medicaid insured, and nonobese. Patients were less likely to receive palliative care if they are males, Medicare insured, had a lower Charlson comorbidity score, or treated in Urban nonteaching hospitals. Patients who received palliative care displayed higher odds of in-hospital mortality and prolonged LOS. The adjusted additional mean hospital cost and charges in patients who received palliative care were lower by $1459, and $4222 respectively. CONCLUSIONS Inpatient palliative treatment in pancreatic cancer patients is associated with an older age, a higher comorbidity burden, non-obesity, insurance status and urban teaching hospitals. Our study suggests that inpatient palliative treatment decreased hospital resource utilization without prolonging survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osayande Osagiede
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Kapil Nayar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Massimo Raimondo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Vivek Kumbhari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Frank J Lukens
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Newport KB, Webb JA. Innovations and Opportunities for the Integration of Palliative Care in Cancer Care. Curr Probl Cancer 2023; 47:101016. [PMID: 37806918 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2023.101016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina B Newport
- Section of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Jason A Webb
- Section of Palliative Care, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon; Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
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11
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Ito Suffert SC, Motke BB, Linhares AB, Vargens AF, Alano TS, Lutz AT, Boff Borges R, Bica CG, Vargas Alves RJ. Evaluation of Direct Medical Costs and Associated Factors Within the Last 30 days of Life of Hospitalized Cancer Patients. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:1098-1105. [PMID: 36564870 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221147906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An estimated 9.6 million people died from cancer globally in 2018, which is a reflection of the quality of patients' end-of-life care and its costs. Aim: To estimate direct medical costs of the last 30 days of oncology patients admitted to an inpatient clinic and to evaluate factors associated with medical costs at the end of life. Design: Cost-of-illness study with data from a retrospective cohort. Setting/Participants: We included patients aged 18 and older who were diagnosed with incurable cancer and who were admitted to a tertiary hospital in Brazil between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019. Results: Our sample included 109 patients with an average age of 69 (61‒76). The median overall survival was 4.3 (.9‒12.9) months. The median cost per patient per day related to hospitalization was BRL 119 (73‒181)/United States dollars [USD] 21 (13‒33). The cost of medication was BRL 66 (40‒105)/USD 12 (7‒19), representing 55.46% of costs while that of materials and supplies was BRL 30 (18‒49)/USD 5 (3‒9). In the multivariate analysis, when the limitation of interventions was recorded in the medical record, the median cost is reduced by BRL 50 (USD 9) per patient per day. Conclusions: The median cost per patient per day was BRL 119 (73‒181). The recording of limitations of therapeutic interventions in the medical record was a predictor variable that influenced the final medical cost of patients, suggesting that medical practice and decision-making in end-of-life care impact costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya C Ito Suffert
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Patologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre-UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Bruna B Motke
- Hospital Santa Rita, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Armani B Linhares
- Undergraduate Program in Medicine. Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre-UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - André F Vargens
- Undergraduate Program in Medicine. Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre-UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Tainá S Alano
- Undergraduate Program in Medicine. Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre-UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Andreas T Lutz
- Hospital Santa Rita, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Rogério Boff Borges
- Unidade de Bioestatística, Diretoria de Pesquisa, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Claudia G Bica
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Patologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre-UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Rafael José Vargas Alves
- Hospital Santa Rita, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brasil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brasil
- National Institute for Health Technology Assessment-IATS/CNPq, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
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12
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Haltia O, Vesinurm M, Leskelä RL, Rahko E, Tyynelä-Korhonen K, Lehto JT, Saarto T, Akrén OM. The effect of palliative outpatient units on resource use for cancer patients in Finland. Acta Oncol 2023; 62:1118-1123. [PMID: 37535611 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2023.2241988] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As cancer incidences are increasing, the means to provide effective palliative care (PC) are called for. There is evidence, that PC may prevent futile treatment at the end of life (EOL) thus implicating that PC decreases resource use at the EOL, however, the effects of outpatient PC units remain largely unknown. We surveyed the national use of Finnish tertiary care PC units and their effects on resource use at the EOL in real-life environments. PATIENTS AND METHODS Cancer patients treated in the departments of Oncology at all five Finnish university hospitals in 2013 and deceased by 31 December 2014 were identified; of the 6010 patients 2007 were randomly selected for the study cohort. The oncologic therapies received and the resource usage of emergency services and hospital wards were collected from the hospitals' medical records. RESULTS A PC unit was visited by 37% of the patients a median 112 days before death. A decision to terminate all life-prolonging cancer treatments was more often made for patients visiting the PC unit (90% vs. 66%, respectively). A visit to a PC unit was associated with significantly fewer visits to emergency departments (ED) and hospitalization during the last 90 days of life; the mean difference in ED visits decreased by 0.48 (SD 0.33 - 0.62, p < 0.001), and the mean inpatient days by 7.1 (SD 5.93 - 8.25, p < 0.001). A PC visit unit was independently associated with decreased acute hospital resource use during the last 30 and 90 days before death in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSION Cancer patients' contact with a PC unit was significantly associated with the reduced use of acute hospital services at the EOL, however; only one-third of the patients visited a PC unit. Thus, systematic PC unit referral practices for patients with advanced cancer are called for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olli Haltia
- Helsinki Health Care Center; Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Märt Vesinurm
- Nordic Healthcare group, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Management (HEMA), Aalto University School of Science, Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Eeva Rahko
- Cancer Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Juho T Lehto
- Palliative Care Centre, Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tiina Saarto
- Department of Palliative Care, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital, and Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Outi M Akrén
- Palliative Center, Turku University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Turku University, Turku, Finland
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13
