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Cheon S, Tam J, Herx L, Nowak J, Goldie C, Kain D, Iqbal M, Sinnarajah A, Mathews J. Care Coordination Between Family Physicians and Palliative Care Physicians for Patients With Cancer: Results of a Quality Improvement Initiative. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:964-971. [PMID: 38478801 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE At our institution's cancer palliative care (PC) clinic, new referrals from oncologists were scheduled for consultation and ongoing follow-up by PC physicians without input from the patients' family physicians (FPs). FPs reported that they felt out of the loop. We implemented a quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed at systematically facilitating care coordination between FPs and PC physicians. METHODS A coordination toolkit was sent from the PC physician to the FP whenever the PC physician received a consultation request from an oncologist. The toolkit included an introduction to the PC physician team; an opportunity for the FP to choose how best to collaborate with PC physicians to meet the patient's PC needs; and contact information for access to 24/7 PC physician support. Responses from FPs regarding their preferred level of engagement with PC determined further care planning in the clinic. We measured feasibility, response rate, and qualitative surveys of FPs about the usefulness of the intervention. RESULTS Two hundred fourteen new consultations were eligible for a standardized letter over the 6-month implementation period. Feasibility for sending the toolkit was 90.0% and response rate for collaborative care preference from FPs was 86.0%, with median response time of 3-4 days. 78.9% of FPs indicated they would prefer ongoing consultative care by the PC physician, while 18.6% indicated that PC physician consultation was not needed, or that the FP would provide primary PC after a one-time PC physician consultation. CONCLUSION We successfully implemented a QI initiative to improve care coordination between FPs and PC physicians for patients with cancer. The coordination toolkit can protect the patient-FP primary PC relationship and optimize specialist PC resource utilization for complex patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Cheon
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan Tam
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leonie Herx
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Justyna Nowak
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Craig Goldie
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle Kain
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Majid Iqbal
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Aynharan Sinnarajah
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean Mathews
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Petrillo LA, Jones KF, El-Jawahri A, Sanders J, Greer JA, Temel JS. Why and How to Integrate Early Palliative Care Into Cutting-Edge Personalized Cancer Care. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e100038. [PMID: 38815187 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Early palliative care, palliative care integrated with oncology care early in the course of illness, has myriad benefits for patients and their caregivers, including improved quality of life, reduced physical and psychological symptom burden, enhanced prognostic awareness, and reduced health care utilization at the end of life. Although ASCO and others recommend early palliative care for all patients with advanced cancer, widespread implementation of early palliative care has not been realized because of barriers such as insufficient reimbursement and a palliative care workforce shortage. Investigators have recently tested several implementation strategies to overcome these barriers, including triggers for palliative care consultations, telehealth delivery, navigator-delivered interventions, and primary palliative care interventions. More research is needed to identify mechanisms to distribute palliative care optimally and equitably. Simultaneously, the transformation of the oncology treatment landscape has led to shifts in the supportive care needs of patients and caregivers, who may experience longer, uncertain trajectories of cancer. Now, palliative care also plays a clear role in the care of patients with hematologic malignancies and may be beneficial for patients undergoing phase I clinical trials and their caregivers. Further research and clinical guidance regarding how to balance the risks and benefits of opioid therapy and safely manage cancer-related pain across this wide range of settings are urgently needed. The strengths of early palliative care in supporting patients' and caregivers' coping and centering decisions on their goals and values remain valuable in the care of patients receiving cutting-edge personalized cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Petrillo
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- New England Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Jamaica Plain, MA
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Justin Sanders
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, CA
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, CA
| | - Joseph A Greer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer S Temel
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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Sofia MA, Feuerstein JD, Narramore L, Chachu KA, Streett S. White Paper: American Gastroenterological Association Position Statement: The Future of IBD Care in the United States-Removing Barriers and Embracing Opportunities. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:944-955. [PMID: 38428707 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.01.050] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Despite incredible growth in systems of care and rapidly expanding therapeutic options for people with inflammatory bowel disease, there are significant barriers that prevent patients from benefiting from these advances. These barriers include restrictions in the form of prior authorization, step therapy, and prescription drug coverage. Furthermore, inadequate use of multidisciplinary care and inflammatory bowel disease specialists limits patient access to high-quality care, particularly for medically vulnerable populations. However, there are opportunities to improve access to high-quality, patient-centered care. This position statement outlines the policy and advocacy goals that the American Gastroenterological Association will prioritize for collaborative efforts with patients, providers, and payors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Anthony Sofia
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland Oregon.
| | - Joseph D Feuerstein
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leslie Narramore
- American Gastroenterological Association, Government Affairs Department, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Karen A Chachu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sarah Streett
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Fischer C, Dirschmid K, Masel EK. Examining Variability in Intra-Hospital Patient Referrals to Specialized Palliative Care: A Comprehensive Analysis of Disciplines and Mortality. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2653. [PMID: 38731181 PMCID: PMC11084376 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092653] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: In Austria, specialized palliative care (SPC) access is limited, with unclear referral criteria, making it challenging to identify hospitalized patients requiring SPC and determine referral timing and mortality at the palliative care unit (PCU). Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed patients who underwent a palliative care (PC) needs assessment between March 2016 and November 2021 and were subsequently admitted to the PCU of Austria's largest academic hospital. Demographic, clinical, and standardized referral form data were used for analysis, employing descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Out of the 903 assessed patients, 19% were admitted to the PCU, primarily cancer patients (94.7%), with lung (19%) and breast cancer (13%) being most prevalent. Common referral reasons included pain (61%) and nutritional problems (46%). Despite no significant differences in referral times, most patients (78.4%) died in the PCU, with varying outcomes based on cancer type. Referral reasons like pain (OR = 2.3), nutritional problems (OR = 2.4), and end-of-life care (OR = 6.5) were significantly associated with the outcome PCU mortality. Conclusions: This study underscores Austria's SPC access imbalance and emphasizes timely PC integration across disciplines for effective advance care planning and dignified end-of-life experiences in PCUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fischer
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Katharina Dirschmid
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Eva Katharina Masel
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Palliative Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
