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Davies H, Safdar NZ, Yi Kwan J, Jain K, Sciberras P, Hurlow A, Po Tam SK, Coughlin P, Mees BME, Scott DJA. End of Life Care for Unplanned Vascular Admissions. Ann Vasc Surg 2024; 99:280-289. [PMID: 37852363 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2023.08.024] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unplanned vascular admissions have a high mortality. Previous studies have indicated that end of life care (EoLC) among this group of patients is low but there exist limited data on EoLC in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and predictors of EoLC for unplanned vascular admissions to a tertiary center in the United Kingdom. METHODS This was a retrospective single-center cohort study of unplanned vascular surgery admissions from August 1, 2019 to January 22, 2020. Data on patient demographics, markers of quality of palliative care, mortality, and cause of death of unplanned admission to the vascular surgery department were collected from hospital and general practitioner records and evaluated against EoLC to evaluate predictors and efficacy of EoLC. Quality of palliative care markers included documentation of preferred place of death and care priorities, time spent in hospital and the intensive care unit toward the end of life, and realization of documented care objectives. EoLC input was defined as a dedicated palliative care consultation (PCC) by a palliative care professional, medical doctor, surgeon, or advanced care practitioner. We also conducted a subgroup analysis of patients within this group with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), diabetic foot, and ruptured aortic aneurysms, as all patients in this group should be offered EoLC according to international guidelines. RESULTS One-hundred and fifty patients were included. Median age at presentation was 70.5 years, and the cohort consisted of mostly men (72%). CLTI (31%) was the most common reason for admission. Surgical intervention was carried out in 60% of patients. Two-year mortality was 36%, and pneumonia (22%) was the most common cause of death. Seven percent of patients received PCC, which occurred a median of 10 days before death. Only a minority of patients had preferred place of care/death (14%), care priorities (37%), and family involvement during advance care planning (17%) documented in their notes; 29% of patients had Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment forms in place. A diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, and increasing age predicted Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment form completion. Patients with PCC were more likely to have advance care planning, but this did not translate into improvements in the other markers of quality of palliative and, consequently, EoLC. CONCLUSIONS EoLC was insufficient and of low quality despite a high mortality in this group. Clinical guidelines and pathways are needed to ensure these patients are considered for EoLC and those with CLTI, diabetic foot sepsis or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms are offered it by default. Further research is needed to help identify vascular patients who would benefit from EoLC earlier to improve quality at end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Davies
- Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.
| | | | - Jing Yi Kwan
- Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Kinshuk Jain
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Peter Sciberras
- Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | - Adam Hurlow
- Department of Palliative Care, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Sharon Ka Po Tam
- Department of Anaesthetics, University of Leicester Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Patrick Coughlin
- Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Barend M E Mees
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - D Julian A Scott
- Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Llop-Medina L, García-Muñoz P, Ródenas-Rigla F, Garcés-Ferrer J. Enhancing the Adult and Paediatric Palliative Care System: Spanish Professionals' and Family Caregivers' Suggestions for Comprehensive Improvement. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:65. [PMID: 38200971 PMCID: PMC10779096 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010065] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This research critically explores deficiencies in the palliative care system, focusing on evaluation and treatment aspects for both adult and paediatric patients. Using a qualitative methodology, the study engages healthcare professionals and family caregivers to uncover perspectives on the existing state of palliative care. Conducted through three focus groups and a semi-structured in-depth interview with participants recruited from Virgen de la Arrixaca University Clinical Hospital, this research illustrates critical issues, highlighting the insufficient healthcare workforce and resources to meet the comprehensive needs of patients and their families. Recommendations include holistic care addressing social, emotional, psychological, socio-familiar, and economic dimensions, supported by embedded support groups and the enforcement of relationships with palliative associations. This study also advocates for improved health institutional coordination, social worker support, and ongoing health professional satisfaction monitoring. In paediatric care, specific demands involve specialised units, medical team continuity, 24 h paediatrician care, and a more professional paediatric approach. Beyond problem identification, this study offers valuable insights for shaping health policies and tools, incorporating new indicators and introducing grief bereavement support in clinical reports, contributing to the advancement of patient evaluation in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Llop-Medina
- Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (P.G.-M.); (F.R.-R.); (J.G.-F.)