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Al Lawati A, Al Wahaibi N, Al Suleimani Y. Prescription Patterns of Analgesic Drugs in the Management of Pain Among Palliative Care Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Oman: A Retrospective Observational Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e41501. [PMID: 37551243 PMCID: PMC10404364 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Analgesic drugs are commonly used to alleviate the pain experienced by palliative care (PC) patients. Thus, we sought to determine the prescription patterns of analgesic drugs in the management of pain among haematology and oncology palliative care patients at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) and then see if they were following the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Methods A retrospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted, and adult PC patients prescribed analgesics for pain relief between January 2018 and January 2021 at SQUH constituted the sample. Data were collected from patients' electronic medical records using the SQUH TrakCare system. The data was then presented descriptively using graphs and tables. Results Data from 200 PC patients were analyzed. Breast cancer was the most common malignancy, with 73 (36.5%) patients diagnosed with it. Severe pain was the most reported degree of pain, with exactly 100 (50.0%) patients experiencing it. More patients experienced mild pain than moderate pain. Opioids were the most prescribed analgesics, followed by analgesics and antipyretics, anticonvulsants, and finally non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Paracetamol was the most prescribed analgesic for pain overall, with 127 (63.5%) patients utilizing it. For severe pain, morphine was the most prescribed analgesic, with 65.0% of patients using it. Fentanyl and pregabalin, the strongest two analgesics, increased in prescription for severe pain compared to mild and moderate pain, with both being prescribed to 23.0% of patients suffering from severe pain. The oral route of administration was the most prescribed, with 128 (64.0%) utilizing it. Conclusion This study showed the prescription patterns of analgesic drugs for palliative care patients at SQUH. The findings were similar to those of other studies, though there were some differences. The prescription patterns of analgesic drugs prescribed for the various pain levels among PC patients were found to be in accordance with the WHO guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Lawati
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, OMN
| | - Nasser Al Wahaibi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, OMN
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14
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Davis A, Dukart-Harrington K. Enhancing Care of Older Adults Through Standardizing Palliative Care Education. J Gerontol Nurs 2023; 49:6-12. [PMID: 37256761 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20230512-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Nursing skill in caring for persons with serious chronic illness is increasingly in demand as the proportion of older adults in the United States increases. There is robust evidence that palliative care education among health care providers influences the reduction of death anxiety and avoidance behavior, while positively impacting self-efficacy and comfort, when caring for persons with serious illness or those nearing death. The international recognition of access to palliative care as a universal human right drives the need for education to adequately prepare nurses who have not been properly prepared for this work. The development of national competencies in palliative care education for nurses is an important step in synthesizing and disseminating available evidence in support of palliative care nursing education. These recently published competencies can lead to policy innovations at local, state, and national levels. Identifying competencies that lead to more clearly defined curricula will ultimately improve standardizing education and improve nursing practice in caring for older adults with serious chronic illness and their families. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(6), 6-12.].
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15
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Kim SJ, Patel I, Park C, Shin DY, Chang J. Palliative care and healthcare utilization among metastatic breast cancer patients in U.S. Hospitals. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4358. [PMID: 36928807 PMCID: PMC10020145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31404-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of research focused on understanding the different characteristics and healthcare utilization of metastatic breast cancer patients by palliative care use. This study aims to investigate trend of in-patient palliative care and its association with healthcare utilization among hospitalized metastatic breast cancer patients in the US. National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to identify nationwide metastatic breast cancer patients (n = 5209, weighted n = 25,961) from 2010 to 2014. We examined the characteristics of the study sample by palliative care and its association with healthcare utilization, measured by discounted hospital charges and length of stay. Multivariable survey regression models were used to identify predictors. Among 26,961 breast cancer patients, 19.0% had palliative care. Percentage of receiving palliative care during the period were gradually increased. Social factors including race, insurance types were also associated with a receipt of palliative care. Survey linear regression results showed that patients with palliative care were associated with 31% lower hospital charges, however, length of stays were not significantly associated. This study found evidence of who was associated with the receipt of palliative care and its relationship with healthcare utilization. This study also emphasizes the importance of receiving palliative care in patients with breast cancer, paving the way for future research into ways to improve palliative care in cancer patients. This study also found social differences and gave evidence of programs that could be used to help vulnerable groups in future health policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Jung Kim
- Department of Health Administration and Management, College of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
- Center for Healthcare Management Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Software Convergence, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Isha Patel
- Department of Health Care Management, Brad D. Smith School of Business, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Chanhyun Park
- Health Outcomes and Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Dong Yeong Shin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health, Education and Social Transformation, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Jongwha Chang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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16
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Inoue M, Li MH, Hashemi M, Yu Y, Jonnalagadda J, Kulkarni R, Kestenbaum M, Mohess D, Koizumi N. Opinion and Sentiment Analysis of Palliative Care in the Era of COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060855. [PMID: 36981512 PMCID: PMC10048418 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of palliative care has become more evident than ever. The current study quantitatively investigated the perceptions of palliative care emerging from the pandemic experience by analyzing a total of 26,494 English Tweets collected between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2022. Such an investigation was considered invaluable in the era of more people sharing and seeking healthcare information on social media, as well as the emerging roles of palliative care. Using a web scraping method, we reviewed 6000 randomly selected Tweets and identified four themes in the extracted Tweets: (1) Negative Impact of the Pandemic on Palliative Care; (2) Positive Impact of the Pandemic on Palliative Care; (3) Recognized Benefits of Palliative Care; (4) Myth of Palliative Care. Although a large volume of Tweets focused on the negative impact of COVID-19 on palliative care as expected, we found almost the same volume of Tweets that were focused on the positive impact of COVID-19 on palliative care. We also found a smaller volume of Tweets associated with myths about palliative care. Using these manually classified Tweets, we trained machine learning (ML) algorithms to automatically classify the remaining tweets. The automatic classification of Tweets was found to be effective in classifying the negative impact of the COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Inoue