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Webb L, Yarwood G, Witham G, Wright S, Galvani S. Providing holistic end-of-life care for people with a history of problem substance use: a mixed methods cohort study of interdisciplinary service provision and integrated care. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:86. [PMID: 38556868 PMCID: PMC10983728 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01416-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Harmful use of illicit drugs and/or alcohol is linked to life-limiting illness and complex health and social care needs, but people who use substances and have complex needs do not receive timely palliative care and fail to achieve quality standards for a good death. They and their families often require support from multiple health and social care services which are shown to be poorly integrated and fail to deliver interdisciplinary care. This study aimed to identify the existing barriers and facilitators within and between services in providing this population with a good death. Using a mixed methods approach of survey, focus groups and semi-structured interviews, we explored the perspectives of practitioner and management staff across a range of health and social disciplines and organisations in one combined authority in a large city in the north west of England. Our findings indicate that practitioners want to provide better care for this client group, but face structural, organisational and professional boundary barriers to delivering integrated and shared care. Differences in philosophy of care, piecemeal commissioning and funding of services, and regulatory frameworks for different services, lead to poor and inequitable access to health and social care services. Ways forward for improving care are suggested as bespoke hostel-based accommodation for palliative care for this client group, and specialist link workers who can transcend professional and organisational boundaries to support co-ordination of services and support. We conclude that it is no longer adequate to call for more training, better communication and improved joint working. Complex care at the end of life requires creative and cohesive systemic responses that enable multi-disciplinary practitioners to provide the care they wish to give and enables individuals using substances to get the respect and quality service they deserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Webb
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
| | - Gemma Yarwood
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Gary Witham
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Sam Wright
- Change Grow Live, 76 King Street, Orega, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Galvani
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
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Maessen M, Fliedner MC, Gahl B, Maier M, Aebersold DM, Zwahlen S, Eychmüller S. An economic evaluation of an early palliative care intervention among patients with advanced cancer. Swiss Med Wkly 2024; 154:3591. [PMID: 38579309 DOI: 10.57187/s.3591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early integration of palliative care into oncology care has shown positive effects on patient symptoms and quality of life. It may also reduce health care costs. However given the heterogeneity of settings and interventions and the lack of information on the minimally effective dose for influencing care utilisation and costs, it remains uncertain whether early palliative care reduces costs. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine whether an early palliative care intervention integrated in usual oncology care in a Swiss hospital setting reduced utilisation and costs of health care in the last month of life when compared with usual oncology care alone. METHODS We performed a cost-consequences analysis alongside a multicentre trial. We extracted costs from administrative health insurance data and health care utilisation from family caregiver surveys to compare two study arms: usual oncology care and usual oncology care plus the palliative care intervention. The intervention consisted of a single-structured, multiprofessional conversation with the patient about symptoms, end-of-life decisions, network building and support for carers (SENS). The early palliative care intervention was performed within 16 weeks of the diagnosis of a tumour stage not amenable or responsive to curative treatment. RESULTS We included 58 participants with advanced cancer in our economic evaluation study. Median overall health care costs in the last month of life were 7892 Swiss Francs (CHF) (interquartile range: CHF 5637-13,489) in the intervention arm and CHF 8492 [CHF 5411-12,012] in the control arm. The average total intervention treatment cost CHF 380 per patient. Integrating an early palliative care intervention into usual oncology care showed no significant difference in health care utilisation or overall health care costs between intervention and control arms (p = 0.98). CONCLUSION Although early palliative care is often presented as a cost-reducing care service, we could not show a significant effect of the SENS intervention on health care utilisation and costs in the last month of life. However, it may be that the intervention was not intensive enough, the timeframe too short or the study population too small for measurable effects. Patients appreciated the intervention. Single-structured early palliative care interventions are easy to implement in clinical practice and present low treatment costs. Further research about the economic impact of early palliative care should focus on extracting large, detailed cost databases showing potential shifts in cost and cost-effectiveness. CLINICAL TRIALS gov Identifier: NCT01983956.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Maessen
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
- University Centre for Palliative Care, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Monica C Fliedner
- University Centre for Palliative Care, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Marina Maier
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel M Aebersold
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Zwahlen
- Unit for Specialised Palliative Care, Lindenhof Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Eychmüller
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
- University Centre for Palliative Care, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Galiano A, Feltrin A, Pambuku A, Lo Mauro L, De Toni C, Murgioni S, Soldà C, Maruzzo M, Bergamo F, Brunello A, Zagonel V. What do cancer patients experience of the simultaneous care clinic? Results of a cross-sectional study on patient care satisfaction. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7000. [PMID: 38400662 PMCID: PMC10891442 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veneto Institute of Oncology has activated a simultaneous care outpatient clinic (SCOC) in which cancer patients with advanced-stage cancer are evaluated by oncologist and palliative care specialists. This cross-sectional study investigated patients' perceptions of the quality of this service. MATERIALS AND METHODS An ad-hoc self-administered questionnaire, developed by SCOC team, was used to assess the satisfaction of patients admitted at SCOC consultation. The questionnaire, in addition to the socio-demographic questions, contains eight questions with the Likert scale: time dedicated, feel listened to, feel understood, feel free to speak openly and to express doubts and concerns, feeling about information and indication received, level of empathy of health care and quality of the relationship, level of professional/quality of performance and utility of consultation, and one open-ended question. The questionnaire has been proposed to all 174 consecutively admitted patients at SCOC. RESULTS One hundred and sixty-two patients filled in the questionnaire: 66.7% were male, median age was 71 years, 88.3% had metastatic disease. The time dedicated to SCOC consultation was judged more than adequate (55%) or adequate (35%) by 90% of subjects. Patients completely satisfied about being listened to were 92.5%, with 80.9% being completely satisfied with understanding of their issues and 92% with the freedom to speak and express doubts. Usefulness of the SCOC was rated as excellent by 40% and good by 54.4% of patients. No statistically significant differences were observed in the responses to the questions by gender, age (< or ≥70 years old) and type of tumor. CONCLUSION Our study shows high levels of satisfactions after SCOC consultation in advanced cancer subjects. Patients' feedback confirmed that SCOC model was effective in helping them during their treatment journey and decision at the end of life. This study encouraged us to enhance our practice of SCOC consultation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE A joint evaluation of patients living with cancer by oncologist and palliative care team (SCOC-embedded model), has shown to enhance patients' experience/satisfaction with care-such as listening, understanding, receiving information, symptom control, and decision about future, independently of age, gender, and kind of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Galiano
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | | | - Ardi Pambuku
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care UnitVeneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Leda Lo Mauro
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Chiara De Toni
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Sabina Murgioni
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Caterina Soldà
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Marco Maruzzo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Francesca Bergamo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Antonella Brunello
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV‐IRCCSPaduaItaly
