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Weill-Lotan D, Dekeyser-Ganz F, Benbenishty J. The relationship between departmental culture and resuscitation-related moral distress among inpatient medical departments physicians and nurses. Heart Lung 2024; 68:254-259. [PMID: 39098062 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.07.001] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While moral distress frequency and intensity have been reported among clinicians around the world, resuscitations have not been well documented as its source. OBJECTIVES to examine the relationship between intensity and frequency of resuscitation- related moral distress and departmental culture among nurses and physicians working in inpatient medical departments. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, prospective study of medical inpatient department staff from three hospitals. Questionnaires included a demographic and work characteristics questionnaire, the Resuscitation-Related Moral Distress Scale (a revised version of the Moral Distress Scale measuring frequency and intensity of moral distress), and a Departmental Culture Questionnaire. RESULTS 64 physicians and 201 nurses (response rate 64 %) participated, with a mean of 8.4 (SD = 5.1) resuscitations in the previous 6 months. Highest moral distress frequency scores were reported for items related to family demands or having no medical decision related to life- saving interventions for dying patients. Highest moral distress intensity scores were found when appropriate care for deteriorating patients was not given due poor staffing and when witnessing a resuscitation that could have been prevented had the staff identified the deterioration on time. Most participants strongly agreed (n = 228, 86.0 %) that their department medical director considers it important for staff to determine patients' end-of-life preferences and that quality of life is of the highest value. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians working in medical inpatient department suffer from moderate frequency and high intensity levels of resuscitation-related moral distress. There was a statistically significant association between intention to leave employment with resuscitation-related moral distress frequency and intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Weill-Lotan
- Nursing administration, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Israel; Dean, School of Nursing Science The Academic College Tel Aviv- Yaffo, Israel
| | - Freda Dekeyser-Ganz
- Hebrew University School of Medicine School of Nursing, Israel; Dean Jerusalem College of Technology, PO Box 12000, Jerusalem, Israel, 91120
| | - Julie Benbenishty
- Nursing administration, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Israel; Hebrew University School of Medicine School of Nursing, Israel.
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Pivodic L, Van den Block L, Pivodic F. Social connection and end-of-life outcomes among older people in 19 countries: a population-based longitudinal study. THE LANCET. HEALTHY LONGEVITY 2024; 5:e264-e275. [PMID: 38490235 PMCID: PMC10978496 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-7568(24)00011-4] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social connection is a key determinant of health, but its role in shaping end-of-life outcomes is poorly understood. We examined changes in structure, function, and quality components of social connection in older people's last years of life, and the extent to which social connection predicts end-of-life outcomes (ie, symptoms, health-care utilisation, and place of death). METHODS This study used longitudinal data of representative samples from across 18 European countries and Israel in the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the largest European cohort study of people aged 50 years or older. We included deceased participants of waves 4 and 6 (which contained social network modules) for whom a proxy provided an end-of-life interview. We did paired sample t-tests (for continuous variables), Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (for ordinal variables), and McNemar's tests (for non-ordinal categorical variables) to assess changes in structure, function, and quality components of social connection between waves 4 and 6. To examine social connection as a predictor of end-of-life outcomes, we used social connection data from wave 6 core interviews and end-of-life interviews from wave 7, conducted with a proxy respondent covering the deceased participant's last year of life. End-of-life outcomes included symptoms (pain, breathlessness, and anxiety or sadness) in the last month of life, health-care utilisation in the last year of life, and place of death. We conducted a mixed-effects logistic regression analysis per social connection measure, for each end-of-life outcome. FINDINGS Data were collected in 2011-12 for wave 4, 2015-16 for wave 6, and 2017-18 for wave 7. We studied 3356 individuals (mean age at death was 79·7 years [SD 10·2]), with interviews conducted, on average, 4·6 (1·2) years (wave 4) and 1·1 (0·7) years (wave 6) before death. From wave 4 to wave 6, the following changes in social connection were observed: proportion of married or partnered participants (from 1406 [60·9%] of 2310 to 1438 [57·1%] of 2518; p<0·0001), receiving personal care or practical help (from 781 [37·2%] of 2099 to 1334 [53·1%] of 2512; p<0·0001), loneliness (from mean 1·4 [SD 0·5] to 1·5 [0·6]; p<0·0001; scale 1-3), satisfaction with social network (from 8·8 [1·67] to 8·7 [1·7]; p=0·037; scale 0-10), and emotional closeness to social network (eg, from 1883 [88·8%] of 2121 to 1710 [91·3%] of 1872 participants who indicated being either very close or extremely close to social network members; p<0·0001). Higher levels of loneliness at wave 6 predicted a greater likelihood of experiencing symptoms in the last month of life (odds ratio range across symptoms: 1·29 [95% CI 1·08-1·55] to 1·58 [1·32-1·89]). Being married (1·32 [1·03-1·68]) or receiving personal care or practical help (1·25 [1·04-1·49]) predicted death in hospital. INTERPRETATION Social connection undergoes multifaceted changes towards older people's end of life, countering prevalent ideas of generally declining social trajectories. Loneliness in the final months of life might be a risk factor for end-of-life symptoms. Further research is needed to substantiate a causal relationship and to identify underpinning mechanisms, which could inform screening and prevention measures. FUNDING Research Foundation-Flanders and European Union.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Pivodic
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Brussels, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Family Medicine & Chronic Care, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, End-of-Life Care Research Group, Brussels, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Family Medicine & Chronic Care, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fedja Pivodic
- World Bank, Health, Nutrition and Population Division; Washington DC, USA
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Pedrosa AJ, Feldmann S, Klippel J, Volberg C, Weck C, Lorenzl S, Pedrosa DJ. Factors Associated with Preferred Place of Care and Death in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2024; 14:589-599. [PMID: 38457148 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Background A significant proportion of people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) die in hospital settings. Although one could presume that most PwPD would favor being cared for and die at home, there is currently no evidence to support this assumption. Objective We aimed at exploring PwPD's preferences for place of end-of-life care and place of death, along with associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate PwPD's end-of life wishes regarding their preferred place of care and preferred place of death. Using different approaches within a generalized linear model framework, we additionally explored factors possibly associated with preferences for home care and home death. Results Although most PwPD wished to be cared for and die at home, about one-third reported feeling indifferent about their place of death. Preferred home care was associated with the preference for home death. Furthermore, a preference for dying at home was more likely among PwPD's with informal care support and spiritual/religious affiliation, but less likely if they preferred institutional care towards the end of life. Conclusions The variation in responses regarding the preferred place of care and place of death highlights the need to distinguish between the concepts when discussing end-of-life care. However, it is worth noting that the majority of PwPD preferred care and death at home. The factors identified in relation to preferred place of care and death provide an initial understanding of PwPD decision-making, but call for further research to confirm our findings, explore causality and identify additional influencing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Pedrosa
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Feldmann
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Klippel
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christian Volberg
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Philipps University Marburg, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Research Group Medical Ethics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Weck
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Agatharied, Agatharied, Germany
- Institute of Palliative Care, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Lorenzl
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Agatharied, Agatharied, Germany
- Institute of Palliative Care, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - David J Pedrosa
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Centre for Mind, Brain and Behaviour, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Liphart C, Calciano C, Jacobson N, Derse AR, Pavlic A. Duty to Family: Ethical Considerations in the Resuscitation Bay. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ETHICS 2024; 35:54-58. [PMID: 38373333 DOI: 10.1086/728141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
AbstractTo examine the ethical duty to patients and families in the setting of the resuscitation bay, we address a case with a focus on providing optimal care and communication to family members. We present a case of nonsurvivable traumatic injury in a minor, focusing on how allowing family more time at the bedside impacts the quality of death and what duty exists to maintain an emotionally optimal environment for family grieving and acceptance. Our analysis proposes tenets for patient and family-centric care that, in alignment with trauma-informed care principles, optimize the long-term well-being of the family, namely valuing family desires and sensitivity to location.