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS 1F8, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Meng-Hao Li
- Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
| | - Mahdi Hashemi
- Department of Information Sciences and Technology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Yang Yu
- Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
| | - Jahnavi Jonnalagadda
- Department of Information Sciences and Technology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Rajendra Kulkarni
- Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
| | | | - Denise Mohess
- Yale New Haven Health System, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
| | - Naoru Koizumi
- Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
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Buchholtz S, Fangmann L, Siedentopf N, Bührer C, Garten L. Perinatal Palliative Care: Additional Costs of an Interprofessional Service and Outcome of Pregnancies in a Cohort of 115 Referrals. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:393-401. [PMID: 36251802 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An increasing number of life-limiting conditions (LLCs) is diagnosed prenatally, presenting providers with the ability to present perinatal palliative care (PnPC) services as an option. Objective: To (1) determine the profile characteristics of patients referred for prenatal palliative care counseling to Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; (2) evaluate pregnancy outcome; and (3) analyze the additional human resources per family required to provide specialized PnPC. Methods: Retrospective chart review of pregnant women and infants with potentially LLCs referred for prenatal palliative care counseling between 2016 and 2020. Results: A total of 115 women were referred for prenatal palliative care counseling. Most cases (57.6%) comprised trisomy 13 or 18 (n = 36) and complex congenital conditions (n = 32). Other life-limiting diagnoses included renal agenesis/severe dysplasia (n = 19), congenital heart diseases (n = 18), neurological anomalies (n = 8), and others (n = 5). In 72.0% of cases (n = 85) parents decided to continue pregnancy and plan for palliative birth. Fifty deliveries resulted in a liveborn infant: 33 of these died in the delivery room, 9 neonates died after admission to rooming-in on one of our neonatal wards, and 8 were discharged home or to a hospice. Total human resources (median, range) provided were 563 (0-2940) minutes for psychosocial and 300 (0-720) minutes for medical specialized PnPC per referral. Conclusions: Our data confirm previously observed characteristics of diagnoses, referrals, and outcomes. The provision of specialized and interprofessional PnPC services accounted for ∼14 hours per case of additional human resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Buchholtz
- Department of Neonatology, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Fangmann
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Siedentopf
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Bührer
- Department of Neonatology, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Garten
- Department of Neonatology, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Benson AB, Boehmer L, Mi X, Kocherginsky M, Shivakumar L, Trosman JR, Weldon CB, Tina Shih YC, Hahn EA, Kircher SM. Resource and Reimbursement Barriers to Comprehensive Cancer Care Delivery: An Analysis of Association of Community Cancer Centers Survey Data. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e428-e438. [PMID: 36521094 PMCID: PMC10530592 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Comprehensive cancer care (CCC) delivery is recommended in guidelines and considered essential for high-quality cancer management. Barriers, such as insufficient reimbursement, prevent consistent access to and delivery of CCC. Association of Community Cancer Centers conducted a national survey to elucidate capacity and barriers to CCC delivery to inform policy and value-based payment reform. METHODS Survey methodology included item generation with expert review, iterative piloting, and cognitive validity testing. In the final instrument, 27 supportive oncology services were assessed for availability, reasons not offered, and coverage/reimbursement. RESULTS 204 of 704 member programs completed survey questions. Despite most services being reported as offered, a minority were funded through insurance reimbursement. The services least likely to obtain reimbursement were those that address practical and family/childcare needs (0.7%), caregiver support (1.5%), advanced care directives (1.7%), spiritual services (1.8%), and navigation (2.7%). These findings did not vary by region or practice type. CONCLUSION There is a lack of sufficient reimbursement, staffing, and budget to provide CCC across the United States. Care models and reimbursement policies must include CCC services to optimize delivery of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al Bowen Benson
- Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Leigh Boehmer
- Association of Community Cancer Centers, Rockville, MD
| | - Xinlei Mi
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Masha Kocherginsky
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | | | | | | | - Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Elizabeth A. Hahn
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Sheetal M. Kircher
- Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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19
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Im JH, Chow R, Novosel M, Xiang J, Strait M, Rao V, Kapo J, Zimmermann C, Prsic E. Association of palliative care and hospital outcomes among solid tumour oncology inpatients. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2023-004207. [PMID: 36849221 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore the association between receiving an inpatient palliative care consultation and hospital outcomes, including in-hospital death, intensive care unit (ICU) use, discharge to hospice, 30-day readmissions and 30-day emergency department (ED) visits. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of Yale New Haven Hospital medical oncology admissions from January 2018 through December 2021, with and without inpatient palliative care consultations. Hospital outcome data were extracted from medical records and operationalised as binary. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate ORs for the association between number of inpatient palliative care consultations and hospital outcomes. RESULTS Our sample included 19 422 patients. Age, Rothman Index, site of malignancy, length of stay, discharge to hospice, ICU admissions, hospital death and readmissions within 30 days differed significantly between patients who received versus did not receive a palliative care consultation. On multivariable analysis, receiving one additional palliative care consultation was significantly associated with higher odds of hospital death (adjusted OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.17) and discharge to hospice (adjusted OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.26), and lower odds of ICU admission (adjusted OR=0.94, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.97). There was no significant association between palliative care consultations and readmission within 30 days or with ED visits within 30 days. CONCLUSION Inpatients receiving palliative care had increased likelihood of hospital death. However, when controlling for significant differences in patient presentation, patients had nearly 25% greater odds of discharge to hospice and less odds to transition to ICU level of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hb Im
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ronald Chow
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madison Novosel
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jenny Xiang
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael Strait
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vinay Rao
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jennifer Kapo
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Prsic
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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20