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Novosadova M, Filip S, Molnarova V, Priester P, Svecova D. Clinical pharmacist in oncology palliative medicine: drug compliance and patient adherence. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e1308-e1317. [PMID: 37263758 PMCID: PMC10850839 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004212] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most patients in palliative oncology care are polymorbid and thus treated with multiple drugs. The therapeutic effect and safety of these drugs can be compromised by drug/drug interactions, but also by wider problems such as polypharmacy and compliance. The clinical pharmacist is, therefore, responsible for risk analysis and prevention. Our prospective open label non-randomised clinical study evaluated the importance of a clinical pharmacist in the palliative care team. METHODS A total of 250 outpatients were included in the clinical study: 126 women (50.4%) and 124 men (49.6%), with a mean age of 71 years (range 21-94 years; SD 11.9). The patients had the performance status scale 0-3 [Formula: see text]. Clinical examinations were performed on a monthly basis (n=509 check-up visits). The clinical pharmacist prepared an educational chart for all medications used after each visit and evaluated any drug-related problems. Follow-up was 6 months. RESULTS This study found a significant association between drug related-problems and polypharmacy (p<0.001). A low risk of drug-rfelated problems was observed during the initial visit, that is, 68 female (27.2%) and 25 male (10.4%) patients. A greater clinical-pharmaceutical risk was observed among the patients taking antihypertensive drugs (p=0.003) and/or beta blockers (p=0.048). CONCLUSION This study confirms the essential role of a clinical pharmacist in oncology palliative care. The feedback obtained from the patients showed a notable improvement in their quality of life. Further, this clinical study confirmed the need for a personalised approach in palliative oncology care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Novosadova
- Hospital Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Filip
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Molnarova
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Priester
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Dagmar Svecova
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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AuBuchon KE, Lyons M, Braun E, Groninger H, Graves K, Bowleg L. A Narrative Review of the Current Research in Cancer-Related Pain Inequities: The Necessity of Applying Intersectionality to Advance Cancer Pain Research. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241274256. [PMID: 39172777 PMCID: PMC11342440 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241274256] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-related pain has a significant impact on quality of life for patients with cancer. In populations without cancer, there are documented pain inequities associated with minoritized racial and/or ethnic groups, women, and low socioeconomic status. However, our understanding of pain inequities specifically among patients with cancer remains incomplete. We narratively synthesized published quantitative research on cancer-related pain inequities in the US in the past decade. A search identified 17 English-language articles examining pain for patients with various cancer types at different treatment stages. Our review revealed mixed findings comparing cancer-related pain by racial group (e.g., Black vs White) and sex (male vs female), but consistent findings indicating that people with lower (vs higher) socioeconomic status and younger (vs older) patients report more cancer-related pain. Research on cancer pain among sexual and gender minorities remains scant. Key research gaps include a need for more research that incorporates an intersectional perspective by exploring intersecting subgroups and measuring social and structural processes that drive pain inequities. These findings underscore an important need for researchers to use an intersectional approach to cancer pain to help elucidate key populations at-risk for exacerbated cancer-related pain and identify ways to mitigate social and structural processes that drive these inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina E. AuBuchon
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Myla Lyons
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Erika Braun
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hunter Groninger
- Department of Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kristi Graves
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa Bowleg
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Avery J, Campbell KL, Mosher P, Al-Awamer A, Goddard K, Edwards A, Burnett L, Hannon B, Gupta A, Howard AF. Advanced Cancer in Young Adults (YAs): Living in a Liminal Space. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:72-85. [PMID: 37844970 PMCID: PMC10714712 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231204182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Young adults (YAs), defined as individuals between the ages of 18 and 39 years, experience unique challenges when diagnosed with advanced cancer. Using the social constructivist grounded theory approach, we aimed to develop a theoretical understanding of how YAs live day to day with their diagnosis. A sample of 25 YAs (aged 22-39 years) with advanced cancer from across Canada participated in semi-structured interviews. Findings illustrate that the YAs described day-to-day life as an oscillating experience swinging between two opposing disease outcomes: (1) hoping for a cure and (2) facing the possibility of premature death. Oscillating between these potential outcomes was characterized as living in a liminal space wherein participants were unsure how to live from one day to the next. The participants oscillated at various rates, with different factors influencing the rate of oscillation, including inconsistent and poor messaging from their oncologists or treatment team, progression or regression of their cancer, and changes in their physical functioning and mental health. These findings provide a theoretical framework for designing interventions to help YAs adapt to their circumstance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Avery
- Anew Research Collaborative: Reshaping Young Adult Cancer Care, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kristin L. Campbell
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pamela Mosher
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmed Al-Awamer
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Breffni Hannon
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Abha Gupta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A. Fuchsia Howard
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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11
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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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12
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Chelazzi C, Ripamonti CI. How early should be "Early Integrated Palliative Care"? Support Care Cancer 2023; 32:41. [PMID: 38110598 PMCID: PMC10728221 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08213-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Palliative care, with its focus on comprehensive patient assessment encompassing physical, social, emotional, and spiritual pain, plays a crucial role in modern medicine. Despite its significance, integration with oncology and other healthcare specialties often occurs late in the disease trajectory. Strategies to bridge this gap include considering a "rebranding" of palliative care to "supportive care." Early initiation of palliative care, although challenging to define precisely, aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Studies show some benefits, but the evidence remains limited. An embedded model that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between oncologists and palliative care practitioners has shown promise. However, it raises questions about training and availability of palliative care specialists. A broader approach involves integrating palliative care principles into medical and nursing education to ensure early recognition of patient needs and empathetic communication. Regular monitoring of patients' physical and non-physical needs, along with appropriate interventions, can alleviate suffering and improve patient outcomes. Ultimately, the integration of palliative care into oncology and other disciplines focuses on addressing the individual's needs and understanding their unique experience of suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Chelazzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Carla Ida Ripamonti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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13
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DeCarli K, Rodenbach R, Sedhom R, Von Roenn J, Ketterer B. Integrated dual training in palliative care and oncology. Curr Probl Cancer 2023; 47:101012. [PMID: 37714796 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2023.101012] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Fellowship training in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) and Hematology/Oncology (Hem/Onc) share common themes and roots in the holistic care of people living with cancer. As of 2021, approximately 630 physicians in the United States were board-certified in both HPM and Hem/Onc. There is increasing demand for an integrated fellowship pathway, and the inaugural integrated fellowship Match took place in 2022. We present the historical context of the overlap in HPM and Hem/Onc fellowship training, limitations of the standard training paradigm, and an overview of the recently developed integrated training pathway accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). We explore applications of dual training in clinical care, program development, and research at the intersection of HPM and Hem/Onc. Finally, we consider challenges to the success and how best to assess the outcomes of this program. Integrated fellowship training in HPM and Hem/Onc is 1 avenue to develop a cohort of dual-trained physicians poised to effect broad cultural change in this important and evolving space. A subset of physicians with dual training has the potential to fill unmet needs by promoting enhanced patient-centered care, developing infrastructure for heightened collaboration between these distinct but closely related fields, and prioritizing research focused on advanced communication skills and symptom management for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn DeCarli
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI.
| | | | - Ramy Sedhom
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Jamie Von Roenn
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, VP Education, Science and Professional Development, Alexandria, VA.