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Buma S, van Klinken M, van der Noort V. A Targeted Discharge Pathway to Reduce Hospital Readmission and Dying in Hospital in Cancer Patients at the End of Life. Semin Oncol Nurs 2023; 39:151506. [PMID: 37813728 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2023.151506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is a need for better information exchange between primary and secondary care healthcare professionals in cancer patients with limited life expectancy, most of whom prefer to be at home but are admitted frequently at the end of life (EoL). We conducted a file search to assess this among our patients and developed a discharge pathway to decrease readmission rate and dying in hospital. DATA SOURCES We performed an in-depth file search among 150 patients who died within 1 month after hospital admission (July 2013 to January 2014); 60 were admitted once, and 90 were admitted twice or more. Mean time spent in hospital at EoL was 12 days; 37% died in hospital, and 49% died at home. We included 31 admitted cancer patients at the EoL in whom home-discharge was planned for the intervention (February 2017 to December 2018). Median survival was 24 days, time spent in hospital decreased from 15.5 to 2.5 days, and number of readmissions fell from 2.8 to 0.57. One patient (3.1%) died in hospital, and 77% died at home. And 78% of general practitioners found the provided information useful. CONCLUSION A proactive discharge pathway may reduce hospital readmission rates, time spent in hospital, and in-hospital death. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Ever more patients with complex care needs at the EoL are being discharged early. Being informed about patients' wishes, preferences, and treatment options for symptom management at home is essential for doctors and nurses in primary care. A systematic discharge pathway can be useful for information transfer when admitted patients are discharged home.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merel van Klinken
- Specialist nurse Palliative Care, MSc, Research Nurse. Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent van der Noort
- Statistician PhD. Department of Biometrics, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Weerasinghe S. Inpatient end-of-life care delivery: discordance and concordance analysis of Canadian palliative care professionals' and South Asian family caregivers' perspectives. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524221145953. [PMID: 36643824 PMCID: PMC9837273 DOI: 10.1177/26323524221145953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background End-of-life care involves a multitude of functions delivered by a team of healthcare professionals. Family caregivers get involved in every aspect of the palliative care journey. Meeting the needs of ethnically diverse patients can be a daunting task for Western-trained healthcare professionals. Family and professional caregivers need to have a mutual understanding of perspectives and expectations to integrate family caregivers into end-of-life care. The South Asian population in Canada is fast growing, and very little is known about their understanding and expectations of end-of-life care. Methods The purpose is to provide research-based knowledge on discordances and concordances of encounters and perceptions of end-of-life care delivery between South Asian family caregivers and palliative care health professionals. Individual interviews were conducted among seven palliative care professionals, in a tertiary care center, and seven South Asian family caregivers who have provided care, in the same inpatient center, for the same period. The constant comparison, a component of the grounded theory approach, was employed to compare the two types of caregivers' perspectives that emerged in the qualitative data. Findings The family caregivers were divided in their perception based on death denial and acceptance. The findings weaved the discordances and concordances of meaning assigned to palliative care to the three themes that emerged: the role of the family caregiver, communication needs and challenges, and barriers to the family caregiver participation in decision-making. The discordance between professionals and family caregivers arose in the death-denial group and concorded with the death-accepted group. The findings revealed a consequence of the survival optimistic bias, as creating dissatisfaction toward the end-of-life care delivery system when the palliative care professionals prognosticate imminent end-of-life. Conclusion The family caregivers' interactions and encounters were shaped by their acceptance or denial of the death of their family member in care. Gaining conceptual clarity on the meaning of palliative care and providing education on the process of end-of-life care delivery are crucial to integrating ethnically diverse family caregivers into the decision-making process.
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van Lummel EVTJ, Savelkoul C, Stemerdink ELE, Tjan DHT, van Delden JJM. The development and feasibility study of Multidisciplinary Timely Undertaken Advance Care Planning conversations at the outpatient clinic: the MUTUAL intervention. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:119. [PMID: 35794617 PMCID: PMC9258045 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01005-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients still receive non-beneficial treatments when nearing the end of life. Advance care planning (ACP) interventions have shown to positively influence compliance with end of life wishes. Hospital physicians seem to miss opportunities to engage in ACP, whereas patients visiting the outpatient clinic usually have one or more chronic conditions and are at risk for medical emergencies. So far, implemented ACP interventions have had limited impact. Structural implementation of ACP may be beneficial. We hypothesize that having ACP conversations more towards the end of life and involving the treating physician in the ACP conversation may help patient wishes and goals to become more concrete and more often documented, thus facilitating goal-concordant care. Aim To facilitate timely shared decision making and increase patient autonomy we aim to develop an ACP intervention at the outpatient clinic for frail patients and determine the feasibility of the intervention. Methods The United Kingdom’s Medical Research Council framework was used to structure the development of the ACP intervention. Key elements of the ACP intervention were determined by reviewing existing literature and an iterative process with stakeholders. The feasibility of the developed intervention was evaluated by a feasibility study of 20 ACP conversations at the geriatrics and pulmonology department of a non-academic hospital. Feasibility was assessed by analysing evaluation forms by patients, nurses and physicians and by evaluating with stakeholders. A general inductive approach was used for analysing comments. The developed intervention was described using the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR). Results We developed a multidisciplinary timely undertaken ACP intervention at the outpatient clinic. Key components of the developed intervention consist of 1) timely patient selection 2) preparation of patient and healthcare professional 3) a scripted ACP conversation in a multidisciplinary setting and 4) documentation. 94.7% of the patients, 60.0% of the nurses and 68.8% of the physicians agreed that the benefits of the ACP conversation outweighed the potential burdens. Conclusion This study showed that the developed ACP intervention is feasible and considered valuable by patients and healthcare professionals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-01005-3.
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Meesters S, Grüne B, Bausewein C, Schildmann E. "Palliative Syringe Driver"? A Mixed-Methods Study in Different Hospital Departments on Continuous Infusions of Sedatives and/or Opioids in End-of-Life Care. J Patient Saf 2022; 18:e801-e809. [PMID: 35617602 PMCID: PMC9162073 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000000918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Continuous infusions of sedatives and/or opioids (continuous infusions) are frequently used in end-of-life care. Available data indicate challenges in nonspecialist palliative care settings. We aimed to assess the use of continuous infusions during the last week of life in different hospital departments. METHODS In a sequential mixed-methods design, a retrospective cohort study was followed by consecutive qualitative interviews in 5 German hospital departments. Medical records of 517 patients who died from January 2015 to December 2017 were used, and 25 interviews with physicians and nurses were conducted. Recorded sedatives were those recommended in guidelines for "palliative sedation": benzodiazepines, levomepromazine, haloperidol (≥5 mg/d), and propofol. Exploratory statistical analysis (R 3.6.1.) and framework analysis of interviews (MAXQDA 2018.2) were performed. RESULTS During the last week of life, 359 of 517 deceased patients (69%) received continuous infusions. Some interviewees reported that continuous infusions are a kind of standard procedure for "palliative" patients. According to our interviewees' views, equating palliative care with continuous infusion therapy, insufficient experience regarding symptom control, and fewer care needs may contribute to this approach. In addition, interviewees reported that continuous infusions may be seen as an "overall-concept" for multiple symptoms. Medical record review demonstrated lack of a documented indication for 80 of 359 patients (22%). Some nurses experienced concerns or hesitations among physicians regarding the prescription of continuous infusions. CONCLUSIONS Continuous infusions seem to be common practice. Lack of documented indications and concerns regarding the handling and perception of a "standard procedure" in these highly individual care situations emphasize the need for further exploration and support to ensure high quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Meesters
- From the Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Grüne
- From the Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- From the Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Schildmann
- From the Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
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Grüne B, Meesters S, Bausewein C, Schildmann E. Challenges and Strategies Regarding Sedation at the End of Life in Hospitals and Nursing Homes. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:530-538. [PMID: 34921935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Sedation is an accepted, but controversially discussed and challenging measure to treat suffering at the end of life. Although most people die in hospitals or nursing homes, little is known how professionals in these settings deal with sedatives and sedation at the end of life. OBJECTIVES To explore 1) challenges regarding use of sedatives and sedation at the end of life in hospitals and nursing homes, and 2) strategies, and supportive measures to meet these challenges, as perceived by nurses and physicians. METHODS Multicenter qualitative interview study. Forty-nine participants: 12 general practitioners and 12 nurses from five nursing homes, 12 physicians, and 13 nurses from five hospital departments (hematology/oncology (n = 2), neurology, geriatrics, gynecology). Semi-structured qualitative interviews. Data analysis guided by framework approach. RESULTS Perceived challenges relate to three levels of the care situation: individual, interaction with others, and work environment. The main challenge was defining the adequate timing and/or dose. Other challenges, e.g., disagreements regarding indication or legal uncertainties, were highly interrelated, and strongly associated with this major challenge. Reported strategies and supportive measures to address challenges also corresponded to the three interrelated levels. Major named strategies were education and training, joint decision-making within the team and regular discussion with the patient and family. On the level work environment, no implemented strategies, but wishes for change were identified. CONCLUSION To meet the identified challenges in a sustainable way and enable continuous improvement of quality of care, best practice recommendations, and other supportive measures have to address all identified levels of challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Grüne
- Department of Palliative Medicine (B.G., S.M., C.B., E.S.), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; German Youth Institute (DJI), Department of Youth and Youth Services (B.G.), Munich, Germany.
