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Johansson T, Tishelman C, Eriksson LE, Cohen J, Goliath I. Use, usability, and impact of a card-based conversation tool to support communication about end-of-life preferences in residential elder care – a qualitative study of staff experiences. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:274. [PMID: 35366816 PMCID: PMC8976536 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02915-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Proactive conversations about individual preferences between residents, relatives, and staff can support person-centred, value-concordant end-of-life (EOL) care. Nevertheless, prevalence of such conversations is still low in residential care homes (RCHs), often relating to staff’s perceived lack of skills and confidence. Using tools may help staff to facilitate EOL conversations. While many EOL-specific tools are script-based and focus on identifying and documenting treatment priorities, the DöBra card tool is developed to stimulate reflection and conversation about EOL care values and preferences. In this study, we explore staff’s experiences of use, usability, and perceived impact of the DöBra cards in supporting discussion about EOL care in RCH settings.
Methods
This qualitative study was based on data from two participatory action research processes in which RCH staff tested and evaluated use of DöBra cards in EOL conversations. Data comprise 6 interviews and 8 group meetings with a total of 13 participants from 7 facilities. Qualitative content analysis was performed to identify key concepts in relation to use, usability, and impact of the DöBra cards in RCH practice.
Results
Based on participants’ experiences of using the DöBra cards as an EOL conversation tool in RCHs, we identified three main categories in relation to its usefulness. Outcomes of using the cards (1) included the outlining of content of conversations and supporting connection and development of rapport. Perceived impact (2) related to enabling openings for future communication and aligning care goals between stakeholders. Use and usability of the cards (3) were influenced by supporting and limiting factors on the personal and contextual level.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates how the DöBra cards was found to be useful by staff for facilitating conversations about EOL values, influencing both the content of discussion and interactions between those present. The tool encouraged reflection and interaction, which staff perceived as potentially helpful in building preparedness for future care-decision making. The combination of providing a shared framework and being adaptable in use appeared to be key features for the DöBra cards usability in the RCH setting.
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Gonella S, Mitchell G, Bavelaar L, Conti A, Vanalli M, Basso I, Cornally N. Interventions to support family caregivers of people with advanced dementia at the end of life in nursing homes: A mixed-methods systematic review. Palliat Med 2022; 36:268-291. [PMID: 34965759 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211066733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most people with dementia transition into nursing homes as their disease progresses. Their family caregivers often continue to be involved in their relative's care and experience high level of strain at the end of life. AIM To gather and synthesize information on interventions to support family caregivers of people with advanced dementia at the end of life in nursing homes and provide a set of recommendations for practice. DESIGN Mixed-Methods Systematic Review (PROSPERO no. CRD42020217854) with convergent integrated approach. DATA SOURCES Five electronic databases were searched from inception in November 2020. Published qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies of interventions to support family caregivers of people with advanced dementia at the end of life in nursing home were included. No language or temporal limits were applied. RESULTS In all, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data synthesis resulted in three integrated findings: (i) healthcare professionals should engage family caregivers in ongoing dialog and provide adequate time and space for sensitive discussions; (ii) end-of-life discussions should be face-to-face and supported by written information whose timing of supply may vary according to family caregivers' preferences and the organizational policies and cultural context; and (iii) family caregivers should be provided structured psychoeducational programs tailored to their specific needs and/or regular family meetings about dementia care at the end of life. CONCLUSION The findings provide useful information on which interventions may benefit family caregivers of people with advanced dementia at the end of life and where, when, and how they should be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gary Mitchell
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Laura Bavelaar
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alessio Conti
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Mariangela Vanalli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Ines Basso
- School of Nursing, Azienda Ospedaliera "SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo," Alessandria, Italy
| | - Nicola Cornally
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Hayward JK, Gould C, Palluotto E, Kitson E, Fisher ER, Spector A. Interventions promoting family involvement with care homes following placement of a relative with dementia: A systematic review. DEMENTIA 2021; 21:618-647. [PMID: 34894796 PMCID: PMC8811321 DOI: 10.1177/14713012211046595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is a wealth of literature investigating the role of family involvement within care homes following placement of a relative with dementia. This review summarises how family involvement is measured and aims to address two questions: (1) which interventions concerning family involvement have been evaluated? And (2) does family involvement within care homes have a positive effect on a resident’s quality of life and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia? After searching and screening on the three major databases PsycINFO, MEDLINE and CINAHL Plus for papers published between January 2005 and May 2021, 22 papers were included for synthesis and appraisal due to their relevance to family involvement interventions and or family involvement with resident