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Huang AP, Holloway RG. Navigating Neurologic Illness: Skills in Neuropalliative Care for Persons Hospitalized with Neurologic Disease. Semin Neurol 2024. [PMID: 39053504 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Persons hospitalized for neurologic illness face multidimensional care needs. They can benefit from a palliative care approach that focuses on quality of life for persons with serious illness. We describe neurology provider "skills" to help meet these palliative needs: assessing the patient as a whole; facilitating conversations with patients to connect prognosis to care preferences; navigating neurologic illness to prepare patients and care partners for the future; providing high-quality end-of-life care to promote peace in death; and addressing disparities in care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Huang
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Robert G Holloway
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
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2
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LiPuma SH, Demarco JP. Expanding the Use of Continuous Sedation Until Death and Physician-Assisted Suicide. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHILOSOPHY 2024; 49:313-323. [PMID: 38538066 DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The controversy over the equivalence of continuous sedation until death (CSD) and physician-assisted suicide/euthanasia (PAS/E) provides an opportunity to focus on a significant extended use of CSD. This extension, suggested by the equivalence of PAS/E and CSD, is designed to promote additional patient autonomy at the end-of-life. Samuel LiPuma, in his article, "Continuous Sedation Until Death as Physician-Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia: A Conceptual Analysis" claims equivalence between CSD and death; his paper is seminal in the equivalency debate. Critics contend that sedation follows proportionality protocols for which LiPuma's thesis does not adequately account. Furthermore, sedation may not eliminate consciousness, and as such LiPuma's contention that CSD is equivalent to neocortical death is suspect. We not only defend the equivalence thesis, but also expand it to include additional moral considerations. First, we explain the equivalence thesis. This is followed by a defense of the thesis against five criticisms. The third section critiques the current use of CSD. Finally, we offer two proposals that, if adopted, would broaden the use of PAS/E and CSD and thereby expand options at the end-of-life.
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Egodage T, Doucet J, Patel PP, Martin MJ. Ethics in disaster, mass casualty care, and critical care. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2024; 9:e001389. [PMID: 38646029 PMCID: PMC11029244 DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2024-001389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary ethical principle guiding general medical practice is autonomy. However, in mass casualty (MASCAL) or disaster scenarios, the principles of beneficence and justice become of foremost concern. Despite multiple reviews, publications, and training courses available to prepare for a MASCAL incident, a minority of physicians and healthcare providers are abreast of these. In this review, we describe several MASCAL scenarios and their associated ethical, moral, and medicolegal quandaries in attempts to curb potential future misadventures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Egodage
- Surgery, Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jay Doucet
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Purvi Pravinchandra Patel
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Matthew J Martin
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Surgery, Los Angeles County Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Thomas C, Alici Y, Breitbart W, Bruera E, Blackler L, Sulmasy DP. Addressing Challenges With Sedation in End-of-Life Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:346-349. [PMID: 38158164 PMCID: PMC10939822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
In 2009, Quill and colleagues stipulated that there are three types of sedation practices at the end of life: ordinary sedation, proportionate palliative sedation (PPS), and palliative sedation to unconsciousness (PSU). Of the three, PPS and PSU are described as "last-resort options" to relieve refractory symptoms, and PSU as the most ethically controversial type that "should be quite rare." Unfortunately, little is known about actual sedation practices at the end of life in the United States. This may be due in part to a lack of conceptual clarity about sedation in end-of-life care. We argue that, until more is known about what sedation practices occur at the end of life, and how practices can be improved by research and more specific guidelines, "palliative sedation" will remain more misunderstood and controversial than it might otherwise be. In our view, overcoming the challenges posed by sedation in end-of-life care requires: 1) greater specificity regarding clinical situations and approaches to sedation, 2) research tailored to focused clinical questions, and 3) improved training and safeguards in sedation practices. Terms like PPS and PSU are relatively simple to understand in the abstract, but their application comprises various clinical situations and approaches to sedation. An obvious barrier to empirical research on sedation practices in end-of-life care is the challenge of determining these elements, especially if not clearly communicated. Additionally, we argue that training for palliative care specialists and others should include monitoring and rescue techniques as required competencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Columba Thomas
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics (C.T., D.P.S.), Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
| | - Yesne Alici
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Y.A., W.B.), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College (Y.A.), New York, New York, USA
| | - William Breitbart
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Y.A., W.B.), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine (E.B.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Liz Blackler
- Ethics Committee (L.B.), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel P Sulmasy
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics (C.T., D.P.S.), Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Departments of Medicine and Philosophy (D.P.S.), Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Thomas C, Kulikowksi JD, Breitbart W, Alici Y, Bruera E, Blackler L, Sulmasy DP. Existential suffering as an indication for palliative sedation: Identifying and addressing challenges. Palliat Support Care 2024:1-4. [PMID: 38419195 PMCID: PMC11358359 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Columba Thomas
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Julia D. Kulikowksi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - William Breitbart
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yesne Alici
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Liz Blackler
- Ethics Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel P. Sulmasy
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Philosophy and the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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Beauverd M, Mazzoli M, Pralong J, Tomczyk M, Eychmüller S, Gaertner J. Palliative sedation - revised recommendations. Swiss Med Wkly 2024; 154:3590. [PMID: 38579308 DOI: 10.57187/s.3590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Palliative sedation is defined as the monitored use of medications intended to induce a state of decreased or absent awareness (unconsciousness) to relieve the burden of otherwise intractable suffering in a manner ethically acceptable to the patient, their family, and healthcare providers. In Switzerland, the prevalence of continuous deep sedation until death increased from 4.7% in 2001 to 17.5% of all deceased in 2013, depending on the research method used and on regional variations. Yet, these numbers may be overestimated due to a lack of understanding of the term "continuous deep sedation" by for example respondents of the questionnaire-based study. Inadequately trained and inexperienced healthcare professionals may incorrectly or inappropriately perform palliative sedation due to uncertainties regarding its definitions and practice. Therefore, the expert members of the Bigorio group and the authors of this manuscript believe that national recommendations should be published and made available to healthcare professionals to provide practical, terminological, and ethical guidance. The Bigorio group is the working group of the Swiss Palliative Care Society whose task is to publish clinical recommendations at a national level in Switzerland. These recommendations aim to provide guidance on the most critical questions and issues related to palliative sedation. The Swiss Society of Palliative Care (palliative.ch) mandated a writing board comprising four clinical experts (three physicians and one ethicist) and two national academic experts to revise the 2005 Bigorio guidelines. A first draft was created based on a narrative literature review, which was internally reviewed by five academic institutions (Lausanne, Geneva, Bern, Zürich, and Basel) and the heads of all working groups of the Swiss Society of Palliative Care before finalising the guidelines. The following themes are discussed regarding palliative sedation: (a) definitions and clinical aspects, (b) the decision-making process, (c) communication with patients and families, (d) patient monitoring, (e) pharmacological approaches, and (f) ethical and controversial issues. Palliative sedation must be practised with clinical and ethical accuracy and competence to avoid harm and ethically questionable use. Specialist palliative care teams should be consulted before initiating palliative sedation to avoid overlooking other potential treatment options for the patient's symptoms and suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Beauverd
- Service de soins palliatifs et de support, Département de médecine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Eychmüller
- Universitäres Zentrum für Palliative Care (UZP), Inselspital, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Gaertner
- Palliative Care Center Hildegard, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Switzerland
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Rodrigues P, Ostyn J, Mroz S, Ronse A, Menten J, Gastmans C. Palliative care physicians' decision-making about palliative sedation for existential suffering: A Belgian nationwide qualitative study. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:119-127. [PMID: 36503696 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522001559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the content and process of decision-making about palliative sedation for existential suffering (PS-ES) as perceived by Belgian palliative care physicians. METHODS This Belgian nationwide qualitative study follows a grounded theory approach. We conducted semistructured interviews with 25 palliative care physicians working in 19 Belgian hospital-based palliative care units and 4 stand-alone hospices. We analyzed the data using the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven, and we followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research Guidelines (COREQ). RESULTS Analysis of the data identified several criteria that physicians apply in their decision-making about PS-ES, namely, the importance of the patient's demand, PS-ES as a last resort option after all alternatives have been applied, the condition of unbearable suffering combined with other kinds of suffering, and the condition of being in a terminal stage. Regarding the process of decision-making itself, physicians refer to the need for multidisciplinary perspectives supported by an interpretative dialogue with the patient and all other stakeholders. The decision-making process involves a specific temporality and physicians' inner conviction about the need of PS-ES. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Belgian palliative care physicians are not sure about the criteria regarding decision-making in PS-ES. To deal with complex existential suffering in end-of-life situations, they stress the importance of participation by all stakeholders (patient, relatives, palliative care team, other physicians, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chaplains, etc.) in the decision-making process to prevent inadequate decisions being made.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jozefien Ostyn
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Mroz
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Ronse
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Menten
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Gastmans