| | - Sophie Meesters
- Department of Palliative Medicine (B.G., S.M., C.B., E.S.), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Department of Palliative Medicine (B.G., S.M., C.B., E.S.), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Schildmann
- Department of Palliative Medicine (B.G., S.M., C.B., E.S.), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
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Yeung E, Sadowski L, Levesque K, Camargo M, Vo A, Young E, Duan E, Tsang JLY, Cook D, Tam B. Initiating and integrating a personalized end of life care project in a community hospital intensive care unit: A qualitative study of clinician and implementation team perspectives. J Eval Clin Pract 2021; 27:1281-1290. [PMID: 33501748 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The end of life (EOL) experience in the intensive care unit (ICU) can be psychologically distressing for patients, families, and clinicians. The 3 Wishes Project (3WP) personalizes the EOL experience by carrying out wishes for dying patients and their families. While the 3WP has been integrated in academic, tertiary care ICUs, implementing this project in a community ICU has yet to be described. OBJECTIVES To examine facilitators of, and barriers to, implementing the 3WP in a community ICU from the clinician and implementation team perspective. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study evaluated the implementation of the 3WP in a 20-bed community ICU in Southern Ontario, Canada. Patients were considered for the 3WP if they had a high likelihood of imminent death or planned withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy. Following the qualitative descriptive approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively sampled clinicians and implementation team. Data from transcribed interviews were analyzed in triplicate through qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Interviews with 12 participants indicated that the 3WP personalized and enriched the EOL experience. Interviewees indicated higher intensity education strategies were needed to enable spread as the project grew. Clinicians described many physical resources for the project but suggested more non-clinical project support for orientation, continuing education, and data collection. A majority of wishes focused on physical resources including keepsakes, which helped facilitate project spread when clinician capacity was attenuated by competing duties. CONCLUSIONS In this community hospital, ICU clinicians and implementation team members report perceived improved EOL care for patients, families, and clinicians following 3WP initiation and integration. Implementing individualized and meaningful wishes at EOL for dying patients in a community ICU requires adequate planning and time dedicated to optimizing clinician education. Adapting key features of an intervention to local expertise and capacity may facilitate spread during project initiation and integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Yeung
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Laurie Sadowski
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Niagara Health, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Kelsea Levesque
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Niagara Health, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Mercedes Camargo
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Niagara Health, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Allen Vo
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Niagara Health, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Elayn Young
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Niagara Health, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Erick Duan
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Niagara Health, St. Catharines, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jennifer L Y Tsang
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Niagara Health, St. Catharines, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Deborah Cook
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Department Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Benjamin Tam
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Niagara Health, St. Catharines, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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Antunes A, Gomes B, Campos L, Coelho M, Lopes S. Emergency department and hospital utilisation and expenditures in the last year of life: retrospective chronic diseases cohort study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021:bmjspcare-2021-003103. [PMID: 34819328 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003103] [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: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the influence of chronic diseases in emergency department (ED) and inpatient utilisation and expenditures in the 12 months before death. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of ED and inpatient database. Adults deceased at a hospital in Portugal in 2013 were included. We tested the influence of chronic diseases on the number of ED visits, hospital admissions and expenditures using generalised linear models. RESULTS The study included 484 patients (81.8% ≥65 years, median two chronic diseases). Nearly all (91.3%) attended the ED in the 12 months before death. The median number of admissions was 1, median expenditure was €6159. Adjusting for confounders, chronic pulmonary disease increased ED and inpatient utilisation (1.49; 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.83; 95% CI 1.29, 1.09 to 1.51). Increased ED utilisation was observed for patients with renal disease, dementia and metastatic solid tumour (1.40, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.71; 1.39, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.75; 1.31, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.60). Other malignancies showed increased inpatient utilisation (1.24, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.42). The number of chronic conditions had a considerable effect on expenditures (3: 2.08, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.99; ≥4: 4.02, 95% CI 2.51 to 6.45). CONCLUSION We found a high use of hospitals at the end of life, particularly EDs. Our findings suggest that people with cancer, renal disease, chronic pulmonary disease and dementia are relevant when developing cost-effective alternatives to hospital care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Antunes
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Barbara Gomes
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Luís Campos
- Serviço de Medicina do Hospital São Francisco Xavier, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental EPE, Lisboa, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Coelho
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Lopes
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Sathiananthan MK, Crawford GB, Eliott J. Healthcare professionals' perspectives of patient and family preferences of patient place of death: a qualitative study. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:147. [PMID: 34544398 PMCID: PMC8454022 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00842-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home death is one of the key performance indicators of the quality of palliative care service delivery. Such a measure has direct implications on everyone involved at the end of life of a dying patient, including a patient's carers and healthcare professionals. There are no studies that focus on the views of the team of integrated inpatient and community palliative care service staff on the issue of preference of place of death of their patients. This study addresses that gap. METHODS Thirty-eight participants from five disciplines in two South Australian (SA) public hospitals working within a multidisciplinary inpatient and community integrated specialist palliative care service, participated in audio-recorded focus groups and one-on-one interviews. Data were transcribed and thematically analysed. RESULTS Two major and five minor themes were identified. The first theme focused on the role of healthcare professionals in decisions regarding place of death, and consisted of two minor themes, that healthcare professionals act to: a) mediate conversations between patient and carer; and b) adjust expectations and facilitate informed choice. The second theme, healthcare professionals' perspectives on the preference of place of death, comprised three minor themes, identifying: a) the characteristics of the preferred place of death; b) home as a romanticised place of death; and c) the implications of idealising home death. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals support and actively influence the decision-making of patients and family regarding preference of place of death whilst acting to protect the relationship between the patient and their family/carer. Further, according to healthcare professionals, home is neither always the most preferred nor the ideal place for death. Therefore, branding home death as the ideal and hospital death as a failure sets up families/carers to feel guilty if a home death is not achieved and undermines the need for and appropriateness of death in institutionalised settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory B Crawford
- Northern Adelaide Palliative Services, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jaklin Eliott
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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13
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Out-of-hours services and end-of-life hospital admissions: a complex intervention systematic review and narrative synthesis. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:e780-e787. [PMID: 34489250 PMCID: PMC8436777 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2021.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Out-of-hours (OOH) hospital admissions for patients receiving end-of-life care are a common cause of concern for patients, families, clinicians, and policymakers. It is unclear what issues, or combinations of issues, lead OOH clinicians to initiate hospital care for these patients. AIM To investigate the circumstances, processes, and mechanisms of UK OOH services-initiated end-of-life care hospital admissions. DESIGN AND SETTING Systematic literature review and narrative synthesis. METHOD Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2019 supplemented by hand-searching of the British Journal of General Practice. Key search terms included: 'out-of-hours services', 'hospital admissions', and 'end-of-life care'. Two reviewers independently screened and selected articles, and undertook quality appraisal using Gough's Weight of Evidence framework. Data was analysed using narrative synthesis and reported following PRISMA Complex Intervention guidance. RESULTS Searches identified 20 727 unique citations, 25 of which met the inclusion criteria. Few studies had a primary focus on the review questions. Admissions were instigated primarily to address clinical needs, caregiver and/or patient distress, and discontinuity or unavailability of care provision, and they were arranged by a range of OOH providers. Reported frequencies of patients receiving end-of-life care being admitted to hospital varied greatly; most evidence related to cancer patients. CONCLUSION Although OOH end-of-life care can often be readily resolved by hospital admissions, it comes with multiple challenges that seem to be widespread and systemic. Further research is therefore necessary to understand the complexities of OOH services-initiated end-of-life care hospital admissions and how the challenges underpinning such admissions might best be addressed.
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14
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Carlini J, Bahudin D, Michaleff ZA, Plunkett E, Shé ÉN, Clark J, Cardona M. Discordance and concordance on perception of quality care at end of life between older patients, caregivers and clinicians: a scoping review. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 13:87-99. [PMID: 34386928 PMCID: PMC8359918 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00549-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This scoping review aimed to investigate the presence of discordance or concordance in the perceptions of end-of-life (EOL) care quality between consumers (i.e. patients aged over 60 in their last years of life and/or their informal caregivers) and clinicians, to inform further improvements in end-of-life care service delivery. METHODS A scoping review of qualitative and quantitative studies was systematically undertaken by searching for English language publications in MEDLINE database and manual reference search of eligible articles. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and extract common concordance and discordance themes leading to the development of analytical constructs. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they reported on consumers' (i.e. older patients aged 60 + years in their final years of life and/or their informal caregivers) and clinicians' (doctors, nurses, social workers, etc.) perspectives on quality of medical, surgical or palliative/supportive care administered to older adults in the last year of life across all healthcare settings. RESULTS Of the 2736 articles screened, 21 articles were included. Four themes identified concordance between consumers' and clinicians' perceptions of care quality: holistic patient care; coordinated care that facilitated EOL; the role of family at EOL; and impact of prognostic uncertainty on care planning. Three themes emerged for discordance of perceptions: understanding the patient needs at EOL; capacity of healthcare system/providers to accommodate family needs; and knowledge and communication of active or palliative care at EOL. CONCLUSIONS While progress has been made on promoting patient autonomy and respecting the family role in representing patient's best interest, gaps remain in terms of care coordination, communication of prognosis, public understanding of the meaning of goals of care including de-escalation of management and enactment of advance care directives by clinicians for people with diminished decision capacity. Public understanding of the meaning of "comfort" care and the need to prevent over-treatment are essential for their satisfaction with care and their ability to embrace the concept of a good death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Carlini
- School of Business, Griffith University, Southport, QLD Australia
- Gold Coast University Hospital Consumer Advisory Group, Southport, QLD Australia
| | - Danial Bahudin
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD Australia
| | - Zoe A. Michaleff
- Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, QLD Australia
| | - Emily Plunkett
- Palliative Care Service, Robina Hospital, Robina, QLD Australia
| | - Éidín Ní Shé
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, QLD Australia
| | - Magnolia Cardona
- Institute for Evidence Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, QLD Australia
- Evidence Based Practice Professorial Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital, Level 2, PED building, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport, QLD 4215 Australia
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15
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Miller EM, Porter JE, Barbagallo MS. The Physical Hospital Environment and Its Effects on Palliative Patients and Their Families: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2021; 15:268-291. [PMID: 34355608 DOI: 10.1177/19375867211032931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM To review the latest qualitative literature on how the physical hospital environment affects palliative patients and their families. BACKGROUND People with a life-limiting illness may receive palliative care to improve their quality of life in hospital and may have multiple admissions as their illness progresses. Yet, despite a preference for a death at home, more than half of the dying population will receive end-of-life care in hospital. The physical hospital environment consists of ambiance, aesthetics, and architectural factors, and it is well known that the hospital's acute wards are not a homely environment. Demand is increasing for the physical environment to be improved to better meet the needs and demands of palliative and end-of-life patients and their families. METHOD Combining thematic analysis and meta-ethnography methodologies, 12 international qualitative papers were analyzed and synthesized by the three authors. RESULTS Findings resulted in the development of the SSAFeR Place approach that incorporates the concepts that are important to palliative and end-of-life patients and their families by describing an environment within the acute or palliative care units that feels safe, is private, customizable, and accommodates family; is a space to share with others, is homelike in ambiance and aesthetics, and is conducive for reflection. The concepts of identity, belonging, and safety are connected to the notions of home. CONCLUSIONS To provide person-centered care and to move the focus toward the palliative approach of comfort and quality of life, attention to room size, layout, aesthetics, and ambiance is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Miller