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14
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Agne JL, Bertino EM, Gast K, Grogan MM, Janse S, Benedict J, Presley CJ. Improving Access to Early Palliative Care Delivery for Patients With an Advanced Thoracic Malignancy Through an Embedded Oncopalliative Clinic Model. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:777-785. [PMID: 37279410 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Early integration of palliative care (PC) with standard oncology care is driving the development of innovative PC delivery models. METHODS This was a single-institution retrospective study of outpatient PC before and after the opening of an embedded thoracic oncology-palliative clinic at The Ohio State University. Patients included in the preintervention (October 2017-July 2018) and postintervention (October 2018-July 2019) cohorts had a diagnosis of any non-small-cell lung cancer (stages I-IV) or small-cell lung cancer (limited or extensive stage) and were newly established in the thoracic medical oncology clinic during the study time periods. All patients in the preintervention cohort had access to outpatient PC through a freestanding clinic, while the postintervention cohort had access to both freestanding and embedded clinics. Using time-to-event analyses, we evaluated differences in time intervals from first medical oncology visit to PC referral and first PC visit between cohorts. RESULTS The majority of patients in both cohorts had metastatic disease at diagnosis. In the postintervention cohort, 20.9% of patients were referred to outpatient PC compared with 9.2% in the preintervention cohort (P < .01). PC referrals for patients outside of Franklin and adjacent counties increased from 4.0% to 14.2% after opening the embedded clinic (P < .01). Completion percentages of PC referrals increased from 57.6% to 76.0% in the preintervention versus postintervention cohorts (P = .048). Median time from palliative referral order to first PC visit decreased from 29 to 20 days (P = .047). Similarly, median time from the first oncology visit to PC referral completion decreased from 103 to 41 days (P = .08). CONCLUSION Implementation of an embedded PC model was associated with increased access to early PC among patients with thoracic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Agne
- Division of Palliative Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Erin M Bertino
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Kelly Gast
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Madison M Grogan
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Sarah Janse
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Jason Benedict
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Carolyn J Presley
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
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15
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Ohana S, Shaulov A, DeKeyser Ganz F. Acute palliative care models: scoping review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2022-004124. [PMID: 37591691 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-004124] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this scoping review is to identify the most commonly used models of palliative care delivery in acute care settings, their advantages and disadvantages, and to review existent research evidence in support of each model. METHODS We conducted an extensive search using EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL and Pubmed, using various combinations of terms relating to models in palliative care and acute care settings. Data were analysed using tabular summaries and content analysis. RESULTS 41 articles were analysed. Four models were identified: primary, consultative, integrative and hybrid models of palliative care. All four models have varying characteristics in terms of access to specialist palliative care; fragmentation of healthcare services; therapeutic relationships between patients and providers; optimal usage of scarce palliative care resources; timing of provision of palliative care; communication and collaboration between providers and clarity of provider roles. Moreover, all four models have different patient outcomes and healthcare utilisation. Gaps in research limit the ability to determine what model of care is more applicable in an acute care setting. CONCLUSION No ideal model of care was identified. Each model had its advantages and disadvantages. Future work is needed to investigate which setting one model may be better than the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulamit Ohana
- Nursing, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adir Shaulov
- Nursing, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Freda DeKeyser Ganz
- Nursing, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
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16
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Sánchez-Cárdenas MA, Iriarte-Aristizábal MF, León-Delgado MX, Rodríguez-Campos LF, Correa-Morales JE, Cañón-Piñeros A, Parra SL. Rural Palliative Care Telemedicine for Advanced Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:936-944. [PMID: 36331174 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221130329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Context: Telemedicine offers the opportunity to provide remote palliative care for patients to control symptoms and improve quality of life, even for patients with advanced diseases. Objectives: Establish a telemedicine model of rural palliative care for advanced cancer patients with difficulties in accessing standard care. Methods: This review comports with the minimum standards described in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and uses the palliative care literature review iterative method (PALETTE) proposed by Zwakman et al in 2018. Results: Three hundred, ninety-two articles were identified in PubMed and EMBASE databases and alternative search engines such as Google Scholar and OpenGrey. A telemedicine delivery model was developed for patients with limited access to standard care, which consists of identifying the candidate population, establishing the most convenient telemedicine modality, agreeing with patients and caregivers on palliative care needs, and evaluating the interventions effectiveness. Conclusion: Telemedicine is a revolutionary tool to provide palliative care to advanced cancer patients whose clinical condition or location prevent them from accessing conventional care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Juan Esteban Correa-Morales
- School of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Chía, Colombia
- Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, National Cancer Institute, Bogotá, Colombia
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17
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Woodrell CD, Mulholland CN, Goldstein NE, Hutchinson CL, Schiano TD, Hansen L. Clinician Perspectives on Palliative Care for People with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Facilitators of and Barriers to Referral. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3617. [PMID: 37509278 PMCID: PMC10377573 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Little is known about facilitators of and barriers to palliative care referral for people with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study is to identify facilitators and barriers of palliative care referral described by HCC-treating clinicians. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews (n = 16) were conducted with HCC-treating clinicians at two centers, focusing on referral patterns, palliative care needs, and disease course. A code book was created, axial coding was used to code all interviews, and selective coding was used to identify facilitators and barriers of palliative care referral. (3) Results: Facilitators included helpfulness at times of transition; help with management of certain symptoms; provision of psychosocial support; and positive experiences with referral. Barriers included feasibility concerns; lack of information about palliative care and who is appropriate; lack of symptoms requiring outside referral; and concerns that palliative care conveys loss of hope. (4) Conclusions: Participants noted the helpfulness of palliative care at specific points in the disease trajectory and cited barriers related to feasibility, lack of need, lack of awareness, and loss of hope. The results show actionable issues that can be addressed in future research to leverage the benefits of and overcome the barriers to palliative care for people with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Woodrell
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
| | - Christie N Mulholland
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nathan E Goldstein
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Carole L Hutchinson
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Thomas D Schiano
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Division of Liver Diseases, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Lissi Hansen
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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18
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Mohammed S, Swami N, Pope A, Rodin G, Zimmermann C. Strategies Used by Outpatient Oncology Nurses to Introduce Early Palliative Care: A Qualitative Study. Cancer Nurs 2023:00002820-990000000-00153. [PMID: 37406225 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although early palliative care is linked to improved health-related quality of life, satisfaction with care, and symptom management, the clinical strategies that nurses use to actively initiate this care are unknown. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to conceptualize the clinical strategies that outpatient oncology nurses use to introduce early palliative care and to determine how these strategies align with the framework of practice. METHODS A constructivist-informed grounded theory study was conducted in a tertiary cancer care center in Toronto, Canada. Twenty nurses (6 staff nurses, 10 nurse practitioners, and 4 advanced practice nurses) from multiple outpatient oncology clinics (ie, breast, pancreatic, hematology) completed semistructured interviews. Analysis occurred concurrently with data collection and used constant comparison until theoretical saturation was reached. RESULTS The overarching core category, pulling it all together, outlines the strategies used by oncology nurses to support timely palliative care referral, drawing on the coordinating, collaborating, relational, and advocacy dimensions of practice. The core category incorporated 3 subcategories: (1) catalyzing and facilitating synergy among disciplines and settings, (2) promoting and considering palliative care within patients' personal narratives, and (3) widening the focus from disease-focused treatment to living well with cancer. CONCLUSION Outpatient oncology nurses enact unique clinical strategies, which are aligned with the nursing framework and reflected multiple dimensions of practice, to introduce early palliative care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Our findings have clinical, educational, and policy implications for fostering the conditions in which nurses are supported to maximize their full potential in the introduction of early palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Mohammed
- Author Affiliations: Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto (Dr Mohammed); Department of Supportive Care and Princess Margaret Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (Mss Swami and Pope, Drs Rodin and Zimmermann); and Division of Palliative Medicine (Dr Zimmermann), Division of Medical Oncology (Dr Zimmermann), and Department of Psychiatry (Dr Rodin), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Toqan D, Malak MZ, Ayed A, Hamaideh SH, Al-Amer R. Perception of Nurses' Knowledge about Palliative Care in West Bank/ Palestine: Levels and Influencing Factors. J Palliat Care 2023; 38:336-344. [PMID: 36278305 DOI: 10.1177/08258597221133958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Healthcare professionals particularly nurses should be professionally prepared with knowledge about the standards of palliative care and their roles in providing palliative care. Nurses' knowledge about palliative care and influencing factors has not been examined adequately in Arab countries including Palestine. Thus, this study aimed to assess the adequacy of knowledge level and influencing factors (socio-demographic) about palliative care among nurses in West Bank/ Palestine. Methods: A descriptive-correlational design was utilized. A cluster random sampling method was applied to select 12 hospitals from the three regions in West Bank. Then, four hospitals were selected from each region using a simple random method. All registered nurses working in critical care units and medical and surgical wards in the selected hospitals were recruited. The sample consists of 424 registered nurses and data were collected using Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN). Results: The Findings revealed that nurses' level of knowledge about palliative care was low/inadequate (M = 7.75, SD = 2.96). Knowledge about palliative care was influenced by age (B = -.106; p < 0.05), gender (B = -.223; p < 0.001), and hospital ward (B = -.597; p < 0.001), in which younger nurses, females, and those who work in critical care units reported higher levels of knowledge about palliative care. Conclusions: Findings of this study emphasized the need for developing educational and training courses, seminars, and workshops on palliative care to increase nurses' knowledge in order to enhance the quality of patient care. Also, policymakers should develop national strategic plans and policies regarding palliative care and apply these plans in all hospitals in West Bank/ Palestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Toqan