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Tan F, Li N, Wu Y, Zhang C. Palliative sedation determinants: systematic review and meta-analysis in palliative medicine. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e664-e675. [PMID: 37553203 PMCID: PMC10850834 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-004085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utilisation of palliative sedation is often favoured by patients approaching end of life due to the presence of multiple difficult-to-manage symptoms during the terminal stage. This study aimed to identify the determinants of the use of palliative sedation. METHODS To identify pertinent observational studies, a comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases from their inception until March 2022. The methodological quality of the chosen prospective and retrospective cohort studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale, while the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the selected cross-sectional studies. For each potential determinant of interest, the collected data were synthesised and analysed, and in cases where data could not be combined, a narrative synthesis approach was adopted. RESULTS A total of 21 studies were analysed in this research, consisting of 4 prospective cohort studies, 7 retrospective cohort studies, and 10 cross-sectional studies. The findings indicated that several determinants were significantly associated with palliative sedation. These determinants included younger age, male gender, presence of tumours, dyspnoea, pain, delirium, making advanced medical end-of-life decisions, and dying in a hospital setting. CONCLUSIONS The findings of our review could help physicians identify patients who may need palliative sedation in advance and implement targeted interventions to reverse refractory symptoms, develop personalized palliative sedation programs, and ultimately improve the quality of palliative care services. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number CRD42022324720.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Tan
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medicine Research Center, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medicine Research Center, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medicine Research Center, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuan Zhang
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medicine Research Center, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Tomczyk M, Jaques C, Jox RJ. Palliative sedation: ethics in clinical practice guidelines - systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e651-e663. [PMID: 37567756 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004266] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of our study was to determine whether, and to what degree, the ethical dimension was present in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on palliative sedation, and to identify the ethical issues with respect to the different forms of this practice. The purpose was purely to be descriptive; our aim was not to make any kind of normative judgements on these ethical issues or to develop our own ethical recommendations. METHODS We performed a systematic review of CPGs on the palliative sedation of adults, focusing our analysis on the ethical dimension of these texts and the ethical issues of this practice. The study protocol is registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS In total, 36 current CPGs from four continents (and 14 countries) were included in our analysis. Generally, ethics was rarely referred to or absent from the CPGs. Only six texts contained a specific section explicitly related to ethics. Ethical issues were named, conceptualised and presented in heterogeneous, often confusing ways. It was impossible to identify the ethical issues of each form of palliative sedation. Ethics expertise was not involved in the development of most of the CPGs and, if it was, this did not always correlate with the ethical dimension of the document. CONCLUSIONS Effective cooperation between palliative care clinicians and ethicists should be encouraged, in order to integrate in particular the crucial ethical issues of continuous deep sedation until death when developing or updating CPGs on palliative sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Jaques
- Medical Library, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Palliative & Supportive Care Service, Chair in Geriatric Palliative Care, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Tomczyk M, Andorno R, Jox RJ. Should continuous deep sedation until death be legally regulated in Switzerland? An exploratory study with palliative care physicians. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524231219509. [PMID: 38152555 PMCID: PMC10752051 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231219509] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Switzerland, continuous deep sedation until death (CDSUD) is not legally regulated and the current clinical practice guidelines on palliative sedation from 2005 do not refer to it. In contrast, in France, a neighbouring country, CDSUD is regulated by a specific law and professional guidelines. International studies show that in culturally polymorphic countries, there are variations in the end-of-life practices between linguistic regions and that a linguistic region shares many cultural characteristics with the neighbouring country. Objectives This study aimed to explore the attitudes of palliative care physicians from the French-speaking part of Switzerland on the question of whether CDSUD should be legally regulated in the country, and to identify their arguments. Our study also aimed to assess whether a hypothetical Swiss law on CDSUD should be similar to the current legal regulation of this practice in France. Design We conducted a multicentre exploratory qualitative study based on face-to-face interviews with palliative care physicians in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Methods We analysed the interview transcripts using thematic analysis, combining deductive and inductive coding. Results Most of the participants were opposed to having specific legal regulation of CDSUD in Switzerland. Their arguments were diverse: some focused on medical and epistemological aspects of CDSUD, whereas others emphasized the legal inconvenience of having such regulation. None had the opinion that, if CDSUD were legally regulated in Switzerland, the regulation should be similar to that in France. Conclusion This study allows to better understand why palliative care physicians in French-speaking Switzerland may be reluctant to have legal regulation of CDSUD. Further studies covering the whole country would be needed to gain a more complete picture of Swiss palliative care physicians on this question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Av. de Provence 82, Lausanne CH-1007, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Andorno
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ralf J. Jox
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Palliative & Supportive Care Service, Chair in Geriatric Palliative Care, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Maeda S, Morita T, Yokomichi N, Imai K, Tsuneto S, Maeda I, Miura T, Ishiki H, Otani H, Hatano Y, Mori M. Continuous Deep Sedation for Psycho-Existential Suffering: A Multicenter Nationwide Study. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1501-1509. [PMID: 37289183 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is ongoing debate on whether continuous deep sedation (CDS) for psycho-existential suffering is appropriate. Objective: We aimed to (1) clarify clinical practice of CDS for psycho-existential suffering and (2) assess its impact on patients' survival. Methods: Advanced cancer patients admitted to 23 palliative care units in 2017 were consecutively enrolled. We compared patients' characteristics, CDS practices, and survival between those receiving CDS for psycho-existential suffering ± physical symptoms and only for physical symptoms. Results: Of 164 patients analyzed, 14 (8.5%) received CDS for psycho-existential suffering ± physical symptoms and only one of them (0.6%) solely for psycho-existential suffering. Patients receiving CDS for psycho-existential suffering, compared with those only for physical symptoms, were likely to have no specific religion (p = 0.025), and desired (78.6% vs. 22.0%, respectively; p < 0.001) and requested a hastened death more frequently (57.1% vs. 10.0%, respectively; p < 0.001). All of them had a poor physical condition with limited estimated survival, and mostly (71%) received intermittent sedation before CDS. CDS for psycho-existential suffering caused greater physicians' discomfort (p = 0.037), and lasted for longer (p = 0.029). Dependency, loss of autonomy, and hopelessness were common reasons for psycho-existential suffering that required CDS. The survival time after CDS initiation was longer in patients receiving it for psycho-existential suffering (log-rank, p = 0.021). Conclusion: CDS was applied to patients who suffered from psycho-existential suffering, which often associated with desire or request for a hastened death. Further studies and debate are warranted to develop feasible treatment strategies for psycho-existential suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Maeda
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Research Association for Community Health, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Care, Senri-Chuo Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Miura
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroto Ishiki
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Otani
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, St. Mary's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Hatano
- Department of Palliative Care, Daini Kyoritsu Hospital, Kawanishi, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Ostgathe C, Bausewein C, Schildmann E, Bazata J, Handtke V, Heckel M, Klein C, Kremling A, Kurkowski S, Meesters S, Seifert A, Torres Cavazos JL, Ziegler K, Jäger C, Schildmann J. Expert-approved best practice recommendations on the use of sedative drugs and intentional sedation in specialist palliative care (SedPall). BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:126. [PMID: 37667303 PMCID: PMC10476406 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01243-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of sedative drugs and intentional sedation in end-of-life care is associated with clinical, ethical and legal challenges. In view of these and of the issue's great importance to patients undergoing intolerable suffering, we conducted a project titled SedPall ("From anxiolysis to deep continuous sedation - Development of recommendations for sedation in palliative care") with the purpose of developing best practice recommendations on the use of sedative drugs and intentional sedation in specialist palliative care and obtaining feedback and approval from experts in this area. DESIGN Our stepwise approach entailed drafting the recommendations, obtaining expert feedback, conducting a single-round Delphi study, and convening a consensus conference. As an interdisciplinary group, we created a set of best practice recommendations based on previously published guidance and empirical and normative analysis, and drawing on feedback from experts, including patient representatives and of public involvement participants. We set the required agreement rate for approval at the single-round Delphi and the consensus conference at ≥80%. RESULTS Ten experts commented on the recommendations' first draft. The Delphi panel comprised 50 experts and patient and public involvement participants, while 46 participants attended the consensus conference. In total, the participants in these stages of the process approved 66 recommendations, covering the topics "indications", "intent/purpose [of sedation]", "decision-making", "information and consent", "medication and type of sedation", "monitoring", "management of fluids and nutrition", "continuing other measures", "support for relatives", and "team support". The recommendations include suggestions on terminology and comments on legal issues. CONCLUSION Further research will be required for evaluating the feasibility of the recommendations' implementation and their effectiveness. The recommendations and the suggested terminology may serve as a resource for healthcare professionals in Germany on the use of sedative drugs and intentional sedation in specialist palliative care and may contribute to discussion on the topic at an international level. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS00015047 (German Clinical Trials Register).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Ostgathe
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen - EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich- Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Werner-von-Siemens-Straße 34, Erlangen, 91052, Germany
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Schildmann
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, Augsburg, 86156, Germany
| | - Jeremias Bazata
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Violet Handtke
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Heckel
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen - EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich- Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Werner-von-Siemens-Straße 34, Erlangen, 91052, Germany.