outcomes. Results show that in 11 interventions designed to enhance at least one type of family involvement, most found positive changes in communication and family–staff relationships. Improvement in resident behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia was reported in two randomised controlled trials promoting partnership. Visit frequency was associated with a reduction of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia for residents with moderate dementia. Family involvement was related to positive quality of life benefits for residents. Contrasting results and methodological weaknesses in some studies made definitive conclusions difficult. Few interventions to specifically promote family involvement within care homes following placement of a relative with dementia have been evaluated. Many proposals for further research made over a decade ago by Gaugler (2005) have yet to be extensively pursued. Uncertainty remains about how best to facilitate an optimum level and type of family involvement to ensure significant quality of life and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia benefits for residents with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine K Hayward
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, 4919University College London, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Gould
- Department of Psychology, 3162Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Emma Palluotto
- Department of Clinical Psychology, 4917University of East London, London, UK
| | - Emily Kitson
- Department of People and Organisations, 411270Surrey Business School, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Emily R Fisher
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, 4919University College London, London, UK
| | - Aimee Spector
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, 4919University College London, London, UK
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4
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Family involvement with care homes following placement of a relative living with dementia: a review. AGEING & SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x21000957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This review updated a previous review [Gaugler JE (2005) Family involvement in residential long-term care: a synthesis and critical review. Aging and Mental Health9, 105–118] and focused on dementia. Fourteen years of development in family involvement with care homes following placement of a relative was explored. The review aimed to investigate two questions: (1) What types of involvement do families have with care homes following placement of people living with dementia? (2) Which factors influence family involvement with care homes? PsycINFO, MEDLINE and CINAHL Plus were searched for publications between January 2005 and December 2018. Thirty-three papers representing 30 studies were included. Papers were appraised using a quality rating tool designed for use with mixed study designs. Studies were of a reasonable quality though some weaknesses included single-site samples, high attrition rates and poor reporting. Twenty-eight papers highlighted types of involvement including collaboration, family–staff relationship development, decision making and visiting. Twenty-five papers pertained to factors influencing involvement, which included outcome of care quality evaluation, wish for recognition and sense of integration into the care team. Type of family involvement has changed over time with increased emphasis on families’ desire for partnership, to be active rather than passive advocates, and to focus on care monitoring and evaluation. Seven themes of family involvement activities are featured and a non-linear process is proposed. When compared to patient and family-centred care principles, an analysis of family involvement types found good fit overall and potential for framework improvements. Over 30 diverse factors influence inter-family variation in the level and nature of family involvement. Consideration of these factors and resolution of the gaps in evidence, including intergenerational and cultural concerns, can improve care home facilitation of family participation. This dementia-specific review is a comprehensive timely complement to Gaugler's seminal work about older adults in care.
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Backhaus R, Hoek LJM, de Vries E, van Haastregt JCM, Hamers JPH, Verbeek H. Interventions to foster family inclusion in nursing homes for people with dementia: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:434. [PMID: 33126855 PMCID: PMC7599097 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01836-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family inclusion in nursing homes is central to the provision of individualized care for people with dementia. Although positive effects can be recognized, barriers have been identified that hamper family inclusion in nursing homes. Specifically for people with dementia, insight into the content of interventions to foster family inclusion is lacking. METHODS A systematic review was performed by systematically searching the databases PubMed, Cinahl, PsycInfo and Embase. Studies were eligible if they examined (1) nursing home settings, (2) interventions to foster the inclusion of family members from people with dementia, (3) were original research articles in which effects/experiences of/with these interventions were evaluated, and (4) were written in English, Dutch or German. Findings were summarized systematically. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies were included. Two interventions were targeted at creating family-staff partnerships from a two-way perspective. Other interventions focused on single components, such as including family members in formal decisions (n = 9), enabling them to make better informed decisions and/or participate more actively (n = 7), or providing psychoeducation for family members (n = 3). Within the interventions, family and staff members are often treated differently. Effects on actual increase in family inclusion remain unclear. CONCLUSIONS Very few interventions exist that try to enhance equal family-staff partnerships in nursing homes. Future interventions should pay specific attention to mutual exchange and reciprocity between family and staff. As little is known about promising (components of) interventions to foster family inclusion in nursing homes for people with dementia, more effectiveness research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Backhaus