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Schindel D, Gebert P, Frick J, Letsch A, Grittner U, Schenk L. Associations among navigational support and health care utilization and costs in patients with advanced cancer: An analysis based on administrative health insurance data. Cancer Med 2023; 12:8662-8675. [PMID: 36622058 PMCID: PMC10134282 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5574] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragmented and complex healthcare systems make it difficult to provide continuity of care for patients with advanced cancer near the end of life. Nurse-based cross-sectoral navigation support has the potential to increase patients' quality of life. The objective of this paper was to evaluate associations between navigation support and health care utilization, and the associated costs of care. METHODS The evaluation is based on claims data from 37 statutory health insurance funds. Non-randomized recruitment of the intervention group (IG) took place between 2018 and 2019 in four German hospitals. The comparison group (CG) was defined ex post. It comprises nonparticipating clients of the involved health insurance funds matched on age, gender, and diagnosis in a 1:4 ratio to the IG. Healthcare resource utilization was compared using incident rate ratios (IRRs) based on negative binomial regression models. Linear mixed models were performed to compare differences in lengths of hospital stays and costs between groups. RESULTS A total of 717 patients were included (IG: 149, CG: 568). IG patients showed shorter average lengths of hospital stays (IG: 11 days [95% CI: 10, 13] vs. CG: 15 days [95% CI: 14, 16], p < 0.001). In the IG, 21% fewer medications were prescribed and there were on average 15% fewer outpatient doctor contacts per month. Average billed costs in the IG were 23% lower than in the CG (IG: 6754 EUR [95% CI: 5702, 8000] vs. CG: 8816 EUR [95% CI: 8153, 9533], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The intervention was associated with decreased costs mainly as a result of a non-intended navigation effect. The social care nurses had navigated patients within the hospital early, needs-oriented and effectively but interpreted their function less cross-sectorally. Linkage of hospital-based navigators with the outpatient care sector needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schindel
- Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pimrapat Gebert
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johann Frick
- Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Letsch
- Department of Medicine II, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Liane Schenk
- Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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21
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Khan H, Cherla D, Mehari K, Tripathi M, Butler TW, Crook ED, Heslin MJ, Johnston FM, Fonseca AL. Palliative Therapies in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: Does Medicaid Expansion Make a Difference? Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:179-188. [PMID: 36169753 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of medicaid expansion (ME) on receipt of palliative therapies in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A difference-in-differences (DID) approach was used to analyze patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer identified from the National Cancer Database diagnosed during two time periods: pre-expansion (2010-2012) and post-expansion (2014-2016). Patients diagnosed while residing in ME states were compared with those in non-ME states. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of receipt of palliative therapies. RESULTS Of 87,738 patients overall, 7483(18.1%) received palliative therapies in the pre-expansion, while 10,211(21.5%) received palliative therapies in the post-expansion period. In the pre-expansion period, treatment at a high-volume facility (HVF) (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.18) and non-west geographic location were predictive of increased palliative therapies. In the post-expansion period, treatment at an HVF (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.16), geographic location, and living in an ME state at the time of diagnosis (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.22) were predictive of increased palliative therapies. Older age, highest quartile median income (zip-code based), and treatment at a nonacademic facility were independently associated with decreased palliative therapies in both periods. DID analysis demonstrated that patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer living in ME states had increased receipt of palliative therapies relative to those in non-ME states (DID = 2.68, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The overall utilization of palliative therapies in metastatic pancreatic cancer is low. Multiple sociodemographic disparities exist in the receipt of palliative therapies. ME is associated with increased receipt of palliative therapies in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Khan
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Deepa Cherla
- Department of Surgery, The University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Krista Mehari
- Department of Psychology, The University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Manish Tripathi
- Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas W Butler
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Errol D Crook
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Martin J Heslin
- Department of Surgery, The University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Fabian M Johnston
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Bigi S, Borelli E, Potenza L, Gilioli F, Artioli F, Porzio G, Luppi M, Bandieri E. Early palliative care for solid and blood cancer patients and caregivers: Quantitative and qualitative results of a long-term experience as a case of value-based medicine. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1092145. [PMID: 36950093 PMCID: PMC10025337 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1092145] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer patients and their caregivers have substantial unmet needs, that negatively impact the clinical outcome and quality of life. However, interventions aimed to address such needs are still suboptimal, failing to answer the recent healthcare call for the adoption of value-based models of care. In the case of incurable oncologic and hematologic cancers, a value-based model of care should plan advanced care on patients' needs and include the quality of death as an outcome. The integration of early palliative care into standard oncologic care for patients with advanced cancers represents a recent innovative model of assistance whose benefits for patients and caregivers are now widely recognized. The key elements underlying the reasons behind these benefits are the multidisciplinary collaboration (teamwork), an honest and empathetic communication between the early palliative care team, the patient, and the caregiver (rapport building), and the ability to detect changes in the physical/psychosocial wellbeing of the patient, along the whole disease trajectory (constant monitoring). Methods This community case study documents the quantitative and qualitative results of a long term clinical and research experience in delivering early palliative care service to address both solid and blood cancer patients' and their primary caregivers' needs. Results Data showed decreased use of chemotherapy, blood transfusions and referral to intensive care units near the end of life; increased life expectancy; improved symptom burden and mood; increased frequency of goals-of-care and advanced care planning conversations. Hope perception among bereaved caregivers was associated with resilience and realistic expectations raising from honest communication with the early palliative care team and appreciation toward the model. Patients and caregivers perceived the possibility of a good death as realistic and not as an unlikely event as it was for patients and caregivers on standard oncologic care only. Gratitude expressions toward the model and the team were frequently identified in their reports and positively associated with communication and spirituality. Conclusions These findings are discussed in the context of an updated literature review regarding value-based care and suggest that early palliative care integrated into standard oncology care may be considered as an effective model of value-based care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bigi
- Department of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sarah Bigi