| | - Carsten Klein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen - EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich- Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Werner-von-Siemens-Straße 34, Erlangen, 91052, Germany
| | - Alexander Kremling
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sandra Kurkowski
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen - EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich- Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Werner-von-Siemens-Straße 34, Erlangen, 91052, Germany
| | - Sophie Meesters
- Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Seifert
- Paderborn Centre for Educational Research and Teacher Education - PLAZ Professional School, Paderborn University, Warburger Str. 100, 33098, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Jorge Luis Torres Cavazos
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen - EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich- Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Werner-von-Siemens-Straße 34, Erlangen, 91052, Germany
| | - Kerstin Ziegler
- Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedural Law, Commercial Criminal Law and Medical Criminal Law, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schillerstraße 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Jäger
- Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedural Law, Commercial Criminal Law and Medical Criminal Law, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schillerstraße 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Schildmann
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Kauzner S, Heckel M, Ostgathe C, Schneider M, Bausewein C, Schildmann E, Kremling A, Ziegler K, Klein C. Documentation of Sedation in Palliative Care: A Scoping Review of Requirements, Recommendations, and Templates. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1277-1284. [PMID: 37155703 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify and describe requirements, recommendations, and templates for the documentation of sedation in adult palliative care. Introduction: International literature shows inconsistency in clinical practice regarding sedation in palliative care accompanied by legal, ethical, and medical uncertainties. Documentation in general serves as proof for previous treatments. In the context of intentional sedation to relieve suffering at the end of life, documentation provides a clear demarcation against practices of euthanasia. Inclusion Criteria: Articles with full-text version published in English or German since 2000, covering documentation requirements, recommendations, monitoring parameters or templates for sedation in adult palliative care were included. Methods: Scoping review following the JBI methodology. Search in online databases, websites of professional associations in palliative care, reference lists of relevant publications, the archive of the German "Journal of Palliative Medicine" and databases for unpublished literature were used. Search terms included "palliative care,' "sedation," and "documentation." The search was conducted from January 2022 to April 2022 with an initial hand search in November 2021. Data were screened and charted by one reviewer after conducting a pilot test of the criteria. Results: From the initial 390 articles (database search), 22 articles were included. In addition, 15 articles were integrated from the hand search. The results can be clustered in two sets of items, regarding either the documentation before or during sedation. The documentation requirements referred both to inpatient and homecare settings but in many cases, a clear assignment was missing. Conclusions: The guidelines analyzed in this study rarely cover setting-specific differences in documentation and often treat documentation as minor topic. Further research is needed addressing legal and ethical concerns of health care teams and, therefore, help to improve treatment of patients suffering from otherwise intractable burden at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Kauzner
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen-EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Heckel
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen-EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Ostgathe
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen-EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manuela Schneider
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen-EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Schildmann
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Oncological Palliative Care and Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Kremling
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kerstin Ziegler
- Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedural Law, Commercial Criminal Law and Medical Criminal Law, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carsten Klein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, CCC Erlangen-EMN, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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14
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Cuviello A, Ang N, Morgan K, Baker JN, Anghelescu DL. Palliative Sedation Therapy Practice Comparison - A Survey of Pediatric Palliative Care and Pain Management Specialists. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:977-986. [PMID: 36475873 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221138298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Palliative sedation therapy (PST) can relieve suffering at end-of-life (EOL) in children with intolerable and refractory symptoms. However, updated and consistent guidance on PST practices are imperative. Objectives: We investigate current variations in clinical practice and PST implementation among pediatric palliative care (PPC) and pain management (PM) specialists. Methods: We distributed an IRB-exempt electronic anonymous survey via email through the Society of Pediatric Pain Medicine, and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Survey responses were collated and descriptively reported. Results: Of 83 survey responses, the majority (75%) represented large academic children's hospitals. The distribution between PPC and pediatric pain management specialists' responses was 60% and 40%, respectively. Most respondents reported having designated pain management and/or palliative care teams (70% and 90%, respectively). Approximately half (48%) reported following an institutional PST protocol, most not requiring formal ethics consult (69%). Only 54% of respondents noted that the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order was required prior to PST initiation. PST was primarily utilized for children with oncologic diagnoses (76%). The primary and secondary medications of choice for PST implementation were reported to be opioids (39%) and benzodiazepines (36%) by pain management specialists, and benzodiazepines (52%) and barbiturates (28%) by palliative care specialists. Conclusions: Our study highlights the variability in the practice and implementation of PST. Further educational efforts are key for establishing PST practices and efficient protocol development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Ang
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Kyle Morgan
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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15
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Klein C, Voss R, Ostgathe C, Ansgar Schildmann J. Sedation in Palliative Care—a Clinically Oriented Overview of Guidelines and Treatment Recommendations. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 120:235-242. [PMID: 36851822 PMCID: PMC10282508 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The appropriate provision of sedation as a last resort for the relief of suffering in palliative care is dealt with variably in actual practice. This article is intended as an overview of practically relevant information found in treatment recommendations and guidelines. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, and a manual search was carried out online. Recommendations that were not available in either German or English, or that were specific to pediatric practice, were excluded. Publication quality was assessed with the AGREE II instrument (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II). The recommendations in the documents were qualitatively evaluated. RESULTS 29 publications (11 journal articles, 18 other) of varying quality according to AGREE II were included. All recommendations and guidelines were essentially based on expert consensus. The common indications for sedation are otherwise intractable delirium, dyspnea, and pain, in patients with a life expectancy of no more than two weeks. Existential distress is a controversial indication. The drug of first choice is midazolam. As the sedating effect of opioids is hard to predict, they should not be used as sedatives. The risks of sedation include respiratory and circulatory depression, as well as the loss of communicative ability, control, and autonomy. It is generally recommended that the patient's symptom burden and depth of sedation should be monitored; clinical and technically supported monitoring are recommended in some publications as well, depending on the situation. CONCLUSION There is a broad consensus in favor of sedation to relieve suffering in the last days and hours of life. Recommendations vary for patients with a longer life expectancy and for those with existential distress, and with respect to monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Klein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg
| | - Rafaela Voss
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
| | - Christoph Ostgathe
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg
| | - Jan Ansgar Schildmann
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
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Muliira JK, Siela D, Hinck S. The International Home Care Nurses Organization 2023 Research Award. Home Healthc Now 2023; 41:116. [PMID: 36867487 DOI: 10.1097/nhh.0000000000001160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
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17
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Newcomer K, Merkelz K, Tatum P, Dalton H. Palliative Sedation in the Home Setting #451. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:299-300. [PMID: 36724321 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kelley Newcomer
- Fast Facts and Concepts are edited by Sean Marks, MD (Medical College of Wisconsin) and associate editor Drew A. Rosielle, MD (University of Minnesota Medical School), with the generous support of a volunteer peer-review editorial board, and are made available online by the Palliative Care Network of Wisconsin (PCNOW); the authors of each individual Fast Fact are solely responsible for that Fast Fact's content. The full set of Fast Facts is available at PCNOW with contact information, and how to reference Fast Facts
| | - Kurt Merkelz
- Fast Facts and Concepts are edited by Sean Marks, MD (Medical College of Wisconsin) and associate editor Drew A. Rosielle, MD (University of Minnesota Medical School), with the generous support of a volunteer peer-review editorial board, and are made available online by the Palliative Care Network of Wisconsin (PCNOW); the authors of each individual Fast Fact are solely responsible for that Fast Fact's content. The full set of Fast Facts is available at PCNOW with contact information, and how to reference Fast Facts
| | - Paul Tatum
- Fast Facts and Concepts are edited by Sean Marks, MD (Medical College of Wisconsin) and associate editor Drew A. Rosielle, MD (University of Minnesota Medical School), with the generous support of a volunteer peer-review editorial board, and are made available online by the Palliative Care Network of Wisconsin (PCNOW); the authors of each individual Fast Fact are solely responsible for that Fast Fact's content. The full set of Fast Facts is available at PCNOW with contact information, and how to reference Fast Facts
| | - Heather Dalton
- Fast Facts and Concepts are edited by Sean Marks, MD (Medical College of Wisconsin) and associate editor Drew A. Rosielle, MD (University of Minnesota Medical School), with the generous support of a volunteer peer-review editorial board, and are made available online by the Palliative Care Network of Wisconsin (PCNOW); the authors of each individual Fast Fact are solely responsible for that Fast Fact's content. The full set of Fast Facts is available at PCNOW with contact information, and how to reference Fast Facts
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Lycan TW, Buckenheimer A, Ruiz J, Russell G, Dothard AS, Ahmed T, Grant S, Grey C, Petty WJ. Team-Based Hospice Referrals: A Potential Quality Metric for Lung Cancer in the Immunotherapy Era. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:10-17. [PMID: 35512681 PMCID: PMC9815203 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221091745] [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: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can lead to durable responses in patients with lung cancer but may delay transitions to hospice at the end of life (EOL). We aimed to test the association of continuity of care with EOL outcomes in the ICI era. METHODS We collected retrospective data on all patients with lung cancer who started ICI treatment at a single comprehensive cancer center in the United States (1/1/14-5/1/18) and subsequently died. We defined a hospice referral as having continuity of care if placed by a provider from the patient's multidisciplinary cancer team (e.g., a medical oncologist, palliative care specialist, intensivist, and hospitalist). RESULTS In this cohort of 143 patients, 58% had a team-based hospice referral which was associated with a lower risk of death in the hospital. The most common reason patients declined hospice at EOL was an unwillingness to discontinue cancer-directed therapy. As compared to a similar historical cohort of patients treated with chemotherapy alone (2008-2010), there was a similar rate of hospice referral (68% vs 74%) but higher rates of new systemic therapy initiated within 30 days of death (17% vs 6%, p .001) and last dose within 14 days of death (13% vs 5%, p .005). CONCLUSIONS Future studies should test the continuity of care at EOL as a new quality metric for advanced NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W. Lycan
- Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Alyssa Buckenheimer
- Hospice abd Palliative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jimmy Ruiz
- Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Gregory Russell
- Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Andy Shipe Dothard
- Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Tamjeed Ahmed
- Hematology and Oncology, Tennessee Oncology, Gallatin, TN, USA
| | - Stefan Grant
- Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Carl Grey
- Hospice abd Palliative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William J. Petty
- Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Willard EG, Wiencek C. Palliative Sedation Therapy: A Case Report. Crit Care Nurse 2022; 42:47-52. [DOI: 10.4037/ccn2022377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Introduction
Despite repeated exposure to dying patients, critical care providers and nurses may not be familiar with palliative sedation. This case report describes a scenario in which palliative sedation therapy was considered for a patient dying in the intensive care unit.
Clinical Findings
A 72-year-old woman was transferred from an outside hospital for management of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. After her transfer, she experienced cardiac arrest and was resuscitated.
Diagnosis
The patient was diagnosed with pneumonia related to COVID-19. Arterial blood gas values showed her ratio of partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen to be less than 200, consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Interventions
The patient was intubated and started on a ventilator protocol for acute respiratory distress syndrome. After her cardiac arrest, she required a continuous epinephrine infusion.
Outcomes
The patient’s family was notified of the severity of her clinical status, and the critical care team began to plan the transition from aggressive to comfort care. A provider suggested that the patient should receive continuous intravenous propofol after extubation to manage dyspnea during the dying process.