- School of Health, 1458Federation University Australia, Churchill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne E Porter
- School of Health, 1458Federation University Australia, Churchill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael S Barbagallo
- School of Health, 1458Federation University Australia, Churchill, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Ailshire J, Osuna M, Wilkens J, Lee J. Family Caregiving and Place of Death: Insights From Cross-national Analysis of the Harmonized End-of-Life Data. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:S76-S85. [PMID: 33378449 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa225] [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: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Family is largely overlooked in research on factors associated with place of death among older adults. We determine if family caregiving at the end of life is associated with place of death in the United States and Europe. METHOD We use the Harmonized End of Life data sets developed by the Gateway to Global Aging Data for the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). We conducted multinomial logistic regression on 7,113 decedents from 18 European countries and 3,031 decedents from the United States to determine if family caregiving, defined based on assistance with activities of daily living, was associated with death at home versus at a hospital or nursing home. RESULTS Family caregiving was associated with reduced odds of dying in a hospital and nursing home, relative to dying at home in both the United States and Europe. Care from a spouse/partner or child/grandchild was both more common and more strongly associated with place of death than care from other relatives. Associations between family caregiving and place of death were generally consistent across European welfare regimes. DISCUSSION This cross-national examination of family caregiving indicates that family-based support is universally important in determining where older adults die. In both the United States and in Europe, most care provided during a long-term illness or disability is provided by family caregivers, and it is clear families exert tremendous influence on place of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ailshire
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, US
| | - Margarita Osuna
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, US
| | - Jenny Wilkens
- Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, US
| | - Jinkook Lee
- Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, US
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17
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Whybrow P, Bramley G, Brown C. 'It's just one of those natural progressions': Stories of relocating to neighbourhoods of high and low walkability. Health Place 2021; 69:102509. [PMID: 33721624 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102509] [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: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Walkable neighbourhood characteristics, such as connectivity and land use mix, have been found to correlate with people walking more and being active. However, the relationship between the built environment and behaviour is highly complex making it difficult to develop generalisable and predictive models. This paper reports qualitative findings from 21 in-depth interviews conducted with urban residents who had relocated between neighbourhoods of high and low walkability. Participants' preferences are reported within key domains (shop access, green space and travel links). These reveal that walkable characteristics were preferred and desired regardless of whether the participant had moved to a high or low walkable area. We contrast surface preferences with an analysis of relocation stories: complex assemblages of biographical narratives, identity work and cultural representations. The findings reveal how neighbourhood types are consistently associated with life stages and that moving to a suburban home was felt to be a definitive type of relocation in which it was acceptable to put neighbourhood preferences aside. Residential self-selection is not yet properly understood and we recommend studies of relocation stories for examining the sociocultural meanings that are likely to inform relocation decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Whybrow
- Academy of Primary Care, Hull York Medical School, Room 328 Allam Medical Building, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK.
| | - G Bramley
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Caroline Brown
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
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18
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Kasdorf A, Dust G, Vennedey V, Rietz C, Polidori MC, Voltz R, Strupp J. What are the risk factors for avoidable transitions in the last year of life? A qualitative exploration of professionals' perspectives for improving care in Germany. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:147. [PMID: 33588851 PMCID: PMC7885553 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06138-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the nature of patients’ transitions between healthcare settings in the last year of life (LYOL) in Germany. Patients often experience transitions between different healthcare settings, such as hospitals and long-term facilities including nursing homes and hospices. The perspective of healthcare professionals can therefore provide information on transitions in the LYOL that are avoidable from a medical perspective. This study aims to explore factors influencing avoidable transitions across healthcare settings in the LYOL and to disclose how these could be prevented. Methods Two focus groups (n = 11) and five individual interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working in hospitals, hospices and nursing services from Cologne, Germany. They were asked to share their observations about avoidable transitions in the LYOL. The data collection continued until the point of information power was reached and were audio recorded and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Four factors for potentially avoidable transitions between care settings in the LYOL were identified: healthcare system, organization, healthcare professional, patient and relatives. According to the participants, the most relevant aspects that can aid in reducing unnecessary transitions include timely identification and communication of the LYOL; consideration of palliative care options; availability and accessibility of care services; and having a healthcare professional taking main responsibility for care planning. Conclusions Preventing avoidable transitions by considering the multicomponent factors related to them not only immediately before death but also in the LYOL could help to provide more value-based care for patients and improving their quality of life. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06138-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Kasdorf
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Gloria Dust
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vera Vennedey
- Institute for Health Economics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Rietz
- Department of Educational Science and Mixed-Methods-Research, University of Education Heidelberg, Faculty of Educational and Social Sciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria C Polidori
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Cologne Center for Molecular Medicine, Ageing Clinical Research, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence CECAD, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Raymond Voltz
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Dusseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany.,Clinical Trials Center (ZKS), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Health Services Research, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Strupp
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
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19
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Regier NG, Cotter VT, Hansen BR, Taylor JL, Wright RJ. Place of Death for Persons With and Without Cognitive Impairment in the United States. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:924-931. [PMID: 33474723 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES There is increasing recognition that place of death is an important component of quality of end-of-life care (EOLC) and quality of death. This study examined where older persons with and without cognitive impairment die in the United States, what factors contribute to place of death, and whether place of death influences satisfaction with EOLC. DESIGN Cross-sectional secondary data analysis. SETTING In-person interviews with community-dwelling proxy respondents. PARTICIPANTS Data were collected from 1,500 proxies for deceased participants in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally-representative sample of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS Study variables were obtained from the NHATS "last month of life" interview data. Survey weights were applied to all analyses. RESULTS Persons with cognitive impairment (CI) most often died at home, while cognitively healthy persons (CHP) were equally likely to die at home or in a hospital. Persons with CI who utilized the Medicare Hospice Benefit were 14.5 times more likely to die at home than in a hospital, and 3.4 times more likely to die at home than a nursing home. CHP who use this benefit were over six times more likely to die at home than in a hospital, and more than twice as likely to die at home than a nursing home. Place of death for CHP was also associated with age and race. Proxies of persons with CI who died at home rated EOLC as more favorable, while proxies of CHP rated in-home and hospital care equally. CONCLUSION Findings add to the scant literature identifying factors associated with place of death for older adults with and without CI and results suggest that place of death is a quality of care indicator for these populations. These findings may inform EOLC planning and policy-making and facilitate greater well-being at end-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie G Regier
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Valerie T Cotter
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bryan R Hansen
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Janiece L Taylor
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca J Wright
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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20
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Dhollander N, Smets T, De Vleminck A, Lapeire L, Pardon K, Deliens L. Is early integration of palliative home care in oncology treatment feasible and acceptable for advanced cancer patients and their health care providers? A phase 2 mixed-methods study. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:174. [PMID: 33228662 PMCID: PMC7685643 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00673-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To support the early integration of palliative home care (PHC) in cancer treatment, we developed the EPHECT intervention and pilot tested it with 30 advanced cancer patients in Belgium using a pre post design with no control group. We aim to determine the feasibility, acceptability and perceived effectiveness of the EPHECT intervention. METHODS Interviews with patients (n = 16 of which 11 dyadic with family caregivers), oncologists and GPs (n = 11) and a focus group with the PHC team. We further analyzed the study materials and logbooks of the PHC team (n = 8). Preliminary effectiveness was assessed with questionnaires EORTC QLQ C-30, HADS and FAMCARE and were filled in at baseline and 12, 18 and 24 weeks. RESULTS In the interviews after the intervention period, patients reported feelings of safety and control and an optimized quality of life. The PHC team could focus on more than symptom management because they were introduced earlier in the trajectory of the patient. Telephone-based contact appeared to be insufficient to support interprofessional collaboration. Furthermore, some family caregivers reported that the nurse of the PHC team was focused little on them. CONCLUSION Nurses of PHC teams are able to deliver early palliative care to advanced cancer patients. However, more attention needs to be given to family caregivers as caregiver and client. Furthermore, the home visits by the PHC team have to be further evaluated and adapted. Lastly, professionals have to find a more efficient way to discuss future care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Dhollander
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 6K3, room 009, 9000, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Tinne Smets
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 6K3, room 009, 9000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aline De Vleminck
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 6K3, room 009, 9000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lore Lapeire
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Pardon
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 6K3, room 009, 9000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 6K3, room 009, 9000, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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21
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Rawlings D, Yin H, Devery K, Morgan D, Tieman J. End-of-Life Care in Acute Hospitals: Practice Change Reported by Health Professionals Following Online Education. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8030254. [PMID: 32781639 PMCID: PMC7551093 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing quality care for those dying in hospital is challenging for health professionals who receive little training in this. “End of Life Essentials” (EOLE) was developed to address gaps in health professionals’ knowledge, skills and confidence in end-of-life care via the provision of online learning modules and practice resources. This study aimed to determine whether respondents could describe clinical practice change as a result of module completion. Deidentified data were collected between October and November 2018 from learners registered for the online learning modules. Both quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and analysed. The survey design and conduct were reviewed, and ethical approval was obtained. Although the response rate was very low, results from n = 122 learners show improvements in knowledge, skills, awareness and confidence as a result of the undertaking of the learning modules. Two thirds self-reported practice changes (71%, n = 59) following the education, with “communication” cited most commonly (n = 19). The findings suggest that the EOLE education modules can help to improve end-of-life care by increasing health professionals’ awareness of good practice as well as their knowledge, skills and confidence. Online learning has also been reinforced as an appropriate forum for end-of-life education. Following education, implementing what has been learned occurs more easily at a personal level rather than at a team and organisational level. Barriers to and enablers of clinical practice change in hospital are described, including the fact that the organisation may not be responsive to changes or have the relevant resources to support change.