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Morton C, Rolle N, Shalini Sahoo, Kaufman M, Drucker C, Nagarsheth K. Predictive Factors for Mortality Following Major Lower Extremity Amputation. Am Surg 2023; 89:5669-5677. [PMID: 37102711 DOI: 10.1177/00031348231167396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in techniques and care, major amputation bears a high risk for mortality. Previously identified factors associated with increased risk of mortality include amputation level, renal function, and pre-operative white cell count. METHODS A single center retrospective chart review was conducted identifying patients who had undergone a major amputation. Chi-squared, t-testing, and Cox proportional hazard modeling were performed examining death at 6 months and 12 months. RESULTS Factors associated with an increased risk of six-month mortality include age (OR 1.01-1.05, P < .001), sex (OR 1.08-3.24, P < .01), minority race (OR 1.18-18.19, P < .01), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.40-6.06, P < .001), and use of pressors at the induction of anesthesia for index amputation (OR 2.09-7.85, P < .000). Factors associated with increased risk of 12 month mortality were similar. DISCUSSION Patients undergoing major amputation continue to suffer high mortality. Those patients who received their amputation under physiologically stressful conditions were more likely to die within 6 months. Reliably predicting six-month mortality can assist surgeons and patients in making appropriate care decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Morton
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas Rolle
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shalini Sahoo
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Miriam Kaufman
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles Drucker
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Khanjan Nagarsheth
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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4
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Godfrey S, Kirkpatrick JN, Kramer DB, Sulistio MS. Expanding the Paradigm for Cardiovascular Palliative Care. Circulation 2023; 148:1039-1052. [PMID: 37747951 PMCID: PMC10539017 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.063193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite medical advances, patients with CVD experience high morbidity and mortality rates, affecting their quality of life and death. Among CVD conditions, palliative care has been studied mostly in patients with heart failure, where palliative care interventions have been associated with improvements in patient-centered outcomes, including quality of life, end-of-life care, and health care use. Although palliative care is now incorporated into the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Failure Society of America guidelines for heart failure, the role of palliative care for non-heart failure CVD remains uncertain. Across all causes of CVD, palliative care can play an important role in all domains of CVD care from initial diagnosis to terminal care. In addition to general cardiovascular palliative care practices applicable to all areas, disease-specific palliative care needs may warrant individualized palliative care models. In this review, we discuss the role of cardiovascular palliative care for ischemic heart disease, valvular disease, arrhythmias, peripheral artery disease, and adult congenital heart disease. Although there are multiple barriers to cardiovascular palliative care, we recommend a framework for studying and developing cardiovascular palliative care models to improve patient-centered goal-concordant care for this underserved patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Godfrey
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Division of Cardiology, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Daniel B. Kramer
- Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melanie S. Sulistio
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Division of Cardiology, Dallas, TX, USA
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5
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Cavanagh SL, Weaver ML. Palliative care or punting communication? J Vasc Surg 2023; 78:473-474. [PMID: 37481277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sherry L Cavanagh
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, WA
| | - M Libby Weaver
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA
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Kwong M, Rajasekar G, Utter GH, Nuno M, Mell MW. Poor utilization of palliative care among Medicare patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. J Vasc Surg 2023; 78:464-472. [PMID: 37088446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.02.023] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) experience high annual mortality and would benefit from timely palliative care intervention. We sought to better characterize use of palliative care among patients with CLTI in the Medicare population. METHODS Using Medicare data from 2017 to 2018, we identified patients with CLTI, defined as two or more encounters with a CLTI diagnosis code. Palliative care evaluations were identified using ICD-10-CM Z51.5 "Encounter for palliative care." Time intervals between CLTI diagnosis, palliative consultation, and death or end of follow-up were calculated. Associations between patient demographics, comorbidities, and palliative care consultation were assessed. RESULTS A total of 12,133 Medicare enrollees with complete data were categorized as having CLTI. Of these, 7.4% (894) underwent a palliative care evaluation at a median of 170 days (interquartile range, 45-352 days) from their CLTI diagnosis. Compared with those who did not undergo evaluation, palliative patients were more likely to be dual eligible for Medicaid (45.2% vs 38.1%; P < .001) and had more comorbid conditions (P < .001). After controlling for gender and race, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.04), dual eligibility (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.22-1.62), solid organ malignancy (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.92-4.14), hematologic malignancy (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.27-3.98), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.15-1.88), complicated diabetes (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.11-1.65), dementia (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.66), and severe renal failure (OR, 1.56; 85% CI. 1.24-1.98) were independently associated with palliative care evaluation. During mean follow up of 410 ± 220 days, 16.9% (2044) of patients died at a mean of 268 (±189) days after their CLTI diagnosis. Among living patients, only 3.2% (325) underwent palliative evaluation. Comparatively, 27.8% (569) of patients who died received palliative care at a median of 196 days (interquartile range, 55-362 days) after their diagnosis and 15 days (interquartile range, 5-63 days) prior to death. CONCLUSIONS Despite high mortality, palliative care services were rarely provided to Medicare patients with CLTI. Age, medical complexity, and income status may play a role in the decision to consult palliative care. When obtained, evaluations occurred closer to time of death than to time of CLTI diagnosis, suggesting misuse of palliative care as end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmie Kwong
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA.
