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Vitous CA, Shabet C, Ferguson C, Edwards S, Duby A, Suwanabol PA. Family perspectives on end-of-life care after surgery: A qualitative analysis of the veteran affairs bereaved family surveys. Am J Surg 2024; 233:11-15. [PMID: 38168605 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using open-text responses from the Bereaved Family Survey (BFS), we sought to explore Veteran family experiences on end-of-life care after surgery. METHODS We evaluated 936 open-text responses for all decedents who underwent any high-risk surgical procedure across 124 Veterans Affairs facilities between 2010 and 2019. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Respondents expressed a belief in the decedent's unnecessary pain, expressing distrust in the treatment decisions of the care team. Limited communication regarding the severity of disease or risks of surgery caused conflicting and unresolved narratives regarding the cause or timing of death. Respondents described feelings of disempowerment when they were not involved in decision-making and when their wishes were not respected. CONCLUSIONS Timely and sensitive conversations, including acknowledging uncertainty in outcomes, may ensure a more positive experience for bereaved families.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ann Vitous
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.
| | | | - Cara Ferguson
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Sydney Edwards
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Ashley Duby
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Pasithorn A Suwanabol
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
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Taqi KM, Lee CW, Zhang JW, Hawley P, Cheifetz R. Practicing Surgeons' Perception of Barriers to Palliative Care Delivery in British Columbia. Cureus 2024; 16:e58061. [PMID: 38738150 PMCID: PMC11088467 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Utilization of palliative care remains low among surgical patients. We aim to characterize general surgeons' perceptions of barriers to access palliative care in British Columbia (BC). METHODS Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a total of 11 surgeons in BC. Interviews were transcribed for thematic analysis via interpretive description. Dominant themes were identified and agreed upon between the authors. RESULTS Several barriers were identified, which include system and institution, communication and surgical workflow barriers. At the system and institutional level, there were difficulties accessing patient information and continuity of care. Themes in the communication included patient misconceptions about palliative care and communication challenges with consulting services. Surgical workflow barriers influenced the overall perceived role of surgeons when caring for patients with palliative care needs. CONCLUSION Understanding surgeons' perspectives on barriers to palliative care is an important step in changing management. This can aid in the development of strategies that ease access to palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadhim M Taqi
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CAN
| | - Christina W Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CAN
| | - Jenny W Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CAN
| | - Philippa Hawley
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CAN
| | - Rona Cheifetz
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CAN
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Slusser K, Velasco RAF, Coats H. Patient, Caregiver, and Clinician Perceptions of Palliative Care that Influence Access and Use: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:452-464. [PMID: 37345634 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231185344] [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: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Benefits of integration of palliative care early in the trajectory of a patient's serious illness are well established in the literature. Yet, barriers to palliative care access in the US continue to exist. The purpose of this study is to synthesize existing qualitative data of patient, caregiver, and clinician perceptions of palliative care (PC) that influence PC access and use in the US. Methods: A formal qualitative meta-synthesis was completed. The meta-synthesis included 1) a systematic literature search of qualitative studies conducted from 2016 to 2021, 2) a critical appraisal of the included studies, and 3) a reciprocal translation of the study's findings through an interpretive thematic analysis. Results: Seven articles met inclusion criteria resulting in a sample size of patients (n=18), caregivers (n=15), and clinicians (n=118). Three themes emerged with associated subthemes: knowledge and opinions of PC (subthemes of patient and caregiver knowledge and awareness and clinician knowledge and beliefs); care coordination and collaboration (subthemes of communication and trust); and social and structural drivers (subthemes of socioeconomic demographics and time and resources). Conclusions: This qualitative meta-synthesis identifies barriers and facilitators to palliative care access and use. The study findings illuminate the commonalities and differences of the perceptions of the three key stakeholder groups. In addition, this qualitative meta-synthesis reveals the complexities within the US healthcare system, and the challenges patients and their caregivers face accessing PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Slusser
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Heather Coats