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22
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Scherrens AL, Cohen J, Mahieu A, Deliens L, Deforche B, Beernaert K. The perception of people with cancer of starting a conversation about palliative care: A qualitative interview study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2020; 29:e13282. [PMID: 32613675 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Communication and patient-centred care are important determinants for timely initiation of palliative care. Therefore, we aimed to understand and explain the behaviour "starting a conversation about palliative care with a professional carer" from the perspective of people with incurable cancer. METHODS A qualitative study using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 25 people with incurable cancer: 13 not (yet) receiving palliative care and 12 receiving palliative care; 4 started the conversation themselves. Determinants related to the defined behaviour were matched with concepts in existing behavioural theories. RESULTS Both positive and negative stances towards starting a conversation about palliative care with a professional carer were found. Influencing behavioural factors were identified, such as knowledge (e.g. about palliative care), attitude (e.g. association of palliative care with quality of life) and social influence (e.g. relationship with the professional carer). We modelled the determinants into a behavioural model. CONCLUSION The behavioural model developed helps to explain why people with incurable cancer do or do not start a conversation about palliative care with their professional carer. By targeting the modifiable determinants of the model, promising interventions can be developed to help patients taken the initiative in communication about palliative care with a professional carer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lore Scherrens
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annick Mahieu
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Deforche
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium.,Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Physical activity, nutrition and health research unit, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium
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What information and resources do carers require pre and post bereavement in the acute hospital setting? A rapid review. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2019; 13:328-336. [PMID: 31689270 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This mixed-method, rapid review of published research from 2014 to 2019 aims to explore the experiences of pre and postbereaved carers, and the information that they receive in the acute hospital setting. The quality of articles was evaluated using a standardized quality matrix. The techniques of conceptual analysis and idea mapping were used to create a structured synthesis of the findings. RECENT FINDINGS From the initial search of 432 articles, ten studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. These studies generated data from 42 patients, 1968 family/carers and 139 healthcare staff. Themes that were generated from a synthesis of the included articles were clear and timely communication, workforce provision and environment. SUMMARY This review has highlighted the need for improvements in information provision for carers as part of end of life care. Furthermore, the need for specific staff education and training to enable staff to confidently communicate with dying patients and their relatives in the acute setting is also warranted. Understanding and addressing gaps in knowledge and practice are essential to develop strategies in this complex area. Simple strategies can be implemented to improve the care of carers both pre and post bereavement in acute care.
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Dong T, Zhu Z, Guo M, Du P, Wu B. Association between Dying Experience and Place of Death: Urban–Rural Differences among Older Chinese Adults. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:1386-1393. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tingyue Dong
- School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengdi Guo
- School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Du
- School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Bei Wu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing and NYU Aging Incubator, New York University, New York, New York
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Vanderhaeghen B, Bossuyt I. Helping hospital professionals to implement Advance Care Planning in daily practice: a European Delphi study from field experts. J Res Nurs 2019; 24:433-443. [PMID: 34394558 PMCID: PMC7932268 DOI: 10.1177/1744987118772604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance Care Planning (ACP) communication is difficult to implement in hospital. Possibly this has to do with the fact that the concept is not well tuned to the needs of hospital professionals or that they experience implementation barriers in practice. AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate what is valued in having ACP conversations by hospital professionals (physicians, nurses, psychologists and social workers) and what they experience as barriers and facilitating factors for having ACP conversations with patients. METHODS A Delphi study consisting of two rounds with respectively 21 and 19 multidisciplinary experts from seven European countries was organised. Data were analysed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. RESULTS Participants agreed that ACP is valued mostly because it is seen to improve transmural continuation of care, emotional processing of the loss of a patient, and serenity at the end of life. Reported barriers are patient characteristics blocking patient-centred communication and a lack of knowledge to have these conversations. An important facilitator is multidisciplinary cooperation. CONCLUSIONS There is consensus by experts from different settings and countries suggesting that these results can theoretically be applied to hospital settings in Europe. This study reveals that hospital professionals value ACP in hospital practice, but that they encounter several barriers to its implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Vanderhaeghen
- Birgit Vanderhaeghen, c/o Palliative Support Team, UZLeuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Inge Bossuyt
- Palliative Support Team, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
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The association between PaTz and improved palliative care in the primary care setting: a cross-sectional survey. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2019; 20:112. [PMID: 31376833 PMCID: PMC6679548 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-019-1002-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background The PaTz-method (acronym for Palliatieve Thuiszorg, palliative care at home) is perceived to improve coordination, continuity and communication in palliative care in the Netherlands. Although important for further implementation, research showing a clear effect of PaTz on patient-related outcomes is scarce. This study aimed to examine perceived barriers and added value of PaTz and its association with improved care outcomes. Methods Ninety-eight Dutch general practitioners and 229 Dutch district nurses filled out an online questionnaire with structured questions on added value and barrier perception of PaTz-participation, and palliative care provided to their most recently deceased patient, distributed online by Dutch medical and nurses’ associations. Data from PaTz-participants and non-participants was compared using Chi-square tests, independent t-tests and logistic regression analyses. Results While both PaTz-participants and non-participants perceived PaTz to be beneficial for knowledge collaboration, coordination and continuity of care, time (or lack thereof) is considered the most important barrier for participation. PaTz-participation is associated with discussing five or more end-of-life topics with patients (OR = 3.16) and with another healthcare provider (OR = 2.55). PaTz-participation is also associated with discussing palliative sedation (OR = 3.85) and euthanasia (OR = 2.97) with another healthcare provider. Significant associations with other care outcomes were not found. Conclusions General practitioners and district nurses feel that participating in a PaTz-group has benefits, but perceive various barriers for participation. While participating in a PaTz-group is associated with improved communication between healthcare providers and with patients, the effect on patient outcomes remains unclear. To stimulate further implementation, future research should focus on the effect of PaTz on tangible care characteristics and how to facilitate participation and remove barriers.