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Linda J M Hoek
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Erica de Vries
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda C M van Haastregt
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan P H Hamers
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Verbeek
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Omori M, Jayasuriya J, Scherer S, Dow B, Vaughan M, Savvas S. The language of dying: Communication about end-of-life in residential aged care. DEATH STUDIES 2020; 46:684-694. [PMID: 32401636 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1762263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This article explores implications of language used in communicating death and dying in residential aged care, which increasingly emphasizes a "family-centered" approach to end-of-life care. Based on focus groups with care professionals and families, our findings reveal a persistent clinical culture that resists frank discussions of dying, with many staff preferring to use euphemisms for dying. Our results emphasize the importance of end-of-life education for families, which families acknowledged was lacking. Cultural change in institutional control over disclosing dying is imperative in order to gain family trust and support in professional care and promote death literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maho Omori
- School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jude Jayasuriya
- National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sam Scherer
- Royal Freemasons Limited, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Briony Dow
- National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marie Vaughan
- Royal Freemasons Limited, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Savvas
- National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Freemasons Limited, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Kochovska S, Garcia MV, Bunn F, Goodman C, Luckett T, Parker D, Phillips JL, Sampson EL, van der Steen JT, Agar MR. Components of palliative care interventions addressing the needs of people with dementia living in long-term care: A systematic review. Palliat Med 2020; 34:454-492. [PMID: 32013780 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319900141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with dementia requiring palliative care have multiple needs, which are amplified in long-term care settings. The European Association for Palliative Care White Paper offers recommendations for optimal palliative care in dementia integral for this population, providing useful guidance to inform interventions addressing their specific needs. AIM The aim of this study is to describe the components of palliative care interventions for people with dementia in long-term care focusing on shared decision-making and examine their alignment to the European Association for Palliative Care domains of care. DESIGN Systematic review with narrative synthesis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42018095649). DATA SOURCES Four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and CENTRAL) were searched (earliest records - July 2019) for peer-reviewed articles and protocols in English, reporting on palliative care interventions for people with dementia in long-term care, addressing European Association for Palliative Care Domains 2 (person-centred) or 3 (setting care goals) and ⩾1 other domain. RESULTS Fifty-one papers were included, reporting on 32 studies. For each domain (1-10), there were interventions found aiming to address its goal, although no single intervention addressed all domains. Domain 7 (symptom management; n = 19), 6 (avoiding overly aggressive treatment; n = 18) and 10 (education; n = 17) were the most commonly addressed; Domain 5 (prognostication; n = 7) and 4 (continuity of care; n = 2) were the least addressed. CONCLUSION Almost all domains were addressed across all interventions currently offered for this population to various degrees, but not within a singular intervention. Future research optimally needs to be theory driven when developing dementia-specific interventions at the end of life, with the European Association for Palliative Care domains serving as a foundation to inform the best care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavica Kochovska
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Maja V Garcia
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Frances Bunn
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Claire Goodman
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Tim Luckett
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Deborah Parker
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane L Phillips
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth L Sampson
- Centre for Dementia Palliative Care Research, Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jenny T van der Steen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meera R Agar
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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Sellars M, Chung O, Nolte L, Tong A, Pond D, Fetherstonhaugh D, McInerney F, Sinclair C, Detering KM. Perspectives of people with dementia and carers on advance care planning and end-of-life care: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Palliat Med 2019; 33:274-290. [PMID: 30404576 PMCID: PMC6376607 DOI: 10.1177/0269216318809571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Advance care planning aims to ensure that care received during serious and chronic illness is consistent with the person’s values, preferences and goals. However, less than 40% of people with dementia undertake advance care planning internationally. AIM: This study aims to describe the perspectives of people with dementia and their carers on advance care planning and end-of-life care. DESIGN: Systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases were searched from inception to July 2018. RESULTS: From 84 studies involving 389 people with dementia and 1864 carers, five themes were identified: avoiding dehumanising treatment and care (remaining connected, delaying institutionalisation, rejecting the burdens of futile treatment); confronting emotionally difficult conversations (signifying death, unpreparedness to face impending cognitive decline, locked into a pathway); navigating existential tensions (accepting inevitable incapacity and death, fear of being responsible for cause of death, alleviating decisional responsibility); defining personal autonomy (struggling with unknown preferences, depending on carer advocacy, justifying treatments for health deteriorations); and lacking confidence in healthcare settings (distrusting clinicians’ mastery and knowledge, making uninformed choices, deprived of hospice access and support at end of life). CONCLUSION: People with dementia and their carers felt uncertain in making treatment decisions in the context of advance care planning and end-of-life care. Advance care planning strategies that attend to people’s uncertainty in decision-making may help to empower people with dementia and carers and strengthen person-centred care in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Sellars