| | - Ganesh Rajasekar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
| | - Garth H Utter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
| | - Miriam Nuno
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
| | - Matthew W Mell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
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Funabashi S, Mizuno A, Kohno T. Letter to the Editor: Palliative Care for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia-Unexplored Territory. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:747-748. [PMID: 37276518 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Funabashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizuno
- Department of Cardiology, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kohno
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Warner D, Holmes KW, Afifi R, Russo ML, Shalhub S. Emergency vascular surgical care in populations with unique physiologic characteristics: Pediatric, pregnant, and frail populations. Semin Vasc Surg 2023; 36:340-354. [PMID: 37330246 DOI: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2023.04.015] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Vascular surgical emergencies are common in vascular surgical care and require complex decision making and multidisciplinary care. They are especially challenging when they occur in patients with unique physiological characteristics, such as pediatric, pregnant, and frail patients. Among the pediatric and pregnant population, vascular emergencies are rare. This rarity challenges accurate and timely diagnosis of the vascular emergency. This landscape review summarizes these three unique populations' epidemiology and emergency vascular considerations. Understanding the epidemiology is the foundation for accurate diagnosis and subsequent management. Considering each population's unique characteristics is crucial to the emergent vascular surgical interventions decision making. Collaborative and multidisciplinary care is vital in gaining expertise in managing these special populations and achieving optimal patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Warner
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code OP11, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Kathryn W Holmes
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Rana Afifi
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX
| | - Melissa L Russo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI; Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Sherene Shalhub
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code OP11, Portland, OR 97239.
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Grange R, Carter B, Chamberlain C, Brooks M, Nitharsan R, Twine C, Braude P. Amputation and advance care plans: An observational study exploring decision making and long-term outcomes in a vascular centre. Vascular 2023:17085381231162733. [PMID: 36888982 DOI: 10.1177/17085381231162733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Half of those undergoing major lower limb amputation for peripheral arterial disease die within 1 year. Advance care planning reduces days in hospital and increases the chance of dying in a preferred place. AIM To investigate the prevalence and content of advance care planning for people having a lower limb amputation due to acute or chronic limb-threatening ischaemia or diabetes. Secondary aims were to explore its association with mortality, and length of hospital stay. DESIGN A retrospective observational cohort study. The intervention was advance care planning. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Patients admitted to the South West England Major Arterial Centre between 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2021 who received unilateral or bilateral below, above, or through knee amputation due to acute or chronic limb-threatening ischaemia or diabetes. RESULTS 116 patients were included in the study. 20.7% (n = 24) died within 1 year. 40.5% (n = 47) had an advance care planning discussion of which all included cardiopulmonary resuscitation decisions with few exploring other options. Patients who were more likely to have advance care planning discussions were ≥75 years (aOR = 5.58, 95%CI 1.56-20.0), female (aOR = 3.24, 95%CI 1.21-8.69), and had multimorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥5, aOR = 2.97, 95%CI 1.11-7.92). Discussions occurred more often in the emergency pathway and were predominantly initiated by physicians. Advance care planning was associated with increased mortality (aHR = 2.63, 95%CI 1.01, 5.02) and longer hospital stay (aHR = 0.52, 95%CI 0.32-0.83). CONCLUSIONS Despite a high risk of death for all patients in the months following amputation, advance care planning occurred in fewer than half of people and mostly focused on resuscitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Grange
- Department of Medicine for Older People, Southmead Hospital, 1982North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Ben Carter
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 4616King's College London, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Chamberlain
- Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group, Population Health Sciences, 152331Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Marcus Brooks
- Vascular Surgery, Southmead Hospital, 1982North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Christopher Twine
- Vascular Surgery, Southmead Hospital, 1982North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Philip Braude
- Department of Medicine for Older People, Southmead Hospital, 1982North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