Conclusion
Palliative sedation therapy may be needed for dying patients, such as those with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. The transition from curative to palliative measures often occurs in intensive care units but the ethical principles behind palliative sedation are not well understood by those providing care in these settings. It is vital that critical care nurses and providers be informed about available treatments for symptoms of dying patients, including palliative sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G. Willard
- Emily G. Willard is a staff nurse and education coordinator in the medical-respiratory intensive care unit, VCU Health, in Richmond, Virginia. She is a graduate student at the University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Clareen Wiencek
- Clareen Wiencek is a palliative care nurse practitioner and a professor of nursing at the University of Virginia
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Tomczyk M, Jaques C, Jox RJ. Clinical Practice Guidelines on Palliative Sedation Around the World: A Systematic Review. J Palliat Care 2022:8258597221138674. [PMID: 36437779 DOI: 10.1177/08258597221138674] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The principal aim of this study was to identify, systematically and transparently, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on palliative sedation from around the world. Methods: A systematic search was performed using 5 databases, grey literature search tools, citation tracking, and contact with palliative care experts across the world. Current CPGs accredited by an international, national, or regional authority, published in English, German, French, or Italian, were subjected to content analysis. Results: In total, 35 CPGs from 14 countries and 1 international CPG were included in the analysis. The CPGs had diverse formal characteristics. Their thematic scope was difficult to analyze and compare because of differences in the terms and definitions of palliative sedation in those texts. We identified 3 main situations: (1) CPGs with a fully explicit thematic scope; (2) CPGs with a partially explicit thematic scope; and (3) CPGs without an explicit thematic scope. Several CPGs explicitly stated what forms of sedation were excluded from the text. However, this presentation was often confusing. Conclusion: Our review provides several pieces of information that could guide international reflections in this field, and be used to develop or update CPGs at all levels. Efforts should be made to clarify the thematic scope of each CPG on palliative sedation, in order to generate an understanding of the forms of this therapy addressed in the text.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, 30635Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Jaques
- Medical Library, 30635Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, 30635Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Palliative & Supportive Care Service, 30635Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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21
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Tomczyk M, Jaques C, Jox RJ. Ethical challenges in palliative sedation of adults: protocol for a systematic review of current clinical practice guidelines. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059189. [PMID: 35777881 PMCID: PMC9252196 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aims to identify the full spectrum of ethical challenges of all forms of palliative sedation for adults as presented in current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and to determine whether CPGs specify ethical challenges of this therapy for patients with cancer and non-cancer and, if so, how exactly they do this. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have yet investigated this topic. The purpose is purely descriptive; our aim is not to make any kind of normative judgements on these challenges. Nor is our aim to assess the quality of the CPGs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will perform a systematic review of CPGs on palliative sedation for adults via five electronic databases, grey literature search tools, citation tracking and contact with palliative care experts. Current CPGs accredited by an international, national or regional authority, published in English, German, French, Italian or Polish, from 2000 to the date of the search, will be subjected to content analysis at the textual, linguistic and thematic levels. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This is a protocol for a systematic review and no human will be involved in this research. Therefore, ethics approval and consent to participate are not applicable to this context. This study protocol is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Protocols criteria and registered on PROSPERO. Moreover, the integral version of this study protocol is published as a preprint on Research Square. The results of this study will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and books, international, national and local conference presentations, social media and media in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Jaques
- Medical Library, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Chair in Geriatric Palliative Care, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Morita T, Imai K, Mori M, Yokomichi N, Tsuneto S. Defining “Continuous Deep Sedation” Using Treatment Protocol: A Proposal Article. Palliat Med Rep 2022; 3:8-15. [PMID: 36262550 PMCID: PMC8900204 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2021.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Continuous deep sedation (CDS) is regarded as a far-reaching form of sedative use for symptom control, but there are no established uniform definitions. Objectives: To propose types of sedative use related to CDS using treatment protocols with three parameters: documented treatment goals, rapidity of dose titration, and planned duration of treatment. Methods: Opinion article. Results: We propose four types of sedative use potentially related to CDS: (1) proportional sedation (treatment goal is symptom relief with regular monitoring to maximize patient communication, not a decrease in consciousness; with gradual use of sedatives; there is a chance to cease sedatives), (2) rapid proportional sedation (treatment goal is symptom relief with a rapid loading phase, followed by regular monitoring to maximize patient communication; there is a chance to cease sedatives), (3) deep sedation with a chance of cessation (deep sedation intended initially, followed by regular assessments of appropriateness of treatment goal; there is a chance to cease sedatives), and (4) continuous deep sedation until death (deep sedation indicated from initiation and maintained until death). Conclusion: This article proposes an idea that the use of treatment protocols that visualize treatment goals, rapidity of dose titration, and planned duration of treatment may help understand the existing variations in sedative use over the world. The use of treatment protocols in the same way when defining a medical treatment in other specialty fields might clear up the current confusion about the use of sedatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Morita
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Alessia S, Matilde SF, Chrystel I, Massimiliano S, Daniele D, Claudia F, Raffaella P, Flavia C, Leonardo F, Chiara C, Leonardo P, Massimo D, Mario L, Giuseppe L. The quality of palliative sedation in end-stage disease: audit from a department of oncology and haematology. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:3849-3855. [PMID: 35037117 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06730-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Palliative sedation (PS) plays a critical role to give suffering relief from refractory symptoms at the end of life. Our audit aimed to assess and improve quality of PS at the Department of Oncology and Hematology of University Hospital of Modena, to verify the adherence to international guidelines, the cooperation among members of care team, focusing with attention on family's perception of this delicate situation. METHODS From December 2016 to June 2019, data of patients undergoing PS in the Department were collected by an electronic folder tool, "Sedation Tool" (ST), that recorded clinical and PS informations, D-PaP, Rudkin score, and family's perception. RESULTS In total, 245 patients were enrolled. Eighty-two percent had a Karnofsky Performance Status 10-20%. The most common cancer types were lung and gastro-intestinal carcinomas (27% and 21% respectively). Refractory symptoms observed were confusion and agitation (76%), dyspnea (39%), pain (15%), delirium (10%), and psychological distress (5%). Midazolam was the drug of choice for PS. Most of patients had Rudkin score 5 after 24 h and 33% had terminal event within a period of 24 h from the beginning of PS. During PS, most of patient's relatives reported peacefulness (65%), agitation/impatience in 6% of cases, and concern for suffering (16%). CONCLUSION PS is used in case of worsening general conditions at the end-stage disease to relieve refractory symptoms with dignity. The ST can become a simple instrument to evaluate and improve PS quality, providing more attention on the impact of PS on relatives to then possibly develop new supportive procedures for patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saviola Alessia
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy.
| | - Schipilliti Francesca Matilde
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy
| | - Isca Chrystel
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy
| | - Salati Massimiliano
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy
| | - Dini Daniele
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fiorani Claudia
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy
| | - Postiglione Raffaella
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy
| | - Cantile Flavia
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy
| | - Ferrara Leonardo
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy
| | - Carboni Chiara
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy
| | - Potenza Leonardo
- Hematology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Dominici Massimo
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy
| | - Luppi Mario
- Hematology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Longo Giuseppe
- Oncological Medicine Unit and Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41122, Modena, Italy
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Clarke C, Cannon M, Skokauskas N, Twomey P. The debate about physician assisted suicide and euthanasia in Ireland - Implications for psychiatry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2021; 79:101747. [PMID: 34689096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2021.101747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
At present, Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia are illegal in Ireland, and are forbidden under the Irish Medical Council's ethical guidelines. With the recent introduction of a Bill in the Irish Dáil (Parliament) which would have permitted Physicial-Assisted Suicide in that country, Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia (PAS-E) has become the subject of debate, both within the medical profession and in the wider community. Geographical and historical considerations mean that the Irish situation may have relevance to many other countries, which have apparently little similarity among themselves. PAS-E is becoming more widespread and more acceptable in many countries throughout the world. There are ramifications for many aspects of medical care, and matters such as the broadening of euthanasia criteria beyond terminal illness, attitudes toward suicide, and the determination of capacity and voluntariness, suggest that it will be an important issue, not only for psychiatrists, but for the wider medical community as well, in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciaran Clarke
- University College Dublin Health Sciences Centre, Dublin D04 C7X2, Ireland.
| | - Mary Cannon
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dept of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin D09 V2N0, Ireland.
| | - Norbertas Skokauskas
- NTNU Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Pauline Twomey
- Health Service Executive, Phoenix Care Centre, Grangegorman Campus, North Circular Road, Dublin 7 D07 VPT0, Ireland.
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Raho JA, Miccinesi G. Ethical Concerns With Continuous Deep Sedation Until Death in France. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:e5-e6. [PMID: 34271143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Raho
- Department of Pediatrics (J.A.R), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Guido Miccinesi
- Istituto per lo Studio (G.M.), la Prevenzione e la Rete Oncologica (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
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Rayala S, Palat G, Mathews JJ. Impact of a Longitudinal Intervention to Improve Care Coordination between a Hospital and a Hospice: A Quality Improvement Project. Indian J Palliat Care 2021; 27:216-221. [PMID: 34511787 PMCID: PMC8428876 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_402_20] [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: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: When patients with advanced cancer transition from systemic cancer treatments at MNJ Institute of Oncology to palliative and end-of-life care at a separate stand-alone non-governmental organisation-run hospice facility, there is insufficient transfer of health information, including details of cancer diagnosis and staging, past treatments, imaging reports and goals for future care. Without this information, the hospice care team is not adequately prepared to receive and deliver high-quality palliative care for these patients. This project aims to improve the care coordination between the hospital and hospice. Materials and Methods: The measures used are the self-reported confidence score on a scale of 0 to 10 related to knowledge about plan of care among staff who receives patients at hospice at baseline and during and after interventions. Interventions included recognizing the workplace culture and promoting ownership of the tasks, enhancing communication by creating user-friendly transfer forms and on-going assessment of the process. Results: Improvement in the care coordination in terms of communication of patient goals of care, from hospital to hospice. Conclusion: QI project and the steps involved helped the team to work towards solutions objectively. Seemingly excellent ideas may not be the most impactful and data collection demonstrates this and helps identify the most successful interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spandana Rayala
- Pain Relief and Palliative Care Society, MNJ Institute of Oncology Regional Cancer Center, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Gayatri Palat
- Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, MNJ Institute of Oncology and RCC, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Jean Jacob Mathews
- Department of Supportive Care, Clinical and Research Fellow, Palliative Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
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The Relationship between Practitioners and Caregivers during a Treatment of Palliative Care: A Grounded Theory of a Challenging Collaborative Process. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18158081. [PMID: 34360374 PMCID: PMC8345580 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The possibility of coming to a “good death” is a challenging issue that crosses ethical and religious beliefs, cultural assumptions, as well as medical expertise. The provision of palliative care for relieving patients’ pain is a practice that reshapes the path to the event of death and gives form to a particular context of awareness, recalling the notion proposed by Glaser and Strauss. This decision redesigns the relationships between patients, practitioners and caregivers and introduces a new pattern of collaboration between them. Our study focuses on the implications of the collaboration between practitioners and caregivers, starting from the assumption that the latter may provide support to their loved ones and to the practitioners, but need to be supported too. We provide a qualitative analysis of this collaboration based on an empirical research that took place in four different settings of provision of palliative care, reporting the contrast between the affective engagement of caregivers and the professional approach of practitioners. We claim that this ambivalent collaboration, while embedded in contingent and incommensurable experiences, brings to the fore the broader understanding of the path to a “good death,” outlining its societal representation as a collective challenge.