- Nursing Education, Faculty of Nursing, Arab American University of Palestine (AAUP), Jenin, Palestine
| | - Malakeh Z Malak
- Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Ayed
- Pediatric Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Arab American University of Palestine (AAUP), Jenin, Palestine
| | - Shaher H Hamaideh
- Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Rasmieh Al-Amer
- Psychiatric Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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Depoorter V, Vanschoenbeek K, Decoster L, Silversmit G, Debruyne PR, De Groof I, Bron D, Cornélis F, Luce S, Focan C, Verschaeve V, Debugne G, Langenaeken C, Van Den Bulck H, Goeminne JC, Teurfs W, Jerusalem G, Schrijvers D, Petit B, Rasschaert M, Praet JP, Vandenborre K, De Schutter H, Milisen K, Flamaing J, Kenis C, Verdoodt F, Wildiers H. End-of-Life Care in the Last Three Months before Death in Older Patients with Cancer in Belgium: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study Using Data Linkage. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3349. [PMID: 37444458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to describe end-of-life (EOL) care in older patients with cancer and investigate the association between geriatric assessment (GA) results and specialized palliative care (SPC) use. Older patients with a new cancer diagnosis (2009-2015) originally included in a previous multicentric study were selected if they died before the end of follow-up (2019). At the time of cancer diagnosis, patients underwent geriatric screening with Geriatric 8 (G8) followed by GA in case of a G8 score ≤14/17. These data were linked to the cancer registry and healthcare reimbursement data for follow-up. EOL care was assessed in the last three months before death, and associations were analyzed using logistic regression. A total of 3546 deceased older patients with cancer with a median age of 79 years at diagnosis were included. Breast, colon, and lung cancer were the most common diagnoses. In the last three months of life, 76.3% were hospitalized, 49.1% had an emergency department visit, and 43.5% received SPC. In total, 55.0% died in the hospital (38.5% in a non-palliative care unit and 16.4% in a palliative care unit). In multivariable analyses, functional and cognitive impairment at cancer diagnosis was associated with less SPC. Further research on optimizing EOL healthcare utilization and broadening access to SPC is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lore Decoster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Silversmit
- Research Department, Belgian Cancer Registry, 1210 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philip R Debruyne
- Division of Medical Oncology, Kortrijk Cancer Centre, AZ Groeninge, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Technology Research Centre (MTRC), Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Inge De Groof
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Iridium Cancer Network Antwerp, Sint-Augustinus, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dominique Bron
- Department of Hematology, ULB-Institute Jules Bordet, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frank Cornélis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc-UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Luce
- Department Medical Oncology, University Hospital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles ULB, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christian Focan
- Department of Oncology, Groupe Santé CHC-Liège, Clinique CHC-MontLégia, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Vincent Verschaeve
- Department of Medical Oncology, GHDC Grand Hôpital de Charleroi, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Gwenaëlle Debugne
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de Mouscron, 7700 Mouscron, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Wesley Teurfs
- Department Medical Oncology, ZNA Stuivenberg, 2060 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Jerusalem
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sart Tilman, Liège University, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Dirk Schrijvers
- Department of Medical Oncology, ZNA Middelheim, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte Petit
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Jolimont, 7100 La Louvière, Belgium
| | - Marika Rasschaert
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jean-Philippe Praet
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, CHU St-Pierre, Free Universities Brussels, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Koen Milisen
- Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cindy Kenis
- Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Freija Verdoodt
- Research Department, Belgian Cancer Registry, 1210 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hans Wildiers
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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21
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Sedhom R, Shulman LN, Parikh RB. Precision Palliative Care as a Pragmatic Solution for a Care Delivery Problem. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:2888-2892. [PMID: 37084327 PMCID: PMC10414742 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.02532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ramy Sedhom
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lawrence N. Shulman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ravi B. Parikh
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
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22
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Fentie AM, Belete A, Selam MN. Challenges of Access to Oral Morphine Medicine: Palliative Care at a Crossroads for Cancer Patients in Ethiopia. J Pain Res 2023; 16:1829-1833. [PMID: 37284325 PMCID: PMC10239636 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s410944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethiopia registers 77,352 new cases of cancer and 51,865 deaths every year, and the number is showing an increasing trend year to year. Despite the importance of providing palliative care, the country has a long way to go to match the needs of and provide relief for patients with cancer. The promotion and expansion of palliative care services is challenged by a number of problems, among which lack of access to pain-relieving medicine is one of, if not the main, problems raised by health professionals and by various parties involved in health care. Oral morphine is effective and the preferred pain-relieving medicine with tolerable side effects, especially when given by titrating the dose. However, Ethiopia is facing a shortage of oral morphine in health-care facilities and other places where the product is needed. Unless an immediate solution is sought to address the inaccessibility of this medicine, the problem of palliative care will be pronounced and the suffering of patients will continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atalay Mulu Fentie
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anteneh Belete
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Nigatu Selam
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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23
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Hansen MBB, Groenvold M, Adsersen M, Jensen H, Ibfelt EH, Petersen MA, Neergaard MA, Møller H, Olesen TB. Palliative care need screening and specialised referrals fell during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide register-based study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2023-004324. [PMID: 37098445 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004324] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Few studies have examined whether access to, and quality of, specialised palliative care changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated changes in access to and quality of specialised palliative care during the pandemic in Denmark compared to previously. METHODS An observational study using data from the Danish Palliative Care Database combined with other nationwide registries was conducted, including 69 696 patients referred to palliative care services in Denmark from 2018 to 2022. Study outcomes included number of referrals and admissions to palliative care, and the proportions of patients fulfilling four palliative care quality indicators. The indicators assessed admissions among referred, waiting time from referral to admission, symptom screening using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionaire-Core-15-Palliative Care (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) questionnaire at admission, and discussion at multidisciplinary conference. Logistic regression analysed whether the probability of fulfilling each indicator differed between the pandemic period and pre-pandemic, while adjusting for possible confounders. RESULT Number of referrals and admissions to specialised palliative care were lower during the pandemic. The odds for being admitted within 10 days of referral was higher during the pandemic (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.45) whereas the odds for answering the EORTC questionnaire (0.88; 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.92) and for being discussed at multidisciplinary conference (0.93; 95% CI: 0.89 to 0.97) were lower compared with pre-pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Fewer patients were referred to specialised palliative care during the pandemic, and fewer were screened for palliative care needs. In future pandemics or similar scenarios, it is important to pay special attention to referral rates and to maintain the same high level of specialised palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiken Bang Bang Hansen
- The Research Unit, Department of Palliative Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cancer and Cancer Screening, The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical Registries (RKKP), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mogens Groenvold
- The Research Unit, Department of Palliative Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Copenhagen University, Copehagen, Denmark
| | - Mathilde Adsersen
- The Research Unit, Department of Palliative Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henry Jensen
- Department of Resources and Innovation, The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical Registries (RKKP), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Else Helene Ibfelt
- Department of Cancer and Cancer Screening, The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical Registries (RKKP), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Aagaard Petersen
- The Research Unit, Department of Palliative Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Asbjørn Neergaard
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Midtjylland, Denmark
| | - Henrik Møller
- Department of Cancer and Cancer Screening, The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical Registries (RKKP), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Bech Olesen
- Department of Resources and Innovation, The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical Registries (RKKP), Copenhagen, Denmark
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The Rise of Supportive Oncology: A Revolution in Cancer Care. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2023; 35:213-215. [PMID: 36737312 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2023.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Integrating Palliative Care into Oncology Care Worldwide: The Right Care in the Right Place at the Right Time. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:353-372. [PMID: 36913164 PMCID: PMC10009840 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01060-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT While the benefits of early palliative care are indisputable, most of the current evidence has emerged from resource-rich settings in urban areas of high-income countries, with an emphasis on solid tumors in outpatient settings; this model of palliative care integration is not currently scalable internationally. A shortage of specialist palliative care clinicians means that in order to meet the needs of all patients who require support at any point along their advanced cancer trajectory, palliative care must also be provided by family physicians and oncology clinicians who require training and mentorship. Models of care that facilitate the timely provision of seamless palliative care across all settings (inpatient, outpatient, and home-based care), with clear communication between clinicians, are crucial to the provision of patient-centred palliative care. The unique needs of patients with hematological malignancies must be further explored and existing models of palliative care provision modified to meet these needs. Finally, care must be provided in an equitable and culturally sensitive manner, recognizing the challenges associated with the delivery of high-quality palliative care to both patients in high-income countries who live in rural areas, as well as to those in low- and middle-income countries. A one-size-fits-all model will not suffice, and there is an urgent need to develop innovative context-specific models of palliative care integration worldwide, in order to provide the right care, in the right place, and at the right time.