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Foley LM. Improving End-of-Life Care for Hospitalized Older Adults: What Can Nurses and Health Care Systems Do? J Gerontol Nurs 2019; 45:2-4. [PMID: 31237657 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20190612-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Assareh H, Stubbs JM, Trinh LTT, Muruganantham P, Jalaludin B, Achat HM. Variation in Hospital Use at the End of Life Among New South Wales Residents Who Died in Hospital or Soon After Discharge. J Aging Health 2019; 32:708-723. [PMID: 31130055 DOI: 10.1177/0898264319848582] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Hospital use increases in the last 3 months of life. We aimed to examine its association with where people live and its variation across a large health jurisdiction. Methods: We studied a number of emergency department presentations and days spent in hospital, and in-hospital deaths among decedents who were hospitalized within 30 days of death across 153 areas in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, during 2010-2015. Results: Decedents' demographics and health status were associated with hospital use. Primary care and aged care supply had no or minimal influence, as opposed to the varying effects of areal factors-socioeconomic status, remoteness, and distance to hospital last admitted. Overall, there was an approximate 20% difference in hospital use by decedents across areas. In all, 18% to 57% of areas had hospital use that differed from the average. Discussion: The observed disparity can inform targeted local efforts to strengthen the use of community care services and reduce the burden of end-of-life care on hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Assareh
- Agency for Clinical Innovation, Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne M Stubbs
- Western Sydney Local Health District, North Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lieu T T Trinh
- Western Sydney Local Health District, North Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Bin Jalaludin
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen M Achat
- Western Sydney Local Health District, North Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
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McCaughan D, Roman E, Smith AG, Garry AC, Johnson MJ, Patmore RD, Howard MR, Howell DA. Perspectives of bereaved relatives of patients with haematological malignancies concerning preferred place of care and death: A qualitative study. Palliat Med 2019; 33:518-530. [PMID: 30696347 PMCID: PMC6507303 DOI: 10.1177/0269216318824525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with haematological malignancies have different end-of-life care patterns from those with other cancers and are more likely to die in hospital. Little is known about patient and relative preferences at this time and whether these are achieved. AIM To explore the experiences and reflections of bereaved relatives of patients with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma, and examine (1) preferred place of care and death; (2) perceptions of factors influencing attainment of preferences; and (3) changes that could promote achievement of preferences. DESIGN Qualitative interview study incorporating 'Framework' analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS A total of 10 in-depth interviews with bereaved relatives. RESULTS Although most people expressed a preference for home death, not all attained this. The influencing factors include disease characteristics (potential for sudden deterioration and death), the occurrence and timing of discussions (treatment cessation, prognosis, place of care/death), family networks (willingness/ability of relatives to provide care, knowledge about services, confidence to advocate) and resource availability (clinical care, hospice beds/policies). Preferences were described as changing over time and some family members retrospectively came to consider hospital as the 'right' place for the patient to have died. Others shared strong preferences with patients for home death and acted to ensure this was achieved. No patients died in a hospice, and relatives identified barriers to death in this setting. CONCLUSION Preferences were not always achieved due to a series of complex, interrelated factors, some amenable to change and others less so. Death in hospital may be preferred and appropriate, or considered the best option in hindsight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy McCaughan
- 1 Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, University of York, York, UK
| | - Eve Roman
- 1 Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, University of York, York, UK
| | - Alexandra G Smith
- 1 Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, University of York, York, UK
| | - Anne C Garry
- 2 Department of Palliative Care, York Hospital, York, UK
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- 3 Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Russell D Patmore
- 4 Queen's Centre for Oncology and Haematology, Castle Hill Hospital, Hull, UK
| | | | - Debra A Howell
- 1 Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, University of York, York, UK
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Assareh H, Stubbs JM, Trinh LTT, Muruganantham P, Achat HM. Variation in out‐of‐hospital death among palliative care inpatients across public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Intern Med J 2019; 49:467-474. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.14045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Assareh
- Epidemiology and Health AnalyticsWestern Sydney Local Health District Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Joanne M. Stubbs
- Epidemiology and Health AnalyticsWestern Sydney Local Health District Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Lieu T. T. Trinh
- Epidemiology and Health AnalyticsWestern Sydney Local Health District Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Helen M. Achat
- Epidemiology and Health AnalyticsWestern Sydney Local Health District Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Hajradinovic Y, Tishelman C, Lindqvist O, Goliath I. Family members´ experiences of the end-of-life care environments in acute care settings - a photo-elicitation study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2019; 13:1511767. [PMID: 30176152 PMCID: PMC6127834 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2018.1511767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This article explores experiences of the acute-care environment as a setting for end-of-life (EoL) care from the perspective of family members of a dying person. METHOD We used participant-produced photographs in conjunction with follow-up interviews with nine family members to persons at the EoL, cared for in two acute-care settings. RESULTS The interpretive description analysis process resulted in three constructed themes-Aesthetic and un-aesthetic impressions, Space for privacy and social relationships, and Need for guidance in crucial times. Aspects of importance in the physical setting related to aesthetics, particularly in regard to sensory experience, and to a need for enough privacy to facilitate the maintenance of social relationships. Interactions between the world of family members and that of professionals were described as intrinsically related to guidance about both the material and immaterial environment at crucial times. CONCLUSION The care environment, already recognized to have an impact in relation to patients, is concluded to also affect the participating family members in this study in a variety of ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Hajradinovic
- a Palliative Education & Research Centre, Region Östergötland , Vrinnevi hospital , Norrköping , Sweden.,b Sophiahemmet University , Department of Nursing Science , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Carol Tishelman
- c Division of Innovative Care Research, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,d The Center for Rural Medicine , Storuman , Västerbottens county council (VLL).,e Stockholm Health Care Services (SLSO) , Stockholms country council (SLL) , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Olav Lindqvist
- c Division of Innovative Care Research, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,f Department of Nursing , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
| | - Ida Goliath
- c Division of Innovative Care Research, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,g Ersta hospital , Hospice , Stockholm , Sweden
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Aredes JDS, Firmo JOA, Giacomin KC. [Deaths that save lives: the complexities of medical care for patients with suspected brain death]. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2018; 34:e00061718. [PMID: 30427410 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00061718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to understand how physicians at the largest emergency department in a large Brazilian city orient care for critical patients with suspected brain death and who are potential organ donors. This ethnographic study was conducted in an emergency care hospital, a reference in traumatology in Latin America, located in downtown Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State. The institution took pioneering steps in Brazil with a specific sector where patients with suspected brain death are referred. The fieldwork was performed over the course of nine months, based on targeted observations and interviews with 43 on-duty staff physicians (25 men and 18 women), from 28 and 69 years of age. Data analysis followed the "signs, meanings, and actions" model. The ethnography revealed the process of medical care for patients with suspected brain death, including: intensive care, adherence to protocol, and communicating the patient's status to the family. In the latter case, the dialogue reveals the controversies in the concept of brain death, the sociocultural context, and the emergency care context. It became clear that this process of medical care extrapolates merely normative issues, entering into a complex web of elements, especially the professional's role as mediator of a myriad of interwoven elements and tensions. Between confirmation of the brain death and communicating the situation to the family, ambivalent perceptions emerge, both for the physicians and the family members. The study evidenced how the tenuous definition of what constitutes life and death touches on all of the medical act, with direct implications on care for patients/potential donors and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karla Cristina Giacomin
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brasil.,Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
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Bereaved Family Members' Satisfaction with Care during the Last Three Months of Life for People with Advanced Illness. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6:healthcare6040130. [PMID: 30404147 PMCID: PMC6315663 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6040130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies evaluating the end-of-life care for longer periods of illness trajectories and in several care places are currently lacking. This study explored bereaved family members' satisfaction with care during the last three months of life for people with advanced illness, and associations between satisfaction with care and characteristics of the deceased individuals and their family members. METHODS A cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample was 485 family members of individuals who died at four different hospitals in Sweden. RESULTS Of the participants, 78.7% rated the overall care as high. For hospice care, 87.1% reported being satisfied, 87% with the hospital care, 72.3% with district/county nurses, 65.4% with nursing homes, 62.1% with specialized home care, and 59.6% with general practitioners (GPs). Family members of deceased persons with cancer were more likely to have a higher satisfaction with the care. A lower satisfaction was more likely if the deceased person had a higher educational attainment and a length of illness before death of one year or longer. CONCLUSION The type of care, diagnoses, length of illness, educational attainment, and the relationship between the deceased person and the family member influences the satisfaction with care.
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Lai XB, Wong FKY, Ching SSY. The experience of caring for patients at the end-of-life stage in non-palliative care settings: a qualitative study. BMC Palliat Care 2018; 17:116. [PMID: 30333013 PMCID: PMC6193297 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0372-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More patients are dying in non-palliative care settings than in palliative care settings. How health care providers care for adult patients at the end-of-life stage in non-palliative care settings has not been adequately explored. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of health care providers in caring for patients at the end-of-life stage in non-palliative care settings. Methods This is a qualitative study. Twenty-six health care providers from eight health care institutions which are based in Shanghai were interviewed individually between August 2016 and February 2017. Three levels of health care, i.e., acute care, sub-acute care, or primary care, was provided in the health care institutions. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Three themes emerged from the interviews: (i) Definition of the end-of-life stage: This is mainly defined based on a change in treatment. (ii) Health care at the end-of-life stage: Most patients spent their last weeks in tertiary/secondary hospitals, transferring from one location to another and receiving disease- and symptom-focused treatment. Family-dominated decision making was common when discussing treatment options. Nurses instinctively provided extra care attention to patients, but nursing care is still task-oriented. (iii) Challenges, difficulties, and the future. From the interviews, it was found that pressure from families was the main challenge faced by health care providers. Three urgent tasks before the end-of-life care can become widely available in the future were identified from the interviews, including educating the public on death, extending government support, and creating better health care environment. Conclusion The end-of-life care system of the future should involve health care institutions at all levels, with established mechanisms of collaboration between institutions. Care should be delivered to patients with various life-threatening diseases in both palliative and non-palliative care settings. But first, it is necessary to address the obstacles to the development of end-of-life care, which involve health care providers, patients and their families, and the health care system as a whole. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12904-018-0372-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Bin Lai
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Jóhannesdóttir S, Hjörleifsdóttir E. Communication is more than just a conversation: family members' satisfaction with end-of-life care. Int J Palliat Nurs 2018; 24:483-491. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2018.24.10.483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elísabet Hjörleifsdóttir
- Associate professor, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland
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Giezendanner S, Bally K, Haller DM, Jung C, Otte IC, Banderet HR, Elger BS, Zemp E, Gudat H. Reasons for and Frequency of End-of-Life Hospital Admissions: General Practitioners' Perspective on Reducing End-of-Life Hospital Referrals. J Palliat Med 2018; 21:1122-1130. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Giezendanner
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Primary Health Care, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Bally
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Primary Health Care, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dagmar M. Haller
- Department of Community Health and Medicine, Primary Care Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Corinna Jung
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Primary Health Care, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Care, Careum Forschung, Kaleidos Fachhochschule, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ina C. Otte
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hans-Ruedi Banderet
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Primary Health Care, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernice S. Elger
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Center of Legal Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Zemp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heike Gudat
- Hospiz im Park, Hospital for Palliative Care, Arlesheim, Basel, Switzerland
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Vanderhaeghen B, Van Beek K, De Pril M, Bossuyt I, Menten J, Rober P. What do hospitalists experience as barriers and helpful factors for having ACP conversations? A systematic qualitative evidence synthesis. Perspect Public Health 2018; 139:97-105. [PMID: 30010486 DOI: 10.1177/1757913918786524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hospitalists seem to struggle with advance care planning implementation. One strategy to help them is to understand which barriers and helpful factors they may encounter. AIMS: This review aims to give an overview on what hospitalists experience as barriers and helpful factors for having advance care planning conversations. METHOD: A systematic synthesis of the qualitative literature was conducted. DATA SOURCES: A bibliographic search of English peer-reviewed publications in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Central, PsycINFO, and Web of Science was undertaken. RESULTS: Hospitalists report lacking communication skills which lead to difficulties with exploring values and wishes of patients, dealing with emotions of patients and families and approaching the conversation about letting a patient die. Other barriers are related to different interpretations of the concept advance care planning, cultural factors, like being lost in translation, and medicolegal factors, like fearing prosecution. Furthermore, hospitalists report that decision-making is often based on irrational convictions, and it is highly personal. Physician and patient characteristics, like moral convictions, experience, and personality play a role in the decision-making process. Hospitalists report that experience and learning from more experienced colleagues is helpful. Furthermore, efficient multidisciplinary co-operation is helping. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows that barriers are often related to communication issues and the convictions of the involved hospitalist. However, they seem to be preventable by creating a culture where experienced professionals can be consulted, where convictions can be questioned, and where co-operation within and between organizations is encouraged. This knowledge can serve as a basis for implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Vanderhaeghen
- Palliative Support Team, University Hospitals Leuven, UZ Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen Van Beek
- Palliative Support Team, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Radiation-Oncology and Palliative Care, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke De Pril
- Palliative Support Team, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Inge Bossuyt
- Palliative Support Team, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Menten
- Palliative Support Team, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Radiation-Oncology and Palliative Care, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Rober
- UPC KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Pillet M, Chassagne A, Aubry R. Dying in hospital: Qualitative study among caregivers of terminally ill patients who are transferred to the emergency department. Presse Med 2018; 47:e83-e90. [PMID: 29622389 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2017.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most people in France die in the hospital, even though a majority would like to die at home. These end-of-life hospital admissions sometimes occur in the emergency setting, in the hours preceding death. OBJECTIVE To understand the motives that incite main natural caregivers to transfer terminally ill patients at the end of life to the emergency department. METHODS A qualitative study was performed among caregivers of terminally ill patients receiving palliative care and living at home, and who died within 72hours of being admitted to the emergency department of the University Hospital of Besançon, France. RESULTS Eight interviews were performed; average duration 48minutes. The caregivers described the difficult conditions of daily life, characterised by marked anguish about what the future might hold. Although they were aware that the patient was approaching the end of life, the caregivers did not imagine the death at all. The transfer to the emergency department was considered as a logical event, occurring in the continuity of the home care, and was not in any way criticised, even long after death had occurred. Overall, the caregivers had a positive opinion of how the end-of-life accompaniment went. DISCUSSION Difficulty in imagining death at home is underpinned by its unpredictable nature, and by the accumulation of suffering and anguish in the caregiver. Hospital admission and medicalisation of death help to channel the caregiver's anguish. In order to improve end-of-life accompaniment, it is mandatory to make home management more reassuring for the patient and their family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pillet
- CHRU de Besançon, service de soins palliatifs, 25000 Besançon, France.