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Kwong M, Rajasekar G, Utter GH, Nuño M, Mell MW. Updated estimates for the burden of chronic limb-threatening ischemia in the Medicare population. J Vasc Surg 2023; 77:1760-1775. [PMID: 36758910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.01.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Estimates of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) based on diagnosis codes of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) suggest a prevalence of 0.23%-0.32% and incidence of 0.20%-0.26% among Medicare patients. ICD-10-CM includes 144 CLTI diagnosis codes, allowing improved specificity in identifying affected patients. We sought to use ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes to determine the prevalence of CLTI among Medicare patients and describe the patient cohort affected by this condition. METHODS Using two years of data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, we identified all patients that had at least one CLTI diagnosis code to determine prevalence and incidence rates. Sensitivity analyses were performed to compare our methodology to prior publications and quantify the extent of missed diagnoses. The number and type of vascular procedures that occurred after diagnosis were tabulated. A cohort of patients with two or more CLTI diagnosis codes were then identified for further descriptive analysis. Associations between patient demographics and survival were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Over 65 million patients were enrolled in Medicare in 2017 to 2018. Of these, 480,227 had diagnosis of CLTI, with a corresponding to a 1-year incidence of 0.33% and a 2-year prevalence of 0.74%. Patients underwent an average of 43.6 vascular procedures per 100 person-years. Sensitivity analyses identified 89,805 additional patients that had a diagnosis code of peripheral arterial disease who underwent revascularization or amputation. Patients with CLTI were predominantly male (56.2%), white (76.4%), and qualified for Medicare due to age (64.0%). Thirty-seven percent were dual-eligible. One-year survival was 77.7%, significantly lower than estimated actuarial survival adjusted for age, sex, and race (95.1%; P < .001). Cox proportional hazards models demonstrate significantly increased mortality for men vs women (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.10; P < .001), but no association between race and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-1.01; P = .83). CONCLUSIONS Using ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, we demonstrated slightly higher incidence and prevalence of CLTI than in published literature, reflecting our more complete methodology. Sensitivity analyses suggest that increased complexity of the highly specific ICD-10-CM coding may diminish capture of CLTI. Inclusion of patients with non-CLTI peripheral arterial disease diagnoses produces moderate increases in incidence and prevalence at the cost of decreased specificity in identifying patients with CLTI. Medicare patients with CLTI are older, and more commonly male, black, and dual eligible compared with the general Medicare population. Observed mid-term survival for patients with CLTI is significantly lower than actuarial estimates, confirming the importance of focused efforts on identifying and aligning goals of care in this complex patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmie Kwong
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA.
| | - Ganesh Rajasekar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Garth H Utter
- Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Miriam Nuño
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Matthew W Mell
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
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Morton C, Hayssen H, Kawaji Q, Kaufman M, Blitzer D, Uemura T, Kheirbek R, Nagarsheth K. Palliative Care Consultation is Associated with Decreased Rates of In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients Undergoing Major Amputation. Ann Vasc Surg 2022; 86:277-285. [PMID: 35595211 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2022.05.005] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite advancements in medical care and surgical techniques, major amputation continues to be associated with risks for morbidity and mortality. Palliative care programs may help alleviate symptoms and align patients' goals and the care they receive with their treatment plan. Access to specialty Palliative medicine among vascular surgery patients is limited . Here, we aim to describe utilization and impact of formal palliative care consultation for patients receiving major amputations. METHODS This is a retrospective, secondary data analysis project examining the records of patients who received major amputations by the vascular surgery team between 2016 and 2021. Demographics, operative, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. The primary outcome variable was palliative care consultation during index admission (the admission in which the patient received their first major amputation). Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality as well as code status at time of death, if death occurred during the index admission, location of death, and discharge destination RESULTS: The cohort comprised of 292 patients (39% female, 53% Black, mean age 63) who received a lower extremity major amputation. Most patients (65%) underwent amputation for limb ischemia. One-year mortality after first major amputation was 29%. Average length of stay was 20 days. Thirty-five (12%) patients received a palliative care consultation during the hospitalization in which they received their first major amputation. On multivariable analysis, patients were more likely to receive a palliative care consult during their index admission if they had undergone a through knee amputation (OR = 2.89, p = 0.039) or acute limb ischemia (OR = 4.25, p = 0.005). A formal palliative care consult was associated with lower likelihood of in-hospital death and increased likelihood of discharge to hospice (OR = 0.248, p = 0.0167, OR1.283, p < 0.001).There were not statistically significant differences in the code status of patients who received a palliative care consultation. CONCLUSIONS In a large academic medical center, palliative medicine consultation was associated with lower in-hospital mortality among patients with advanced vascular disease and major limb amputation. These data will hopefully stimulate much needed prospective research to develop and test tools to identify patients in need and derive evidence about the impact of palliative care services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qingwen Kawaji
- Department of Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University
| | | | - David Blitzer
- University of Maryland School of Medicine; Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center
| | - Takeshi Uemura
- Division of Palliative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Raya Kheirbek
- Division of Palliative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Khanjan Nagarsheth
- University of Maryland School of Medicine; Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center
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