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Sansone H, Ekberg S, Lord S, Stevenson J, Martinez K, Yates P. Managing understandings of palliative care as more than care immediately before death: Evidence from observational analysis of consultations. Health Expect 2024; 27:e13903. [PMID: 37926927 PMCID: PMC10726268 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13903] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that public, and some professional, understandings of palliative care are limited to care provided immediately before death, which contrasts palliative care's scope as care provided across a range of illness stages. OBJECTIVE To examine how clinicians manage patients' understandings of palliative care during initial consultations. DESIGN Initial palliative care consultations were video-recorded and analysed using conversation analytic methods. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Consultations were recorded in a specialist palliative care outpatient unit within an Australian public hospital. Participants included 20 newly referred patients and their families, and three palliative care clinicians. RESULTS During initial consultations, it was observed that specialist palliative care clinicians frequently managed the possibility that patients may understand palliative care as limited to care provided immediately before death. Clinicians used recurrent practices that seemed designed to pre-empt and contradict patients' possible narrow understandings. When discussing the palliative care inpatient unit, clinicians recurrently explained inpatient care could include active treatment and referred to the possibility of being discharged. These practices contradict possible understandings that future admission to the inpatient unit would be solely for care immediately before death. DISCUSSION The findings demonstrate that palliative care clinicians are aware of possible narrow understandings of their discipline among members of the public. The practices identified show how clinicians pre-emptively manage these understandings to patients newly referred to palliative care. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight scope for greater partnership with teams referring patients to palliative care, to assist patients in understanding the range of reasons for their referral. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The observational method of conversation analysis provides direct insight into matters that are relevant for patients, as raised in their consultations with clinicians. This direct evidence enables analysis of their lived experience, as it occurs, and grounds analysis in observable details of participants' conduct, rather than interpretations of subjective experiences. The patients' contributions, therefore, were to allow observation into their initial palliative care consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Sansone
- School of Psychology and CounsellingQueensland University of TechnologyKelvin GroveQueenslandAustralia
| | - Stuart Ekberg
- School of Psychology and CounsellingQueensland University of TechnologyKelvin GroveQueenslandAustralia
| | - Sarah Lord
- The Prince Charles HospitalChermsideQueenslandAustralia
| | - James Stevenson
- Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyKelvin GroveQueenslandAustralia
| | - Katherine Martinez
- Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyKelvin GroveQueenslandAustralia
| | - Patsy Yates
- Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyKelvin GroveQueenslandAustralia
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Lin J, Cook M, Siegel T, Marterre B, Chapman AC. Time is Short: Tools to Integrate Palliative Care and Communication Skills Education into Your Surgical Residency. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2023; 80:1669-1674. [PMID: 37385930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The need to integrate palliative care (PC) training into surgical education has been increasingly recognized. Our aim is to describe a set of PC educational strategies, with a range of requisite resources, time, and prior expertise, to provide options that surgical educators can tailor for different programs. Each of these strategies has been successfully employed individually or in some combination at our institutions, and components can be generalized to other training programs. Asynchronous and individually paced PC training can be provided using existing resources published by the American College of Surgeons and upcoming SCORE curriculum modules. A multiyear PC curriculum, with didactic components of increasing complexity for more advanced residents, can be applied based on available time in the didactic schedule and local expertise. Simulation-based training in PC skills can be developed to provide objective competency-based training. Finally, a dedicated rotation on a surgical palliative care service can provide the most immersive experience with steps toward clinical entrustment of PC skills for trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Lin
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mackenzie Cook
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Timothy Siegel
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Buddy Marterre
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Section of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Allyson Cook Chapman
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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Tao Z, Hays E, Meyers G, Siegel T. Frailty and Preoperative Palliative Care in Surgical Oncology. Curr Probl Cancer 2023; 47:101021. [PMID: 37865539 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2023.101021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we discuss surgical palliative care for patients with cancer through the lens of frailty and the preoperative context. Historically, palliative care principles such as complex symptom management, high-risk decision-making and communication have played an important role in preoperative discussions of oncologic surgery for both palliative and curative intent. There is increasing motivation among surgeons to integrate palliative care into the perioperative period in order to more effectively and comprehensively address potential adverse functional and quality of life outcomes. We discuss how the concept of frailty, and various instruments to measure frailty, have impacted perioperative decision-making, review the roots of surgical risk stratification and counseling on acceptable perioperative risk, and explore the preoperative setting as a possible avenue by which primary and specialty palliative care integration may have beneficial impact for patients considering oncologic resections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Tao
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Elizabeth Hays
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Section of Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Gabrielle Meyers
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Section of Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Timothy Siegel
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Section of Palliative Care, Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.