| | - Aline Chassagne
- CHRU de Besançon, centre hospitalier régional universitaire de Besançon, CIC 1431 Inserm, équipe « Éthique et progrès médical », 25000 Besançon, France; Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, laboratoire de sociologie et d'anthropologie, EA 3189, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Régis Aubry
- CHRU de Besançon, service de soins palliatifs, 25000 Besançon, France; CHRU de Besançon, centre hospitalier régional universitaire de Besançon, CIC 1431 Inserm, équipe « Éthique et progrès médical », 25000 Besançon, France; Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, neuroscience intégratives et cliniques, 25000 Besançon, France
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Implementation of the integrated palliative care outcome scale in acute care settings – a feasibility study. Palliat Support Care 2018; 16:698-705. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951517001158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveAlthough hospitals have been described as inadequate place for end-of-life care, many deaths still occur in hospital settings. Although patient-reported outcome measures have shown positive effects for patients in need of palliative care, little is known about how to implement them. We aimed to explore the feasibility of a pilot version of an implementation strategy for the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) in acute care settings.MethodA strategy, including information, training, and facilitation to support the use of IPOS, was developed and carried out at three acute care units. For an even broader understanding of the strategy, it was also tested at a palliative care unit. A process evaluation was conducted including collecting quantitative data and performing interviews with healthcare professionals.ResultFactors related to the design and performance of the strategy and the context contributed to the results. The prevalence of completed IPOS in the patient's records varied from 6% to 44% in the acute care settings. At the palliative care unit, the prevalence in the inpatient unit was 53% and the specialized home care team 35%. The qualitative results showed opposing perspectives concerning the training provided: Related to everyday work at the acute care units and Nothing in it for us at the palliative care unit. In the acute care settings, A need for an improved culture regarding palliative care was identified. A context characterized by A constantly increasing workload, a feeling of Constantly on-going changes, and a feeling of Change fatigue were found at all units. Furthermore, the internal facilitators and the nurse managers’ involvement in the implementation differed between the units.Significance of the resultsThe feasibility of the strategy in our study is considered to be questionable and the components need to be further explored to enhance the impact of the strategy and thereby improve the use of IPOS.
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Lind S, Wallin L, Brytting T, Fürst C, Sandberg J. Implementation of national palliative care guidelines in Swedish acute care hospitals: A qualitative content analysis of stakeholders’ perceptions. Health Policy 2017; 121:1194-1201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Reyniers T, Deliens L, Pasman HRW, Vander Stichele R, Sijnave B, Houttekier D, Cohen J. Appropriateness and avoidability of terminal hospital admissions: Results of a survey among family physicians. Palliat Med 2017; 31:456-464. [PMID: 27407016 DOI: 10.1177/0269216316659211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the acute hospital setting is not considered to be an ideal place of death, many people are admitted to hospital at the end of life. AIM To examine what proportion of terminal hospital admissions among their patients family physicians consider to have been avoidable and/or inappropriate; which patient, family physician and admission factors are associated with the perceived inappropriateness or avoidability of terminal hospital admissions; and which interventions could have prevented them, from the perspective of family physicians. DESIGN Survey among family physicians, linked to medical record data. SETTING Patients who had died non-suddenly in the acute hospital setting of a university hospital in Belgium between January and August 2014. RESULTS We received 245 completed questionnaires (response rate 70%) and 77% of those hospital deaths ( n = 189) were considered to be non-sudden. Almost 14% of all terminal hospital admissions were considered to be potentially inappropriate, almost 14% potentially avoidable and 8% both, according to family physicians. The terminal hospital admission was more likely to be considered potentially inappropriate or potentially avoidable for patients who had died of cancer, when the patient's life expectancy at the time of admission was limited, by family physicians who had had palliative care training at basic, postgraduate or post-academic level, and when the admission was initiated by the patient, partner or other family. CONCLUSION Timely communication with the patient about their limited life expectancy and the provision of better support to family caregivers may be important strategies in reducing the number of hospital deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Reyniers
- 1 End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- 1 End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.,2 Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - H Roeline W Pasman
- 3 EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Expertise Center for Palliative Care, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bart Sijnave
- 5 IT Department, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Houttekier
- 1 End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- 1 End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
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Reyniers T, Deliens L, Pasman HR, Vander Stichele R, Sijnave B, Cohen J, Houttekier D. Reasons for End-of-Life Hospital Admissions: Results of a Survey Among Family Physicians. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016; 52:498-506. [PMID: 27401513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although the acute hospital setting is not considered to be an ideal place of death, many people are admitted to hospital at the end of life. OBJECTIVES The present study aims to examine the reasons for hospital admissions that result in an expected death and the factors that play a role in the decision to admit to hospital. METHODS This was a survey among family physicians (FPs) about those of their patients who had died nonsuddenly in an acute university hospital setting in Belgium between January and August 2014. Questions were asked about the patient's health situation, care that the patient received before the admission, the circumstances of the hospital admission, the reasons necessitating the admission, and other factors that had played a role in the decision to admit the patient to hospital. RESULTS We received 245 completed questionnaires (response rate 70%), and 77% of those hospital deaths were considered to be nonsudden. FPs indicated that 55% of end-of-life hospitalizations were for palliative reasons and 26% curative or life-prolonging. Factors such as the patient feeling safer in hospital (35%) or family believing care to be better in hospital (54%) frequently played a role in the end-of-life hospitalization. When patients were admitted with a limited anticipated life expectancy, FPs were more likely to indicate that an inadequate caring capacity of the care setting had played a role in the admission. CONCLUSION To reduce the number of hospital deaths, a combination of structural support for out-of-hospital end-of-life care and a more timely referral to out-of-hospital palliative care services may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Reyniers
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - H Roeline Pasman
- EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research and Expertise Center for Palliative Care, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bart Sijnave
- IT Department, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Houttekier
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
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Luta X, Panczak R, Maessen M, Egger M, Goodman DC, Zwahlen M, Stuck AE, Clough - Gorr K. Dying among older adults in Switzerland: who dies in hospital, who dies in a nursing home? BMC Palliat Care 2016; 15:83. [PMID: 27662830 PMCID: PMC5035491 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-016-0156-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Institutional deaths (hospitals and nursing homes) are an important issue because they are often at odds with patient preference and associated with high healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to examine deaths in institutions and the role of individual, regional, and healthcare supply characteristics in explaining variation across Swiss Hospital Service Areas (HSAs). METHODS Retrospective study of individuals ≥66 years old who died in a Swiss institution (hospital or nursing homes) in 2010. Using a two-level logistic regression analysis we examined the amount of variation across HSAs adjusting for individual, regional and healthcare supply measures. The outcome was place of death, defined as death in hospital or nursing homes. RESULTS In 2010, 41,275 individuals ≥66 years old died in a Swiss institution; 54 % in nursing homes and 46 % in hospitals. The probability of dying in hospital decreased with increasing age. The OR was 0.07 (95 % CI: 0.05-0.07) for age 91+ years compared to those 66-70 years. Living in peri-urban areas (OR = 1.06 95 % CI: 1.00-1.11) and French speaking region (OR = 1.43 95 % CI: 1.22-1.65) was associated with higher probability of hospital death. Females had lower probability of death in hospital (OR = 0.54 95 % CI: 0.51-0.56). The density of ambulatory care physicians (OR = 0.81 95 % CI: 0.67-0.97) and nursing homes beds (OR = 0.67 95 % CI: 0.56-0.79) was negatively associated with hospital death. The proportion of dying in hospital varied from 38 % in HSAs with lowest proportion of hospital deaths to 60 % in HSAs with highest proportion of hospital deaths (1.6-fold variation). CONCLUSIONS We found evidence for variation across regions in Switzerland in dying in hospital versus nursing homes, indicating possible overuse and underuse of end of life (EOL) services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xhyljeta Luta
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkeubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Radoslaw Panczak
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkeubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maud Maessen
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkeubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkeubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - David C. Goodman
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkeubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire USA
| | - Marcel Zwahlen
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkeubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas E. Stuck
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkeubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- University Department of Geriatrics, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kerri Clough - Gorr
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Finkeubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Section of Geriatrics, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