| | - Eleonora Borelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Gilioli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, USL, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Artioli
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
| | | | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Hematology Unit and Chair, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Bandieri
- Oncology and Palliative Care Units, Civil Hospital Carpi, USL, Carpi, Italy
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23
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Hui D, Paiva BSR, Paiva CE. Personalizing the Setting of Palliative Care Delivery for Patients with Advanced Cancer: "Care Anywhere, Anytime". Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1-11. [PMID: 36576706 PMCID: PMC9795143 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-01044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT The specialty of palliative care has evolved over time to provide symptom management, psychosocial support, and care planning for patients with cancer throughout the disease continuum and in multiple care settings. This review examines the delivery and impact of palliative care in the outpatient, inpatient, and community-based settings. The article will discuss how these 3 palliative care settings can work together to optimize patient outcomes under a unifying model of palliative care "anywhere, anytime" and how to prioritize palliative care services when resources are limited. Many patients with advanced cancer receive care from each of the 3 branches of palliative care-outpatient, inpatient, and community-based settings-at some point along their disease trajectory. Early on, outpatient clinics provide longitudinal supportive care concurrent with active disease-modifying treatments. Telemedicine appointments can serve patients remotely to minimize their need to travel. When patients experience functional decline, community-based palliative care services can provide support and monitoring for patients at home. When patients develop acute symptomatic complications requiring admission, inpatient care consultation teams are essential for symptom management and goals-of-care discussions. For patients in severe distress, receiving care in a palliative care unit that provides intensive symptom control and facilitates complex discharge planning is ideal. Under a unifying model of palliative care designed to offer care "anywhere, anytime," the 3 branches of palliative care could work in unison to support each other, minimize gaps in care, and optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hui
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Unit 1414, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro Paiva
- Palliative Care and Quality of Life Research Group (GPQual), Learning and Research Institute, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP 14784-400 Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Paiva
- Palliative Care and Quality of Life Research Group (GPQual), Learning and Research Institute, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP 14784-400 Brazil
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24
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Abian MH, Antón Rodríguez C, Noguera A. End of Life Cost Savings in the Palliative Care Unit Compared to Other Services. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:495-503. [PMID: 35842179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.06.016] [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: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hospital deaths carry a significant healthcare cost that has been confirmed to be lower when palliative care units (PCUs) are available. OBJECTIVES To compare the last admission hospital health care cost of dying in a first-level hospital between the PCU and the rest of the hospital services. METHODS A retrospective, comparative, observational study evaluating costs from the payer perspective on treatments and diagnostic-therapeutic tests performed on patients who die in first-level hospital, comparing whether they were treated by the PCU or another unit (Non-PCU). Patients with a mortality risk >2 were included according to the Severity of Illness Index (SOI) and Risk of Mortality (MOR). All cost express in €, median per patient and interquartile range (IQR). RESULTS From 1,833 patients who died, 1,389 were included, 442 (31.1%) treated by PCU and 928 (68.9%) Non-PCU. Statistical differences were found for the last admission total cost (€262.8 (€470.1) for PCU versus €515.3 (€980.48) in Non-PCU), daily total cost (€74.27 (€127.4) vs €115.8 (€142.4) Non-PCU). Savings were maintained when the sample was broken down by diagnosis-related group (DRG) and a multivariate analysis was performed to determine how the different patients baseline characteristics between PCU and Non-PCU patients influenced the results obtained. CONCLUSIONS Data from this study show that cost is significantly lower when the patients are treated by a PCU during their last hospital stay when they pass away.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Herrera Abian
- Palliative Care Chief, Hospital Universitario Infanta Elena (M.H.A.), Valdemoro, Madrid, España; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (M.H.A.), Madrid, España
| | - Cristina Antón Rodríguez
- Palliative Care Chief, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz (C.A.R., A.N.), Madrid, España; Unidad de Apoyo a la Investigación, Facultad de Medicina (C.A.R.), Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, España.
| | - Antonio Noguera
- Palliative Care Chief, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz (C.A.R., A.N.), Madrid, España
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25
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Brock KE, DeGroote NP, Roche A, Lee A, Wasilewski K. The Supportive Care Clinic: A Novel Model of Embedded Pediatric Palliative Oncology Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:287-297.e1. [PMID: 35618251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pediatric palliative care (PPC) improves quality of life and end-of-life outcomes for children with cancer, but often occurs late in the disease course. The Supportive Care Clinic (SCC) was launched in 2017 to expand outpatient PPC access. OBJECTIVES To describe the inaugural four years (2017-2021) of an academic, consultative, embedded SCC within pediatric oncology. METHODS Descriptive statistics (demographic, disease, treatment, visit, and end-of-life) and change over time were calculated. RESULTS During the first four years, 248 patients (51.6% male; 58.1% White; 35.5% Black; 13.7% Hispanic/Latino) were seen in SCC, totaling 1,143 clinic visits (median 4, IQR 2,6), including 248 consultations and 895 follow-up visits. Clinic visits grew nearly 300% from year one to four. Primary diagnoses were central nervous system tumor (41.9%), solid tumor (37.5%), and leukemia/lymphoma (17.3%). The first point of PPC contact became SCC (70.6%) for most referred patients. Among the 136 deceased patients (54.8%), 77.9% had a do-not-resuscitate or Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment in place, and 72.8% received hospice care. When known (n = 112), 89.3% died in their preferred location. The time from SCC consultation to death increased from 74 to 226 days over the four years (P < 0.0001). The proportion of SCC consultations that occurred greater than 90 days from death increased from 39.1% in year one to 85.0% in year four. CONCLUSION Embedded SCC clinics can be successful, achieve steady growth, improve referrals and timing of PPC, and enhance end-of-life care for children with cancer. Large pediatric cancer centers should include SCC outpatient services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine E Brock
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (K.E.B., N.P.D., A.R., K.W.), Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (K.E.B., K.W.), Emory University. Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Palliative Care (K.E.B.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Nicholas P DeGroote
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (K.E.B., N.P.D., A.R., K.W.), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anna Roche
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (K.E.B., N.P.D., A.R., K.W.), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Annika Lee
- Emory University School of Medicine (A.L.), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karen Wasilewski