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Kwong M, Rajasekar G, Utter GH, Nuno M, Mell MW. Poor utilization of palliative care among Medicare patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. J Vasc Surg 2023; 78:464-472. [PMID: 37088446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) experience high annual mortality and would benefit from timely palliative care intervention. We sought to better characterize use of palliative care among patients with CLTI in the Medicare population. METHODS Using Medicare data from 2017 to 2018, we identified patients with CLTI, defined as two or more encounters with a CLTI diagnosis code. Palliative care evaluations were identified using ICD-10-CM Z51.5 "Encounter for palliative care." Time intervals between CLTI diagnosis, palliative consultation, and death or end of follow-up were calculated. Associations between patient demographics, comorbidities, and palliative care consultation were assessed. RESULTS A total of 12,133 Medicare enrollees with complete data were categorized as having CLTI. Of these, 7.4% (894) underwent a palliative care evaluation at a median of 170 days (interquartile range, 45-352 days) from their CLTI diagnosis. Compared with those who did not undergo evaluation, palliative patients were more likely to be dual eligible for Medicaid (45.2% vs 38.1%; P < .001) and had more comorbid conditions (P < .001). After controlling for gender and race, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.04), dual eligibility (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.22-1.62), solid organ malignancy (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.92-4.14), hematologic malignancy (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.27-3.98), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.15-1.88), complicated diabetes (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.11-1.65), dementia (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.66), and severe renal failure (OR, 1.56; 85% CI. 1.24-1.98) were independently associated with palliative care evaluation. During mean follow up of 410 ± 220 days, 16.9% (2044) of patients died at a mean of 268 (±189) days after their CLTI diagnosis. Among living patients, only 3.2% (325) underwent palliative evaluation. Comparatively, 27.8% (569) of patients who died received palliative care at a median of 196 days (interquartile range, 55-362 days) after their diagnosis and 15 days (interquartile range, 5-63 days) prior to death. CONCLUSIONS Despite high mortality, palliative care services were rarely provided to Medicare patients with CLTI. Age, medical complexity, and income status may play a role in the decision to consult palliative care. When obtained, evaluations occurred closer to time of death than to time of CLTI diagnosis, suggesting misuse of palliative care as end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmie Kwong
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA.
| | - Ganesh Rajasekar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
| | - Garth H Utter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
| | - Miriam Nuno
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
| | - Matthew W Mell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacremento, CA
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8
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Cannon ST, Gabbard J, Walsh RC, Statler TM, Browne JD, Marterre B. Concordant palliative care delivery in advanced head and neck cancer. Am J Otolaryngol 2023; 44:103675. [PMID: 36302326 PMCID: PMC9743959 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2022.103675] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the palliative care consultation practices in an academic head and neck surgery practice. METHODS This is a retrospective review of a palliative care database and the health record for all palliative care consultations of patients suffering from advanced stage head and neck cancer within a 21-month period. RESULTS Ten head and neck cancer patients received palliative care consults while on the otolaryngology service. One consultation occurred preoperatively; nine occurred postoperatively, on a median of hospital day 9. At the time of referral, seven patients were in the ICU and three were on a surgical floor. Code status de-escalation occurred in six patients and psycho-socio-spiritual suffering was supported in all consultations. Nine patients died within six months, with a median post-consultation survival of 35 days. Of these, two died in an ICU, five were discharged to hospice, one to a SNF, and one to a LTACH. CONCLUSION Palliative care consultation in this advanced head and neck cancer cohort was commonly late, however, significant suffering was mitigated following most consults. Palliative care specialists are experts at eliciting patient values, determining acceptable tradeoffs and suffering limitations by employing a shared decision-making process that ends with a patient-centered value-congruent treatment recommendation. Oftentimes, this embraces curative-intent or palliative surgery, along with contingency plans for unacceptable value-incongruent postoperative outcomes. Enhanced awareness of the benefits of embracing concordant palliative care in advanced head and neck cancer patients may help overcome the significant barriers to involving palliative care experts earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney T. Cannon
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Atrium Health-Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Gabbard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Palliative Care, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Atrium Health-Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America
| | - Rebecca C. Walsh
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Atrium Health-Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America
| | - Tiffany M. Statler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Palliative Care, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Atrium Health-Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America
| | - J. Dale Browne
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Atrium Health-Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America,Corresponding author at: 1 Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America. (J.D. Browne)
| | - Buddy Marterre
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Palliative Care, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Atrium Health-Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America,Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Atrium Health-Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America
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9