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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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Zimmermann C, Buss MK, Rabow MW, Hannon B, Hui D. Should Outpatient Palliative Care Clinics in Cancer Centers be Stand Alone or Embedded? J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:e165-e170. [PMID: 36437178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Outpatient palliative care facilitates timely symptom management, psychosocial care and care planning. A growing number of cancer centers have either stand-alone or embedded outpatient palliative care clinics. In this "Controversies in Palliative Care" article, three groups of thought leaders independently answer this question. Specifically, each group provides a synopsis of the key studies that inform their thought processes, share practical advice on their clinical approach, and highlight the opportunities for future research. One group advocates for stand-alone clinics, another for embedded, and the third group tries to find a balance. In the absence of evidence that directly compares the two models, factors such as cancer center size, palliative care team composition, clinic space availability, and financial considerations may drive the decision-making process at each institution. Stand-alone clinics may be more appropriate for larger academic cancer centers or palliative care programs with a more comprehensive interdisciplinary team, while embedded clinics may be more suited for smaller palliative care programs or community oncology programs to stimulate referrals. As outpatient clinic models continue to evolve, investigators need to document the referral and patient outcomes to inform practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care (C.Z., B.H.), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (C.Z.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care (M.K.B.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.W.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mary K Buss
- Department of Supportive Care (C.Z., B.H.), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (C.Z.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care (M.K.B.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.W.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael W Rabow
- Department of Supportive Care (C.Z., B.H.), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (C.Z.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care (M.K.B.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.W.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Breffni Hannon
- Department of Supportive Care (C.Z., B.H.), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (C.Z.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care (M.K.B.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.W.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David Hui
- Department of Supportive Care (C.Z., B.H.), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.Z., B.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (C.Z.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care (M.K.B.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.W.R.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Palliative Care (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Parekh de Campos A, Levoy K, Pandey S, Wisniewski R, DiMauro P, Ferrell BR, Rosa WE. Integrating Palliative Care into Nursing Care. Am J Nurs 2022; 122:40-45. [PMID: 36261904 PMCID: PMC9889110 DOI: 10.1097/01.naj.0000897124.77291.7d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The need for palliative care in our health care system has exponentially increased in the past few years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging population, and the increasing number of people living with serious illnesses. While nurses play a critical role in delivering palliative care, many lack confidence and knowledge, causing practice gaps in the clinical and psychological management of seriously ill patients. The collective burden of the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of palliative care education and training, specifically in communication, symptom management, and continuing education. All nurses, including nursing students, transitioning nurses, and practicing nurses, should be trained to offer generalist (or primary) palliative care, in accordance with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. Provision of holistic, relationship-based, and integrated palliative care for patients and their families is an ethical obligation for all nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amisha Parekh de Campos
- Amisha Parekh de Campos is an assistant clinical professor at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing in Storrs; Kristen Levoy is an assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Nursing and a research scientist at the university's Regenstrief Institute for Aging Research in Indianapolis; Shila Pandey and Renee Wisniewski are NPs in supportive care services at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City; Pierce DiMauro is a nurse researcher at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center School of Nursing in New York City; Betty R. Ferrell is a nurse scientist in the Division of Nursing Research and Education at City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte, CA; and William E. Rosa is chief research fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Contact author: Amisha Parekh de Campos, . The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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Galiano A, Schiavon S, Nardi M, Guglieri I, Pambuku A, Martino R, Bolshinsky M, Murgioni S, Intini R, Soldà C, Marino D, Daniel F, De Toni C, Pittarello C, Chiusole B, Prete AA, Bimbatti D, Nappo F, Caccese M, Bergamo F, Brunello A, Lonardi S, Zagonel V. Simultaneous care in oncology: Assessment of benefit in relation to symptoms, sex, and age in 753 patients. Front Oncol 2022; 12:989713. [PMID: 36313660 PMCID: PMC9614371 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.989713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early activation of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer is central in the treatment trajectory. At the Veneto Institute of Oncology, a simultaneous-care outpatient clinic (SCOC) has been active since 2014, where patients are evaluated by an oncologist together with a palliative care team. Recently, we reported on consecutive patients admitted at SCOC from 2018 to 2021 in terms of appropriateness, process, and outcome indicators. Here, we report further analysis in the same group of 753 patients, evaluating other parameters and the correlation between symptom intensity, gender, age, and survival. METHODS SCOC data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS Among the patients, 42.2% were women, and the median age was 68 years, with 46.7% of patients aged ≥70 years. The most prevalent disease type was gastrointestinal cancer (75.2%), and 90.9% of the patients had metastatic disease. The median score for the distress thermometer was 4; the vast majority of the patients (98.6%) reported physical problems, and 69.4% presented emotional issues. Younger women demonstrated a significantly greater median distress than other patients (p=0.0018). Almost all symptoms had a higher prevalence on the 0-3 Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) score, except for fatigue. About 43.8% of the patients received systemic anticancer treatment (SAT) in the last 60 days of life, 15.0% of whom received SAT in the last month and 3.1% in the last 2 weeks. For some symptoms, women frequently had more ESAS >3. Pain and nausea were significantly less reported by older patients compared with younger adults. Men had a lower risk of having MUST score ≥ 2 (p=0.0311). Men and older patients showed a lower prognosis awareness (p=0.0011 and p=0.0049, respectively). Older patients received less SAT within the last 30 days of life (p=0.0006) and had death risk decreased by 20.0%. CONCLUSION Our study identified two subgroups of patients with advanced cancer who require special attention and support due to important symptoms' burden detected by Patient Reported Outcome Measures tests: women and younger adults. These categories of patients require special attention and should be provided early access at SCOC. The role of an oncologist remains crucial to intercept all patients in need of early palliative care and balancing trade-offs of anticancer treatment in advanced metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Galiano
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavon
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Nardi
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ardi Pambuku
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Rosalba Martino
- Hospital Psychology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Maital Bolshinsky
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sabina Murgioni
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Rossana Intini
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Caterina Soldà
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Dario Marino
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Daniel
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara De Toni
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Pittarello
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Benedetta Chiusole
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Anna Prete
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Davide Bimbatti
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Floriana Nappo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Caccese
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Bergamo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonella Brunello
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 3, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