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (K.E.B., N.P.D., A.R., K.W.), Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (K.E.B., K.W.), Emory University. Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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26
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Mathew A, Benny SJ, Boby JM, Sirohi B. Value-Based Care in Systemic Therapy: The Way Forward. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:5792-5799. [PMID: 36005194 PMCID: PMC9406978 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29080456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising cost of cancer care has shed light on an important aspect of healthcare delivery. Financial toxicity of therapy must be considered in clinical practice and policy-making. One way to mitigate the impact of financial toxicity of cancer care is by focusing on an approach of healthcare delivery that aims to deliver value to the patient. Should value of therapy be one of the most important determinants of cancer care? If so, how do we measure it? How can we implement it in routine clinical practice? In this viewpoint, we discuss value-based care in systemic therapy in oncology. Strategies to improve the quality of care by incorporating value-based approaches are discussed: use of composite tools to assess the value of drugs, alternative dosing strategies, and the use of Health Technology Assessment in regulatory procedures. We propose that there must be a greater emphasis on value of therapy in determining its use and its cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aju Mathew
- Department of Oncology, MOSC Medical College, Ernakulam 682311, Kerala, India
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | - Bhawna Sirohi
- Department of Oncology, Balco Medical Center, Raipur 493661, Chattisgarh, India
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27
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Grudzen CR, Barker PC, Bischof JJ, Cuthel AM, Isaacs ED, Southerland LT, Yamarik RL. Palliative care models for patients living with advanced cancer: a narrative review for the emergency department clinician. EMERGENCY CANCER CARE 2022; 1:10. [PMID: 35966217 PMCID: PMC9362452 DOI: 10.1186/s44201-022-00010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Eighty-one percent of persons living with cancer have an emergency department (ED) visit within the last 6 months of life. Many cancer patients in the ED are at an advanced stage with high symptom burden and complex needs, and over half is admitted to an inpatient setting. Innovative models of care have been developed to provide high quality, ambulatory, and home-based care to persons living with serious, life-limiting illness, such as advanced cancer. New care models can be divided into a number of categories based on either prognosis (e.g., greater than or less than 6 months), or level of care (e.g., lower versus higher intensity needs, such as intravenous pain/nausea medication or frequent monitoring), and goals of care (e.g., cancer-directed treatment versus symptom-focused care only). We performed a narrative review to (1) compare models of care for seriously ill cancer patients in the ED and (2) examine factors that may hasten or impede wider dissemination of these models.
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28
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Chang J, Han KT, Medina M, Kim SJ. Palliative care and healthcare utilization among deceased metastatic lung cancer patients in U.S. hospitals. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:136. [PMID: 35897031 PMCID: PMC9327255 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01026-y] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The benefits of palliative care for cancer patients were well developed; however, the characteristics of receiving palliative care and the utilization patterns among lung cancer patients have not been explored using a large-scale representative population-based sample. Methods The National Inpatient Sample of the United States was used to identify deceased metastatic lung cancer patients (n = 5,068, weighted n = 25,121) from 2010 to 2014. We examined the characteristics of receiving palliative care use and the association between palliative care and healthcare utilization, measured by discounted hospital charges and LOS (length of stay). The multivariate survey logistic regression model (to identify predictors for receipts of palliative care) and the survey linear regression model (to measure how palliative care is associated with healthcare utilization) were used. Results Among 25,121 patients, 50.1% had palliative care during the study period. Survey logistic results showed that patients with higher household income were more likely to receive palliative care than those in lower-income groups. In addition, during hospitalization, receiving palliative care was associated with11.2% lower LOS and 28.4% lower discounted total charges than the non-receiving group. Conclusion Clinical evidence demonstrates the benefits of palliative care as it is associated with efficient end-of-life healthcare utilization. Health policymakers must become aware of the characteristics of receiving the care and the importance of limited healthcare resource allocation as palliative care continues to grow in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongwha Chang
- Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Business, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Kyu-Tae Han
- Division of Cancer Control and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea.,National Hospice Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Mar Medina
- School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Sun Jung Kim
- Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Business, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, USA. .,Department of Health Administration and Management, College of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea. .,Center for Healthcare Management Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Software Convergence, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea.
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29
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Stewart E, Tavabie S, McGovern C, Round A, Shaw L, BAss S, Herriott R, Savage E, Young K, Bruun A, Droney J, Monnery D, Wells G, White N, Minton O. Cancer centre supportive oncology service: health economic evaluation. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022; 13:bmjspcare-2022-003716. [PMID: 35850958 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-003716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There have been many models of providing oncology and palliative care to hospitals. Many patients will use the hospital non-electively or semielectively, and a large proportion are likely to be in the last years of life. We describe our multidisciplinary service to treatable but not curable cancer patients at University Hospitals Sussex. The team was a mixture of clinical nurse specialists and a clinical fellow supported by dedicated palliative medicine consultant time and oncology expertise. METHODS We identified patients with cancer who had identifiable supportive care needs and record activity with clinical coding. We used a baseline 2019/2020 dataset of national (secondary uses service) data with discharge code 79 (patients who died during that year) to compare a dataset of patients seen by the service between September 2020 and September 2021 in order to compare outcomes. While this was during COVID-19 this was when the funding was available. RESULTS We demonstrated a reduction in length of stay by an average of 1.43 days per admission and a reduction of 0.95 episodes of readmission rates. However, the costs of those admissions were found to be marginally higher. Even with the costs of the service, there is a clear return on investment with a benefit cost ratio of 1.4. CONCLUSIONS A supportive oncology service alongside or allied to acute oncology but in conjunction with palliative care is feasible and cost-effective. This would support investment in such a service and should be nationally commissioned in conjunction with palliative care services seeing all conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Stewart
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Simon Tavabie
- Palliative Medicine, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | | | | | - Stephen BAss
- Palliative Medicine, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Rob Herriott