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Spencer AL, Nunn AM, Miller PR, Russell GB, Carmichael SP, Neri KE, Marterre B. The value of compassion: Healthcare savings of palliative care consults in trauma. Injury 2023; 54:249-255. [PMID: 36307268 PMCID: PMC11210453 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.10.021] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of palliative care (PC) consultation on patient costs and hospitalization metrics in the adult trauma population are unclear. STUDY DESIGN We interrogated our Level I trauma center databases from 1/1/19 to 3/31/21 for patients age ≥18 admitted to the trauma service. Patients undergoing PC consult were matched using propensity scoring to those without PC consultation based on age, admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, Injury Severity Score and Head Abbreviated Injury Scale. Total costs, total cost per day, hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, intubation days, discharge disposition, and rates of nephrology consultation and tracheostomy/feeding tube placements were compared. RESULTS 140 unique patients underwent PC consultation and were matched to a group not receiving PC consult during the same period. Median total costs in the PC cohort were $39,532 compared to $70,330 in the controls (p<0.01). Median costs per day in the PC cohort were $3,495 vs $17,970 in the controls (p<0.01). Median costs per ICU day in the PC cohort were $3,774 vs $17,127 in the controls (p<0.01). Mean hospital LOS (15.7 vs 7 days), ICU LOS (7.9 vs 2.9 days), and ventilator days (5.1 vs 1.5) were significantly higher in the PC cohort (all p<0.01). Rates of nephrology consultation (8.6 vs 2.1%, p = 0.03) and tracheostomy/feeding tube placements (12.1 vs 1.4%, p<0.01) were also higher in the PC group. Patients were more likely to discharge to hospice if they received a PC consult (33.6 vs 2.1%, p<0.01). Mean time to PC consult was 7.2 days (range 1 hour to 45 days). LOS post-consult correlated positively with time to PC consultation (r = 0.27, p<0.01). CONCLUSION Expert PC services are known to alleviate suffering and avert patient goal- and value-incongruent care. While trauma patients demand significant resources, PC consultation offered in concordance with life-sustaining interventions is associated with significant savings to patients and the healthcare system. Given the correlation between LOS following PC consult and time to PC consult, savings may be amplified by earlier PC consultation in appropriate patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey L Spencer
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Room 5411, Tower 4, Tucson, AZ 85724, United States of America.
| | - Andrew M Nunn
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
| | - Preston R Miller
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
| | - Gregory B Russell
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
| | - Samuel P Carmichael
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
| | - Kristina E Neri
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education, 475 Vine Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States of America.
| | - Buddy Marterre
- Departments of Surgery & Internal Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
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Underutilization of Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease. Ann Vasc Surg 2021; 76:211-217. [PMID: 34403753 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced peripheral arterial disease is associated with an overall annual mortality between 20-40%. Amputees are at particularly high risk for perioperative and long-term mortality and may benefit from palliative care programs to improve quality of life and to align medical treatments with their goals of care. As studies of palliative care in vascular patients are scarce, we sought to examine palliative care utilization using below knee amputation (BKA) as a surrogate for advanced peripheral arterial disease. METHODS All patients who underwent below knee amputation over a 5-year period at a single large academic medical center were identified through chart review. Demographics, preoperative conditions, intraoperative factors, and perioperative outcomes were recorded. The primary outcome was palliative care consultation at the time of the amputation. The secondary outcomes included one-year mortality and palliative care consultation prior to death. RESULTS The cohort comprised 111 patients (76 men, 35 women) who received BKA for chronic limb threatening ischemia. Three patients (2.7%) received palliative care consultations at the time of their amputation. Of these, one had been obtained remotely for an oncologic condition and the others for surgical decision-making. Follow-up was available for 73 patients. One-year mortality was 21.9% (n = 16) at a mean of 102 ± 86 days after BKA. Among patients who died within 1 year of their amputation, 37.5% (n = 6) received palliative care consultations prior to their death. The median interval between amputation and palliative consultation was 26 (IQR 14-81) days. The median interval between palliative consultation and death was 9 (IQR 4-39) days. CONCLUSION Palliative care services were rarely provided to patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease. When obtained, consultations occurred closer to death than to amputation suggesting a missed opportunity to receive the benefits of early evaluation. Future studies can be aimed at identifying a cohort of vascular patients who would most benefit from early palliative evaluation and determining if palliative consultations alter health care utilization patterns and outcomes for vascular patients.
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11
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Yaow CYL, Mok HT, Ng CH, Devi MK, Iyer S, Chong CS. Difficulties Faced by General Surgery Residents. A Qualitative Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2020; 77:1396-1406. [PMID: 32571693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND General surgery residency training is academically rigorous, taxing and involves complex operative procedures. These trainings are synonymous with alarming burnout rates, high incidence of mistreatment reports and lower job satisfaction. Moreover, the established association between residents' levels of well-being and their capacity for empathy and patient care, emphasises the urgency to mitigate the negative connotations relating to surgical training. This systematic review aims to circumnavigate the multitude of problems faced by general surgical residents in training. STUDY DESIGN Literature searches were conducted on electronic databases Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science Core Collection using specific search criteria. Studies that analyzed the difficulties faced by General Surgery residents were eligible for inclusion Qualitative analysis involved the derivation of analytical themes and grouping data extracted from the papers accordingly. RESULTS After review of the full study texts, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The 3 main analytical themes identified were Problems regarding the Residency Programme, Work Associated Challenges, and Personal Concerns. Problems Regarding Residency Training was associated with residents' lack of experience. Work Associated Challenges highlighted problems with peer interactions, autocratic relationships, and communication with patients. Personal Concerns includes work-life balance, personal well-being and gender biases. CONCLUSION This systematic review delves into several prevalent difficulties that general surgical residents face, ranging from work related issues to personal difficulties. The results of this review can be used to provide complementary supportive measures for general surgical residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clyve Yu Leon Yaow
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hao Ting Mok
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - M Kamala Devi
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
| | - Shridhar Iyer
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Choon Seng Chong
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore.