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Naito AS, Morita T, Imai K, Ikenaga M, Hamano J, Abo H, Kizawa Y, Tsuneto S. Development of a Scoring System to Determine Proportional Appropriateness of Continuous Deep Sedation: A Concept-of-Proof Study. J Palliat Med 2021; 24:1539-1544. [PMID: 34297628 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0773] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Some patients require continuous deep sedation (CDS) for refractory symptoms despite intensive palliative care. The principle of proportionality is proposed on the basis of clinical decisions, but no validated tools to assist such decision making are available. Aim: To develop a scoring system to determine whether CDS is proportionally appropriate. Subjects and Methods: A secondary analysis of a nationwide questionnaire survey of Japanese palliative care specialists was performed. Physicians were asked to rate the degree that they believed CDS to be appropriate in a total of 27 scenarios based on a combination of 3 factors with 3 levels: (1) the estimated survival (days, weeks, and months), (2) the patient's wish (clear and consistent, somewhat unclear and/or inconsistent, and unclear or inconsistent), and (3) confidence in refractoriness of the symptom (definite, probable, and unsure). Based on logistic regression analyses, a scoring system with two formulas (the proportionality score to determine that continuous deep sedation is appropriate [ProScoreCDS-appropriate] and proportionality score to determine that continuous deep sedation is inappropriate [ProScoreCDS-inappropriate]) to predict specialists' decision that CDS is appropriate or inappropriate was developed. The accuracy of the formulas was investigated. Results: Among 695 palliative care specialists, 469 returned the questionnaire (response rate, 69%) and 440 were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses identified that all three factors were significantly associated with physicians' decisions about the appropriateness of performing CDS. Using weighted value, the total score ranged from 3 to 67 for ProScoreCDS-appropriate, and 3 to 27 for ProScoreCDS-inappropriate. The area under the curve (AUC) values of ProScoreCDS-appropriate and ProScoreCDS-inappropriate were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.89) and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.81-0.82), respectively. Using cutoff points of 41 and 14, sensitivity and specificity were 68.6% and 88.9% for ProScoreCDS-appropriate and 67.7% and 76.0% for ProScoreCDS-inappropriate, respectively. Conclusion: A scoring system to determine whether CDS is proportionally appropriate can be constructed, and a further study to develop a clinical tool is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akemi Shirado Naito
- Department of Palliative Care, Miyazaki Medical Association Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative Care Team, Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ikenaga
- Hospice Children's Hospice Hospital, Yodogawa Christian Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Hamano
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Abo
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Rokko Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kizawa
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Schildmann E, Rémi C, Bausewein C. [Sedation in palliative care - step by step]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2021; 146:763-768. [PMID: 34062595 DOI: 10.1055/a-1227-1842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sedation in palliative care, also called "palliative sedation", is an important treatment option for patients who experience unbearable suffering from treatment-refractory symptoms at the end of life. The aim is to reduce this suffering as far as possible by reduction of the patient's consciousness. Good communication between all people involved is crucial for these clinically and ethically challenging situations. This article presents definitions of key terms and of different types of sedation. It then describes the process of sedation step by step: 0. Pre-emptive discussion of the option of sedation (in the context of advance care planning); 1. indication and decision making; 2. information and informed consent; 3. documentation when starting sedation; 4. start of sedation; 5. monitoring and adaption of sedation; 6. medical and nursing care and documentation during sedation; 7. care and processes after the death of the patient (if applicable).
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Tomczyk M, Dieudonné-Rahm N, Jox RJ. A qualitative study on continuous deep sedation until death as an alternative to assisted suicide in Switzerland. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:67. [PMID: 33990204 PMCID: PMC8122537 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00761-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the European Association for Palliative Care, decisions regarding palliative sedation should not be made in response to requests for assisted dying, such as euthanasia or assisted suicide. However, several studies show that continuous deep sedation until death (CDSUD) - a particular form of sedation - has been considered as an alternative to these practices in some countries. In Switzerland, where assisted suicide is decriminalized and CDSUD is not legally regulated, no studies have comprehensively investigated their relation. Our study aimed to identify and describe the experience among palliative care physicians of CDSUD as a potential alternative to assisted suicide in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. METHODS We performed an exploratory multicentre qualitative study based on interviews with palliative care physicians in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and conducted linguistic and thematic analysis of all interview transcripts. The study is described in accordance with COREQ guidelines. RESULTS We included 10 interviews conducted in four palliative care units. Our linguistic analysis shows four main types of sedation, which we called 'rapid CDSUD', 'gradual CDSUD', 'temporary sedation' and 'intermittent sedation'. CDSUD (rapid or gradual) was not considered an alternative to assisted suicide, even if a single situation has been reported. In contrast, 'temporary' or 'intermittent sedation', although not medically indicated, was sometimes introduced in response to a request for assisted suicide. This was the fact when there were barriers to an assisted suicide at home (e.g., when transfer home was impossible or the patient wished not to burden the family). CONCLUSION These preliminary results can guide clinical, ethical, linguistic and legal reflection in this field and be used to explore this question more deeply at the national and international levels in a comparative, interdisciplinary and multiprofessional approach. They can also be useful to update Swiss clinical guidelines on palliative sedation in order to include specific frameworks on various sedation protocols and sedation as an alternative to assisted suicide. Potential negative impacts of considering palliative sedation as an alternative to assisted suicide should be nuanced by open and honest societal debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, Av. de Provence 82, CH-1007, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Nathalie Dieudonné-Rahm
- Palliative Care Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Chemin de la Savonnière 11, 1245 Collonge Bellerive, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, Av. de Provence 82, CH-1007, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Palliative & Supportive Care Service, Chair in Geriatric Palliative Care, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, Av. Pierre-Decker 5, CH-1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Hui D, Bohlke K, Bao T, Campbell TC, Coyne PJ, Currow DC, Gupta A, Leiser AL, Mori M, Nava S, Reinke LF, Roeland EJ, Seigel C, Walsh D, Campbell ML. Management of Dyspnea in Advanced Cancer: ASCO Guideline. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:1389-1411. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.03465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide guidance on the clinical management of dyspnea in adult patients with advanced cancer. METHODS ASCO convened an Expert Panel to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. An Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) systematic review provided the evidence base for nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions to alleviate dyspnea. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with a concurrent comparison group published through early May 2020. The ASCO Expert Panel also wished to address dyspnea assessment, management of underlying conditions, and palliative care referrals, and for these questions, an additional systematic review identified RCTs, systematic reviews, and guidelines published through July 2020. RESULTS The AHRQ systematic review included 48 RCTs and two retrospective cohort studies. Lung cancer and mesothelioma were the most commonly addressed types of cancer. Nonpharmacologic interventions such as fans provided some relief from breathlessness. Support for pharmacologic interventions was limited. A meta-analysis of specialty breathlessness services reported improvements in distress because of dyspnea. RECOMMENDATIONS A hierarchical approach to dyspnea management is recommended, beginning with dyspnea assessment, ascertainment and management of potentially reversible causes, and referral to an interdisciplinary palliative care team. Nonpharmacologic interventions that may be offered to relieve dyspnea include airflow interventions (eg, a fan directed at the cheek), standard supplemental oxygen for patients with hypoxemia, and other psychoeducational, self-management, or complementary approaches. For patients who derive inadequate relief from nonpharmacologic interventions, systemic opioids should be offered. Other pharmacologic interventions, such as corticosteroids and benzodiazepines, are also discussed. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hui
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kari Bohlke
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA
| | - Ting Bao
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | - Arjun Gupta
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aliza L. Leiser
- Rutgers RWJ Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Masanori Mori
- Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Stefano Nava
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Alma Mater University, Bologna, Italy
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Tomczyk M, Viallard ML, Beloucif S. [Current status of clinical practice guidelines on palliative sedation for adults in French-speaking countries]. Bull Cancer 2021; 108:284-294. [PMID: 33461728 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many clinical practice guidelines on palliative sedation have been developed. To date, studies on French-language guidelines are lacking, despite the specific and potentially influential end-of-life positions taken by some French-speaking countries. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the guidelines related to palliative sedation for adults in French-speaking countries, taking a synchronic and diachronic approach (current and former guidelines). METHODS Guidelines published in French since 2000 were searched for multiple databases. In addition, prominent palliative care experts in French-speaking countries were contacted individually. A content analysis of all guidelines was conducted. RESULTS A total of 21 guidelines from 18 countries were identified. Among them, at the time of the data collection, 14 guidelines were effectively compiled in four countries or provinces: Belgium, France, Canada (Quebec) and Switzerland. No guidelines were found for African countries. The recommendations analyzed were very heterogeneous in form (simple proposals or formal guidelines) and in substance (i.e. different types of sedation). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The quantity and volume of the guidelines found and the heterogeneity of the terminology prevented a detailed analysis of the content of the texts. An analysis must be performed using a synchronic approach only and focusing on a specific element of one type of sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Tomczyk
- CHUV & université de Lausanne, institut des humanités en médecine, 82, avenue de Provence, CH-1007 Lausanne, Suisse.