- 1 Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,2 Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Olivia Chung
- 1 Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Linda Nolte
- 1 Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Allison Tong
- 3 Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dimity Pond
- 4 School of Medicine and Public Health (General Practice), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Deirdre Fetherstonhaugh
- 5 Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fran McInerney
- 6 Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Craig Sinclair
- 7 Rural Clinical School of Western Australia, University of Western Australia, Albany, WA, Australia
| | - Karen M Detering
- 1 Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,8 Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Harrison Dening K, Castle E, Scates C, De Vries K. Advance care plans in dementia: user-centred design. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2019; 10:e38. [PMID: 30737197 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Historically, dementia has not been recognised as a life-limiting condition or one that may benefit from a palliative approach to its care. There are many challenges in providing palliative and end-of-life care to this group of people, some of which may be reduced through advance care planning (ACP) to support people with dementia to have a greater influence on their care at end of life. ACP has been defined as a process of discussing and recording of wishes, values and preferences for future care and treatment held between an individual, family members and their care provider(s) that takes effect when the person loses capacity. The objective of this project was to involve people with dementia and their family carers in co-design of ACP guide and template to prepare for further study related to communication processes in ACP. METHODS A user-centred design process cycle of development and review was undertaken by Dementia UK which involved people with dementia, family carers, Admiral Nurses and other key stakeholders in developing an ACP guide and template. RESULTS Nine cyclical stages were undertaken to achieve the outcome of an ACP guide and template. CONCLUSION Co-production using a user-centred design approach offers a structured and inclusive approach to developing ACP materials.Authors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Castle
- Research and Publications, Dementia UK, London, UK
| | | | - Kay De Vries
- Health and Life Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Gateway, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
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Shelton W, Tenenbaum E, Costello K, Hoffman D. Empowering Patients with Alzheimer's Disease To Avoid Unwanted Medical Care: A Look At The Dementia Care Triad. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2018; 34:1533317518817614. [PMID: 30541327 PMCID: PMC10852523 DOI: 10.1177/1533317518817614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Patients with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia with acute medical problems, who have lost capacity and are without advance directives, are at risk of being over treated inhospitals. To deal with this growing demographic and ethical crisis, patients with dementia need to plan for their future medical care while they have capacity to do so. This article will examine the role of each member of the dementia care triad and how to empower the patient to participate in planning future medical care. A case will be made that physicians have the same professional disclosure obligations to dementia patients as they do to all other capable patients with terminal illnesses. Because there is little consensus about what facts should be included in a diagnostic disclosure, this article will offer a proposal to empower newly diagnosed patients with dementia with capacity to plan for their future medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Shelton
- Alden March Bioethics Institute, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Evelyn Tenenbaum
- Albany Law School, Alden March Bioethics Institute, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Costello
- Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - David Hoffman
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
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Abstract
End-of-life care planning is assuming global significance. While general end-of-life care guidelines apply to diabetes, there are some diabetes-specific issues that need to be considered. These include the usual long trajectory to end-of-life care that enables clinicians and people with diabetes to proactively discuss when to change the focus of care from preventing diabetes complications (tight control) to a palliative approach. Palliative care aims to promote comfort and quality of life and reduce the unnecessary burden of care on individuals and their families. The aim of this paper is to discuss common disease trajectories and their relationship to diabetes care, outline strategies for proactively discussing these issues and suggest indications that palliative care is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Dunning
- Deakin University and Barwon Health, Kitchener House, C/- The Geelong Hospital, Ryrie Street, PO Box 281, Geelong, Vic, 3220, Australia.
| | - Nicole Duggan
- Deakin University and Barwon Health, Kitchener House, C/- The Geelong Hospital, Ryrie Street, PO Box 281, Geelong, Vic, 3220, Australia
| | - Sally Savage
- Deakin University and Barwon Health, Kitchener House, C/- The Geelong Hospital, Ryrie Street, PO Box 281, Geelong, Vic, 3220, Australia
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