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Hollenbeck BK, Oerline M, Kaufman SR, Caram MEV, Dusetzina SB, Ryan AM, Shahinian VB. Promotional Payments Made to Urologists by the Pharmaceutical Industry and Prescribing Patterns for Targeted Therapies. Urology 2020; 148:134-140. [PMID: 33075381 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.08.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the association between market-level promotional payments to urologists by the manufacturers of abiraterone and enzalutamide and national prescribing patterns. METHODS A 20% national sample of the 2015 Part D event file was used to identify patients filling their first prescription for abiraterone and enzalutamide and their prescribing physicians. The 2015 Open Payments data were used to characterize promotional payments made to physicians at the market level. Generalized linear models were then used to measure the relationship between market-level payments to urologists and the physician specialty prescribing abiraterone or enzalutamide for the first time RESULTS: In 2015, 2318 men filled a prescription for abiraterone or enzalutamide by a urologist or medical oncologist. Increasing market-level promotional payments to urologists for abiraterone or enzalutamide was strongly associated with a urologist prescribing either drug-24.3% versus 5.8% of those residing in the markets with highest and lowest level of promotional payments to urologists, respectively (P <.01). Neither the number of urologists residing in a market nor other promotional payment measures (ie, to medical oncologists for these drugs, or to all physicians for all other drugs) were associated with a urologist prescribing either drug. CONCLUSION Promotional payments to urologists at the market level are strongly associated with the specialty of the physician prescribing abiraterone or enzalutamide for the first time. Future work should elucidate the effects of the shift in prescribing patterns on quality of care and financial hardship for men with advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Oerline
- Departments of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | | | - Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Andy M Ryan
- Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Vahakn B Shahinian
- Departments of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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13
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Salehi PP, Jacobs D, Suhail-Sindhu T, Judson BL, Azizzadeh B, Lee YH. Consequences of Medical Hierarchy on Medical Students, Residents, and Medical Education in Otolaryngology. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 163:906-914. [DOI: 10.1177/0194599820926105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo (1) review concepts of medical hierarchy; (2) examine the role of medical hierarchy in medical education and resident training; (3) discuss potential negative impacts of dysfunctional hierarchy in medical and surgical training programs, focusing on otolaryngology; and (4) investigate solutions to these issues.Data SourcesOvid Medline, Embase, GoogleScholar, JSTOR, Google, and article reference lists.Review MethodsA literature search was performed to identify articles relating to the objectives of the study using the aforementioned data sources, with subsequent exclusion of articles believed to be outside the scope of the current work. The search was limited to the past 5 years.ConclusionsTwo types of hierarchies exist: “functional” and “dysfunctional.” While functional medical hierarchies aim to optimize patient care through clinical instruction, dysfunctional hierarchies have been linked to negative impacts by creating learning environments that discourage the voicing of concerns, legitimize trainee mistreatment, and create moral distress through ethical dilemmas. Such an environment endangers patient safety, undermines physician empathy, hampers learning, lowers training satisfaction, and amplifies stress, fatigue, and burnout. On the other hand, functional hierarchies may improve resident education and well-being, as well as patient safety.Implications for PracticeOtolaryngology–head and neck surgery programs ought to work toward creating healthy systems of hierarchy that emphasize collaboration and improvement of workplace climate for trainees and faculty. The goal should be to identify aspects of dysfunctional hierarchy in one’s own environment with the ambition of rebuilding a functional hierarchy where learning, personal health, and patient safety are optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parsa P. Salehi
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Daniel Jacobs
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Timur Suhail-Sindhu
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Judson
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Babak Azizzadeh
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Center for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, Beverly Hills, California, USA
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yan Ho Lee
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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14
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Argo J. Estimation of Chronic Postsurgical Pain After Thoracic Surgery: Case Closed? J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:e3-e4. [PMID: 32045677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Argo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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