| | - Marcel-Louis Viallard
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades (AP-HP), unité douleur & médecine palliative périnatale, pédiatrique, adulte, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sadek Beloucif
- Université Sorbonne-Paris-Nord, hôpital universitaire Avicenne (AP-HP), service d'anesthésie-réanimation, 125, rue de Stalingrad, 93000 Bobigny, France
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Díez-Manglano J, Sánchez Muñoz LÁ, García Fenoll R, Freire E, Isasi de Isasmendi Pérez S, Carneiro AH, Torres Bonafonte O. Spanish and Portuguese Societies of Internal Medicine consensus guideline about best practice in end-of-life care. Rev Clin Esp 2021; 221:33-44. [PMID: 32534804 DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2020.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM To develop consensus recommendations about good clinical practice rules for caring end-of-life patients. METHODS A steering committee of 12 Spanish and Portuguese experts proposed 37 recommendations. A two rounds Delphi method was performed, with participation of 105 panelists including internists, other clinicians, nurses, patients, lawyers, bioethicians, health managers, politicians and journalists. We sent a questionnaire with 5 Likert-type answers for each recommendation. Strong consensus was defined when > 95% answers were completely agree or > 90% were agree or completely agree; and weak consensus when > 90% answers were completely agree or > 80% were agree or completely agree. RESULTS The panel addressed 7 specific areas for 37 recommendations spanning: identification of patients; knowledge of the disease, values and preferences of the patient; information; patient's needs; support and care; palliative sedation, and after death care. CONCLUSIONS The panel formulated and provided the rationale for recommendations on good clinical practice rules for caring end-of-life patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Díez-Manglano
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Royo Villanova, Zaragoza, España.
| | - L Á Sánchez Muñoz
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, España
| | - R García Fenoll
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
| | - E Freire
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Portugal
| | | | - A H Carneiro
- Departamento de Medicina, Urgência e UCI, Hospital da Luz Arrábida, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - O Torres Bonafonte
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, España
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Tejero E, Pardo P, Sánchez-Sánchez S, Galera R, Casitas R, Martínez-Cerón E, García-Rio F. [Palliative Sedation at the End of Life: A Comparative Study of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Cancer Patients]. Respiration 2020; 100:1-10. [PMID: 33341817 DOI: 10.1159/000510537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receive poor-quality palliative care, information about the use of palliative sedation (PS) in the last days of life is very scarce. OBJECTIVES To compare the use of PS in hospitalized patients who died from COPD or lung cancer and identify factors correlating with PS application. METHODS In a retrospective observational cohort study, from 1,675 patients died at a teaching hospital between 2013 and 2015, 109 patients who died from COPD and 85 from lung cancer were compared. Sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics, health care resource utilization, application of PS and prescribed drugs were recorded. RESULTS In the last 6 months of life, patients who died from COPD had more hospital admissions due to respiratory causes and less frequent support by a palliative home care team (PHCT). Meanwhile, during their last hospitalization, patients who died from COPD had fewer do-not-resuscitate orders and were subjected to more intensive care unit admissions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers. PS was applied less frequently in patients who died from COPD than in those who died from lung cancer (31 vs. 53%, p = 0.002). Overall, previous use of opioid drugs, support by a PHCT, and a diagnosis of COPD (adjusted odds ratio 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26-0.89, p = 0.020) were retained as factors independently related to PS. In COPD patients, only previous use of opioid drugs was identified as a PS-related factor. CONCLUSION During their last days of life, hospitalized COPD patients receive PS less frequently than patients with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Tejero
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Spain
| | - Paloma Pardo
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Spain
| | | | - Raúl Galera
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Casitas
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisabet Martínez-Cerón
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco García-Rio
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain, .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain, .,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,
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Spanish and Portuguese Societies of Internal Medicine consensus guideline about best practice in end-of-life care. Rev Clin Esp 2020; 221:33-44. [PMID: 33998477 DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2020.04.009] [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: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM To develop consensus recommendations about good clinical practice rules for caring end-of-life patients. METHODS A steering committee of 12 Spanish and Portuguese experts proposed 37 recommendations. A two rounds Delphi method was performed, with participation of 105 panelists including internists, other clinicians, nurses, patients, lawyers, bioethicians, health managers, politicians and journalists. We sent a questionnaire with 5 Likert-type answers for each recommendation. Strong consensus was defined when >95% answers were completely agree or >90% were agree or completely agree; and weak consensus when >90% answers were completely agree or >80% were agree or completely agree. RESULTS The panel addressed 7 specific areas for 37 recommendations spanning: identification of patients; knowledge of the disease, values and preferences of the patient; information; patient's needs; support and care; palliative sedation, and after death care. CONCLUSIONS The panel formulated and provided the rationale for recommendations on good clinical practice rules for caring end-of-life patients.
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Barsness JG, Regnier CR, Hook CC, Mueller PS. US medical and surgical society position statements on physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia: a review. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:111. [PMID: 33143695 PMCID: PMC7640655 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00556-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An analysis of the position statements of secular US medical and surgical professional societies on physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and euthanasia have not been published recently. Available statements were evaluated for position, content, and sentiment. METHODS In order to create a comprehensive list of secular medical and surgical societies, the results of a systematic search using Google were cross-referenced with a list of societies that have a seat on the American Medical Association House of Delegates. Societies with position statements were identified. These statements were divided into 5 categories: opposed to PAS and/or euthanasia, studied neutrality, supportive, acknowledgement without statement, and no statement. Linguistic analysis was performed using RapidMinder in order to determine word frequency and sentiment respective to individual statements. To ensure accuracy, only statements with word counts > 100 were analyzed. A 2-tailed independent t test was used to test for variance among sentiment scores of opposing and studied neutrality statements. RESULTS Of 150 societies, only 12 (8%) have position statements on PAS and euthanasia: 11 for PAS (5 opposing and 4 studied neutrality) and 9 for euthanasia (6 opposing and 2 studied neutrality). Although the most popular words used in opposing and studied neutrality statements are similar, notable exceptions exist (suicide, medicine, and treatment appear frequently in opposing statements, but not in studied neutrality statements, whereas psychologists, law, and individuals appear frequently in studied neutrality statements, but not in opposing statements). Sentiment scores for opposing and studied neutrality statements do not differ (mean, 0.094 vs. 0.104; P = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS Few US medical and surgical societies have position statements on PAS and euthanasia. Among them, opposing and studied neutrality statements share similar linguistic sentiment. Opposing and studied neutrality statements have clear differences, but share recommendations. Both opposing and studied neutrality statements cite potential risks of PAS legalization and suggest that good palliative care might diminish a patient's desire for PAS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul S Mueller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse, 800 West Ave S, La Crosse, WI, 54601, USA.