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MacArtney JI, Broom A, Kirby E, Good P, Wootton J, Adams J. Locating care at the end of life: burden, vulnerability, and the practical accomplishment of dying. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2016; 38:479-492. [PMID: 26547139 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Home is frequently idealised as the preferred location for end-of-life care, while in-patient hospital care is viewed with suspicion and fear. Yet many people with a terminal illness spend their final days in some form of medicalised institutional setting, such as a specialist palliative care in-patient unit. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with in-patients at a specialist palliative care unit, we focus on their difficulties in finding a better place of care at the end of their life. We found that participants came to conceptualise home though a sense of bodily vulnerabilities and that they frequently understood institutional care to be more about protecting their family from the social, emotional and relational burdens of dying. For a significant number of participants the experience of dying came to be understood through what could be practically accomplished in different locales. The different locales were therefore framed around providing the best care for the patient and their family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Broom
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Kirby
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Good
- Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Brisbane, Australia
| | - Julia Wootton
- Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharon Chadwick
- West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford, UK The Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted, UK
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Howell DA, Wang HI, Roman E, Smith AG, Patmore R, Johnson MJ, Garry A, Howard M. Preferred and actual place of death in haematological malignancy. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2015; 7:150-157. [PMID: 26156005 PMCID: PMC5502252 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2014-000793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Home is considered the preferred place of death for many, but patients with haematological malignancies (leukaemias, lymphomas and myeloma) die in hospital more often than those with other cancers and the reasons for this are not wholly understood. We examined preferred and actual place of death among people with these diseases. Methods The study is embedded within an established population-based cohort of patients with haematological malignancies. All patients diagnosed at two of the largest hospitals in the study area between May 2005 and April 2008 with acute myeloid leukaemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or myeloma, who died before May 2010 were included. Data were obtained from medical records and routine linkage to national death records. Results 323 deceased patients were included. A total of 142 (44%) had discussed their preferred place of death; 45.8% wanted to die at home, 28.2% in hospital, 16.9% in a hospice, 5.6% in a nursing home and 3.5% were undecided; 63.4% of these died in their preferred place. Compared to patients with evidence of a discussion, those without were twice as likely to have died within a month of diagnosis (14.8% vs 29.8%). Overall, 240 patients died in hospital; those without a discussion were significantly more likely to die in hospital than those who had (p≤0.0001). Of those dying in hospital, 90% and 75.8% received haematology clinical input in the 30 and 7 days before death, respectively, and 40.8% died in haematology areas. Conclusions Many patients discussed their preferred place of death, but a substantial proportion did not and hospital deaths were common in this latter group. There is scope to improve practice, particularly among those dying soon after diagnosis. We found evidence that some people opted to die in hospital; the extent to which this compares with other cancers is of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Howell
- Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - H I Wang
- Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - E Roman
- Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - A G Smith
- Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - R Patmore
- Queen's Centre for Oncology and Haematology, Castle Hill Hospital, Hull, UK
| | - M J Johnson
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - A Garry
- York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - M Howard
- York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
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Lindqvist O, Tishelman C. Room for Death--International museum-visitors' preferences regarding the end of their life. Soc Sci Med 2015; 139:1-8. [PMID: 26121179 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Just as pain medications aim to relieve physical suffering, supportive surrounding for death and dying may facilitate well-being and comfort. However, little has been written of the experience of or preferences for the surroundings in which death and dying take place. In this study, we aim to complement our research from perspectives of patients, family members and staff, with perspectives from an international sample of the general public. Data derives from a project teaming artists and craftspeople together to create prototypes of space for difficult conversations in end-of-life (EoL) settings. These prototypes were presented in a museum exhibition, "Room for Death", in Stockholm in 2012. As project consultants, palliative care researchers contributed a question to the public viewing the exhibition, to explore their reflections: "How would you like it to be around you when you are dying?" Five-hundred and twelve responses were obtained from visitors from 46 countries. While preliminary analysis pointed to many similarities in responses across countries, continued analysis with a phenomenographic approach allowed us to distinguish different foci related to how preferences for surroundings for EoL were conceptualized. Responses were categorized in the following inductively-derived categories: The familiar death, The 'larger-than life' death, The lone death, The mediated death, The calm and peaceful death, The sensuous death, The 'green' death, and The distanced death. The responses could relate to a single category or be composites uniting different categories in individual combinations, and provide insight into different facets of contemporary reflections about death and dying. Despite the selective sample, these data give reason to consider how underlying assumptions and care provision in established forms for end-of-life care may differ from people's preferences. This project can be seen as an example of innovative endeavors to promote public awareness of issues related to death and dying, within the framework of health-promoting palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olav Lindqvist
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics/Medical Management Center, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nursing, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Carol Tishelman
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics/Medical Management Center, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Innovation, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Edo-Gual M, Monforte-Royo C, Aradilla-Herrero A, Tomás-Sábado J. Death attitudes and positive coping in Spanish nursing undergraduates: a cross-sectional and correlational study. J Clin Nurs 2015; 24:2429-38. [DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Edo-Gual
- Escola Universitària d'Infermeria Gimbernat; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Sant Cugat del Vallès Barcelona Spain
| | - Cristina Monforte-Royo
- Department of Nursing; School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universitat Internacional de Catalunya; Sant Cugat del Vallès Barcelona Spain
- WeCare Chair: End-of-life Care; Universitat Internacional de Catalunya; Sant Cugat del Vallès Barcelona Spain
| | - Amor Aradilla-Herrero
- Escola Universitària d'Infermeria Gimbernat; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Sant Cugat del Vallès Barcelona Spain
| | - Joaquín Tomás-Sábado
- Escola Universitària d'Infermeria Gimbernat; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Sant Cugat del Vallès Barcelona Spain
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De Korte-Verhoef MC, Pasman HRW, Schweitzer BPM, Francke AL, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Deliens L. How could hospitalisations at the end of life have been avoided? A qualitative retrospective study of the perspectives of general practitioners, nurses and family carers. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118971. [PMID: 25756184 PMCID: PMC4355064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although many patients prefer to stay and die at home at the end of life, many are hospitalised. Little is known about how to avoid hospitalisations for patients living at home. Aim To describe how hospitalisation at the end of life can be avoided, from the perspective of the GPs, nurses and family carers. Method A qualitative design with face-to-face interviews was used. Taking 30 cases of patients who died non-suddenly, 26 GPs, 15 nurses and 18 family carers were interviewed in depth. Of the 30 patients, 20 were hospitalised and 10 were not hospitalised in the last three months of life. Results Five key themes that could help avoid hospitalisation at the end of life emerged from the interviews. The key themes were: 1) marking the approach of death, and shifting the mindset; 2) being able to provide acute treatment and care at home; 3) anticipatory discussions and interventions to deal with expected severe problems; 4) guiding and monitoring the patient and family in a holistic way through the illness trajectory; 5) continuity of treatment and care at home. If these five key themes are adopted in an interrelated way, this could help avoid hospitalisations, according to GPs, nurses and family carers. Conclusions The five key themes described in this study can be seen as strategies that could help in avoiding hospitalisation at the end of life. It is recommended that for all patients residing at home, GPs and community nurses work together as a team from the moment that it is marked that death is approaching up to the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. De Korte-Verhoef
- Department of Public and Occupational Health & Expertise Center Palliative Care VUmc, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University medical center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - H. Roeline W. Pasman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health & Expertise Center Palliative Care VUmc, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University medical center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P. M. Schweitzer
- Department of General Practice, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University medical center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke L. Francke
- Department of Public and Occupational Health & Expertise Center Palliative Care VUmc, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University medical center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, NIVEL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bregje D. Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health & Expertise Center Palliative Care VUmc, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University medical center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Deliens
- Department of Public and Occupational Health & Expertise Center Palliative Care VUmc, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University medical center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Reyniers T, Deliens L, Pasman HR, Morin L, Addington-Hall J, Frova L, Cardenas-Turanzas M, Onwuteaka-Philipsen B, Naylor W, Ruiz-Ramos M, Wilson DM, Loucka M, Csikos A, Rhee YJ, Teno J, Cohen J, Houttekier D. International Variation in Place of Death of Older People Who Died From Dementia in 14 European and non-European Countries. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2015; 16:165-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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