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Philip J, Collins A, Warwyk O, Sundararajan V, Le B. Is the use of palliative care services increasing? A comparison of current versus historical palliative care access using health service datasets for patients with cancer. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1426-1431. [PMID: 36002977 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221118205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mature evidence exists supporting the integration of palliative care in cancer care, but translation of evidence into practice is less well understood. AIM We sought to understand current access to palliative care and its timing for people with cancer and to compare practices over time. DESIGN We conducted a retrospective population cohort study using routinely collected administrative health data sets in Victoria, Australia. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS All adult cancer decedents in 2018 were identified and clinical, demographic, palliative care access and quality of end of life care indices collected.Comparisons between a historic cohort of lung, breast and prostate cancer patients who died between the years 2005 and 2009 and those with these diagnoses in the current cohort. RESULTS In 2018 there were 10,245 Victorian decedents with a cancer-coded cause of death, of these 3689 had lung, prostate or breast cancer. In 2018, access to palliative care increased (66% vs 54%) and greater numbers accessed palliative care more than 3 months before death (18% vs 10%) than in 2005-2009. Indices of end of life quality improved across most domains. However the median time between first palliative care and death was shorter in 2018 (22 vs 25 days) and more people first accessed palliative care in the hospitalisation during which they died (43% vs 33%). CONCLUSION Despite established benefits of early palliative care, the important task of translation of this evidence into practice remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Australia.,Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia.,Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anna Collins
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Olivia Warwyk
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Vijaya Sundararajan
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Public Health, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Brian Le
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia.,Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
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Shaulov A, Aviv A, Alcalde J, Zimmermann C. Early integration of palliative care for patients with haematological malignancies. Br J Haematol 2022; 199:14-30. [PMID: 35670630 PMCID: PMC9796711 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Early palliative care (EPC) significantly improves quality of life, symptoms, and satisfaction with care for patients with advanced cancer. International organizations have recognized and promoted the role of palliative care as a distinct specialty, advocating its involvement throughout the cancer trajectory. Although patients with haematologic malignancies (HMs) have a comparable symptom burden to patients with solid tumours, they face multiple barriers to EPC integration. In this review, we discuss these barriers, present updated evidence from clinical trials of EPC in HMs and propose models to support EPC integration into care for patients with HMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adir Shaulov
- Department of HaematologyHadassah Medical CenterJerusalemIsrael,Faculty of MedicineHebrew University of JerusalemIsrael
| | - Ariel Aviv
- Department of HaematologyHaEmek Medical CenterAfulaIsrael
| | - Jacqueline Alcalde
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of PsychiatryUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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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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Brunello A, Galiano A, Schiavon S, Nardi M, Feltrin A, Pambuku A, De Toni C, Dal Col A, Lamberti E, Pittarello C, Bergamo F, Basso U, Maruzzo M, Finotto S, Bolshinsky M, Stragliotto S, Procaccio L, Rizzato MD, Formaglio F, Lombardi G, Lonardi S, Zagonel V. Simultaneous Care in Oncology: A 7-Year Experience at ESMO Designated Centre at Veneto Institute of Oncology, Italy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102568. [PMID: 35626172 PMCID: PMC9139444 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Benefits of early palliative care referral in oncology are well-validated. At the Veneto Institute of Oncology-IRCCS, a simultaneous-care outpatient clinic (SCOC) has been active since 2014, where patients with advanced cancer are evaluated by an oncologist together with a palliative care team. We prospectively assessed SCOC patients’ characteristics and SCOC outcomes through internal procedure indicators. Data were retrieved from the SCOC prospectively maintained database. There were 753 eligible patients. The median age was 68 years; primary tumor sites were gastrointestinal (75.2%), genitourinary (15.0%) and other sites (9.8%). Predominant symptoms were psychological issues (69.4%), appetite loss (67.5%) and pain (65.9%). Dyspnea was reported in 53 patients (7%) in the referral form, while it was detected in 226 patients (34.2%) during SCOC visits (p < 0.0001). Median survival of patients after the SCOC visit was 7.3 months. Survival estimates by the referring oncologist were significantly different from the actual survival. Psychological intervention was deemed necessary and undertaken in 34.6% of patients, and nutritional support was undertaken in 37.9% of patients. Activation of palliative care services was prompted for 77.7% of patients. Out of 357 patients whose place of death is known, 69.2% died at home, in hospice or residential care. With regard to indicators’ assessment, the threshold was reached for 9 out of 11 parameters (81.8%) requested by the procedure. This study confirmed the importance of close collaboration between oncologists and palliative care teams in responding properly to cancer patients’ needs. The introduction of a procedure with indicators allowed punctual assessment of a team’s performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Brunello
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Antonella Galiano
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Stefania Schiavon
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.S.); (A.P.); (A.D.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Mariateresa Nardi
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Feltrin
- Hospital Psychology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Ardi Pambuku
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.S.); (A.P.); (A.D.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Chiara De Toni
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Alice Dal Col
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.S.); (A.P.); (A.D.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Evelina Lamberti
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Chiara Pittarello
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Francesca Bergamo
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Umberto Basso
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Marco Maruzzo
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Silvia Finotto
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Maital Bolshinsky
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Silvia Stragliotto
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 3, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 31033 Castelfranco Veneto, Italy; (S.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Letizia Procaccio
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Mario Domenico Rizzato
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Fabio Formaglio
- Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.S.); (A.P.); (A.D.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Lombardi
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 3, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 31033 Castelfranco Veneto, Italy; (S.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (C.D.T.); (E.L.); (C.P.); (F.B.); (U.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (L.P.); (M.D.R.); (G.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8215953
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Fürst P, Strang P, Hedman C, Schultz T. Advanced cancer and concomitant dementia: access to specialized palliative care, emergency room, hospital care, and place of death. Acta Oncol 2022; 61:874-880. [PMID: 35411838 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2022.2062681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia and advanced cancer are complex, life-limiting conditions that benefit from specialized palliative care (SPC) interventions at the end of life. The objective was to study possible differences in care for patients with concomitant advanced cancer and dementia (CA-DEM) or cancer only (CA) regarding access to SPC, acute hospital care, and place of death. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective observational registry study on health care consumption data from the Stockholm Regional Council involving logistic regression analyses of age, sex, living arrangements, comorbidities, dementia diagnosis, and socio-economic status. RESULTS Of the 12,667 persons aged ≥65 years who died from advanced cancer between 2015 and 2019, 605 had concomitant dementia. Of these, 76% of patients with CA and 42% of patients with CA-DEM had access to SPC (p<.0001). There were more admissions to palliative care for persons not living in nursing homes (p<.0001), women (p<.0001), socioeconomically privileged patients (p<.05), those with fewer comorbidities (p<.0001), and younger patients (<85 years) (p<.0001). Access to SPC reduced ER visits, hospitalizations, and acute hospital deaths for CA, whereas access to SPC only reduced hospital deaths in the CA-DEM group. CONCLUSIONS The probability of being admitted to SPC was lower in cancer patients with known dementia. Access to SPC reduced emergency room visits and acute admissions to hospitals for the whole group, and hospital deaths both for CA and CA-DEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Fürst