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Kremling A, Schildmann J. What do you mean by "palliative sedation"? : Pre-explicative analyses as preliminary steps towards better definitions. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:147. [PMID: 32967659 PMCID: PMC7513316 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00635-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sedation in palliative care is frequently but controversially discussed. Heterogeneous definitions and conceptual confusion have been cited as contributing to different problems 1) relevant to empirical research, for example, inconsistent data about practice, the 'data problem', and 2) relevant for an ethically legitimate characterisation of the practice, the 'problem of ethical pre-emption'. However, little is known about how exactly definitions differ, how they cause confusion and how this can be overcome. METHOD Pre-explicative analyses: (A) systematic literature search for guidelines on sedation in palliative care and systematic decomposition of the definitions of the practice in these guidelines; (B) logical distinction of different ways through which the two problems reported might be caused by definitions; and (C) analysis of how content of the definitions contributes to the problems reported in these different ways. RESULTS 29 guidelines from 14 countries were identified. Definitions differ significantly in both structure and content. We identified three ways in which definitions can cause the 'data problem' - 1) different definitions, 2) deviating implicit concepts, 3) disagreement about facts. We identified two ways to cause the problem of ethical pre-emption: 1) explicit or 2) implicit normativity. Decomposition of definitions linked to the distinguished ways of causing the conceptual problems shows how exactly single parts of definitions can cause the problems identified. CONCLUSION Current challenges concerning empirical research on sedation in palliative care can be remediated partly by improved definitions in the future, if content and structure of the used definitions is chosen systematically. In addition, future research should bear in mind that there are distinct purposes of definitions. Regarding the 'data problem', improving definitions is possible in terms of supplementary information, checking for implicit understanding, systematic choice of definitional elements. 'Ethical pre-emption', in contrast, is a pseudo problem if definitions and the relationship of definitions and norms of good practice are understood correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kremling
- Institute of History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Madgeburger Straße 8, Halle (Saale), 06112 Germany
| | - Jan Schildmann
- Institute of History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Madgeburger Straße 8, Halle (Saale), 06112 Germany
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Maeda S, Kato I, Umeda K, Hiramatsu H, Takita J, Adachi S, Tsuneto S. Continuous deep sedation at the end of life in children with cancer: experience at a single center in Japan. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2020; 37:365-374. [PMID: 32379512 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2020.1744781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Continuous deep sedation (CDS) is used to alleviate unbearable and otherwise refractory symptoms in patients dying of cancer. No data are available concerning CDS in children from Japan to date. This study primarily aimed to describe experience in CDS in child cancer patients at Kyoto University Hospital. The secondary aims were to identify the characteristics of patients who received CDS, and to assess ability in daily living at the end of life. A retrospective chart review was performed for child cancer patients who died at the institute between 2008 and 2017. The data of 35 patients were analyzed. Nine (26%) patients had received CDS. Indications for CDS were dyspnea (56%), agitation (22%), seizures (22%), and pain (11%). Midazolam was used in all nine cases. In eight (89%) patients, opioids were also prescribed. In seven (78%) patients, CDS was performed for < 48 hours. In all nine cases, consent was obtained from the parent(s) but not from the children. CDS was more likely in patients with solid tumors (p = 0.018) and those who had received no respite sedation (p = 0.002). Patients without central nervous system symptoms tended to maintain their capacity for oral intake and verbal communication until a few days prior to death. This is the first report on CDS in child cancer patients from Japan. In the CDS literature, cross-study differences are evident for incidence, target symptoms, duration, and the decision-making process. Further international discussion is warranted concerning indications for CDS and the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Maeda
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Itaru Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Katsutsugu Umeda
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Hiramatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junko Takita
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Souichi Adachi
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Gamblin V, Berry V, Tresch-Bruneel E, Reich M, Da Silva A, Villet S, Penel N, Prod'Homme C. Midazolam sedation in palliative medicine: retrospective study in a French center for cancer control. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:85. [PMID: 32560644 PMCID: PMC7305615 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00592-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND French legislation about sedation in palliative medicine evolved in 2016 with the introduction of a right to deep and continuous sedation, maintained until death. The objective was to describe midazolam sedation at the COL (Centre Oscar Lambret [Oscar Lambret Center], French regional center for cancer control), in order to establish a current overview before the final legislative changes. METHODS Descriptive, retrospective and single-center study, concerning major patients in palliative care hospitalized from 01/01/2014 to 12/31/2015, who had been sedated by midazolam. The proven sedations (explicitly named) and the probable sedations were distinguished. RESULTS A total of 54 sedations were identified (48 proven, 6 probable). Refractory symptoms accounted for 48.1% of indications, complications with immediate risk of death 46.3%, existential suffering 5.6%. Titration was performed in 44.4% of cases. Sedation was continuous until death for 98.1% of the cases. Probable sedation had a higher failure rate than proven sedation. Significant differences existed for the palliative care unit compared to other units regarding information to the patient, their consent, anticipation, mention by correspondence and carrying out titrations. When patients had already been treated with midazolam, the induction doses, initial maintenance doses, and doses at the time of death were significantly higher. For those receiving opioids, the maintenance dose at the time of death was higher. No comparison found a difference in overall survival. CONCLUSIONS After a sufficient follow-up has enabled teams to familiarize with this new legislation, reflection on sedation should be conducted to adapt to final recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gamblin
- Palliative care unit, Oscar Lambret center, 3 rue Frédéric Combemale, 59020, Lille, France.
| | - Vincent Berry
- Palliative care unit, Maison Médicale Jean XXIII, 3 Place Erasme de Rotterdam, 59160, Lille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Tresch-Bruneel
- Direction of Research and Innovation, Oscar Lambret center, 3 rue Frédéric Combemale, 59020, Lille, France
| | - Michel Reich
- Palliative care unit, Oscar Lambret center, 3 rue Frédéric Combemale, 59020, Lille, France
| | - Arlette Da Silva
- Palliative care unit, Oscar Lambret center, 3 rue Frédéric Combemale, 59020, Lille, France
| | - Stéphanie Villet
- Palliative care unit, Oscar Lambret center, 3 rue Frédéric Combemale, 59020, Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Penel
- Direction of Research and Innovation, Oscar Lambret center, 3 rue Frédéric Combemale, 59020, Lille, France
- Lille University Hospital and Medical School, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Chloé Prod'Homme
- Lille University Hospital and Medical School, Palliative care unit, 59000, Lille, France
- ETHICS (Experiment, Transhumanism, Human Interactions, Care and Society) - EA 7446, Lille Catholic University, 59800, Lille, France
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Benítez-Rosario MA, Ascanio-León B. Palliative sedation: beliefs and decision-making among Spanish palliative care physicians. Support Care Cancer 2020; 28:2651-2658. [PMID: 31637516 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05086-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe physician attitudes to deep palliative sedation. METHODS A nationwide e-survey of Spanish palliative care specialists was performed using vignettes which described patients close to death with intractable symptoms. Sedation levels were defined according to the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess the explanatory factors involved in decision-making. RESULTS Responses of 292 palliative care specialists were analyzed (response rate 40%). Ninety-four percent, 87%, and 81% of the respondents supported the use of palliative sedation in cases of irreversible refractory symptoms as hyperactive delirium and dyspnea at rest secondary to lung cancer and GOLD stage IV COPD; 60% agreed with the use of palliative sedation in cases of existential suffering. Logistic regression analysis found as the explanatory factor in not performing palliative sedation the physicians' belief that sedation therapy constitutes undercover euthanasia (OR = 12, p < 0.01). Around 80% of physicians who decided on palliative sedation chose deep/complete sedation for every vignette; there were no common explanatory factors for decision-making for every vignette. The belief that sedation therapy equates to undercover euthanasia justifies not performing deep sedation in cases of irreversible refractory agitated delirium (OR = 7) and irreversible intractable dyspnea (OR = 6). Physician background in palliative care and sedation were associated with the selection of deep/complete sedation in cases of refractory delirium and cancer-associated dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS Spanish palliative physicians generally agree with the use of deep sedation as a proportionate treatment in dying patients with refractory symptoms. Decision-making is associated with physician beliefs regarding euthanasia and with the physician's background in palliative care and sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Benítez-Rosario
- Palliative Care Unit, La Candelaria Hospital, Canary Health Service, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Crtra del Rosario 145, 38010, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Belén Ascanio-León
- Palliative Care Unit, La Candelaria Hospital, Canary Health Service, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Crtra del Rosario 145, 38010, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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Association between continuous deep sedation and survival time in terminally ill cancer patients. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:525-531. [PMID: 32415383 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our study aimed to evaluate the association between CDS and survival time using the likelihood of receiving CDS to select a matched non-CDS group through an accurate measurement of survival time based on initiation of CDS. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed using an electronic database to collect data regarding terminally ill cancer patients admitted to a specialized palliative care unit from January 2012 to December 2016. We first used a Cox proportional hazard model with receiving CDS as the outcome to identify individuals with the highest plausibility of receiving CDS among the non-CDS group (n = 663). We then performed a multiple regression analysis comparing the CDS group (n = 311) and weighted non-CDS group (n = 311), using initiation of CDS (actual for the CDS group; estimated for the non-CDS group) as the starting time-point for measuring survival time. RESULTS Approximately 32% of participants received CDS. The most common indications were delirium or agitation (58.2%), intractable pain (28.9%), and dyspnea (10.6%). Final multiple regression analysis revealed that survival time was longer in the CDS group than in the non-CDS group (Exp(β), 1.41; P < 0.001). Longer survival with CDS was more prominent in females, patients with renal dysfunction, and individuals with low C-reactive protein (CRP) or ferritin, compared with their counterpart subgroup. CONCLUSIONS CDS was not associated with shortened survival; instead, it was associated with longer survival in our terminally ill cancer patients. Further studies in other populations are required to confirm or refute these findings.