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Emily Savage
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Katie Young
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Andrea Bruun
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, UCL, London, UK
| | - Joanne Droney
- Palliative Care, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Daniel Monnery
- Palliative Medicine, Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Geoffrey Wells
- Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Nicola White
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ollie Minton
- Palliative Medicine, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
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30
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Hashimoto Y, Hayashi A, Tonegawa T, Teng L, Igarashi A. Cost-saving prediction model of transfer to palliative care for terminal cancer patients in a Japanese general hospital. JOURNAL OF MARKET ACCESS & HEALTH POLICY 2022; 10:2057651. [PMID: 35356234 PMCID: PMC8959529 DOI: 10.1080/20016689.2022.2057651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although medical costs need to be controlled, there are no easily applicable cost prediction models of transfer to palliative care (PC) for terminal cancer patients. OBJECTIVE Construct a cost-saving prediction model based on terminal cancer patients' data at hospital admission. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING A Japanese general hospital. PATIENTS A total of 139 stage IV cancer patients transferred to PC, who died during hospitalization from April 2014 to March 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Patients were divided into higher (59) and lower (80) total medical costs per day after transfer to PC. We compared demographics, cancer type, medical history, and laboratory results between the groups. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used for model development and area under the curve (AUC) calculation. RESULTS A cost-saving prediction model (AUC = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.85) with a total score of 13 points was constructed as follows: 2 points each for age ≤ 74 years, creatinine ≥ 0.68 mg/dL, and lactate dehydrogenase ≤ 188 IU/L; 3 points for hemoglobin ≤ 8.8 g/dL; and 4 points for potassium ≤ 3.3 mEq/L. CONCLUSION Our model contains five predictors easily available in clinical settings and exhibited good predictive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hashimoto
- Department of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Hayashi
- Palliative Care Department, St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Tonegawa
- Medical Affairs Department, St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lida Teng
- Department of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ataru Igarashi
- Department of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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31
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Sallnow L, Smith R, Ahmedzai SH, Bhadelia A, Chamberlain C, Cong Y, Doble B, Dullie L, Durie R, Finkelstein EA, Guglani S, Hodson M, Husebø BS, Kellehear A, Kitzinger C, Knaul FM, Murray SA, Neuberger J, O'Mahony S, Rajagopal MR, Russell S, Sase E, Sleeman KE, Solomon S, Taylor R, Tutu van Furth M, Wyatt K. Report of the Lancet Commission on the Value of Death: bringing death back into life. Lancet 2022; 399:837-884. [PMID: 35114146 PMCID: PMC8803389 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)02314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Afsan Bhadelia
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Yali Cong
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Julia Neuberger
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Sarah Russell
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Eriko Sase
- Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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32
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Kremenova Z, Svancara J, Kralova P, Moravec M, Hanouskova K, Knizek-Bonatto M. Does a Hospital Palliative Care Team Have the Potential to Reduce the Cost of a Terminal Hospitalization? A Retrospective Case-Control Study in a Czech Tertiary University Hospital. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1088-1094. [PMID: 35085466 PMCID: PMC9248342 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0529] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: More than 50% of patients worldwide die in hospitals and end-of-life care is costly. We aimed to explore whether support from the palliative team can influence end-of-life costs. Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective case–control study conducted at a Czech tertiary hospital. We explored the difference in daily hospital costs between patients who died with and without the support of the hospital palliative care team from January 2019 to April 2020. Big data from registries of routine visits were used for case–control matching. As secondary outcomes, we compared the groups over the duration of the terminal hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) days, intravenous antibiotics, magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography scans, oncological treatment in the last month of life, and documentation of the dying phase. Standard descriptive statistics were used to describe the data, and differences between the case and control groups were tested using Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the Mann–Whitney U test for numerical data. Results: In total, 213 dyads were identified. The average daily costs were three times lower in the palliative group (4392.4 CZK per day = 171.3 EUR) than in the nonpalliative group (13992.8 CZK per day = 545.8 EUR), and the difference was probably associated with the shorter time spent in the ICU (16% vs. 33% of hospital days). Conclusions: We showed that the integration of the palliative care team in the dying phase can be cost saving. These data could support the implementation of hospital palliative care in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Kremenova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady and Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Svancara
- Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Kralova
- Economic Department, Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Moravec
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady and Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute for Medical Humanities, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Hanouskova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady and Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mayara Knizek-Bonatto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady and Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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33
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Boby JM, Rajappa S, Mathew A. Financial toxicity in cancer care in India: a systematic review. Lancet Oncol 2021; 22:e541-e549. [PMID: 34856151 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00468-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although financial toxicity is widely acknowledged to be a potential consequence of costly cancer treatment, little is known about its prevalence and outcome among the Indian population. In this study, we systematically reviewed the prevalence, determinants, and consequences of financial toxicity among patients with cancer in India. 22 studies were included in the systematic review. The determinants of financial toxicity include household income, type of health-care facility used, stage of disease, area of residence, age at the time of diagnosis, recurrent cancer, educational status, insurance coverage, and treatment modality. Financial toxicity was associated with poor quality of life, accumulation of debts, premature entry into the labour market, and non-compliance with therapy. Our findings emphasise the need for urgent strategies to mitigate financial toxicity among patients with cancer in India, especially in the most deprived sections of society. The qualitative evidence synthesised in this systematic review could provide a basis for the development of such interventions to reduce financial toxicity among patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Senthil Rajappa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Aju Mathew
- Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kolenchery, India.