- Department of Oncology Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Palliative Medicine, Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Strang
- Department of Oncology Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Palliative Medicine, Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden
- Regional Cancer Centre in Stockholm, Gotland, Sweden
| | - Christel Hedman
- Palliative Medicine, Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Palliative Care, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Schultz
- Palliative Medicine, Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden
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Palliative Care in Older People with Multimorbidities: A Scoping Review on the Palliative Care Needs of Patients, Carers, and Health Professionals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063195. [PMID: 35328881 PMCID: PMC8954932 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although numerous studies have been conducted previously on the needs of cancer patients at the end of their life, there is a lack of studies focused on older patients with non-oncological complex chronic multipathologies. Examining these needs would help to gain a greater understanding of the profile of this specific population within the palliative care (PC) pathway and how the health and care systems can address them. The aim of this review was to identify the needs influencing PC among older patients with multimorbidities, their relatives or informal caregivers, and the health professionals who provide care for these patients. A scoping literature review guided by the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was carried out with literature searched in the Medline, Embase, CINAHL, WoS, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases from 2009 to 2022. Eighty-one studies were included, demonstrating a great variety of unaddressed needs for PC among chronic older patients and the complexity in detecting those needs and how to refer them to PC pathways. This review also suggested a scarcity of tools and limited pathways for professionals to satisfy their needs for these patients and their families, who often felt ignored by the system. Substantial changes will be needed in health and care systems at the institutional level, providing more specialized PC environments and systematizing PC processes.
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Nadkarni Y, Kukec I, Gruber P, Jhanji S, Droney J. Integrated palliative care: triggers for referral to palliative care in ICU patients. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:2173-2181. [PMID: 34704155 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06542-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Palliative care within intensive care units (ICU) benefits decision-making, symptom control, and end-of-life care. It has been shown to reduce the length of ICU stay and the use of non-beneficial and unwanted life-sustaining therapies. However, it is often initiated late or not at all. There is increasing evidence to support screening ICU patients using palliative care referral criteria or "triggers". The aim of the project was to assess the need for palliative care referral during ICU admission using "trigger" tools. METHODS Electronic record review of cancer patients who died in or within 30 days of discharge from oncology ICU, between 2016 and 2018. Patients referred to palliative care before or during ICU admission were identified. Three sets of palliative care referral "triggers" were applied: one that is being tested locally and two internationally derived tools. The proportion of patients who met any of these triggers during their final ICU admission was calculated. RESULTS Records of 149 patients were reviewed: median age 65 (range 20-83). Most admissions (89%) were unplanned, with the most common diagnoses being haemato-oncology (31%) and gastrointestinal (16%) cancers. Most (73%) were unknown to palliative care pre-ICU admission; 44% were referred between admission and death. The median time from referral to death was 0 day (range 0-19). On ICU admission, 97-99% warranted referral to palliative care using locally and internationally derived triggers. CONCLUSION All "trigger" tools identified a high proportion of patients who may have warranted a palliative care referral either before or during admission to ICU. The routine use of trigger tools could help streamline referral pathways and underpin the development of an effective consultative model of palliative care within the ICU setting to enhance decision-making about appropriate treatment and patient-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashna Nadkarni
- Critical Care Unit, Anaesthetics Department, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Ivana Kukec
- University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Pascale Gruber
- Critical Care Unit, Anaesthetics Department, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Shaman Jhanji
- Critical Care Unit, Anaesthetics Department, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joanne Droney
- Symptom Control and Palliative Care Team, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Tjong MC, Doherty M, Tan H, Chan WC, Zhao H, Hallet J, Darling G, Kidane B, Wright FC, Mahar A, Davis LE, Delibasic V, Parmar A, Mittmann N, Coburn NG, Louie AV. Province-Wide Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Oncologist 2021; 26:e1800-e1811. [PMID: 34216415 PMCID: PMC8488785 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13890] [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: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ontario, Canada, patient-reported outcome (PRO) evaluation through the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) has been integrated into clinical workflow since 2007. As stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with substantial disease and treatment-related morbidity, this province-wide study investigated moderate to severe symptom burden in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS ESAS collected from patients with stage IV NSCLC diagnosed between 2007 and 2018 linked to the Ontario provincial health care system database were studied. ESAS acquired within 12 months following diagnosis were analyzed and the proportion reporting moderate to severe scores (ESAS ≥4) in each domain was calculated. Predictors of moderate to severe scores were identified using multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance. RESULTS Of 22,799 patients, 13,289 (58.3%) completed ESAS (84,373 assessments) in the year following diagnosis. Patients with older age, with high comorbidity, and not receiving active cancer therapy had lower ESAS completion. The majority (94.4%) reported at least one moderate to severe symptom. The most prevalent were tiredness (84.1%), low well-being (80.7%), low appetite (71.7%), and shortness of breath (67.8%). Most symptoms peaked at diagnosis and, while declining, remained high in the following year. On multivariable analyses, comorbidity, low income, nonimmigrants, and urban residency were associated with moderate to severe symptoms. Moderate to severe scores in all ESAS domains aside from anxiety were associated with radiotherapy within 2 weeks prior, whereas drowsiness, low appetite and well-being, nausea, and tiredness were associated with systemic therapy within 2 weeks prior. CONCLUSION This province-wide PRO analysis showed moderate to severe symptoms were prevalent and persistent among patients with metastatic NSCLC, underscoring the need to address supportive measures in this population especially around treatments. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE In this largest study of lung cancer patient-reported outcomes (PROs), stage IV non-small cell lung cancer patients had worse moderate-to-severe symptoms than other metastatic malignancies such as breast or gastrointestinal cancers when assessed with similar methodology. Prevalence of moderate-to-severe symptoms peaked early and remained high during the first year of follow-up. Symptom burden was associated with recent radiation and systemic treatments. Early and sustained PRO collection is important to detect actionable symptom progression, especially around treatments. Vulnerable patients (e.g., older, high comorbidity) who face barriers in attending in-person clinic visits had lower PRO completion. Virtual PRO collection may improve completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Tjong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Mark Doherty
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Hendrick Tan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Julie Hallet
- Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Gail Darling
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Biniam Kidane
- Section of Thoracic Surgery, University of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
- Research Institute in Oncology & Hematology, Cancer Care ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Frances C. Wright
- Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Alyson Mahar
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, University of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Laura E. Davis
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Victoria Delibasic
- Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Ambika Parmar
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Nicole Mittmann
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in HealthOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Natalie G. Coburn
- Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Alexander V. Louie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
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