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Imai K, Morita T, Akechi T, Baba M, Yamaguchi T, Sumi H, Tashiro S, Aita K, Shimizu T, Hamano J, Sekimoto G, Maeda I, Shinjo T, Nagayama J, Hayashi E, Hisayama Y, Inaba K, Abo H, Suga A, Ikenaga M. The Principles of Revised Clinical Guidelines about Palliative Sedation Therapy of the Japanese Society for Palliative Medicine. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:1184-1190. [PMID: 32283043 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: When the suffering of a terminally ill patient is intolerable and refractory, sedatives are sometimes used for symptom relief. Objective: To describe the main principles of revised Japanese clinical guidelines about palliative sedation therapy. Design: Consensus methods using the Delphi technique were used. Results: The main principles of the guidelines that were newly defined or developed are as follows: (1) palliative sedation was defined as "administration of sedatives for the purpose of alleviating refractory suffering" (excluding the aim of reducing patient consciousness); (2) palliative sedation was classified according to the method of administration of sedatives: respite sedation versus continuous sedation (including (continuous) proportional sedation and continuous deep sedation); (3) a description of state-of-the-art recommended treatments for difficult symptoms such as delirium, dyspnea, and pain before the symptom was determined as refractory was included; (4) the principle of proportionality was newly defined from an ethical point of view; and (5) families' consent was regarded as being desirable (mandatory in the previous version). Conclusions: We described the main principles of revised Japanese clinical guidelines about palliative sedation therapy. Further consensus building is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Akechi
- Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mika Baba
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Suita Tokushukai Hospital, Suita, Japan
| | | | - Hiroko Sumi
- Nursing Department, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shimon Tashiro
- Department of Sociology, Graduate School of Arts and Letters, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kaoruko Aita
- Uehiro Division, The Center for Death and Life Studies and Practical Ethics, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shimizu
- Iwate University of Health and Medical Sciences, Morioka, Japan
| | - Jun Hamano
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Go Sekimoto
- Home Palliative Care, Sekimoto Home Care Clinic, Kobe, Japan
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Care, Senri-Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | | | - Jun Nagayama
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Hamanomachi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eriko Hayashi
- Department of Nursing, Fujisawa Shounandai Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yukie Hisayama
- Patient Family Support Center, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | | | - Hirofumi Abo
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Rokko Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Masayuki Ikenaga
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Yodogawa Christian Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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Díez-Manglano J, Isasi de Isasmendi Pérez S, García Fenoll R, Sánchez LÁ, Formiga F, Giner Galvañ V, Dueñas C, Roca B, Estrada Díaz C, Casariego Vales E. Palliative Sedation in Patients Hospitalized in Internal Medicine Departments. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:302-309. [PMID: 31655190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative sedation is used to relieve end-of-life refractory symptoms. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to describe the use of palliative sedation in patients who die in internal medicine departments. METHODS An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, and multicenter clinical audit study was conducted in 145 hospitals in Spain and Argentina. Each hospital included the first 10 patients who died in the internal medicine department, starting on December 1, 2015. RESULTS We included 1447 patients, and palliative sedation was administered to 701 patients (48.4%). Having a terminal illness (odds ratio [OR] 2.469, 95% CI 1.971-3.093, P < 0.001) and the length of hospital stay (OR 1.011, 95% CI 1.002-1.021, P = 0.017) were independently associated with the use of palliative sedation. Consent was granted by the families of 582 (83%) patients. The most common refractory symptom was dyspnea, and the most commonly used drugs for sedation were midazolam (77%) and morphine (89.7%). An induction dose was administered in 25.7% of the patients. Rescue doses were scheduled for 70% of the patients, and hydration was maintained in 49.5%. Pain was more common in patients with cancer, whereas dyspnea was more common in those without cancer. Rescue doses were used more often for the patients with cancer (77.8% vs. 67.7%, P = 0.015). Monitoring the palliative sedation with a scale was more frequent in the patients with cancer (23.7% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Palliative sedation is used more often for terminal patients. There are differences in the administration of palliative sedation between patients with and without cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luis Ángel Sánchez
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Françesc Formiga
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Dueñas
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Bernardino Roca
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital General Universitario, Castellón, Spain
| | - Cristina Estrada Díaz
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Mutua de Tarrassa, Tarrassa, Spain
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Tomczyk M, Dieudonné-Rham N. [Conceptualization of palliative sedation by nurses working in a palliative care unit in French-speaking Switzerland: An exploratory qualitative study]. Rech Soins Infirm 2019; 137:6-17. [PMID: 31453673 DOI: 10.3917/rsi.137.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction : The concept of palliative sedation is not defined in a uniform way at the international level. In Switzerland, it is outlined by the recommendations issued in 2005.Background : The conceptualization of palliative sedation by nurses is likely to be heterogeneous, due to the diversity of local protocols but also to personal experiences. This poses both epistemological and practical difficulties. Although this point is crucial to take into account in order to define the object of future studies in Switzerland, it has not yet been explored in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.Objectives : To discover and describe the conceptualization of palliative sedation by nurses in a palliative care unit in French-speaking Switzerland.Methods : Exploratory qualitative research with comprehensive individual interviews.Results : Palliative sedation is considered as a treatment of last resort for one or more refractory symptoms. The search for the lowest effective dose and the temporary (at least initially) character of sedation are the main elements put forward by nurses.Discussion and conclusion : The conceptualization of palliative sedation is consistent withSwiss recommendations. These results form a basis for developing a national study on the subject.
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Rodrigues P, Menten J, Gastmans C. Physicians' perceptions of palliative sedation for existential suffering: a systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2019; 10:136-144. [PMID: 31481477 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative sedation for existential suffering (PS-ES) is a controversial clinical intervention. Empirical studies about physicians' perceptions do not converge in a clear position and current clinical practice guidelines do not agree either regarding this kind of intervention. AIM To gain deeper insight into physicians' perceptions of PS-ES, the factors influencing it, the conditions for implementing it and the alternatives to it. DESIGN Systematic review of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies following the Peer Review Electronic Search Strategies and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses protocols; quality appraisal and thematic synthesis methodology. DATA SOURCES Seven electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES) were exhaustively searched from inception through March 2019. Two reviewers screened paper titles, abstracts and full texts. We included only peer-reviewed journal articles published in English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese that focused on physicians' perceptions of PS-ES. RESULTS The search yielded 17 publications published between 2002 and 2017. Physicians do not hold clear views or agree if and when PS-ES is appropriate. Case-related and individual-related factors that influenced physicians' perceptions were identified. There is still no consensus regarding criteria to distinguish between necessary and sufficient conditions for invoking PS-ES. Some alternatives to PS-ES were identified. CONCLUSIONS To date, there is still no consensus on physicians' perceptions of PS-ES. Further research is necessary to understand factors that influence physicians' perceptions and philosophical-ethical presuppositions underlying this perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Rodrigues
- ETHICS 7446 - Centre d'éthique médicale, Université Catholique de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Johan Menten
- Interfaculty Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Gastmans
- Interfaculty Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Bruce A, Beuthin R. Medically Assisted Dying in Canada: "Beautiful Death" Is Transforming Nurses' Experiences of Suffering. Can J Nurs Res 2019; 52:268-277. [PMID: 31188639 DOI: 10.1177/0844562119856234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses witness pain and distress up close and consequently experience their own suffering. A narrative study of Canadian nurses' participating in medical assistance in dying found nurses' previous witnessing of unresolved end-of-life suffering has shaped their acceptance of medical assistance in dying. Little is known about the impact of participating in medically assisted dying on nurses' suffering. PURPOSE To explore how nurses' overall experience of suffering is shaped by participating in medical assistance in dying. METHODS Qualitative secondary analysis using narrative inquiry and thematic analysis. RESULTS Nurses' narratives are chronologically organized addressing experiences of suffering before medical assistance in dying was a legal option and after its implementation. An overarching narrative before the availability of medical assistance in dying is (1) a culture of nurses' taken-for-granted suffering: feeling terrible. After medical assistance in dying, two key narratives describe (2) transformational feelings of a beautiful death and (3) residual discomfort. Nurses found their suffering transformed when participating in medical assistance in dying; end-of-life care was satisfying and gratifying. And yet, unanswered questions due to worries of becoming desensitized and ongoing deeper questioning remain. CONCLUSIONS Participating in medical assistance in dying has positively impacted nurses and starkly contrasts their previous experiences caring for those with unbearable suffering. Further research is needed to explore becoming desensitized and long-term emotional impact for nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bruce
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rosanne Beuthin
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Ciancio AL, Mirza RM, Ciancio AA, Klinger CA. The Use of Palliative Sedation to Treat Existential Suffering: A Scoping Review on Practices, Ethical Considerations, and Guidelines. J Palliat Care 2019; 35:13-20. [DOI: 10.1177/0825859719827585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Context: Though palliative sedation has been recognized as an acceptable practice in Canada for many years now, there is a lack of clinical research and guidelines pertaining to its use as a treatment of existential refractory symptoms in the terminally ill. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to survey the literature surrounding palliative sedation and existential suffering and to inform research, policy, and practice. Methods: To address the main research question: Is palliative sedation an acceptable intervention to treat existential refractory symptoms in adults aged 65 and older? a scoping review following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework was performed, spanning electronic databases of the peer reviewed and grey literature. Articles were screened for inclusion, and a thematic content analysis allowed for a summary of key findings. Results: Out of 427 search results, 71 full text articles were obtained, 20 of which were included. Out of these articles, four themes were identified as key findings. These included: (1) Ethical considerations; (2) The role of the health care provider; looking specifically at the impact on nurses; (3) The need for multidisciplinary care teams; and (4) Existential suffering’s connection to religiosity and spirituality. Conclusion: Palliative sedation to treat existential refractory symptoms was labelled a controversial practice. A shortage of evidence-based resources limits the current literature’s ability to inform policy and clinical practice. There is a need for both qualitative and quantitative multi-center research so health care professionals and regional-level institutions have firm roots to establish proper policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allysa L. Ciancio
- Health Studies Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raza M. Mirza
- Institute for Life Course and Aging, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy A. Ciancio
- Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher A. Klinger
- Institute for Life Course and Aging, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Research Program, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
'Palliation sedation' is a widely used term to describe the intentional administration of sedatives to reduce a dying person's consciousness to relieve intolerable suffering from refractory symptoms. Research studies generally focus on either 'continuous sedation until death' or 'continuous deep sedation'. It is not always clear whether instances of secondary sedation (i.e. caused by specific symptom management) have been excluded. Continuous deep sedation is controversial because it ends a person's 'biographical life' (the ability to interact meaningfully with other people) and shortens 'biological life'. Ethically, continuous deep sedation is an exceptional last resort measure. Studies suggest that continuous deep sedation has become 'normalized' in some countries and some palliative care services. Of concern is the dissonance between guidelines and practice. At the extreme, there are reports of continuous deep sedation which are best described as non-voluntary (unrequested) euthanasia. Other major concerns relate to its use for solely non-physical (existential) reasons, the under-diagnosis of delirium and its mistreatment, and not appreciating that unresponsiveness is not the same as unconsciousness (unawareness). Ideally, a multiprofessional palliative care team should be involved before proceeding to continuous deep sedation. Good palliative care greatly reduces the need for continuous deep sedation.
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Badarau DO, De Clercq E, Elger BS. Continuous Deep Sedation and Euthanasia in Pediatrics: Does One Really Exclude the Other for Terminally Ill Patients? THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHILOSOPHY 2019; 44:50-70. [PMID: 30649451 DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhy033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Debates on morally acceptable and lawful end-of-life (EOL) practices in pediatrics were reignited by the recent amendment in Belgian law to allow euthanasia for minors of any age who meet the criteria for capacity. Euthanasia and its legalization in pediatrics are often opposed based on the availability of aggressive palliative sedation. For terminally ill patients, this type of sedation is often identified as continuous and deep sedation until death (CDS). We demonstrate that this reasoning is based on flawed assumptions: (1) CDS is a morally preferable alternative to euthanasia; (2) CDS can meet the same patient needs as euthanasia; (3) children lack the capacity and experience to make EOL decisions; (4) unlike euthanasia, CDS does not raise capacity issues. Our aim is not to reject CDS as a valid option at the EOL, nor to offer a clear-cut defense of euthanasia for minors, but to emphasize the ethical issues with both practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Cellarius
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Mount Sinai Hospital, 4th Floor, 60 Murray Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3L9; and Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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