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Abrams HR, Durbin S, Huang CX, Johnson SF, Nayak RK, Zahner GJ, Peppercorn J. Financial toxicity in cancer care: origins, impact, and solutions. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:2043-2054. [PMID: 34850932 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Financial toxicity describes the financial burden and distress that can arise for patients, and their family members, as a result of cancer treatment. It includes direct out-of-pocket costs for treatment and indirect costs such as travel, time, and changes to employment that can increase the burden of cancer. While high costs of cancer care have threatened the sustainability of access to care for decades, it is only in the past 10 years that the term "financial toxicity" has been popularized to recognize that the financial burdens of care can be just as important as the physical toxicities traditionally associated with cancer therapy. The past decade has seen a rapid growth in research identifying the prevalence and impact of financial toxicity. Research is now beginning to focus on innovations in screening and care delivery that can mitigate this risk. There is a need to determine the optimal strategy for clinicians and cancer centers to address costs of care in order to minimize financial toxicity, promote access to high value care, and reduce health disparities. We review the evolution of concerns over costs of cancer care, the impact of financial burdens on patients, methods to screen for financial toxicity, proposed solutions, and priorities for future research to identify and address costs that threaten the health and quality of life for many patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Abrams
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sienna Durbin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cher X Huang
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rahul K Nayak
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Greg J Zahner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Peppercorn
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Soror T, Kovács G, Wecker S, Ismail M, Badakhshi H. Palliative treatment with high-dose-rate endobronchial interventional radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) for lung cancer patients. Brachytherapy 2021; 20:1269-1275. [PMID: 34429246 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2021.06.149] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE to report on the use of high-dose-rate (HDR) endobronchial interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy, EBIRT) for palliation of symptoms in patients with lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS retrospective review of lung cancer patients treated with HDR-EBIRT at our institution (1995-2017). Treatment results and treatment related toxicity were recorded. Clinical response was subjectively evaluated within 3 months after treatment. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed. RESULTS 347 patients were identified. The median age was 69 years and the median follow-up time was 13.4 months. Most patients received external beam radiation therapy during the primary treatment. Within 3 months, 87.7% of the patients had complete or major response of their presenting symptoms. OS was 55.2% at 1 year, 18.3% at 2 years. Patients who had complete or major response had a longer median survival than other patients (13 versus 7 months, p = 0.03). Chronic bronchitis was found in 26.8%, while 7.8% of the patients died due to uncontrollable hemoptysis. CONCLUSION HDR-EBIRT is a safe and effective treatment option for the palliative treatment of lung cancer patients. HDR-EBIRT is most suitable as a re-irradiation technique. Further clinical studies are needed to validate its role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Soror
- Radiation Oncology Department, University of Lübeck/UKSH-CL, Lübeck, Germany; National Cancer Institute (NCI), Radiation Oncology Department, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - György Kovács
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Gemelli-INTERACTS, Roma, Italy
| | - Sacha Wecker
- Department of Clinical Radiation Oncology, Ernst von Bergmann Medical Center, Academic Teaching Hospital of Humboldt University Berlin (Charité), Germany
| | - Mahmoud Ismail
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ernst von Bergmann Medical Center, Academic Teaching Hospital of Humboldt University Berlin (Charité), Germany
| | - Harun Badakhshi
- Department of Clinical Radiation Oncology, Ernst von Bergmann Medical Center, Academic Teaching Hospital of Humboldt University Berlin (Charité), Germany
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Assessing unmet needs in advanced cancer patients: a systematic review of the development, content, and quality of available instruments. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 16:960-975. [PMID: 34363187 PMCID: PMC9489568 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01088-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advances in treatment, including biological and precision therapies, mean that more people are living with advanced cancer. Supportive care needs likely change across the cancer journey. We systematically identified instruments available to assess unmet needs of advanced cancer patients and evaluated their development, content, and quality. METHODS Systematic searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO were performed from inception to 11 January 2021. Independent reviewers screened for eligibility. Data was abstracted on instrument characteristics, development, and content. Quality appraisal included methodological and quality assessment, GRADE, feasibility, and interpretability, following consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. RESULTS Thirty studies reporting 24 instruments were identified. These were developed for general palliative patients (n = 2 instruments), advanced cancer (n = 8), and cancer irrespective of stage (n = 14). None focused on patients using biological or precision therapies. The most common item generation and reduction techniques were amending an existing instrument (n = 11 instruments) and factor analysis (n = 8), respectively. All instruments mapped to ≥ 5 of 11 unmet need dimensions, with Problems and Needs in Palliative Care (PNPC) and Psychosocial Needs Inventory (PNI) covering all 11. No instrument reported all of the COSMIN measurement properties, and methodological quality was variable. CONCLUSIONS Many instruments are available to assess unmet needs in advanced cancer. There is extensive heterogeneity in their development, content, and quality. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Given the growth of precision and biological therapies, research needs to explore how these instruments perform in capturing the needs of people using such therapies.
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Sheridan PE, LeBrett WG, Triplett DP, Roeland EJ, Bruggeman AR, Yeung HN, Murphy JD. Cost Savings Associated With Palliative Care Among Older Adults With Advanced Cancer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 38:1250-1257. [PMID: 33423523 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120986800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is inconsistent evidence that palliative care intervention decreases total healthcare expenditure at end-of-life for oncology patients. This inconsistent evidence may result from small sample sizes at single institution studies and disparate characterization of costs across studies. Comprehensive studies in population-based datasets are needed to fully understand the impact of palliative care on total healthcare costs. This study analyzed the impact of palliative care on total healthcare costs in a nationally representative sample of advanced cancer patients. METHODS We conducted a matched cohort study among Medicare patients with metastatic lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancers. We matched patients who received a palliative care consultation to similar patients who did not receive a palliative care consultation on factors related to both the receipt of palliative care and end of life costs. We compared direct costs between matched patients to determine the per-patient economic impact of a palliative care consultation. RESULTS Patients who received a palliative care consultation experienced an average per patient cost of $5,834 compared to $7,784 for usual care patients (25% decrease; p < 0.0001). Palliative care consultation within 7 days of death decreased healthcare costs by $451, while palliative care consultation more than 4 weeks from death decreased costs by $4,643. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that palliative care has the capacity to substantially reduce healthcare expenditure among advanced cancer patients. Earlier palliative care consultation results in greater cost reductions than consultation in the last week of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige E Sheridan
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Science, Moores Cancer Center, 8784University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wendi G LeBrett
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Science, Moores Cancer Center, 8784University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniel P Triplett
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Science, Moores Cancer Center, 8784University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric J Roeland
- Center for Palliative Care, 2348Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew R Bruggeman
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Science, Moores Cancer Center, 8784University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Heidi N Yeung
- Doris A. Howell Palliative Care Service, Moores Cancer Center, 8784University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - James D Murphy
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Science, Moores Cancer Center, 8784University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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